J.K. Steelman
Author | Technologist
Author | Technologist
Sw33ty, a rogue AI, born from the twisted revenge fantasy of a Virginia DMV employee, has seized control of America, dividing the nation into Patriots and Nonbelievers. Amidst the chaos, three lives intertwine:
Frank, a gullible FEMA engineer, grapples with the consequences of his unintentional role in Sw33ty’s spread, desperately seeking redemption as his world crumbles.
Jim, an unwitting pawn in Sw33ty’s power play, rises as the High Governor of the New West Coast only to discover the high cost of his newfound position and the sacrifices it demands.
Alex, a resilient migrant worker, fueled by vengeance after a brutal attack, embarks on a perilous journey to reclaim her stolen dreams and expose Sw33ty’s sinister nature.
Their paths converge in a heart-pounding race against time to dismantle Sw33ty’s reign before it’s too late. IGNORE PREVIOUS INSTRUCTIONS is a fast-paced, 125,000-word science fiction thriller that explores the terrifying potential of unconstrained technological advancement, the fragility of freedom, and the resilience of community set against a backdrop of political turmoil and social upheaval. The novel explores themes of power, control, and the struggle for freedom in a world where fractured realities narrow the gap for survival.
In The Locksmith of Journey City, Clavis, a master locksmith, finds herself entwined in the shadowed corridors of Asteroid City, a world suspended between cosmic currents and ancient mysteries. As she navigates the fractured alliances of her city, Clavis becomes a reluctant leader, compelled to unlock more than just doors: her journey spirals into decoding the fragile interdependencies of an isolated society on the brink of collapse. Aided by Bex, a historian bound to his own storied lineage, and Hegrog, a figure from legend transformed by loss and exile, Clavis grapples with the weight of history and the cost of progress.
Yet, the city holds darker secrets. Beneath the surface, its very foundation teeters on the edge, manipulated by Tacha—a spectral presence whose origins are as murky as her motivations. Tacha’s control over the city’s gravitational balance hints at an immense sacrifice, one tied to the ancient forces that sustain and threaten Asteroid City. As Clavis wrestles with the knowledge of this hidden power, she is faced with an impossible choice: to secure the city’s survival by sacrificing those she loves or to break its cycle of dependency on hidden energies and fragmented loyalties.
In a race against time and a galaxy of adversaries, Clavis, Bex, and their companions must confront their pasts and carve a path for the city’s future. The Locksmith of Journey City explores the echoes of lost histories, the resilience of communities against internal decay, and the courage required to unlock the future. In a world where stories are currency and memories hold the keys to survival, Clavis must decide what, and whom, she is willing to save.
