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The Karma Kantata #1
The Karma Sequence
This is book #1 in The Karma Kantata series.
What if your genes know more about your future than you can imagine?
The Karma Sequence is a thrilling novel of high-tech suspense - the story of a young man's incredible journey to find himself and the meaning of life while trying to solve an ominous mystery directly affecting the future of every single human being.
Dan, an introverted computer genius, has fought his way back from a life-shattering crisis that left him isolated, powerless, and close to death.
Now, he is asked to investigate a computer system for gene analysis. On its own, the system he helped to develop has started predicting the exact date on which the analyzed people will die.
Several deaths confirm the system’s predictions.
While searching for an explanation, he also tries to find a new purpose in life and how he can help other people struggling with addiction.
With its thrilling plot and captivating characters, this story will keep you hooked until the very last page. An intensely mesmerizing novel you will never forget.
This book is for you if you're looking for a model to understand life's purpose and a deeper meaning of existence.
All this, in addition to a fascinating and immersive story.
What if your genes know more about your future than you can imagine?
The Karma Sequence is a thrilling novel of high-tech suspense - the story of a young man's incredible journey to find himself and the meaning of life while trying to solve an ominous mystery directly affecting the future of every single human being.
Dan, an introverted computer genius, has fought his way back from a life-shattering crisis that left him isolated, powerless, and close to death.
Now, he is asked to investigate a computer system for gene analysis. On its own, the system he helped to develop has started predicting the exact date on which the analyzed people will die.
Several deaths confirm the system’s predictions.
While searching for an explanation, he also tries to find a new purpose in life and how he can help other people struggling with addiction.
With its thrilling plot and captivating characters, this story will keep you hooked until the very last page. An intensely mesmerizing novel you will never forget.
This book is for you if you're looking for a model to understand life's purpose and a deeper meaning of existence.
All this, in addition to a fascinating and immersive story.
321 pages, Paperback
Published December 9, 2022
58 people are currently reading
1456 people want to read
About the author
A.O. Wagner
3 books9 followersA. O. Wagner is the award-winning author of the The Karma Kantata trilogy, a series that blends suspenseful storytelling with societal, technological, and spiritual dimensions. Through his writing, he invites readers on an exhilarating journey of discovery and understanding.
Through the lens of Dan’s journey in The Karma Kantata, A. O. offers readers a gripping exploration of the forces shaping our world—both visible and invisible. The series delves into the connections between the physical and transcendent, presenting a unique perspective on life’s purpose, the interconnectivity of existence, and the supernatural mechanics underlying our reality.
His interest in the interplay of power, society, and the transcendent is central to his work, exploring how our subjective perception of reality may align with objective truths more than we realize.
A. O. now resides in a remote mountain area, having left behind the hustle and bustle of city life. Before his move, he worked as a software developer and consultant, after which he shifted his focus to writing.
A bit of a recluse at heart, A. O. immerses himself in his passions—spanning spiritual and technical subjects—with a humble curiosity about the workings of the cosmos and consciousness.
He is currently working on his next novel, continuing to engage readers with stories that challenge perceptions and inspire reflection.
Through the lens of Dan’s journey in The Karma Kantata, A. O. offers readers a gripping exploration of the forces shaping our world—both visible and invisible. The series delves into the connections between the physical and transcendent, presenting a unique perspective on life’s purpose, the interconnectivity of existence, and the supernatural mechanics underlying our reality.
His interest in the interplay of power, society, and the transcendent is central to his work, exploring how our subjective perception of reality may align with objective truths more than we realize.
A. O. now resides in a remote mountain area, having left behind the hustle and bustle of city life. Before his move, he worked as a software developer and consultant, after which he shifted his focus to writing.
A bit of a recluse at heart, A. O. immerses himself in his passions—spanning spiritual and technical subjects—with a humble curiosity about the workings of the cosmos and consciousness.
He is currently working on his next novel, continuing to engage readers with stories that challenge perceptions and inspire reflection.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 16, 2025
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The premise of this book is intriguing: an AI computer algorithm is able to somehow determine the exact date of a person’s time of death based off their DNA. However, that may be misleading, because a larger part of the book is about the main character’s struggle with alcoholism and his journey in finding a deeper meaning to his life and helping others with addiction.
