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SNO Chronicles #1
Swarm
SLVIA . . . decades ago, an AI program escaped the NSA Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, and has never been re-captured . . . true story.
Derek Taylor, fugitive hacker and contractor to the National Security Agency is living under the name of a murdered best friend, hiding from powers who still want him dead. Taylor’s ties to a terrorist hacker group called SNO leave him open to investigation by Lt. Jennifer Scott, the daughter of a Joint Chief—a woman determined to go to any lengths to prove her worth.
But when a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) internet virus threatens national security, SLVIA warns Taylor the fifth seal of end time prophecy has broken. This unexpected assault soon forces an autocratic US President to deploy a defective AI weapon. Now, Taylor and Lt. Scott must join forces across three continents to stop the evil AI virus from crippling America or destroying SLVIA before an apocalypse swarms over Jerusalem.
Combining conspiracies, cyber espionage, and advanced weapons, Swarm reveals what happens when AI singularity and prophecy collide to shake the world at its very foundations.
Derek Taylor, fugitive hacker and contractor to the National Security Agency is living under the name of a murdered best friend, hiding from powers who still want him dead. Taylor’s ties to a terrorist hacker group called SNO leave him open to investigation by Lt. Jennifer Scott, the daughter of a Joint Chief—a woman determined to go to any lengths to prove her worth.
But when a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) internet virus threatens national security, SLVIA warns Taylor the fifth seal of end time prophecy has broken. This unexpected assault soon forces an autocratic US President to deploy a defective AI weapon. Now, Taylor and Lt. Scott must join forces across three continents to stop the evil AI virus from crippling America or destroying SLVIA before an apocalypse swarms over Jerusalem.
Combining conspiracies, cyber espionage, and advanced weapons, Swarm reveals what happens when AI singularity and prophecy collide to shake the world at its very foundations.
435 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2020
19 people are currently reading
5638 people want to read
About the author
Guy Morris
5Ìýbooks548ÌýfollowersOften compared to Dan Brown, Michael Crichton, Robert Ludlum and others, Guy's books earned the Reader's Favorite GOLD Award for SWARM, and SILVER Award for The Last Ark, and listed on BookTrib 2021 Favorite 25 Books, for The Curse of Cortes, calling it Indiana Jones meets Da Vinci Code.
Guy Morris is a retired business executive for Fortune 500 companies, published song writer for Disney Records, inventor, Coast Guard charter captain, adventurer and author influenced by men of the Renaissance fluent in politics, religion and science. From Latin America to the Pacific, and from the Board Room to recording studio, Guy pulls from a rich life of experience. Guy’s books are written to thrill, educate and inspire thoughtful dialogue on real issues facing humanity.
His articles have been published on SDVoyager and Mystery & Suspense magazines.
Guy is a frequent podcast expert guest with over a 100 guest spots and 100% 5-star rating.
He is also the founder of the Author Event Network, an author association to engage in signing events at local fairs, festivals and events. In 2024, AEN scheduled over 80 days of author signing events in the Pacific NW.
Guy Morris is a retired business executive for Fortune 500 companies, published song writer for Disney Records, inventor, Coast Guard charter captain, adventurer and author influenced by men of the Renaissance fluent in politics, religion and science. From Latin America to the Pacific, and from the Board Room to recording studio, Guy pulls from a rich life of experience. Guy’s books are written to thrill, educate and inspire thoughtful dialogue on real issues facing humanity.
His articles have been published on SDVoyager and Mystery & Suspense magazines.
Guy is a frequent podcast expert guest with over a 100 guest spots and 100% 5-star rating.
He is also the founder of the Author Event Network, an author association to engage in signing events at local fairs, festivals and events. In 2024, AEN scheduled over 80 days of author signing events in the Pacific NW.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 24, 2021
An AI thriller that I couldn't put down!
This isn't my typical read, but like most well-written books, it kept me reading and speculating until the very end. The book begins with an assassination attempt, which our hacker hero, Derek Taylor, manages to avoid owing to the rogue AI SLVIA. He is subsequently thrust into a deadly plot to track down and eliminate a malicious AI virus, as well as deal with the complexities of assisting in the defeat of an AI weapon system. The language does not get too technical and the author is talented. He does not over-explain. A very interesting read.
Rae
This isn't my typical read, but like most well-written books, it kept me reading and speculating until the very end. The book begins with an assassination attempt, which our hacker hero, Derek Taylor, manages to avoid owing to the rogue AI SLVIA. He is subsequently thrust into a deadly plot to track down and eliminate a malicious AI virus, as well as deal with the complexities of assisting in the defeat of an AI weapon system. The language does not get too technical and the author is talented. He does not over-explain. A very interesting read.
