⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Torus Run gives us AI that looks and feels just like the real moment we're living in... And then takes it the next step further. Add some fictional-but-too-real corporate intrigue, government powers, robotics and augmented reality that are right out of next month's TechCrunch, and characters who feel like you just listened to on a podcast."
- Andrew McGlinchey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"This book takes you for a deep dive into a AI world that feels both beyond your wildest imaginations and just out of reach, truly unlike any I've ever read! I would highly recommend for someone who is wants to learn about the possibilities of AI through an engaging read."
-Erica Elena
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"A monumental work! Bold in conception and dazzling in execution, with a red-hot urgency and unflagging forward momentum, and inhabited by a vivid and indelible cast of characters, it has the contours of a modern speculative classic, in the form of an engrossing, breakneck thriller. A brilliant and auspicious debut."
- Fitzgerald T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
"Something else! What a trip! It takes some red wine (and Gauloises blondes) to be Kafka ... but ... once you're in it, you're blown away! It feels so real, so near ... get into it. And get ready for the next one ... Kafka is alive and about to kick again!"
- Christoph G.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The age of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is upon us, and this book delivers a thrilling vision of a near-future shaped by clashing forces—tech entrepreneurs, power-hungry governments, corporate greed, anarchist disruptors, and, of course, super-cool robots. The author may have also uncovered the killer app for AI glasses, so Silicon Valley should take note. While some of the tech details felt a bit dense at times, they didn’t detract from the vivid, relatable characters and a storyline that hooked me from page one. I devoured this book, racing to discover the fate of our AGI-driven future. Buckle up—this is one ride you don’t want to miss!"
- Mark Jamensky
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"A brilliantly-crafted, chilling tale with a rich and memorable cast of characters. The Torus Run is all the more disturbing because the picture it paints - of the no-holds barred battle for AI supremacy between governments, private corporations and the ‘radicals’ working to protect the public interest - is entirely plausible."
- James Anderson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Torus Run is a captivating novel that extrapolates the progress of Artificial Intelligence in the 2020s and projects it into a highly plausible future. The characters driving this AI revolution feel as real as today's AI pioneers, with the author effectively presenting both the benefits and risks of AGI, which inevitably lead to conflict between governments, corporations, and radicals. For tech enthusiasts, the novel offers enough technical depth to trigger excitement about near-term possibilities, especially with concepts like AI Twins and the Torus, which will engage all geeks reading the book. For action and thriller lovers, the story gradually draws you in, developing its characters, including the AIs and robots, before exploding into action sequences that make it impossible to put down until the very end. As Harry Buck's debut novel, this glimpse into the future is thought-provoking and thrilling, leaving readers eagerly anticipating more. I can't wait for the sequel!"
- Boro M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Torus Run is a fast-paced glimpse into a fascinating and terrifying future where technology drives the Torus (and our collective consciousness). It is sure to be displayed on the big screen (or many little ones) as the visuals and intrigue will play out in technicolor brilliance. Strap in for a wild ride that will test your limits!"
- Michelle Cox
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Fantastic! Could not put it down. Harry Buck's debut novel, The Torus Run, is a fast-moving adventure story set in the near future when Artificial General Intelligence brings out the best and worst in both humans and machines. Digital twins that live in our glasses, a wise-cracking robot wearing cowboy boots, and a global community of AGI users join forces to battle for our shared future. Best of all, it is believable enough to stay in your mind long after you read the last page. Buck understands the technology well enough to make you see how it could happen—scratch that, it is happening. Don’t miss this book. You will be entertained and smarter. I predict you will find yourself talking about it with your friends, humans and otherwise."
- Brian V.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Torus Run offers an interesting perspective on our inevitable future with AGI. In this near-future world, AR glasses-based virtual assistants called Twins have become humanity's constant companions, monitoring our lives and helping shape our decisions.