I will admit that if you’re looking for a thriller, this is not it. The book is very slow-paced, and really only starts to get going about halfway through. The main character, Dan, in particular is extremely reflective–on everything. Himself, his past, his addiction, his friends, how his friends react to each other, etc. So, if you’re going into this book more expecting a reflective journey on life, addiction, and spirituality, then this may be right up your alley! Dan logically breaks down questions concerning existence, morality, and a supreme being, all while drinking cola. Be warned: you’ll read the word “cola” almost in every single scene. The characters apparently can’t get enough of it.
On the topic of characters, the dialogue is extremely formal. Perhaps this is a cultural difference–the book takes place in Sweden as well as (I think) Denmark–but for me, it had a distancing effect. I was not able to truly get to know these characters as friends, because they were too formal with even each other, some of whom were best friends.
Lastly, the first half of the book includes a lot of technical language regarding computer coding. I found myself skimming most of these sections, as I do not have even the vaguest knowledge of coding, so I had no hope of understanding the minutia. That being said, it sounded like the characters (and thus the author) knew exactly what they were doing! If you’re into programming, this could pique your interest. And even though I skimmed those parts, it did not detrimentally affect my understanding of the rest of the book. After that first half, the technical language disappeared as the plot strayed more into moral and societal realms than technological.
Overall, this book would be a good match for those wanting to go on a reflective journey of spirituality, managing addiction, and navigating the ethical consequences of having powerful knowledge.
I was given a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
The premise of this book is intriguing: an AI computer algorithm is able to somehow determine the exact date of a person’s time of death based off their DNA. However, that may be misleading, because a larger part of the book is about the main character’s struggle with alcoholism and his journey in finding a deeper meaning to his life and helping others with addiction.
I will admit that if you’re looking for a thriller, this is not it. The book is very slow-paced, and really only starts to get going about halfway through. The main character, Dan, in particular is extremely reflective–on everything. Himself, his past, his addiction, his friends, how his friends react to each other, etc. So, if you’re going into this book more expecting a reflective journey on life, addiction, and spirituality, then this may be right up your alley! Dan logically breaks down questions concerning existence, morality, and a supreme being, all while drinking cola. Be warned: you’ll read the word “cola” almost in every single scene. The characters apparently can’t get enough of it.
On the topic of characters, the dialogue is extremely formal. Perhaps this is a cultural difference–the book takes place in Sweden as well as (I think) Denmark–but for me, it had a distancing effect. I was not able to truly get to know these characters as friends, because they were too formal with even each other, some of whom were best friends.
Lastly, the first half of the book includes a lot of technical language regarding computer coding. I found myself skimming most of these sections, as I do not have even the vaguest knowledge of coding, so I had no hope of understanding the minutia. That being said, it sounded like the characters (and thus the author) knew exactly what they were doing! If you’re into programming, this could pique your interest. And even though I skimmed those parts, it did not detrimentally affect my understanding of the rest of the book. After that first half, the technical language disappeared as the plot strayed more into moral and societal realms than technological.
Overall, this book would be a good match for those wanting to go on a reflective journey of spirituality, managing addiction, and navigating the ethical consequences of having powerful knowledge.
I was given a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
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February 8, 2023Who is really in Charge?
What I found most fascinating about The Karma Sequence is how the author wove together the rigidly technical topic of computer programming and the ephemeral and ever expanding topic of Spirituality.
Central to the book is the discussion of right and wrong. The original owners of the Avaram software, Dan and Michael, care deeply about ethics and how their product is represented in public.
The owners of Lifeline, Ryan and Gitte are at odds with the implementation of a shocking discovery found when they purchase Avaram and combine it with their Lifeline program.
Woven throughout the story are the painful, yet crucially enlightening stories of Dan, one of the owners of Avaram and Anete, his Mother. Both are recovering alcoholics, although Dan's experience borders on the mystical.
The author posits that we are all part of a combined consciousness, and it is only our own Ego that keeps us trapped into believing that we are separate from each other.
When Ryan asks Dan and Michael to investigate a strange glitch in the software, the ethics issue becomes paramount and causes rifts between many of the owners.
As The Karma Sequence proceeds, the reader is offered a number of difficult decisions to think through in order to decide for themself just exactly what is right, wrong and technical or Spiritual. This book will definitely make you question your beliefs.
What I found most fascinating about The Karma Sequence is how the author wove together the rigidly technical topic of computer programming and the ephemeral and ever expanding topic of Spirituality.
Central to the book is the discussion of right and wrong. The original owners of the Avaram software, Dan and Michael, care deeply about ethics and how their product is represented in public.
The owners of Lifeline, Ryan and Gitte are at odds with the implementation of a shocking discovery found when they purchase Avaram and combine it with their Lifeline program.
Woven throughout the story are the painful, yet crucially enlightening stories of Dan, one of the owners of Avaram and Anete, his Mother. Both are recovering alcoholics, although Dan's experience borders on the mystical.
The author posits that we are all part of a combined consciousness, and it is only our own Ego that keeps us trapped into believing that we are separate from each other.
When Ryan asks Dan and Michael to investigate a strange glitch in the software, the ethics issue becomes paramount and causes rifts between many of the owners.
As The Karma Sequence proceeds, the reader is offered a number of difficult decisions to think through in order to decide for themself just exactly what is right, wrong and technical or Spiritual. This book will definitely make you question your beliefs.
May 20, 2025
This is a compelling and thought-provoking series that follows Dan as he navigates personal trauma and technological mysteries. Yes it's mostly about Dan but you do get to know a few other characters and each one is unique and dealing with their own issues and it was easy to relate to each one in some way. The books have an interesting blend of philosophy, suspense, technology, personal growth and overall it was an entertaining, unique and entertaining series. Thank you Rockstar Book Tours, A.O. Wagner and Pr By The Book for sharing these books with me!
April 21, 2023
I won't lie. This was a very hard read at first. It's not my normal reads (lately -romance) and it is VERY analytical. Some of the thoughts were hard to follow from our MC but as the book advanced he got more focused and easier to read (literally).
The concept of the storyline is amazing though... the thought about the omega value and karma sequence is something that will stick with me for a while.
It was a little of a struggle to get into but I enjoyed it
The concept of the storyline is amazing though... the thought about the omega value and karma sequence is something that will stick with me for a while.
It was a little of a struggle to get into but I enjoyed it
July 10, 2023
This book was very disappointing. The premise, what would happen if humans discovered that their death dates were locked into their DNA structure, got lost in a web of unsatisfying supernatural explanation. There was also a heavy emphasis on alcoholism and AA that dragged on instead of being helpful. On a personal note, if I had to read about the characters drinking any more cola, I might have screamed. Perhaps there was a way to transition the characters and their conversations that didn’t involve cola? Sorry, but I can’t recommend this one.
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January 26, 2025after reading the word "cola" 71 times (I highlighted every one) I was half expecting to see an advertisement for the drink at the end of the book. I also don't want to see anything to do with cola for at least a few weeks now.
April 22, 2025
The Karma Sequence is a genre-bending thriller that kicks off with a seemingly ordinary man receiving a life expectancy report and noticing a cryptic number, “15,529,” next to his predicted age. His curiosity spirals into a disturbing obsession, culminating in a deadly crash. From there, we’re launched into a layered, cerebral journey that weaves together tech entrepreneurship, personal addiction, the allure of destiny, and the philosophical question of free will. At the heart of it are Dan, a recovering alcoholic and once-brilliant coder, and Ryan, a bombastic tech CEO with more charm than scruples. The story plays out in Denmark's tech landscape, moving from startup boardrooms to introspective monologues that dig deep into identity, consequence, and the unseen threads tying it all together.
What stood out most to me was how precisely Wagner captures the atmosphere of contemporary tech culture, particularly through Dan’s internal monologue. Dan feels remarkably authentic: a once-successful programmer who has grown disillusioned with his achievements, struggling to recover from addiction while confronting the weight of broken relationships and shifting personal expectations. In chapter one, when Dan walks into the glossy City Tower and tries to act like he belongs, the writing oozes awkwardness and subtle tension. That whole scene with the receptionist “Vibs,” and how she’s clearly part of Ryan’s curated image, it’s both funny and gross, but also believable. Wagner doesn’t tell you how to feel about these things, he just lays them out with quiet irony, and I found myself smirking more than once.
The pacing is slick in some places and meandering in others, but not in a bad way. There’s a ton of world-building, especially around Lifeline, the company that sells genetic “life reports” based on mouth swabs. It’s part Silicon Valley satire, part eerie dystopian science. The tension builds slowly, almost too slowly at times, but the little details kept me hooked, like the recurring image of Dan's bottle of cola sitting untouched, or the “Lifeline” logo described with almost religious awe. I appreciated how Wagner plays with scale: one minute you're inside a character’s messy, doubting thoughts, and the next you're thinking about DNA and fate. It’s heady stuff, but it doesn't feel like a lecture.
