‘Infinity Born’ is a unique and mind-expanding reading experience

“Infinity Born” is a sci-fi, action novel by Douglas E. Richards. In a sentence, it is exciting, entertaining and thought-provoking. The book’s first chapters serve as a prologue, in a Califorian, Silicon Valley-esk, town a cataclysmic event has occurred. From the perspective of the then President of the United States, the reader learns a kinetic weapon, consisting of a tungsten rod dropped from orbit, has devastated the town and killed thousands. Perhaps more troubling, the government is quickly made aware of the culprit, trillionaire genius philanthropist Isaac Jordan. Not only is he discovered, but the footage is also found of him violently killing his family. A worldwide manhunt occurs, but no force can find the elusive man. After years of missing, Jordan is found dead in South America. His death may bring peace to victims, but his motive can never be known. 

Eight years after the kinetic weapon destroyed the town, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) head researchers were conducting their final test on an Artificial General Intelligence, when suddenly the building exploded. Lieutenant Cameron Carr, one of the leading members of the United States Special Forces, is dispatched by the Secretary of Defense to find the group responsible. With twists, turns and metaphysical existential crises the plot only improves the further you read. 

Regarding modern science fiction, Douglas does a fantastic job keeping “Infinity Born” new and exciting. He introduces intriguing concepts that can easily be extenuated with further reading. There are, as with all stories, certain trends in fiction which can be ridiculed for their flaws, but Douglas keeps such fallacies minimal. For audiences who are completely unfamiliar with science fiction or the general study of certain fields, Douglas clues readers in as to what the whimsical events occurring are all about. As much as a positive as this can be found, the writing at parts, particularly when Douglas is explaining concepts, feels stiff. At points, the characters speak in a rigid manner which always prompted me to just turn the page again. 

Douglas continues the tradition of science fiction as he lets concepts take the forefront of readers’ minds. The story is essentially a backdrop to introduce the elements everyone is actually interested in. The thoughts introduced by Douglas would often leave me contemplating the implications of such technology in our world. Despite these minor critiques, I would still highly recommend Douglas’ work to any science fiction fan. 

Additionally, the characters, though they may speak in a stiff manner at times, are still well-developed and relatable. Overall, Douglas’ work is a fantastic addition to the science fiction genre and I look forward to reading more from him in the future. His unique and thought-provoking concepts make for an enjoyable and mind-expanding reading experience. 

In spite of my dislike for the dialogue, I can respect how it makes the novel more accessible and entertaining for less scholarly readers. 

Getting through the book never felt like a chore, completing the base-task of all media. Though his descriptions are never on Stephen King’s level, readers will get a clear, vivid image of the settings portrayed. 

Those who have an interest in science and science fiction, especially those who are looking for something fresh, will enjoy reading Infinity Born. If you are looking for a new and exciting read in the science fiction genre, look no further than Douglas’ work. Due to the aspect of spycraft, government intelligence battles and a “Jack Ryan” like the protagonist, fans of novels akin to authors like Tom Clancy can also easily enjoy the novel. 

Infinity Born is a lovely length for anyone trying to simply pick up the first thing they see and get into it. With a fantastic hook, it will keep you turning pages, even if you are not a nerd or geek. It is not heavy, high sci-fi like Frank Herbert’s Dune; you will not have to keep a list of obscure language to understand. Instead, Douglas’ work offers a perfect balance of science and fiction, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The combination of action, espionage and futuristic technology make for a thrilling and engaging story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. The protagonist is relatable and likable, making it easy to become invested in the story and root for them as they navigate their way through the complex world of government espionage and technology. 

In summary, Douglas’ work is a must-read for fans of science fiction and spy thrillers. Its unique blend of genres, relatable protagonist and exciting action make for a thrilling and enjoyable read that is perfect for anyone looking for something new and exciting. The book is a great length that makes it easy to pick up and get into, and it is not overly heavy with high-level science fiction jargon, making it easy to understand and follow along. ★★★★☆