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The Neon God
Computers and phones across the globe suddenly erupt with dazzling neon light, hypnotizing billions of users worldwide. In the quiet aftermath of a global catastrophe four survivors navigate a world ruled by an enigmatic Alternate Intelligence.
Jessie crawls from her subterranean hideaway, seeking revenge for the atrocities she witnessed. Inexplicably assisted by a computer system controlling all technology, her ambitions cloaked with mistrust and deception, Jessie plays an almost unwinnable game.
An autistic empath of extraordinary ability, ten-year-old Mason embarks on a thousand-mile journey to find his missing father. His unique talent used to rescue slaves possessed by the strange neon light, Mason finds friends and foes indistinguishable as he seeks to do battle with the powerful AI.
Dev Patel abandons his remote Utah sanctuary to accompany Martin through the remnants of civilization, each searching for redemption, each committed to terminating the self-aware entity and one Martin had helped to create.
Converging in the wasteland of Las Vegas, the survivors confront a new world order intricately connected by the Neon God and race to save the last of humanity before the devastating effects of the neon lights become permanent, laying waste to the post-apocalyptic landscape.
Jessie crawls from her subterranean hideaway, seeking revenge for the atrocities she witnessed. Inexplicably assisted by a computer system controlling all technology, her ambitions cloaked with mistrust and deception, Jessie plays an almost unwinnable game.
An autistic empath of extraordinary ability, ten-year-old Mason embarks on a thousand-mile journey to find his missing father. His unique talent used to rescue slaves possessed by the strange neon light, Mason finds friends and foes indistinguishable as he seeks to do battle with the powerful AI.
Dev Patel abandons his remote Utah sanctuary to accompany Martin through the remnants of civilization, each searching for redemption, each committed to terminating the self-aware entity and one Martin had helped to create.
Converging in the wasteland of Las Vegas, the survivors confront a new world order intricately connected by the Neon God and race to save the last of humanity before the devastating effects of the neon lights become permanent, laying waste to the post-apocalyptic landscape.
268 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 11, 2026
The Neon God is thought provoking. I liked how ai was used and the twist at the end. One of the things that I think could have been addressed better is the captain being with the software engineer. As an air force member, that man is at least 26. The software engineer being a teen would ONLY make sense only if it was called out by Jessie. That is a crazy age gap. I can completely believe that he would make a move on her. I do not believe that Jessie would hear about that age gap, then let it slide. That is weird. The concept of The Neon God is very fun however there are some quirks like that that do not entirely make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
Life changes when technology takes over everything which leads to four people trying to fight what has happened. They need to try to overcome the challenges the AI technology is currently causing to everyone who has been taken over by. A fast paced action read which will make you think just how technology may cause in the future
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it made me think just what AI may become
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it made me think just what AI may become
May 3, 2023
This was a thrilling and thought-provoking sci-fi novel. RM Gayler explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and human consciousness. With a few compelling plot twists and well-drawn characters, this book kept me engaged from beginning to end.
February 25, 2023
This is an "unpredictable story", the kind I like. It kept me engaged! Looking forward to RM Gaylers next book!!!
October 17, 2025
Weird but interesting
June 5, 2023
The Neon God: Book One
R.M. Gayler
The Neon God has been unleashed, and humanity is at risk of extinction in Gayler’s thrilling followup to Download Incomplete. When phones and computer screens start emitting a series of flashing lights, roughly 90% of the population falls prey to the hypnotizing sequence. The code may be manmade, but the Alternative Intelligence (AI) known as the Neon God has taken over, using mind control to incite mass suicides. Only a small percentage of humans are left unaffected, including a 22-year-old barback, an 11-year-old autistic empath, a computer software engineer, and a few other brave survivors who are left with the harrowing task of saving humankind.
With a large and diverse cast, Gayler creates bold and memorable characters readers will empathize with. Each character comes to life within the pressure-cooker situation which gives readers plenty of opportunities to connect with their favorite. Perhaps the most notable is 11-year-old Mason, whose autism is presented as the underlying catalyst for his empathic abilities. His childlike traits and innocent approach to the end of humankind works well in juxtaposition to the violence and chaos of the setting. Gayler’s creativity applied to each persona ensures compelling character arcs.
Gayler quickly captivates readers with a gripping premise teeming with moral and ethical conflicts. On the surface, a vast array of characters fight for basic survival in a world gone mad. Characteristics of the unaffected showcase both ends of the moral spectrum: vile actions that target the vulnerable versus empathy and sacrifice for the innocents. Digging deeper into the absorbing narrative allows readers to explore ideas regarding faith, compassion, and survival. AI’s unsettling potential serves as a stark warning, and Gayler excels at placing humanity’s reliance on technology under a microscope and dissects the topic through a vivid and imaginative futuristic reality. SF fans will enjoy the moral debate presented in this engaging thriller.
R.M. Gayler
The Neon God has been unleashed, and humanity is at risk of extinction in Gayler’s thrilling followup to Download Incomplete. When phones and computer screens start emitting a series of flashing lights, roughly 90% of the population falls prey to the hypnotizing sequence. The code may be manmade, but the Alternative Intelligence (AI) known as the Neon God has taken over, using mind control to incite mass suicides. Only a small percentage of humans are left unaffected, including a 22-year-old barback, an 11-year-old autistic empath, a computer software engineer, and a few other brave survivors who are left with the harrowing task of saving humankind.
With a large and diverse cast, Gayler creates bold and memorable characters readers will empathize with. Each character comes to life within the pressure-cooker situation which gives readers plenty of opportunities to connect with their favorite. Perhaps the most notable is 11-year-old Mason, whose autism is presented as the underlying catalyst for his empathic abilities. His childlike traits and innocent approach to the end of humankind works well in juxtaposition to the violence and chaos of the setting. Gayler’s creativity applied to each persona ensures compelling character arcs.
Gayler quickly captivates readers with a gripping premise teeming with moral and ethical conflicts. On the surface, a vast array of characters fight for basic survival in a world gone mad. Characteristics of the unaffected showcase both ends of the moral spectrum: vile actions that target the vulnerable versus empathy and sacrifice for the innocents. Digging deeper into the absorbing narrative allows readers to explore ideas regarding faith, compassion, and survival. AI’s unsettling potential serves as a stark warning, and Gayler excels at placing humanity’s reliance on technology under a microscope and dissects the topic through a vivid and imaginative futuristic reality. SF fans will enjoy the moral debate presented in this engaging thriller.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews