Spotlight on Quinto's Challenge by Peter McChesney

 

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

 

1. What inspired the idea for this book, and how did it evolve over time?

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.

2. What were the challenges and rewards of writing a novel that encompasses several genres, such as hard sci-fi and political thriller, while balancing with emotional, deeply human characters? 

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.

3. How did leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints impact the writing of “Quinto’s Challenge”? What parts of the Mormon religion inspired the plot of the book?

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.

4. How did your background in technology and AI inspire some of the cutting-edge science that’s featured in the book?

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.

5. How did your educational background in political science and constitutional law inform this book? Did you draw inspiration from our current political climate?

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.

6. What’s next for the series that you can share with readers?

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).

7. What do you hope readers take away from “Quinto’s Challenge”?

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

Spotlight on Silver by Dylan Thayer

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 Thyer is a life long Kansas resident. His formative years growing up in southeast Kansas inspired the setting for his debut novel Silver. A lifelong horror enthusiast who wanted to add his voice to the genre. Dylan also loves to read non-fiction, thoroughly enjoying ancient history.

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

Spotlight on R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens by Claudia Daherr

Debut sci-fi follows teens secretly using a virtual reality game to fight alien invasions and determine Earth’s fate

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

Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver

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

Spotlight on T.J. Derry's Debut Novel: Carried Away

Immersive, interactive thriller novel drops readers into the ocean as a tsunami hits and shows the harrowing fight for survival that follows

Worn down by the noise, the routine, and the creeping sense that something essential has slipped out of reach, Cole leaves New York for a remote chain of Indonesian islands, chasing silence, clarity, and a sense of meaning. Amidst the salt and heat, he reconnects with old friends, and finds an unexpected spark with someone who feels instantly familiar—and a little dangerous. But paradise has teeth. After a catastrophic tsunami, a violent fight for survival strips life to its barest terms. Cut off from the world, the group is tested in every way—physically, emotionally, spiritually—and Cole is forced into a rare kind of stillness: one that redefines what matters. 

More than your typical survival thriller, the novel is a visceral, sharply observed story about survival, connection, humility—and what’s quietly revealed when everything else falls away. In a unique twist, the book features QR codes at the end of each chapter, allowing readers to unlock bonus material on the book’s website.

A portion of the proceeds from book sales will be donated to Sungai Watch, an organization dedicated to reducing ocean pollution by cleaning up Indonesia’s rivers.

“Carried Away”

T.J. Derry | November 11, 2025 | Dead Icon / Lost Signal | Adventure, Thriller, Romance

Hardcover | ISBN: 9781069456724 | $29.99

About the Author…

T.J. DERRY: A director, cinematographer and photographer, T.J. has worn many hats over the years. After working lighting, camera, and production, he eventually found his place behind the monitor. With a passion for storytelling, he’s also delved into the art of screenwriting, crafting captivating narratives for various projects in film and advertising. His work has been featured in American Cinematographer and Adweek, among other industry publications. Taking his knack for storytelling in a new direction, he is now a debut novelist. His book “Carried Away” will be released in November 2025. Learn more at: readcarriedaway.com

Follow T.J. Derry on social media:

Instagram: @readcarriedaway / @tj.derry

An Interview with

T.J. Derry

1. Your day job is working in film and advertising. How did you find yourself writing “Carried Away”? What was your inspiration for the book?

As a film director, my job is ultimately to transfer meaning and feeling to an audience—to tell a story. I remember being in an airport, searching for something to read, and struggling to find anything I connected with. I’ve been fascinated by tsunamis my whole life, and it struck me, as I stood there, that maybe what I was looking for didn’t exist yet. I started outlining the story soon after, and during a cab ride in Nicaragua—while the driver was literally nodding off—I wrote the paragraph that now opens chapter two. From there, I was hooked. I spent my free time between film projects chipping away at the book until the story took on a life of its own.

2. Tell us about Cole. How is he feeling at the beginning of the novel? How does he transform after the unimaginable happens?

Cole’s watching his life slip by, trading his most valuable commodity—time—for a desk in a sterile office, far from anything that feels important or exciting. He’s restless, disillusioned, and quietly questioning whether this is really what he’s meant to do with the short time he has on earth. When he arrives in Indonesia, things click and he feels the presence and connection he’s been longing for. 