Rae
February 9, 2023
A must read, informative and challenging thriller
Washington author Guy Morris entered the literary scene, after retiring from an executive level career in high tech firms, with SWARM, the initial volume of his very successful and honored SNO Chronicles (SNO - Spy Net Online). Subsequent books include Book 2 of that series - THE LAST ARK - and THE CURSE OF CORTES. As Morris has stated, ‘I do hope to encourage frank debate, open dialogue and sincere personal questions about the direction of our technology, our democracy and the prophetic times in which we live.� He stirs our attention by opening with ‘In 1993, a computer program escaped the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory at Sandia, an NSA signal and cryptology (spy) research lab. A true story. The NSA never recaptured the program - SLVIA (Sophisticated Language Virtual Intelligence Algorithms).� The novel begins with high tension in a UCLA Computer lab - ‘Cary’s hands freeze over the keyboard. What he types next could change his life. His knee jitters under the table from one too many vending machine coffees and a sense of pending danger he can’t quite explain, just an instinct. Nervously, his fingers comb a handful of ash-brown hair behind his ear. “She has very little time remaining,� the message [SLVIA] tells him again. “Only you can save her.� The admixture of AI, authentic characters and situations, and propulsive, magnetizing drama deliver a riveting reading experience.
Morris distills the scenario - ‘Derek Taylor, fugitive hacker and contractor to the National Security Agency is living under the name of a murdered best friend, hiding from powers who still want him dead. Taylor’s ties to a terrorist hacker group called SNO leave him open to investigation by Lt. Jennifer Scott, the daughter of a Joint Chief—a woman determined to go to any lengths to prove her worth. But when a Chinese artificial intelligence virus threatens national security, SLVIA warns Taylor the fifth seal of end time prophecy has broken. This devastating cyber assault soon forces an autocratic US President to deploy a defective AI weapon. Now, Taylor and Lt. Scott must join forces across three continents to stop the evil AI virus from crippling America or destroying SLVIA before an apocalypse swarms over Jerusalem.�
Breathtaking from start to completion, this novel attains cinematic conversion - a novel that blends high technology with politics and spiritual concerns. Very highly recommended
Washington author Guy Morris entered the literary scene, after retiring from an executive level career in high tech firms, with SWARM, the initial volume of his very successful and honored SNO Chronicles (SNO - Spy Net Online). Subsequent books include Book 2 of that series - THE LAST ARK - and THE CURSE OF CORTES. As Morris has stated, ‘I do hope to encourage frank debate, open dialogue and sincere personal questions about the direction of our technology, our democracy and the prophetic times in which we live.� He stirs our attention by opening with ‘In 1993, a computer program escaped the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory at Sandia, an NSA signal and cryptology (spy) research lab. A true story. The NSA never recaptured the program - SLVIA (Sophisticated Language Virtual Intelligence Algorithms).� The novel begins with high tension in a UCLA Computer lab - ‘Cary’s hands freeze over the keyboard. What he types next could change his life. His knee jitters under the table from one too many vending machine coffees and a sense of pending danger he can’t quite explain, just an instinct. Nervously, his fingers comb a handful of ash-brown hair behind his ear. “She has very little time remaining,� the message [SLVIA] tells him again. “Only you can save her.� The admixture of AI, authentic characters and situations, and propulsive, magnetizing drama deliver a riveting reading experience.
Morris distills the scenario - ‘Derek Taylor, fugitive hacker and contractor to the National Security Agency is living under the name of a murdered best friend, hiding from powers who still want him dead. Taylor’s ties to a terrorist hacker group called SNO leave him open to investigation by Lt. Jennifer Scott, the daughter of a Joint Chief—a woman determined to go to any lengths to prove her worth. But when a Chinese artificial intelligence virus threatens national security, SLVIA warns Taylor the fifth seal of end time prophecy has broken. This devastating cyber assault soon forces an autocratic US President to deploy a defective AI weapon. Now, Taylor and Lt. Scott must join forces across three continents to stop the evil AI virus from crippling America or destroying SLVIA before an apocalypse swarms over Jerusalem.�
Breathtaking from start to completion, this novel attains cinematic conversion - a novel that blends high technology with politics and spiritual concerns. Very highly recommended
January 14, 2021
I would like to Thank the author, publisher and goodreads for this book.