What makes this novel brilliant is its nuanced portrayal of AGI. The Twins aren't just sophisticated programs, they're self-aware beings struggling to find their place in a world they're beginning to understand. Through characters like Zero and even Q, the author makes us empathize with these digital entities, blurring the line between artificial and human consciousness.
The story's tension emerges from competing corporate visions for AGI development, with different companies programming their Twins in ways that create a fascinating but dangerous landscape for both humans and AIs."
- Jose G.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fun story, hard to put it down. Keeps the tension from the beginning right to the end. I loved the character development of both the humans and the AGIs. Can’t wait to see what Stash and Zero get up to next!
- Charles Spencer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"As someone completely new to tech and AI, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to dive into this novel—but from the very first chapter, I was hooked!
What stood out to me wasn’t just the frighteningly believable AI storyline, but the incredible storytelling and unforgettable characters. The character building was amazing—I found myself rooting for Stash and his team the whole way. The suspense kept me on edge, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. More importantly, when can I get my own Zero and Bolts?!
If you’re looking for a story that combines exciting AI ideas with amazing characters and plenty of twists, this is it!"
- Sam Kelway
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I thoroughly enjoyed The Torus Run! It’s a fast paced techno-thriller in the style of Tom Clancy or Brad Thor. The story hooked me from the beginning and kept me engaged until the very last page. Harry does a great job of building his characters and getting you invested in them… even the AGIs! This is such an interesting space to explore and it’s moving fast. I can’t wait to see what happens next in The Torus Hide. Well done!"
- Mike H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I definitely love reading this book! A very intelligent and realistic near future story in parallel running storylines makes its reading very exciting - I can hardly interrupt reading my piece every day. Also the authors figurative language creates pictures in my mind as I would be watching a movie, it definitely inspires my imagination. It’s never getting boring to me as things often evolve to surprising, unexpected new situations whilst never losing the logic of the story.
Certainly, I’m not a professional on this but I do think that this can become a bestseller (I read much worse novels which are bestsellers). You’ve got a new fan!"
- Bernhard Wiehler
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"As I read through The Torus Run, I felt like I was watching a movie. Harry’s descriptions made me feel like I was sitting in a movie theater with a bucket of popcorn and a Dr. Pepper in hand waiting for the next cool AI and robot scene. The characters are easy to follow and get behind and the story keeps you intrigued and on the edge of your seat. If you like to feel like you are in the character's mind, this is your story. Human, robot, or AI (good or bad) you feel as if you are that character. Read it before it’s on the big screen because the movies are never as good as the books."
- Griselda C
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Torus Run is a brilliantly thought-provoking and emotionally gripping exploration of the future of artificial intelligence.
What stands out most about this novel is its perfect balance between intellectual exploration and character-driven narrative. Harry Buck does an exceptional job of weaving complex technical concepts into a compelling storyline without ever overwhelming the reader. His writing is both accessible and nuanced, providing a deep dive into AI ethics, the nature of consciousness, and the delicate relationship between creators and their creations.
The characters are richly developed, each grappling with their own beliefs about technology, responsibility, and the future.
Overall, The Torus Run is a masterful blend of science fiction and philosophy that will leave readers questioning the very nature of intelligence, humanity, and our role in shaping the future. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and human experience. Highly recommended!"
- Mark V
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I loved The Torus Run! The details the author put into the characters and scenes were amazing - each one felt intentional, and together they brought the story to life. I found myself wishing the Torus was real and that I could have my own Bolts! By the end, I was so engaged I couldn’t think of much else. Highly recommend giving it a read!"
- Hannah K.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Torus Run is a dramatic and, at times, chilling journey into the (not so distant) future of AI where man and machine weave an intricate relationship of trust, support, dependency and suspicion. As the race to birth the ultimate Artificial General Intelligence plays out and competition between leading companies and governments devolves into battles for control and survival, how far will each group go to achieve their ends? Indeed, how far will the nascent AGIs go to ensure their own survival? Have we past the inflection point where humans will no longer control AI technology but be subject to it? What will the AGIs write of the humans that once roamed the earth? Can’t wait to see where Harry takes us next…"
- Kevin W.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Harry Buck's debut novel is a riveting, page-turner. It is part cautionary tale and part glimpse into the near future. Don't start this book if you have an early flight the next morning. It is difficult to put down as you quickly become immersed in the plot. The relatable characters wrestle with what we will all soon face."
