IMMORTALITY BYTES: Digital Minds Don't Get Hungry

IMMORTALITY BYTES: Digital Minds Don’t Get Hungry

In Immortality Bytes, Daniel Lawrence Abrams takes readers on a wild journey into what is known as “20NF” or twenty-near-future. I was automatically transported into a futuristic world where drones made deliveries, most cars were driverless, and robots did most of the work. In this world, AI dominates society, and people can choose whether or not they want to work. This was the part of the book that first caught my interest. In 20NF, only twenty percent of people worked full-time. If a person wanted to live for free off of Universal Basic Income, which consisted of “living a leisurely life at the expense of those who work,” they must agree not to have children. If they change their mind, they must return all the free money. I found this premise extremely thought-provoking and wondered how many people today would choose this option.

The main character is Stu Reigns. Stu, a live streamer, is also the founder of a computer lab called 6thRoundGOAT, known for its proprietary VFX software. Although the reader doesn’t need to have an in-depth knowledge of how technology works, having some understanding does help. As someone who does not work in tech, I found the author’s detailed explanations interesting, even though I had to slow down my reading speed to grasp the information thoroughly.

Stu faces a dilemma as a billionaire scam artist hires him to carry out a high-tech heist. His mission: to steal his ex-girlfriend Roxy’s groundbreaking discovery in electronic immortality. The reward? More than enough money to escape debt and live comfortably with his girlfriend, Maria. This creates an interesting internal conflict for Stu, especially since he must betray Roxy. Stu has to decide just how far he’s willing to go for a life of luxury.

Immortality Bytes is witty and fast-paced. The book often feels like the next Terminator or Total Recall. The story is multi-layered, and Stu has many people who he must get past to finish the job, including a group of Russians who have their own agenda.

Humor, action, and satire scattered throughout the story add to the nuance of this fantastic yet terrifying futuristic world. Overall, Immortality Bytes is a lively and engaging trip through a future filled with promise and peril. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a fun, easy read that combines sci-fi elements with a bit of social satire. Abrams’ sharp, witty prose and inventive world make it well worth the ride, especially for fans of snappy, humorous sci-fi.