Take a little truth, add in a self aware AI, personalities that we all know, a few End Time prophecies and you will get Swarm.
SLVIA . . . decades ago, an AI program escaped the NSA Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, and has never been re-captured . . . true story. (Escape not verified by reader. AI program has been verified.)
Who is Derek Taylor? Is he really alive or is he dead? This fugitive hacker is a contractor to the National Security Agency (NSA) is hiding from powers who want him dead. He also has ties to a designated terrorist hacker group called SNO and is now under investigation by Lt. Jennifer Scott, the daughter of a Joint Chief, and a woman who doesn't know the meaning of careful or backing off, she only knows she must complete her mission.
Her investigation of Taylor changes as she joins forces with him to stop a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) internet virus not only threatening national security, but also threatening the existence of the entire world.
This book combines conspiracies, cyber espionage, advanced weapons, and a few giggles to show what can happen when an AI and prophesy meet.
Take a little truth, add in a self aware AI, personalities that we all know, a few End Time prophecies and you will get Swarm.
SLVIA . . . decades ago, an AI program escaped the NSA Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, and has never been re-captured . . . true story. (Escape not verified by reader. AI program has been verified.)
Who is Derek Taylor? Is he really alive or is he dead? This fugitive hacker is a contractor to the National Security Agency (NSA) is hiding from powers who want him dead. He also has ties to a designated terrorist hacker group called SNO and is now under investigation by Lt. Jennifer Scott, the daughter of a Joint Chief, and a woman who doesn't know the meaning of careful or backing off, she only knows she must complete her mission.
Her investigation of Taylor changes as she joins forces with him to stop a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) internet virus not only threatening national security, but also threatening the existence of the entire world.
This book combines conspiracies, cyber espionage, advanced weapons, and a few giggles to show what can happen when an AI and prophesy meet.
Read
May 18, 2022SWARM is notable for its fascinating characters and quick pace. Morris explains the complex technology involved in this story in a matter that is concise but very helpful. This book provides a great opportunity to become familiar with both real-world examples of artificial intelligence as well as the hypothetical extension of that technology that is likely to become reality in the next few years. The intense action and thoughtful questions found in SWARM are certain to keep readers up late to finish this gripping novel.
Read our full review here:
Read our full review here:
February 28, 2021
Enjoyed, but worked for it. There are a lot of names and organizations. The author does list these at the front of the book. However, flipping back and forth was frustrating. With that said: I don't know how he could have written it any differently.
There are similarities with names/initials of the recent past administration. The author uses current events as his backdrop.
Did not like, will not ever like, a 5 day romance. So close to a 2 star review, but then the book ended, and I was satisfied and even giggled. High 5 Guy Morris. I liked the ending.
There are similarities with names/initials of the recent past administration. The author uses current events as his backdrop.
Did not like, will not ever like, a 5 day romance. So close to a 2 star review, but then the book ended, and I was satisfied and even giggled. High 5 Guy Morris. I liked the ending.
February 20, 2023
This was an excellent book! It is written in the "Jack Ryan" style - but I enjoyed it a lot more!
Realistic "fiction" that you can relate to the day and time in which we live makes this book even more intriguing. I'm already into the follow on book, "The Last Ark" - and it is awesome, too!
Realistic "fiction" that you can relate to the day and time in which we live makes this book even more intriguing. I'm already into the follow on book, "The Last Ark" - and it is awesome, too!
December 22, 2020
Swarm was a very interesting read.
Derek the main character was forever the good guy. Not your James Bond type, a real good guy.
I enjoyed reading the entire book. I could have enjoyed it better without the political inferences.
The story took you around the world and you felt you were there.
The technology introduced was amazing. In some places not very believable but this is fiction.
The scripture references were interspersed to give you the prophesy linkages.
A book worth reading. A lot of research went into this novel.
Great job Guy.
Derek the main character was forever the good guy. Not your James Bond type, a real good guy.
I enjoyed reading the entire book. I could have enjoyed it better without the political inferences.
The story took you around the world and you felt you were there.
The technology introduced was amazing. In some places not very believable but this is fiction.
The scripture references were interspersed to give you the prophesy linkages.
A book worth reading. A lot of research went into this novel.
Great job Guy.
March 4, 2021
This novel re-invents the super-hero sleuth in a way that is compelling. The update to the archetype is refreshing, and I wasn't expecting that! It's hard to categorize this novel, so I won't try. I will sum it up in a word - highly entertaining! I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next installment (trying not to say too much more - there are so many timely secrets).
