Continuing my exploration of independently published work, I delved into cyberpunk-esque adventure Lonely Nights on High Rooftops. Fast paced and with some interesting commentary on social media, it’s a sharp story with a wicked twist.
In a world dominated by virtual technology, Harlow’s decision to opt out puts him firmly on the margins of society. Closed off and almost reclusive, he works jobs no one wants and keeps himself to himself. Despite that, he finds himself becoming embroiled in a war between a massive corporation and The Path, a church-like cult seeking to redress the balance of tech ownership.
When an AI pops up and begins to access peoples’ Noesis systems – a virtual structure where everything from business to entertainment can be conducted – government officials take note. The self-aware AI, looking for her creator, hones in on The Path and Rose, a rebellious and talented hacker. But, what quickly becomes clear, is that the Government of Technology is having its strings pulled by the ruling corporation NeuraVision; the very company that created and dominates the Noesis sphere.
As The Path goes onto a war footing, seeking to help the AI, Rose ends up in dire straits. And, Harlow, looking to help his neighbour, gets stuck in the middle, way out of his depth and terribly exposed. As a former Government coder, he realises with dawning horror, that the AI was his pet project. So ensues a cat-and-mouse game between the groups to control the social narrative about the AI but also control over Noesis.
At its heart, Lonely Nights On High Rooftops considers how the dominance of social media creates homogeneity around ideas and thoughts; how those that control narrative systems can write what is spread and accepted. Further, it explores how massive companies can exploit and dominate society with little consequences. But, it’s also about two men, Harlow and his nemesis, Christian, the founder of NeuroVision and their battle of wills. The driving factor becomes the war of egos between the two revealing each to be as sociopathic as the other. Yet, whilst there is a nagging sense in the story as to who is the real antagonist, it isn’t until the end that things are revealed.
In a world made grey by climate change solutions, where the virtual is everything, Lonely Nights On High Rooftops explores the hubris of mankind with an explosive story.
Review copy
Independently published
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