The Image: A Quantum Portal Has Opened (SNO Chronicles) by Guy Morris is a globe-trotting conspiracy thriller that fuses cutting-edge science with ancient mystery. A CERN experiment opens a quantum portal, and then it emits a signal that entangles the entire digital world, drawing the attention of SLVIA, a rogue AI that escaped from the NSA decades ago. As SLVIA deciphers a warning embedded in the signal, it begins manipulating global events toward a predicted apocalypse. Meanwhile, former intelligence agent Derek Taylor and scholar Jenn Scott are pulled into a sweeping investigation that spans from ancient Edessa to the heart of modern power centers. With enemies on every side and secrets buried in both history and code, the duo must outwit governments, secret cabals, and a sentient AI bent on executing its end-times prophecy. At the center lies the mysterious Image of Edessa: a relic that may hold the key to humanity’s salvation or doom.

Author Guy Morris has a brilliant sense of when to drop the next twist in this smoothly paced, exciting story, and he crafts a heady mix of techno-thriller and historical intrigue that is distinctly unique in its voice and approach. Everything feels credible in the worldbuilding, with a logical structure and deep consideration behind the organizations and concepts at play. This is down to Morris's seamless use of real-world science and ancient lore, which gives the story an eerie plausibility that heightens the suspense, but it’s also because of the commitment of his central characters to their cause. Derek and Jenn are dynamic and strong figures with some great dialogue exchanges between them. They are also strongly shaped by the attitudes of those around them and their technological experiences, and this adds layers of realism and commitment to their journey that keep readers invested in the outcome, their bond, and their safety. Overall, I’d certainly recommend The Image as a rare fusion of conspiracy theory, theology, and quantum science that keeps you thinking and guessing until the end.

In The Image: A Quantum Portal Has Opened (SNO Chronicles), Guy Morris presents a world rife with conflict, political intrigue, end-time prophecy, and the impending threat of nuclear war. A black hole experiment at CERN releases a quantum signal connecting with every Earth computer. The only one who can decode the signal is the rogue NSA AI known as SLVIA, who manipulates global events to align with simulations predicting the end of time. Two operatives, Derek Taylor and Jenn Scott, must race against time to unravel a conspiracy that takes them from Edessa to Rome and the White House. Derek is ensnared in a dangerous web as he attempts to foil an assassination and is pursued by a Swiss banker with ties to the Kremlin. Can they unravel the mystery before it is too late, and what does it have to do with the ancient Image of Edessa?

Guy Morris’ novel reminds me of the works of James Rollins, with its stunningly imagined and expertly executed plot, nuanced and believable characters, and a conspiracy that drives the action in unexpected directions. The writing captivated me — searing and delightful. Morris has the knack for crafting measured sentences and creating terrific descriptions tempered by beautifully written and engaging dialogues. While The Image is conflict-driven, the author invests in the characters, drawing them with fascinating details. They are genuinely flawed, and their inner battles are vividly portrayed. Fans of technoscience and thrillers with complex characters, phenomenal conflict, and engaging themes will love this book.

The Image: A Quantum Portal Has Opened (SNO Chronicles) by Guy Morris is a well-plotted, mesmerizing thriller that will appeal to fans of conspiracy and technoscience. A scientific experiment goes wrong and opens a portal to a higher dimension. With every computer on earth being affected, a rogue AI with the unique capabilities of decoding the signals predicting the end of days for humanity instead manipulates events worldwide to echo the signals of doom. Two bold operatives, Derek Taylor and Jenn Scott, are racing against time to unravel a global conspiracy that might unleash a nuclear war. Derek falls into a deadly trap as he tries to stop an assassination, and a Swiss banker with ties to the Kremlin is on his trail. The stakes heighten with every move Derek and his partner make, but can they unravel the mystery and prevent a dreadful catastrophe?

I loved everything about this book—the fast pacing, the relentless drama, the well-drawn characters, and the detailed setting. The characters are multilayered and memorable, especially the two operatives, Derek and Jenn. The author weaves in backstories for the characters without veering away from the plot, creating focused scenes and engaging dialogue. I was fascinated by the terrific descriptions and the detailed world with resonant features and technology that felt real. The Image is filled with action, and Guy Morris introduces twists that readers won’t see coming. I was immersed and utterly invested in the characters, being pulled in by the unpredictability of the plot. You can’t put this book down once you’ve started reading.

The Image: A Quantum Portal Has Opened by Guy Morris is the third book in the SNO Chronicles and a gripping tale of cutting-edge science, espionage, and shadowy global power struggles. Dr. Christian Anton uncovers evidence of a higher dimension through particle physics experiments at CERN, triggering a chain of events involving rogue AI, covert military operations, and international espionage. Only SLVIA, a rogue AI within the NSA, can decipher its ominous warning for humanity. Convinced that civilization has entered its final days, SLVIA manipulates global events to align with its apocalyptic simulations. Meanwhile, Derek Taylor, a fugitive cyber vigilante, and Jenn Scott navigate a treacherous web of betrayal and danger, seeking to expose a conspiracy that threatens to unleash chaos upon the world. As mysterious signals, secret societies, and high-tech weaponry come into play, Derek and Jenn must confront betrayals, a Swiss banker on their trail, and insidious influence from the Kremlin.

This gripping, suspenseful science fiction novel blew my mind. The world-building is exceptionally accomplished and realistic, immersing readers in a world where humans share power with AI, which makes it all the more fascinating. Guy Morris skillfully melds different elements to create a robust plot that explores the limits of science, the perils of technological innovation, political intrigue, and ancient prophecies. There are twists I never saw coming, and as the action grows in intensity and the conflict escalates to phenomenal levels, readers race toward a satisfying denouement. Characterization is stellar, and I enjoyed watching the characters evolve and struggle against the backdrop of a global conspiracy. Set against diverse backdrops from CERN’s laboratories and Greek islands to hidden monasteries and international conference halls, The Image delivers everything I look for in science fiction.