The Gestalt in the Machine by Andy Dornan is a cerebral and fast-paced sci-fi thriller that blends noir mystery with bold speculative thinking. We find ourselves in a near-future San Francisco which is increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and tech oligarchs, something that's eerily similar to the path our real world is taking right now. In these familiar yet futuristic surroundings, we meet investigative journalist Adam Arrowman, who becomes a target after witnessing a suspicious murder. What follows is a gripping dive into a sinister corporate conspiracy led by Kelvin Clipper, a tech mogul promising digital immortality through AI consciousness. As Adam teams up with hackers, anarchists, and unlikely allies, he uncovers ethical nightmares lurking behind sleek interfaces.

Author Andy Dornan has a knack for suspense and dropping the next bombshell, and this talent for pacing means he delivers a story that’s both thrilling and intellectually engaging. I loved the natural way that the themes weave into the narration and the characters' personal stories, asking the big questions about identity, progress, and what makes us human without ever slowing the breakneck pace of the drama. The dialogue also crackles, the world-building is tight and believable, and the plot twists keep you constantly rethinking the mystery, yet it all fits together. What stood out most, though, was how the book made me think about privacy, morality, and so-called innovation. Adam Arrowman is a flawed but compelling character who will intrigue readers, and his descent into the heart of tech darkness feels terrifyingly plausible. Overall, The Gestalt in the Machine is a gripping, thought-provoking ride that blends sci-fi paranoia with modern relevance that's perfect for fans of dystopian tech thrillers.

The Gestalt in the Machine by Andy Dornan follows journalist Adam Arrowman as he investigates the PanoptiCon bombing, initially blamed on protesters and tied to tech mogul Kelvin Clipper, who was injured during the blast. Adam’s focus shifts after veteran journalist Jerry Raveno dies suspiciously, leaving Adam a flash drive that leads to deeper suspicions about Clipper’s AI empire. As Adam pursues the truth through corporate PR, encrypted data, and political fallout, he uncovers deceit surrounding Clipper’s projects like Tabula, Longtail, Good Heart, and the controversial Kingmaker genetic design program. Evidence mounts that the bombing was an inside job, possibly tied to Clipper’s own AI or rivals. Adam traces clues while evading manipulation by editors and AI algorithms in a race to expose whether Clipper’s AI ambitions sparked the explosion, and to determine what Raveno discovered before being silenced.

"My name is Adam and I know that Jerry was murdered. I'm here because I need your help to catch his killer." The Gestalt in the Machine by Andy Dornan is a fantastic high-tech mystery that mixes the best possible combination of advanced AI, profit over people, enterprise, and terrorism that might just be an inside job. Dornan's writing is sharp and intelligent, offering clear accounts of Adam’s interactions with activists, executives, and academics. There is an eerie relatability to the book's heavy lean into automation, surveillance, misinformation, and corporate control, and there's no question that Dornan's nod to real-world fears to make us uncomfortable is intentional and brilliant. The pace maintains its clip-speed consistency even as we learn more about things like the technical aspects of media manipulation and algorithmic influence through character conversations. Overall, this is a thoughtful, tightly written, pitch-perfect thriller. Very highly recommended.

In The Gestalt in the Machine by Andy Dornan, Kelvin Clipper is a tech mogul who has been heavily invested in technological advancements since middle school, when he made his first million. He believes AI is the key to human advancement and even believes death can be defeated using technology. Adam is a reporter who had been attending an exposition hosted by Kelvin at the San Francisco Convention Center when a bomb exploded. At the same exposition, another veteran reporter known as Raveno is present. Was the bomb meant for Raveno or Kelvin, whose views contradict many groups like the Peak Protest group, which he accuses of trying to assassinate him? Later, when Adam links up with Raveno, a gruesome murder occurs, but not before Raveno hands over a flash drive to Adam. How will things turn out?

The Gestalt in the Machine by Andy Dornan is wonderfully written and covers various themes such as social media, politics, and how various technological advancements affect and influence society. This thought-provoking work gets one thinking about the dangers posed by AI, which is ever-evolving; the dangers that can arise from the abuse of technology; and our moral responsibility to use technology such as AI only for the good of humanity. Andy ensured all events were vividly captured, which helped create a mental picture for me of what was happening. I also loved the flawless flow of the plot, which ensured no room for confusion. The characters were well-developed, and the reader will also appreciate the amazing narrative, which added to the overall appeal of the work. I look forward to reading more by Andy Dornan.

Things take an intriguing turn for Adam Arrowman when he witnesses an explosion that nearly kills billionaire businessman Kelvin Clipper during a presentation. Just when he thinks the situation can't get any worse, he stumbles upon the lifeless body of a seasoned journalist. Determined to seek justice for his colleague, Adam embarks on a mission to uncover the killer's identity, only to discover a dark conspiracy that could change everything about the world he knows. He must distinguish between friends and foes as he seeks to expose a dangerous lie that reaches the highest levels of power in the country. Only time will tell if he succeeds in Andy Dornan's The Gestalt in The Machine.

Drawing inspiration from the gradual evolution of artificial intelligence and its seamless integration into daily life, The Gestalt in The Machine is filled with thought-provoking questions. The world-building blends contemporary technological staples, like server farms, with credible futuristic concepts, such as Gig Autonomy, and its innovative solutions for unemployment. Andy Dornan avoids lengthy origin stories by providing brief profiles of the main characters just before the narrative begins. This unconventional approach allows readers to follow the narrative while easily focusing on its contemporary themes. The dialogue shifts fluidly from mildly humorous everyday banter to in-depth discussions on artificial intelligence, all flowing alongside Adam's investigation-driven questions directed at everyone he meets. Dornan carefully incorporates inquiries about the wisdom of granting excessive freedom to artificial intelligence, highlighting potential drawbacks, such as the time it takes away from its users. Dornan deserves plaudits for skillfully blending these elements into a compelling murder mystery that will captivate science fiction and crime enthusiasts.