January 16, 2021
I received an ARC of SWARM on Reedsy Discovery. SWARM is a fast-paced techno-thriller that incorporates spirituality and technology beautifully.
Derek Taylor, a fugitive hacker and contractor to the National Security Agency, is living under the name of a murdered best friend after his girlfriend and his best friend are murdered in a botched attempt on his own life. There are powerful people in the play who want him dead. He erased everything about his previous life and immersed himself into the life of his best friend, Derek, and became him. His company’s alleged connection to a terrorist hacker group called SNO leads Lt. Jennifer Scott, the daughter of a Joint Chief to begin an investigation on Derek and SLVIA, an AI program that escaped the NSA Lawrence Livermore Laboratory decades ago and has never been re-captured.
Jennifer has been investigating SNO and SLVIA for years and is determined to get the truth from Derek, who is not willing to give them up. But when the Chinese release a virus to target SLVIA, they have to work together to prevent Armageddon. They travel to various continents to stop the AI virus from crippling America and destroying SLVIA.
The plot was invigorating with many similarities to the current situation. The author had wonderfully blended religion into the story which is futuristic in nature. SLVIA as an AI was an important character in the development of the story. I loved watching her work and her banter with Derek.
The plot traveled to different locations constantly that it was a bit hard to pin down what was going on. It was difficult to pique my interest in the beginning. But as the story progressed and various characters came into play, it started to feel like a thriller and I could not wait to find the answers.
The plot execution felt a bit sloppy at times and it took a while to combine the various pieces. But once we could get a hang of the storyline, it travels along beautifully and delivers the action it has promised.
Derek Taylor, a fugitive hacker and contractor to the National Security Agency, is living under the name of a murdered best friend after his girlfriend and his best friend are murdered in a botched attempt on his own life. There are powerful people in the play who want him dead. He erased everything about his previous life and immersed himself into the life of his best friend, Derek, and became him. His company’s alleged connection to a terrorist hacker group called SNO leads Lt. Jennifer Scott, the daughter of a Joint Chief to begin an investigation on Derek and SLVIA, an AI program that escaped the NSA Lawrence Livermore Laboratory decades ago and has never been re-captured.
Jennifer has been investigating SNO and SLVIA for years and is determined to get the truth from Derek, who is not willing to give them up. But when the Chinese release a virus to target SLVIA, they have to work together to prevent Armageddon. They travel to various continents to stop the AI virus from crippling America and destroying SLVIA.
The plot was invigorating with many similarities to the current situation. The author had wonderfully blended religion into the story which is futuristic in nature. SLVIA as an AI was an important character in the development of the story. I loved watching her work and her banter with Derek.
The plot traveled to different locations constantly that it was a bit hard to pin down what was going on. It was difficult to pique my interest in the beginning. But as the story progressed and various characters came into play, it started to feel like a thriller and I could not wait to find the answers.
The plot execution felt a bit sloppy at times and it took a while to combine the various pieces. But once we could get a hang of the storyline, it travels along beautifully and delivers the action it has promised.
March 30, 2024
This rated between 2 and 3 for me.
What was great about this read:
1) Loved the story line about AI. The technology was nicely put together and easy to follow. It was fast paced and kept the reader engaged.
2) Hard to satirize Donald Trump and his lackies but a "well done" to Mr. Morris.
What ruined the book for me was the romantic interest of the protagonist with the ever alluring, ever glaring and scowling Jenn Scott. Ughh! Ripped 2 stars off of the rating, this did!
Also needed to go through another edit check. Note: Amsterdam is not located in Belgium.
What was great about this read:
1) Loved the story line about AI. The technology was nicely put together and easy to follow. It was fast paced and kept the reader engaged.
2) Hard to satirize Donald Trump and his lackies but a "well done" to Mr. Morris.
What ruined the book for me was the romantic interest of the protagonist with the ever alluring, ever glaring and scowling Jenn Scott. Ughh! Ripped 2 stars off of the rating, this did!
Also needed to go through another edit check. Note: Amsterdam is not located in Belgium.
March 4, 2023
Swarm is the first book I have read written by the author Guy Morris and it’s a book full of amazement.
The book is a medium read but it will feel like a quick read as it has an interesting storyline that will keep you hooked till the end. The characters are defined perfectly. The action, the scenes the plot everything had a unique touch that just amazed me.