When the wave hits, it throws him into a fight for survival. In the chaos, he comes to see the paradox: safety, stability, and simply being alive are their own kind of gift—but they’re not the whole story. By the end, he understands that fulfillment is far more complicated, and it demands more than just avoiding danger or staying safe. It’s about engaging with life fully, even when it’s uncertain or uncomfortable.

3. Do you relate to Cole’s character? When you feel numb and worn down by life’s routine, what do you do to feel grounded again?

I think a large cohort of the population can relate well to that feeling of meaninglessness, or that question of whether you’re wasting the life you’ve been given. I feel it constantly and meditate on whether I’m making full use of the gift of existence on this beautiful planet. In my life, engaging with nature (surf trips, freediving, travel, meeting strange new environments and people, engaging with the unknown and seeing how much there is to this life grounds me. That contrast really makes me feel grateful for even the banality of modern living for a time before I know it’s time to get back to nature.  

4. Tell us about the QR codes that are at the end of each chapter. Why did you choose to include them? What will they reveal?

I felt strongly that this novel needed a visual side. It’s meant to be an immersive read—the kind of book that takes you away and really puts you in Cole’s shoes—so not having an extra conduit to pull the reader in felt like a missed opportunity. So I began seeking out a solution to satisfy the need for something more captivating. Cole’s journal seemed like a unique, but somewhat obvious choice… it gives readers a chance to experience the story from a unique vantage point—to step deeper into his perspective and actually see some of what he’s seeing, thinking and feeling.

5. Tell us about Sungai Watch. What does their organization do? Why do you want to raise awareness for their cause?

Sungai Watch is an incredible organization I first discovered through social media. They’re tackling the ocean plastic crisis at its source—by cleaning rivers, one at a time, before the waste reaches the sea. Since my story is set near where they operate, and it’s so deeply connected to the ocean and the natural world, supporting their mission felt like a natural fit.

Their founder, Gary, is a bit of a cowboy in the best way—he saw the problem and didn’t wait for permission, he just got to work. That kind of initiative and action is exactly what the world needs more of, and it’s something worth supporting and raising awareness for.

6. This isn’t your typical adventure novel. There’s plenty of substance and heart to it. Yet it’s still a thrilling, engaging and cinematic read. What do you hope readers will ultimately take away from the book?

My hope is that no matter where you’ve been, what you’ve experienced, or who you are, you’ll be taken along for the ride of a lifetime. For the person stuck in a 9–5 office grind, it’s a chance to step out of routine and into something truly remarkable—and with any luck, it’ll ignite something primal.

The story begins in a kind of paradise—love, adventure, excitement, joy—before the wave hits, and then, suddenly you’re thrown into the gates of hell, fighting to survive. My ultimate hope is that readers come away with a renewed appreciation for the fragile beauty of life, and a reminder that the highs mean more because the lows exist.

A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

Signum Dinios Kol is an Iudex of the Special Division, which means he is an Imperial Investigator. He works with Ana Dolabra, who may or may not be a “normal” human. Ana’s senses are so fine-tuned that she usually goes blindfolded to decrease her sensory input. The two are in Yarrow a backward kingdom that hosts the Shroud, a refinery for Titan’s regents.

All that sounds so convoluted, but it is simply a murder investigation set in a kingdom that abuts the Empire. The Empire is based on a biological industry as opposed to a mechanical industry. Din had perfect recall as he is an Engraver. His genetics have been manipulated to imprint information with the stimulus of a variety of regents.

Din works with Malo, an Imperial Warden, to discover who has been murdered and why. There is plenty of action and confusion. There are conflicting antagonists taking aim at our stalwart investigators.

Din discovers many things about himself, his superior, his associate Malo and the criminals.

It is an entertaining but often confusing book.

Buy it Here

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

The Witch Roads by Kate Elliot

The Witch Roads by Kate Elliota

  

This is the beginning of a series, and it looks to be a real winner.  In a world of Pall and Spore, El is trying to keep Kem alive and well.   El is a Courier which means she travels the countryside delivering messages and watching for Spore.   She and Kem overnight in a set of Spires.  The Spires are towers that can be found elsewhere but the ones El overnights in are the most complete she knows of.  These specific Spires have an array of statues that may contain a Haunt and that is where the fun begins.  

 

Elliot is unsurpassed in her world creation.  She populates it with interesting and complex characters. The set is carefully staged to draw you into and immerse you in the carefully crafted plot.   There is abundant action along with thought-provoking scenarios.  

 

I highly recommend the book and can’t wait for the next volume.  

 

 

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