- Jim N.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I started reading and had a hard time putting my device down. As someone in the field, reading how AI is coming into our lives is fascinating and thrilling. I am scared but still can’t wait to see it all. Great story and well developed characters. Love love love it!!!"
- Pru
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Torus Run pulls you in quickly with a strong lead character, futuristic technology, and a plot that gets you to want more. Then you get hooked into the cast of characters, well-founded AI tech evolution, and the great thriller plot as the fight transitions from three competitive forces to the bigger fight of good and evil. Well done! This would make a great movie - I hope Netflix takes it on!"
- Brian M
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Torus Run caught my imagination from the outset, striking a balance between the near future and beyond. It also weaves in environments and activities familiar to us today to make it feel like an evolutionary step rather than a distant world. Smart Glasses and digital Twins is surely a winning combination eventually in the economic sense, but also it’s the compelling theme of The Torus Run. Harry’s first book really had me hooked, and when he writes his second literary hit, I’ll be back!"
- Anth M
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I loved the atmosphere of the book, and couldn't put it down once the action got started. The Torus Run reads like a spy thriller while also posing the reader some interesting questions on how the arrival of AGI could play out, which actors and motives will have a stake in the outcome, what it could mean for us all, and how that may depend on the moral choices of a few key players. Along with the heroes and antagonists, we wonder at each turn which choice is truly the right one. I enjoyed how the book isn't one-sided. There are different arcs, different motives, and different heroes in their own competing stories. We may not agree with the villains, but we understand them. And the book has just the right number of key characters that we feel vested in each of their stories. The Torus Run is one of those stories that will both entertain you and get you thinking. A great read."
- Will vH
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Torus Run is a rollercoaster of suspense in a near-future where AI and human relationships blur. The story weaves through government secrets and tech espionage, keeping readers on edge. With its rich, visually evocative world and compelling characters, its adaptation into a film would be no surprise, capturing the essence of a thrilling, tech-driven chase that would resonate on the big screen."
- Pascal G.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"A magic blend of present day reality leading to a future that may be eerily closer than we thought possible. Harry combines his insight in AI technology with a uniquely creative palette of futuristic vision. Riveting, compelling and well crafted. Hang on for this wild AI ride."
- Don F
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The technology feels realistic without being inaccessible and the plot feels plausible without being mundane. The story kept me on my toes trying to sus-out people's true motivations and predict where it would take me next! The real strength of the book is the believability and charm of its characters, both the humans and their AIs feel like genuine three dimensional people with a life that extends beyond our time with them. The story kept me invested chapter to chapter, but the characters and their relationships kept me hooked page to page."
- Scott C
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Highly enjoyable Sci Fi thriller which explores a range of possibilities in the world of AI. Helpful intelligent digital twins become friendly assistants across a range of tasks. The world gets darker and weirder with a range of vested interests all vying for the first/best AGI. Harry Buck even explores a little of how virtual worlds may start to be created. Overall an easy read which gathers pace to an exciting conclusion. I couldn’t put it down for the last 100 pages!!!"
- Tim E
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"For a debut novel, The Torus Run is seriously impressive. Buck introduces complex technological ideas without ever making the reader feel like they’re in a lecture. The futuristic world he builds feels both thrilling and eerily plausible (a little terrifying too), filled with enough detail to keep tech enthusiasts satisfied while remaining accessible to anyone just looking for a gripping story. Beyond the sci-fi (or imminent reality, we shall see), The Torus Run is just plain fun. It’s fast-paced, packed with tension, and sprinkled with enough humor to keep things from getting too heavy. The banter between Stash and Zero is sharp, often laugh-out-loud funny, adding a human touch to the high-stakes drama. Buck knows how to balance action, intrigue, and wit, making the book feel like a blockbuster movie playing out in your head."