The dialogue throughout the novel is somewhat uneven. The early exchanges between Dan and Ryan are particularly effective, capturing a believable mentor-mentee dynamic underscored by subtle power shifts. However, in certain sections, especially during boardroom discussions or moments of heavy exposition, the dialogue occasionally drifts into overly expository territory, diminishing its natural rhythm. In contrast, the interactions between Dan and Michael are especially compelling. Their conversations carry genuine emotional depth, shaped by a complex and fractured friendship, as well as Michael’s quiet but sincere spiritual outlook. One of the most affecting moments occurs when Michael asks Dan, “Are you still an atheist?” a simple question that resonates with the weight of shared history, regret, and unspoken understanding.
The Karma Sequence is an enjoyable read, It’s smart, reflective, and doesn't insult the reader by spelling everything out. It’s a bit like Black Mirror meets Mr. Robot with a Scandinavian coolness and just enough heart. I’d recommend it to folks who like tech thrillers with a philosophical twist, or anyone who enjoys slow-burn character studies with ethical dilemmas.
What stood out most to me was how precisely Wagner captures the atmosphere of contemporary tech culture, particularly through Dan’s internal monologue. Dan feels remarkably authentic: a once-successful programmer who has grown disillusioned with his achievements, struggling to recover from addiction while confronting the weight of broken relationships and shifting personal expectations. In chapter one, when Dan walks into the glossy City Tower and tries to act like he belongs, the writing oozes awkwardness and subtle tension. That whole scene with the receptionist “Vibs,” and how she’s clearly part of Ryan’s curated image, it’s both funny and gross, but also believable. Wagner doesn’t tell you how to feel about these things, he just lays them out with quiet irony, and I found myself smirking more than once.
The pacing is slick in some places and meandering in others, but not in a bad way. There’s a ton of world-building, especially around Lifeline, the company that sells genetic “life reports” based on mouth swabs. It’s part Silicon Valley satire, part eerie dystopian science. The tension builds slowly, almost too slowly at times, but the little details kept me hooked, like the recurring image of Dan's bottle of cola sitting untouched, or the “Lifeline” logo described with almost religious awe. I appreciated how Wagner plays with scale: one minute you're inside a character’s messy, doubting thoughts, and the next you're thinking about DNA and fate. It’s heady stuff, but it doesn't feel like a lecture.
The dialogue throughout the novel is somewhat uneven. The early exchanges between Dan and Ryan are particularly effective, capturing a believable mentor-mentee dynamic underscored by subtle power shifts. However, in certain sections, especially during boardroom discussions or moments of heavy exposition, the dialogue occasionally drifts into overly expository territory, diminishing its natural rhythm. In contrast, the interactions between Dan and Michael are especially compelling. Their conversations carry genuine emotional depth, shaped by a complex and fractured friendship, as well as Michael’s quiet but sincere spiritual outlook. One of the most affecting moments occurs when Michael asks Dan, “Are you still an atheist?” a simple question that resonates with the weight of shared history, regret, and unspoken understanding.
The Karma Sequence is an enjoyable read, It’s smart, reflective, and doesn't insult the reader by spelling everything out. It’s a bit like Black Mirror meets Mr. Robot with a Scandinavian coolness and just enough heart. I’d recommend it to folks who like tech thrillers with a philosophical twist, or anyone who enjoys slow-burn character studies with ethical dilemmas.
July 18, 2025
A.O. Wagner writes an intelligent and mysterious tale with The Karma Sequence
In The Karma Sequence, the reader is not only brought into the life of Dan, but it also hits the notes of exploration of fate and reflection, do I exist and how do I exist, and even what makes me, me. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. The Karma Sequence is part of The Karma Kantata series, and this is volume one. I look forward to reading the next ones in the series. This isn't just a story about a man facing a life altering prediction, but also it makes the reader think, one that they could be Dan, and should you really know what your fate or future is, whether you believe in destiny or fate or not. It's not just a great book; it also makes you wonder. Wagner puts this story together very well, and brings questions and some answers, at least for Dan. Unpredictable, with twists all the way to the end. Dan's best friend Michael works with him on the investigating this karma sequence. The chemistry between friends, relationships with Ryan's wife, and then Ryan, the CEO of Lifeline, and his curiosity is based on greed not on actual results. Unpredictable, with twists all the way to the end. The Karma Sequence is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
In The Karma Sequence, the reader is not only brought into the life of Dan, but it also hits the notes of exploration of fate and reflection, do I exist and how do I exist, and even what makes me, me. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. The Karma Sequence is part of The Karma Kantata series, and this is volume one. I look forward to reading the next ones in the series. This isn't just a story about a man facing a life altering prediction, but also it makes the reader think, one that they could be Dan, and should you really know what your fate or future is, whether you believe in destiny or fate or not. It's not just a great book; it also makes you wonder. Wagner puts this story together very well, and brings questions and some answers, at least for Dan. Unpredictable, with twists all the way to the end. Dan's best friend Michael works with him on the investigating this karma sequence. The chemistry between friends, relationships with Ryan's wife, and then Ryan, the CEO of Lifeline, and his curiosity is based on greed not on actual results. Unpredictable, with twists all the way to the end. The Karma Sequence is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
May 30, 2025
The Karma Sequence book 1 by A.O. Wagner is a thriller/sci-fi book that really grabs you from page 1. You can not help be engrossed in the story. The Karma Sequence is about our MC named Dan who is a computer nerd and very smart man who is a bit like myself and prefers more inanimate things over people and their issues/being around them. Dan is asked to look into a computer system that tells when people are going to die, and the computer apparently came up with this whole thing on it's own! And the weird thing is several people have died from this computer's predictions, so now Dan needs to find out how and why it is happening.
The story is written with an engaging plot and is fast paced from the start to finish. Our MC is relatable as he is a guy who is by himself at a age of about 32 and works as a kind of consultant to the company called Lifeline. Lifeline takes people's information from a DNA swab and gives them a list of what to look for in the future for health concerns and how long about they would live to in their lives. I thought the plot was interesting as it's literally AI taking over something regarding human beings lives and it is a thought provoking read of the reader and the author's thoughts on humanity versus AI.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series soon!
The story is written with an engaging plot and is fast paced from the start to finish. Our MC is relatable as he is a guy who is by himself at a age of about 32 and works as a kind of consultant to the company called Lifeline. Lifeline takes people's information from a DNA swab and gives them a list of what to look for in the future for health concerns and how long about they would live to in their lives. I thought the plot was interesting as it's literally AI taking over something regarding human beings lives and it is a thought provoking read of the reader and the author's thoughts on humanity versus AI.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series soon!
May 14, 2025
The Karma Sequence: Karma Kantata – Book One is a contemplative and deeply engaging novel that merges philosophy, genetics, and emotional storytelling within a modern urban setting. Anchored by a protagonist grappling with a haunting health prediction, the story explores themes of mortality, destiny, and redemption with quiet brilliance. Through richly drawn characters and a narrative that weaves science with spirituality, the book invites readers to reflect on the choices they make, the patterns they inherit, and the lives they seek to create. It’s a thought-provoking journey through the spaces where data meets desire, and karma meets consciousness.
June 23, 2025
It’s an interesting thought that your DNA can tell you the day you will die. I liked the premise of the book but it was a slow read. They spend a lot of time analyzing what is causing the program to put out this number and what it is using in the DNA sequence to find it. I would have liked to see more action and less analytics.
June 25, 2025
Collective (sub/ un?)conscience
Interesting take on what genes predict, how we're all connected and the dilemma of what to do with (potentially) life alerting information.
On a silly note, couldn't help thinking our main character could end up with diabetes in place of alcoholism with all the cola drinking.
Interesting take on what genes predict, how we're all connected and the dilemma of what to do with (potentially) life alerting information.
On a silly note, couldn't help thinking our main character could end up with diabetes in place of alcoholism with all the cola drinking.
October 1, 2023
The Karma Sequence
What a great book! I really appreciated the way alcoholism was spoken about. All the thought that went into this book was wonderful. There is hope for everyone!
What a great book! I really appreciated the way alcoholism was spoken about. All the thought that went into this book was wonderful. There is hope for everyone!
March 25, 2023
Illusion and consciousness
A credible evaluator my two favorite subjects, placed within a wonderful story.
I loved this book and await further work from this brilliant author.
A credible evaluator my two favorite subjects, placed within a wonderful story.
I loved this book and await further work from this brilliant author.
July 15, 2025
I didn’t love this book but I also didn’t dislike it. That’s the review. There just wasn’t much substance to it.
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