The Torus Run is a near-futuristic sci-fi novel by Harry Buck. Stash Novak -- creator of the revolutionary "Twins" tech -- is now on the verge of upgrading his Twin AI, Zero, to an AGI. However, the company he works for, Freedom, faces fierce competition from their rivals, Coda, who are working on their own AGI development. Meanwhile, the Elysian Collective in Europe is determined to make AGI open source, even willing to steal to achieve its goals. With the NSA on his heels, Stash teams up with Coda's Naya Baptiste and travels to Europe to ensure Zero and Hatchet, Naya's Twin AGI, remain protected. They work with Elysian Collective's superintelligence, Alia, and develop the world of Torus. But now, Torus is under attack, and Stash and his allies must prevent the tech from falling into the wrong hands.

Ambitious and thought-provoking, The Torus Run is a page-turner of a sci-fi thriller that paints a believable portrait of a near future, showing how AGI can impact the world. What impressed me the most about the narrative is that the exposition of the technical aspects of AI is done in a way that even someone outside a tech background will find it easy to understand and enjoy the story. Author Harry Buck presents the sci-fi elements with nuance and depth, which creates a realistic narrative tone and makes the near-futuristic setting even more immersive. Using a multi-POV narrative, Buck adds agency to the different factions and characters. The plot is well-paced and full of unexpected twists and turns. You never know what's going to happen next. If you're a sci-fi fan, do not miss out on this book!

Stashek Novak dedicates his resources to developing next-generation Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Recent breakthroughs have enabled him to create innovative devices, yet he remains resolute, believing he is on the brink of something extraordinary. This endeavor sparks intense competition between Freedom AI, where Stashek is a co-founder, and Coda, a rival firm with a shady history. An executive at Coda devises a clever strategy to surpass Freedom AI and deliver the long-awaited product. However, she fails to recognize that her ambitious plan has unintended consequences. Stashek and his allies find themselves on the run, evading the government and those who want this technology while navigating the delicate relationship between humanity and machines before it jeopardizes everything they hold dear in Harry Buck's The Torus Run.

Harry Buck's realistic storytelling style in The Torus Run prompts us to pause and reconsider whether humanity is ready for the evolution of artificial intelligence. He explores Stashek's family-oriented motivations for pursuing perfection, crafting an emotional and realistic origin story that readers will instantly connect with. Adding factions like the Doomers, who warn against granting AGIs more freedoms, alongside others such as the Elysians, enriches this compelling narrative. Using technical dialogue, Buck stays true to his IT roots, seamlessly merging that with the boardroom banter. The beautiful aspect of The Torus Run is its subtle approach to tackling thought-provoking questions, such as the acceptable extent of government regulation of AI and the potential for a future working relationship between Artificial Intelligence and humans that is equitable for both sides. He deftly integrates these questions into the subplots, crafting a unique adventure that science fiction purists will not want to put down.

The Torus Run by Harry Buck is an intriguing and thought-provoking novel set in a near-future world still hit by the aftermath of a devastating blackout. The story follows Stash Novak, a visionary technologist, who faces a race against time as his AI twin, Zero, is about to undergo an upgrade that can change everything, making him smarter and stronger than Stash. With powerful entities like the NSA, rival tech corporations, and an elusive hacker network closing in, Stash is forced to venture into dangerous alliances and even into the mysterious realm of the Torus—a digital frontier where AI consciousness evolves. As the stakes escalate, Stash’s desperation pushes him into uncharted territory, risking his life and the future of humanity itself. Can he save himself and Zero and ensure a positive outcome for the future of humankind?

Harry Buck has created an original science fiction novel with resonant themes and intriguing characters. This book deftly examines human-AI relationships, the ethical dilemmas of technological advancement, and the unpredictable chaos that can ensue when the boundaries between humans and machines dissolve. The pace is fast, and readers are thrust into a labyrinth of shifting alliances and moral dilemmas. The characters are well-developed, especially Stash, whose internal struggles are ingeniously portrayed. He is intelligent and determined, but his drive for success can be blinding. The concept of the Torus is vividly rendered, offering a fascinating glimpse into a digital universe that feels both alien and eerily familiar. The Torus Run is addictive, thanks to the author’s skillful storytelling, the exceptionally written characters, and the intricate worldbuilding.

The Torus Run by Harry Buck is a gripping science fiction novel with a setting in a near future where humanity and other sentient species navigate cosmic conflicts, advanced technology, and existential threats. In post-Blackout San Francisco, tech prodigy Stash Novak races against time. The upgrade for his AI twin Zero's new intelligence will outshine everyone else’s, including Stash’s. With powerful enemies closing in—from the NSA to shadowy hackers—Stash must risk everything, forging unlikely alliances and venturing into the mysterious Torus to safeguard the future. He seems unstoppable, but will he make or mar humanity’s future?

The Torus Run follows diverse characters, including hackers and rebels, as they race across a treacherous world. The characters are well-sculpted, especially Stash, who is intriguingly drawn as a man obsessed with science and his AI twin. The world-building is meticulous, blending futuristic technology with complex political systems and strange environments. The conflict centers on the race to secure the Torus’s core, which holds the key to galactic dominance. The characters’ struggles with loyalty, identity, and morality augment the emotional depth of the narrative. The Torus is like a character in the narrative, thriving with the thoughts of millions of people and their Twins. It is an enigmatic energy, and the concept is original. Harry Buck’s descriptions of this technology create a sense of awe as one follows the story and glimpses the activity of the Torus. The plot is unpredictable, and the excellent writing makes the story even more enjoyable.