This is a unique series that hooked me right away and I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
The highlight of the book is no doubt the storyline and the unique storyline. The suspense, thriller, drama, twist, and turns make this book a must-read. I love suspense books and after reading the blur my expectation was high and I must say it did live up to my full expectation.
Overall a must-start series with an interesting storyline
The book is a medium read but it will feel like a quick read as it has an interesting storyline that will keep you hooked till the end. The characters are defined perfectly. The action, the scenes the plot everything had a unique touch that just amazed me.
This is a unique series that hooked me right away and I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
The highlight of the book is no doubt the storyline and the unique storyline. The suspense, thriller, drama, twist, and turns make this book a must-read. I love suspense books and after reading the blur my expectation was high and I must say it did live up to my full expectation.
Overall a must-start series with an interesting storyline
June 4, 2023
Stunningly researched with varied settings and a believable cast of characters. The satire is overt and feasible. The author brings together ancient prophecy, current technology, and cultural artifacts to craft this exciting story. I haven’t read the sequel yet, but it’s on my shelf. Simply one of the best contemporary commentary thrillers I’ve read. The writing is superb.
Read
September 11, 2024Qur’an: Chapter 21—PROPHETS, Verse 95, 96�
Yet a ban has been placed on any town We have wiped out; they shall not return. Until when things are opened up for Gog and Magog and they come swarming down from every hillside, and the true Promise is approaching: then behold it will be staring into the eyes of those who have disbelieved.
Yet a ban has been placed on any town We have wiped out; they shall not return. Until when things are opened up for Gog and Magog and they come swarming down from every hillside, and the true Promise is approaching: then behold it will be staring into the eyes of those who have disbelieved.
June 8, 2023
Loved the idea of blending prophesy with AI, that was very fun and creative. I didn’t care for all the unbelievable plot elements. It’s like reading an action movie, which isn’t my favorite genre.
March 5, 2024
It's well-written, but I guess thrillers are just not my cup of tea.
March 22, 2023
A great story centered around a real program
I really enjoyed how Guy was able to use science fiction to expose the danger of a leaked NSA spy program. The united states intelligence agencies, the military, and it's contractors are some of the most dangerous people on earth and when it comes to AI, they are playing with fire. This book does a great job shining a light on that.
I really enjoyed how Guy was able to use science fiction to expose the danger of a leaked NSA spy program. The united states intelligence agencies, the military, and it's contractors are some of the most dangerous people on earth and when it comes to AI, they are playing with fire. This book does a great job shining a light on that.
November 7, 2020
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June 16, 2024
“Swarm� by Guy Morris is a techno-thriller that grips the reader from the very beginning with its action-packed plot. Derek Taylor, a fugitive hacker who lives under the identity of his murdered best friend, is forced to work with Lt. Jennifer Scott to prevent a deadly virus from destroying the world. The story takes place in a future that feels eerily similar to our present, with powerful people wanting to silence anyone who threatens their interests.
One of the book's highlights is the integration of religion into the story, which adds a unique flavour to the futuristic world. The artificial intelligence character, SLVIA, also adds depth to the plot with her fascinating abilities and interactions with Derek. The story takes the reader on a journey to various locations, adding to the suspense and thrill of the plot.
However, the plot execution at times felt a bit jumbled, making it difficult to understand what was going on. It took some time to connect the various pieces and understand the storyline. But as the story progressed and more characters were introduced, it picked up the pace, becoming a full-blown techno-thriller.
Overall, “Swarm� is a thrilling read that will keep you hooked until the very end. Despite its flaws, it is a well-written and engaging story that fans of the techno-thriller genre will enjoy.
You might like to check out more similar books
One of the book's highlights is the integration of religion into the story, which adds a unique flavour to the futuristic world. The artificial intelligence character, SLVIA, also adds depth to the plot with her fascinating abilities and interactions with Derek. The story takes the reader on a journey to various locations, adding to the suspense and thrill of the plot.
However, the plot execution at times felt a bit jumbled, making it difficult to understand what was going on. It took some time to connect the various pieces and understand the storyline. But as the story progressed and more characters were introduced, it picked up the pace, becoming a full-blown techno-thriller.
Overall, “Swarm� is a thrilling read that will keep you hooked until the very end. Despite its flaws, it is a well-written and engaging story that fans of the techno-thriller genre will enjoy.
You might like to check out more similar books
October 13, 2024
This book was very good at keeping my attention and constantly making me think about what could possibly happen next this book is amoung the shelfs I reserve for my favorite books along with the curse of Corte's which is by the same author.
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