The Breakthrough Effect

By: Douglas E. Richards

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

Oliver Scott's technology breakthroughs are revolutionary. But he's hiding a devastating truth...

Oliver Scott is the reclusive genius and trillionaire behind countless world-changing breakthroughs. How does he innovate at such a furious pace? While most hail him as a savior, what if he's actually the most dangerous tyrant humanity has ever seen? A man who will stop at nothing to gain absolute power.

Liam Dunne is an elite American operative enhanced with next-level technology, including a prototype supercomputer implanted in his brain. When an encrypted data file is transmitted into this implant, Liam is thrust into a battle for the very soul of humanity. Because the file holds the key to unlocking the mystery of Oliver Scott—and stopping a nightmarish future.

As Liam and the woman he loves race to unravel the truth, they become the targets of a lethal manhunt initiated by the ruthless trillionaire. If they can survive long enough to access the enigmatic file, they can lift humanity to unimaginable heights.

They're facing impossible odds. And time is running out...

The Breakthrough Effect is a propulsive, action-packed thriller with big ideas, mind-blowing technologies, and twists and turns you won't see coming.

©2023 Douglas E. Richards (P)2023 Podium Audio

Awesome culmination of the thought experiment.

In this novel you see the culmination of an educated scientist and writer come to fruition. The treat of run away AI is to great to ignore. Social media delivery of AI content to the masses is worse. Having lived a life of science fiction become fact, I believe this is a valid concern. What I see in the classroom about this subject is doing to our youths is true. AI is not our savior, but a curse. Most anyone from the 60's or early 70's can back this. Social Media and AI are a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

good some parts were meh but it's good

some of the parts I felt weren't necessary like the villian describing the plan that makes them evil. cartoonist

Slowish start

The Star Trek reference in the beginning was lame. He picks up speed and it does grab you. Almost put me to sleep at the end. Overall it’s worth a listen, I hate ragging on sci-fi. Love it.

Tingles the sense of the possible considering AI technology!

I love the interrelationship between science fiction and science fact. Science is growing so fast, books can barely keep up. Douglas does an awesome job cutting this edge.

Too preachy

The story was exciting until the last couple of chapters when it just got preachy. We finally stopped listening.

I liked the story

The ending was thought provoking for me. I’ve had similar thoughts like that but to have it formed into a story like this was pretty awesome. I’ll definitely read again.

So Many Ideas

I loved all the new and near future technologies. The characters are multi-faceted. Couldn't wait to learn what would happen next! Many twists and turns! No way to predict what would occur next!

My first Richard’s definitely not my last!

Different whilst remaining the same. More explanations with sources at the end I thought was very helpful if you care where these ideas come from and if they have merit. I’m one of those who like proof in his pudding.
It won’t be my last Richard’s and I recommend that if you are reading this to make of your mind if you’d like to try this book then wait no longer.
If you’re at all interested in the topic of AI, sentience, future of life yours and others with plausible tenets then I guarantee you won’t be dissatisfied but you may feel you need to read a bit more of Richard’s and the topics presented in Breakthrough!

Never disappointing.

Always captivating, Douglas Richards novels are. Not sure my wife appreciates, much less understands, when I sit in a chair seemingly entranced, not moving a muscle, for what must be hours at a time listening to Douglas Richards novels. The Breakthrough Effect was no different. Again, wow. Not only a good story, but very thought provoking about a world struggling to stay happy and content in the face of ever increasing rancor, Here’s a thought for a future novel. A technological breakthrough that makes it impossible to sound off irresponsibly against others without consequences, or at least embarrassment. That is, if the world were, in effect, made to simulate an always public conversation, where nothing said was anonymous, people who care about their reputations and what other people think of them, would start to more and more regulate what they say, would hopefully start to get back to being more considerate, less tribal, and hopefully more loving. As long as people can endlessly spout off anonymously, through social media, in commentary on websites, etc., the more, it seems like we are headed to being a totally decisive and polarized world. Of course, such technology would have to apply to all people, including those in government and large corporations. Otherwise, it would only serve to make censorship and efforts to manipulate the public narrative even more effective. But, I digress. Like all of the Richards books, an enthralling read. Thanks for the distraction, great story, entertainment, and thought provoking ideas. People who have not read your books are really missing out.

ENJOYABLE - Hits on all the cylinders

The performance is 1st class. The story is novel and interesting and well written touching on a lot of interesting concepts, and unique ideas having some unexpected twists. I will be seeking other titles from this author.