The Last Ark by Guy Morris
What's it About?
The Last Ark: Lost Secrets of Qumran picks up shortly after the events of SWARM, continuing the story of tech entrepreneur Derek Taylor and his closest allies in their search for the rogue artificial intelligence (AI) entity known as SLVIA.In the second installment of the thrilling SNO Chronicles series, author Guy Morris manages the extraordinary feat of stitching together scintillating artifacts and prophecies from the ancient past with modern espionage and artificial intelligence technology. If Indiana Jones had the technological savvy of Elon Musk, he would fit perfectly in this book.
The Last Ark: Lost Secrets of Qumran picks up shortly after the events of SWARM, continuing the story of tech entrepreneur Derek Taylor and his closest allies in their search for the rogue artificial intelligence (AI) entity known as SLVIA.
THRILLING TECH-FILLED ADVENTURE NOVEL
Facing off against occult organizations, government-backed terrorists, and some of the most powerful despots on the planet, Taylor and team must rely on SLVIA as the only tool powerful enough to keep them ahead of their enemies. But can they trust that their sophisticated ally has the same definition of success when it comes to preserving mankind?
The Last Ark: Lost Secrets of Qumran has the familiar feeling of a sequel while exploring bold new territory and characters only alluded to in the previous installment. While The Last Ark is best appreciated as a follow-up to SWARM, it stands on its own as a fast-paced techno-thriller.
SHIFTING MORALS AND CRIMINAL CHARACTERS
In the beginning of the book, Guy Morris provides a list of characters that span both volumes along with their roles, titles, and a general identification of their allegiance — though readers will learn that the roles of “good guy” and “bad guy” frequently shift and intermingle throughout the course of this exciting story.
Taylor, for example, leads a team of hackers and double agents known as SNO – Spy Net Online (or Scavenger Nut Origami, from one of their recruitment tools). While SNO is branded a cyber-criminal organization and terrorist cell by many countries, their efforts are mostly benevolent: crippling dictators, exposing maniacal plots, and generally shining light on the darker dealings of those in power.
MIXING FICTION AND REALITY TO RAISE THE STAKES
While top-notch action and adventure are abundant in The Last Ark, the thing that makes each of Guy Morris’s novels so hard to put down is the way the author incorporates real-life technology, organizations, military weapons, and historical facts that are meticulously researched and carefully rendered.
Readers of The SNO Chronicles series learn of long-buried ancient artifacts, end-times prophecies that shape modern religion, hidden power structures, special ops groups that are active today, and geopolitical conflicts that have been quietly swept from public view. Not to mention the invasive technological capabilities depicted in The Last Ark that will have readers asking, “They can’t really do that, can they?”
As Morris warns in the beginning of the book, the characters and scenarios may be fictional, but so many of the startling details within these pages are indeed factual.
Once again, the artificial intelligence entity referred to as SLVIA (Sophisticated Language Virtual Intelligence Algorithm) takes a prominent role in this story, becoming an insightful character and an important ally to the team of agents that are pursuing it.
A GRIPPING CONTINUATION OF “SWARM”
In SWARM, readers witnessed both the destructive and benevolent capabilities of artificial intelligence; The Last Ark prods even further into the nature of SLVIA and why it strives to prevent the impending apocalypse foretold by ancient prophets. We also learn much more of the man who created the SLVIA program decades earlier in a secret government lab. Nelson Garrett takes a center stage in The Last Ark, as he joins Taylor’s efforts to track SLVIA, and explores his own mysterious lineage in the process.
Guy Morris delivers yet another gripping story that is successful on so many levels. History, religion, politics, espionage, alliances and assassins are all in play. The fate of our near future relies heavily on uncovering secrets of the ancient past.
Morris immerses readers in an end-times scenario that isn’t so very distant from the current state of global affairs. The Last Ark poses a crucial question: will we use unparalleled power and modern technology to save the world or destroy it?
The Last Ark: Lost Secrets of Qumran by Guy Morris is book two in the SNO Chronicles series. Derek Taylor is on the run. Hunted by a murderous cult, he is searching for SLVIA, a DARPA AI that has escaped. Meanwhile, the US national defense systems are being undermined by a new kind of hack, and, while Taylor knows he should be looking into it, he needs to find the third temple, a temple SLVIA warned existed. His journey leads him to the Vatican and on to Israel, where he finds a copper scroll leading to Moses’ Ark, lost for over 2500 years. In Washington, Jenn Scott’s father is killed by one of Putin’s men, and when she is kidnapped, Taylor faces an impossible choice. Whichever way he turns, things are about to change forever.
The Last Ark: Secrets of Qumran by Guy Morris is a fast-paced thriller packed with action in a fantastic plot. There are several stories here, all part of a bigger plot that our main protagonist must uncover, and each thread is woven steadfastly into the intricate story. The dialogue is tight and engaging, not filled with unnecessary fluff, and it all adds to the story. The characters are engaging, likable, and easy to relate to and you’ll soon find yourself rooting for Derek Taylor. It’s often difficult to balance action and violence in a thriller – this one has the perfect mix and is one of the most thrilling, heart-pounding stories I have ever read. Although this is part of a series, I believe it could be read as a standalone story. If you love high-action political thrillers, you will love this story.
THE WOWJI REVIEW: In the crowded world of political and religious thrillers, "The Last Ark" by Guy Morris is a beacon of innovative storytelling, illuminating the genre's potential with an intricate narrative structure and a keen sense of dramatic timing. "The Last Ark" is a labyrinth of suspense and intrigue, filled with compelling characters, geopolitical machinations, and theological mysteries that pull you into its vortex and refuse to let go. Morris's deep exploration of political intrigue, cyber warfare, and secret societies, ranging from Jerusalem's sacred grounds to the hallowed halls of Washington, DC, is as unsettling as it is riveting. The characters in "The Last Ark" are diverse and fully fleshed out, each with their own distinct motivations, fears, and hopes. From the formidable Derek to the complex Jenn, Morris's characters not only drive the narrative but also serve as fascinating studies of humanity under pressure. The author places these characters in a range of emotionally charged scenarios, leading to a rich tapestry of human experience. Morris has an uncanny ability to ground his narrative in real-world issues, giving the reader a palpable sense of the global stage on which the drama unfolds. His depiction of modern geopolitics, such as the state of the US-Russia relations and the consequences of cyberattacks, makes for an uncomfortably realistic read. At its heart, "The Last Ark" is also a deep exploration of faith. Whether it's through the journey to safeguard the Ark of Testimony or the struggle to understand the role of secretive religious organizations, Morris touches on spiritual themes that resonate on a universal level. However, "The Last Ark" is not for the faint-hearted reader. It demands your full attention with its multitude of characters and plot threads. The story's dense narrative might prove a hurdle for some, but for those who persist, the rewards are rich - a riveting narrative packed with action, suspense, and intellectual provocation. In conclusion, "The Last Ark" is a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the labyrinthine world of international politics, ancient religious relics, and cutting-edge technology. It showcases Morris's narrative prowess and his ability to weave a multitude of elements into a coherent and engaging whole. For those up to the challenge, this book promises a journey that is as enlightening as it is entertaining
