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Joshua has outsmarted, outgunned, and outmaneuvered NSMZ—until now.
In forced trials, an experimental neural implant allows Joshua to push the boundaries of control over the Maelstrom’s nanomachines. Meanwhile, grueling simulations test his mental endurance, blurring the line between the Virtual and reality. The added threat of a permanent neural link to the Maelstrom only strengthens Joshua’s resolve to escape the most secure military installation on Earth.
Oblivion awaits, and time is running out.
In forced trials, an experimental neural implant allows Joshua to push the boundaries of control over the Maelstrom’s nanomachines. Meanwhile, grueling simulations test his mental endurance, blurring the line between the Virtual and reality. The added threat of a permanent neural link to the Maelstrom only strengthens Joshua’s resolve to escape the most secure military installation on Earth.
Oblivion awaits, and time is running out.
412 pages, ebook
First published December 27, 2022
12 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Al Davidson
4 books20 followersI'm a former UNIX engineer and now a full time writer living in the California coastal mountain range above the Pacific Ocean.
The final book in the Sommerfeld Experiment published on May 30, 2023 and brings the series to a close. I describe it as Blade Runner meets John Wick.
My next series is an epic progression fantasy that should be coming out in October 2024.
The final book in the Sommerfeld Experiment published on May 30, 2023 and brings the series to a close. I describe it as Blade Runner meets John Wick.
My next series is an epic progression fantasy that should be coming out in October 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 13, 2023
This was one of my favorites in the series so far. It's chock-full of action and all the interesting themes and tropes you expect in a cyberpunk action adventure, but what really makes it stand out, in my opinion, is the effective way the author drives and builds these characters. Their actions and motivations are highly relatable and enjoyable to read. This novel just solidified my deep ties to each of the characters; I found myself unintentionally letting out "whoops" of joy when something went their way, tearing up when things went wrong, and fully invested in their shared and individual experiences.
The author introduces fun new characters that color and stylize the setting in a way that was generally reserved for the virtual reality chapters in the previous two books. The shift marks stark contrasts between the main character's previous life in dark, dangerous, depressing Old Town, his current experience in the orderly, regimented [location that is not Old Town, but no spoilers], and the vibrant, almost theme-park-like, sensationalized [other location that is not Old Town, but no spoilers].
I enjoyed that the cast of characters has been explored more in this book, giving greater voice to some favorites and delving into personalities we previously only saw from an outside perspective. It made me want to read a million spin-offs for each character, honestly, and I hope I'll get to do so.
When this author writes virtual reality, it becomes excessively clear that their experience covers not only modern mmo gaming and cyberpunk/sci-fi worldbuilding, but also fantasy and game mechanics. With the gradual increase in the number of virtual reality chapters the author's provided in each book, I'm really hoping there will be a spinoff series or something focusing on the fantastical worlds and LitRPG style writing that they're obviously so good at.
TLDR: Highly recommend the series, enjoy the fast pace, character exploration, settings, virtual reality, and everything else. Loved it!
The author introduces fun new characters that color and stylize the setting in a way that was generally reserved for the virtual reality chapters in the previous two books. The shift marks stark contrasts between the main character's previous life in dark, dangerous, depressing Old Town, his current experience in the orderly, regimented [location that is not Old Town, but no spoilers], and the vibrant, almost theme-park-like, sensationalized [other location that is not Old Town, but no spoilers].
I enjoyed that the cast of characters has been explored more in this book, giving greater voice to some favorites and delving into personalities we previously only saw from an outside perspective. It made me want to read a million spin-offs for each character, honestly, and I hope I'll get to do so.
When this author writes virtual reality, it becomes excessively clear that their experience covers not only modern mmo gaming and cyberpunk/sci-fi worldbuilding, but also fantasy and game mechanics. With the gradual increase in the number of virtual reality chapters the author's provided in each book, I'm really hoping there will be a spinoff series or something focusing on the fantastical worlds and LitRPG style writing that they're obviously so good at.
TLDR: Highly recommend the series, enjoy the fast pace, character exploration, settings, virtual reality, and everything else. Loved it!
January 31, 2023
Awesome continuation of the series
Al Davidson introduces new characters in book 3 and allows other characters to take center stage but the formula is the same: immerse world building, great character development , and exhilarating fight scenes. I’m excited to see how book 4 concludes the series!
Al Davidson introduces new characters in book 3 and allows other characters to take center stage but the formula is the same: immerse world building, great character development , and exhilarating fight scenes. I’m excited to see how book 4 concludes the series!
May 1, 2024
Unable to Put This One Down!
An excellent read accompanied by a complex ride of emotions. A-Game had me in a chokehold just as much as Gauntlet. Exceedingly immersive world building in terms of cybernetics and technology in a truly dark and dystopian world. Just as much thought and care went into building the virtual world in this universe. I felt as if we only know the tip of the iceberg about NSMZ after reading this one, and I imagine there is far more to discover that Davidson has in store for us in his final installment.
I've grown more and more fond of our protagonist Joshua alongside his friends Kevin and Shelby. Some previously lesser known characters and even new additions have now caught my attention. There has been a healthy amount of character building done here that I'm very pleased with.
I can confidently say this is one of the few series I've read that has left a lasting impression over me after my reading sessions. It just had me think about the plot for hours, trying to predict what would happen next until I was able to pick up the book again and find out.
Davidson mentions at the very end that A-Game was a joy to write and in parallel I can say it was beyond a joy to read.
An excellent read accompanied by a complex ride of emotions. A-Game had me in a chokehold just as much as Gauntlet. Exceedingly immersive world building in terms of cybernetics and technology in a truly dark and dystopian world. Just as much thought and care went into building the virtual world in this universe. I felt as if we only know the tip of the iceberg about NSMZ after reading this one, and I imagine there is far more to discover that Davidson has in store for us in his final installment.
I've grown more and more fond of our protagonist Joshua alongside his friends Kevin and Shelby. Some previously lesser known characters and even new additions have now caught my attention. There has been a healthy amount of character building done here that I'm very pleased with.
I can confidently say this is one of the few series I've read that has left a lasting impression over me after my reading sessions. It just had me think about the plot for hours, trying to predict what would happen next until I was able to pick up the book again and find out.
Davidson mentions at the very end that A-Game was a joy to write and in parallel I can say it was beyond a joy to read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews