Not a review of anything.
You are minding your own business, keeping busy, and you get a call....
Tragedy can strike anyone at any time.
There is no hiding, no dissembling, no avoidance; it can strike anyone at any time.
Please look at those you love and tell them you love them.
Words, hugs, kisses, any of that works.
Avoid regretting unspoken words, and avoid guilt over not sharing your emotions.
Give your love freely and frequently because you don't know when tragedy will strike.
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The quest takes them through a wealth of both inept and successful allies and villains.
Culmination of the quest merely leads to more questions. The involvement of the Phaerons whose civilization
preceded Lukan’s own, looms over the protagonist. Phaeron relics play a large part in their
quest.
I enjoyed the book and I highly recommend it.
This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned
For fans of Andy Weir and The Three-Body Problem
A genre-blending debut challenging conventions of religion, science,
& politics
Salt Lake City, Utah –
Inspired by author Peter McChesney’s experiences in the Mormon church, coupled
with his educational background in political science, “Quinto’s Challenge” (Vivimus Press, January 27th, 2026) begs the
question: what if science and religion
collided and resurrection became a reality?
On the 100th anniversary of JFK’s challenge to land a man on the Moon and return him safely to the Earth, visionary US President Vince Quinto challenges America with an even more audacious goal: finding a way to conquer death before the century is out—by developing the scientific means to achieve resurrection.
As the 21st century draws to a close, advances in genetics, quantum physics, and artificial intelligence converge to make Quinto’s Challenge possible. The final breakthrough—hailed as the Theory of Everything—is made by Deeley Carr, a young, shy quantum physicist recruited to work on a top-secret US government project.
However, those privy to this highly classified science quickly
realize that the power to bring about immortality is a double-edged sword—if it
falls into the wrong hands, it would become the ultimate weapon of surveillance
and control, a tool for the subjugation of all.
“Quinto’s Challenge” is a
timely dissection of the burgeoning use of AI and its ethical implications in
the scientific, political, and religious realms. A cannot miss debut that
raises needling questions about the future of humanity.
“Quinto’s Challenge: Dawn of Immortality | Book 1”
Peter McChesney | January
27th, 2026 | Vivimus Press | Speculative
Science Fiction
Ebook | 979-8-9933803-0-8 | $6.99
Paperback | 979-8-9933803-1-5 | $17.99
Hardcover | 979-8-9933803-2-2 |
$27.99
PETER MCCHESNEY: Born and raised on the beaches of
eastern Australia, Peter McChesney is a dual US-Australian citizen whose path
has taken him from academia to corporate America—and now, to storytelling. His
passion for writing began early, especially after his parents bought him an
Amiga 500 computer, which he used not only for games but also to craft stories
and fuel his imagination.
He holds degrees in Writing
and Publishing (Western Sydney University), Law and Constitutional Studies, and
a master’s in Political Science (both from Utah State University). Each of
these disciplines now finds expression in his fiction—particularly in his
enduring fascination with America’s founding era and the novel’s geopolitical
themes.
Peter has worked as an
adjunct instructor in US history and political science, with most of his career
spent in business-to-business software sales. He also led several teams that
trained some of the world’s most advanced real-world artificial intelligence.
Quinto’s Challenge is his
debut novel and the first in a planned series that will explore the ethical,
societal, and existential consequences should science ever advance far enough
to make human resurrection possible. The story examines the tension between
spiritual ideas and scientific ambition, reflecting Peter’s own formative
influences from both faith and reason.
He lives in the United
States with his family and dog, and still enjoys gaming when time permits. Find
out more about Peter at https://www.petermcchesney.com/.
Follow Peter McChesney on social media:
Twitter: @peteramcchesney |
LinkedIn: @peter-mcchesney
An Interview with
Peter McChesney
As I transitioned out of the Mormon Church in the early to
mid-2010s, I let go of its core tenets but retained a deep fascination with its
promise of resurrection in one’s prime. Losing belief in that doctrine left the
desire for it unresolved, and I began to wonder how science—not faith—might
make such a feat possible. The Church’s view that miracles are simply phenomena
not yet understood through science sparked my curiosity about how resurrection
could be achieved if we had the know‑how. I also drew on my political science
background, recognizing that any technology with such power would inevitably be
a government initiative. As I developed the scientific angle, I realized the
same technology could be weaponized for surveillance, which became central to the
book’s political themes.
One of the biggest challenges was balancing exposition with
narrative flow. Readers needed to grasp not only advanced scientific
concepts—some grounded, others speculative—but also the political and societal
dynamics that drive the plot. Weaving that world-building into the story
without slowing its momentum required a lot of reworking. A turning point came
when a thoughtful developmental editor encouraged me to convey much of it
through character dialogue, which made the world feel far more organic. It was
especially rewarding to see how that approach deepened the characters and
helped bring their emotional arcs into clearer focus.
While I’m technically still on the Church’s records and
continue to hold deep respect for the Church and its members, my transition out
of the faith was essentially complete by the mid-2010s, just before I began
writing the novel.
Perhaps the most
immediate impact of no longer being active in the Church was simply having more
time and space to take on a creative project like this (for those not familiar,
an active Mormon life can be quite involved).
Beyond that, the Church’s view that science and religion aren’t
incompatible inspired the book’s central premise: resurrecting the dead through
scientific means. The Church’s extensive genealogical efforts, headquartered in
Salt Lake City, inspired an aspect of the biotech firm in the novel: the firm’s
operation of the world’s largest combined genealogy and DNA database—central to
the resurrection process and also based in Salt Lake.
Finally, the Church’s reverence for the American Founding
Fathers—something I absorbed even after joining the Church as a teenager in
Australia—undoubtedly encouraged me to learn more about them when I came to the
U.S., helping awaken a more dormant interest in politics.
I’ve always been fascinated by science and
technology—especially imagining what the future might hold—and I was often an
early adopter of new innovations. My father nurtured that same curiosity and
was always dreaming up inventions, which encouraged me to start imagining and
creating things from a young age—like when I sketched out an idea for an
alternative fuel vehicle as a child.
While I’ve had the opportunity to work at the forefront of the
AI revolution, especially during my time at Tesla, it was my lifelong curiosity
and love of science that shaped the book’s cutting-edge technology—much of it
imagined even before my professional involvement with AI. Some of the more
direct inspirations came from real-world scientific instruments, like the Large
Hadron Collider in Switzerland, which inspired the much larger Pan-Hadronic
Supercollider featured in the novel. And today’s tech—mobile devices, earbuds,
desktops, VR—served as the foundation for the book’s late-21st-century AR/VR
contact lenses that merge all those functions and more, such as interfacing
wirelessly with the mind.
My background in political science and constitutional law
definitely shaped the framework of the novel. The story centers on the U.S.
presidency—from President Quinto’s moonshot to conquer death, to a successor
overseeing the top-secret project to fulfill Quinto’s Challenge, to political
rivals seeking to control this extraordinary power for their own ends. Nuances
of American governance are woven throughout, along with global dynamics in a
world where U.S. hegemony has faded—but may return in an unexpected way. While
the core story was developed before the current political climate, the last
several years of polishing and refining the novel were shaped in part by
broader trends—like the rise of social media figures in presidential politics
and the polarized political dynamic in America—even though, in this case, the
major divide centers on those who support the infusion of androids into society
and those who resist it.
The next installment will delve deeper into the consequences of
resurrection—especially what it means to bring people back from vastly
different periods of time. The story will also push further into the domestic
and international power struggle over the surveillance power that makes
resurrection possible. As the series progresses, it will explore how the
reality of an afterlife here on Earth—albeit a scientifically made one—may
differ from our long-held expectations of peace and closure, as human nature, with
all its desires and conflicts, remains unchanged. Characters and places briefly
introduced in the first book will come into sharper focus, while the true cost
of playing God begins to surface. A draft of Book Two already exists (it was
originally part of the first novel before I split it to create a stronger
debut).
I hope readers come away with the idea that even within a
secular, scientific framework, death may not loom as a comfortless
finality—that in an infinite universe, even resurrection might one day be
possible. I also want those who feel out of place in the world to see that such
differences can be a source of strength and untapped potential. The story
celebrates how great breakthroughs—like the one pursued in the novel—emerge
when free societies empower collaboration, foster imagination, and embrace those
who think differently. And if the book sparks curiosity in science or inspires
someone to explore fields like physics, AI, or biotechnology, that would be
incredibly rewarding.
This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned
A brutal murder rocks the quiet town of Mattfield, Kansas —
the kind of place where this doesn’t happen. Sheriff Carl Mills, on the edge of
retirement, investigates an animalistic killing even as he faces his own
demons. Meanwhile, high-school senior Brett Adams and his family are pulled
into a 150-year-old legend that refuses to stay buried.
Monsters are real. Some of them are human.
For fans of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and grounded horror thrillers, SILVER delivers a slow-burn mystery that explodes into visceral terror. Readers praise its “compelling characters,” “fantastic world building,” and twists that “kept me guessing until the very end.”
Dylan Thayer
Dylan finds inspiration from his favorite author, Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park, State of Fear), among other great storytellers, John Carpenter and Stephen King.
He's a Pitt State University Alumni (2014) with a degree in Business Administration. After spending over a decade working in the oil and gas industry he sat down to write his first novel, following his writing passion that began in grade school. With enough life experience and understanding to craft captivating worlds, in 4 1/2 months of 2024 he sat down and wrote his first novel, a story he had thought about telling since 2017.
Learn more: https://www.dylanthyer.online/
This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned
Aruba – Debut author Claudia Daher’s science fiction novel follows a diverse group of teenagers who are secretly training in an alternate reality video game, R.A.T.S, to prepare for water-stealing aliens attempting to infiltrate Earth. Spanning timelines from ancient Atlantis to a near-future world, “R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens: We Are One” (Pegasus Publishing, September 28, 2025) explores climate catastrophe activism and the power of unity, love and respect in the face of global challenges.
In 2040, 15-year-old David discovers that he and his friends are Earth's final defense against extraterrestrial forces determined to steal Earth’s water. Through an alternate reality game, R.A.T.S, created by his grandfather HB, David and his allies undergo training and unite across the globe. As they prepare for an apocalyptic battle, they unravel hidden truths about the universe and their own destinies—while battling environmental collapse and a relentless alien invasion.
“R.A.T.S” explores themes of artificial intelligence, climate change, alien life, and global cultures as the characters quickly become part of a revolutionary movement to combat environmental disasters and uncover hidden truths about the world and beyond. Through their journey, they must navigate friendships, challenges, and the pursuit of knowledge while striving to make a difference.
“I wrote this book
because I believe that, at its core, we are all very similar. We all
have families, with their complexities and differences, but at the
end of the day, we are all human, seeking love, understanding and
belonging. Together we are stronger. We Are One!”
About the Author
CLAUDIA DAHER is a Brazilian-born author who has made Aruba her home for the past 34 years. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and businesswoman, Claudia is deeply connected to her family and community. She is an entrepreneur and philanthropist, with a heart dedicated to giving back and making a positive impact on those around her.
Claudia’s unique life journey, filled with adventure, self-discovery, and resilience, has shaped both her writing and her perspective on life. She is a passionate advocate for love, unity, and the transformative power of faith. Her story is a powerful reminder that through faith, perseverance, and a commitment to love and family, we can overcome any challenge.
In addition to her writing, Claudia is an accomplished artist, with her paintings displayed worldwide, including at the Chabad Synagogue in Aruba. She is also actively involved in community volunteer work, making significant contributions to various local organizations to help those in need.
Claudia's life is a testament to perseverance, and her journey serves as an inspiration to others. Her story is not just about overcoming challenges but about embracing the beauty of life, the importance of family, and the deep connections we share with one another. Find out more about her at claudiadaherauthor.com.
An Interview with Claudia Daher
When starting your creative process, why was it important to you that your novel featured characters from different religions and backgrounds?
From the very beginning, I wanted R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One to reflect the world we live in—a world filled with diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences. By bringing together teenagers from different religions and backgrounds, I aimed to show that unity is possible despite our differences. The slogan We Are One is at the heart of the story, emphasizing that respect, understanding, and shared values can bridge divides. In a time when division is so prevalent, I believe young people have the power to create a movement that fosters true connection and change.
What do you believe young adult readers can learn from the book, and your tagline “We Are One”?
Young adult readers can learn that despite differences in culture, religion, and background, we share a common humanity and the ability to stand together for a better world. We Are One is more than just a tagline—it’s a call to embrace unity, respect, and empathy, showing that collaboration and understanding can overcome division. The book encourages young people to see strength in diversity and to work together toward positive change. In a time when society often highlights what separates us, this message is a reminder that true power lies in coming together.
For young adults, how does your book inspire a generational shift to disconnect from screens?
My book inspires young adults to disconnect from screens by showing the power of real-life connections, teamwork, and hands-on action. The characters in R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One don’t rely on technology to make a difference—they build relationships, solve problems, and take meaningful action in the real world. This encourages readers to step away from digital distractions and engage more with their surroundings, their families, and their communities. The story serves as a reminder that true change happens not behind a screen, but through personal effort and genuine human connection.
How does your clean book, free of negative influences, offer a fresh perspective on unity, love and respect?
I wrote R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One with a deep conviction that young people deserve stories that uplift, inspire, and empower them. In a world where so much media normalizes division, disrespect, and negativity, I wanted to create something different—something that reminds readers of the beauty of unity, love, and respect. My book proves that a powerful story doesn’t need violence, drugs, or harmful influences to be exciting and meaningful. Instead, it focuses on the strength found in friendship, the courage to stand up for what is right, and the belief that even the smallest act of kindness can change the world. I truly believe that if we nurture these values in the next generation, we can build a better future—together.
How does your book emphasize mankind’s deep connection with nature?
My book emphasizes humanity’s deep connection with nature by reminding readers that we are not separate from the world around us—we are part of it. The air we breathe, the water we drink and share with plants and animals, the earth that nourishes our food, and the vast sea that sustains life all connect us in an unbreakable cycle. Even our own bodies, made up of about 75% water, reflect this profound relationship with nature. Through the story, I encourage young readers to respect and protect our planet, recognizing that harming it is ultimately harming ourselves. Now, more than ever, we must take action to care for nature before it is too late—because our future depends on it.
This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned
In a climate-warmed future, politics continue their negative downward spiral with the added spice of influencers gaining ludicrously more influence in daily affairs. Tully is an “investigative journalist” who is driven by his wife’s death in a global warming catastrophe. He prides himself on reporting the “truth”. The world is going to a global warming hell, and Tully goes to see Martha, a long-ago friend. Martha resides on one of the few floating cities, commissioned by the uber wealthy, domed and climate-controlled. There is a murder, and the plot thickens.
An artilect, Solomon, is the governor of the floating cities. Sentient and omnipotent, Solomon plays a huge role in both the plot and the ensuing, unannounced sequel.
Technology isn’t so advanced in the story. It is a logical extrapolation of current technology. Sadly, the insidious and negative aspects of politics are also logically extrapolated, which provides serious depression in regards to our future.
The book was well done, but a touch depressing due to its probability.
I recommend it.
This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned
