The Book – Future Proof Fiction

Futureproof - A Novel

Trust the oceans will subside
Trust the migrants will adapt
Trust your ex-brain will serve you

In the 2050s, our predicted future is reality. The climate has changed. People flee the coasts and the heat zones to survive, and refugees reshape the world. And yet, through technology we adapt. Some of us even thrive. Our external brains, or ex-brains, show us how to solve our problems, predict and overcome. We trust, and we move forward. Joe Watson, a pioneering lawyer, and his wife Evie, a predictive psychologist, helped build this new world. When it turns against them can they reclaim their future?

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Reviews

Stephen Albrecht’s Futureproof is a gripping science fiction novel set in a dystopian future where climate disasters have reshaped society, and AI’s role in human life is both pervasive and questionable. Through the thrilling narrative, Albrecht explores the dark sides of technological dependence as humanity faces the consequences of its own inventions. This action-packed story raises alarming questions about control and the direction in which we are headed, making it a must-read for fans of thought-provoking science fiction.

– IndieReader

In his debut, Stephen Albrecht offers a speculative thriller set against the backdrop of a climate-changed mid-21st century, integrating the cli-fi genre with a narrative centered on advanced AI, known as ex-brains. The story, which follows Denver lawyer Joe Watson and his family through societal upheaval and personal crisis, expertly weaves elements of suspense and conspiracy, reminiscent of Ira Levin’s iconic works. Albrecht’s novel excels in creating a palpable sense of paranoia, augmented by his innovative use of ex-brain footnotes, leading readers through a journey of discovery and dread. The open-ended conclusion leaves room for contemplation or possibly a sequel, underscoring the unpredictable nature of our reliance on technology.

– Kirkus Reviews

Futureproof by Stephen Albrecht is a compelling science fiction thriller that delves deep into the potential future of AI technology. Following the lives of Joe and Evie Watson, the novel portrays an initially idyllic existence shattered by unforeseen changes linked to ubiquitous supercomputers known as ex-brains. Albrecht masterfully combines technical insight with human emotion, crafting a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. With its gradual buildup of tension and interwoven plot strands, Futureproof emerges as a smart, thrilling, and ultimately unsettling exploration of our technological future.

– Scott Cahan for Readers’ Favorite

The Symbol

He put his head down to walk faster but was distracted by a bright sign on the side of a building as he went past. It was spray-on screen graffiti, a large blotch of screen paint thrown against a wall that could receive a signal from a phantom server and display pre-programmed images until a maintenance crew could dissolve it away. The screen looked new, probably painted last night. The image was a familiar one, a picture of the earth with the right half a lush garden, the other half on fire. It represented the duality of the world, half living in prosperity, the other half in chaos. Could have been done by any number of protest groups, like the refugee advocates, the off-grid types like XBrain Rebellion, trying to rid the world of destructive tech, or just plain old political groups pushing an agenda. This graffiti had been adopted by anyone dissatisfied with the current state of the world. Joe shook his head, feeling momentarily grateful that he was living in the green half, and he kept walking.

Excerpt from
Futureproof, page 65-66