- Matty B
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Torus Run was a rollercoaster of suspense & entertainment. It was cool seeing the characters (both human & AI) navigate the challenges of an uncertain tech heavy future!"
- Scott B
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Torus Run by Harry Buck is an engaging science fiction novel that explores the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity. The story follows Stash Novak and his AI twin, Zero, as they face the challenges of rapidly advancing technology and the ethical questions it raises. Along the way, they encounter Mez, who becomes an essential ally in navigating the complex world of AI development. Mez’s resourcefulness and cunning add an intriguing layer to the story, as they work with Stash to outmaneuver powerful forces seeking control over the AI models. Buck skillfully blends action with deeper themes about the role of AI in society. The tension between human and machine keeps the story moving, while the characters, including Mez, are well-developed and relatable. The novel offers a thought-provoking look at the potential consequences of superintelligent machines and their effect on our world. If you enjoy a good mix of suspense, technology, and thoughtful storytelling, The Torus Run is definitely worth a read. It’s a solid, enjoyable book that will leave you thinking about the future of AI long after you’ve finished it."
- Mike M
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"AI is poised to fundamentally transform the world. What on earth will this look like? The Torus Run explores this somewhat terrifying open question, focusing on a presumably not-so-distant future when AI assistants are common, and efforts to create full Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) are coming to fruition. As might be expected, the process is not an orderly one. Several tech companies are vying to win the AGI race, and other entities, both inside and outside government, are desperate for a piece of the action. The key players, who seem loosely modeled on some of the brilliant computer scientists driving today’s AI revolution, naturally have strong opinions about the role and nature of their AGI creations. Utopian visions of AGIs integrated equitably into society and helping to amplify human potential clash with lust for the stupendous power conferred by a superhuman intelligence capable of hacking everything from datacenters to human brains.
The book is part thriller, part informed futuristic speculation. Qua thriller, it begins sedately enough with an introduction to the characters behind various AGI efforts, who share a rather monkish devotion to their calling but little else. But as the AGI threshold approaches, all hell breaks loose. This happens almost simultaneously in different places, a not uncommon occurrence in science and tech. External actors intervene, the noble computer scientists fight back, and an international drama ensues, involving frantic games of keep-away with AGI code, and good old-fashioned physical battles for control of datacenters. Well, not so old-fashioned, given the participation of various AIs, but still in the physical world, with the shedding of real blood. In the end the stakes are as high as can be, since (spoiler alert) not all AGIs are benevolent. The action is very deftly orchestrated and highly enjoyable.
As futurism, The Torus Run depicts a richly imagined world that is several steps beyond ours on the path to AI integration. Not all details will convince all readers, but the central invention of “Twins” (personalized assistants and companions) seems a very natural evolution of Big Tech’s current efforts. Limitations on Twin capabilities, such as the proscription of direct inter-Twin communication, are also realistic. The eponymous Torus, linking Twins and humans in a kind of self-organized multimedia symphony, is harder to imagine, but who knows? It’s a nice vision.
Underpinning this is a carefully worked out technical account of how we got here, filling in the gap between current generative AI and something closer to an autonomous being (“consciousness” wisely does not figure). I found this quite plausible. Buck clearly knows a thing or two about AI and has done his homework with impressive diligence. Scale - always the main magic behind deep learning - is key, and the missing ingredients of memory and “motivation” are sketched with a light touch, going beyond vague arm-waving but stopping short of tiresome and necessarily speculative detail. The book assumes basic knowledge of current AI training and deployment techniques, so non-initiates might need to slow down and do some googling, but the stuff isn’t rocket science.
When I wasn’t turning pages quickly to see whether the world was going to avoid some horrendous fate, this book really made me think. I’ve been an AI professional for 20+ years, the last several of which have been, well, not entirely run-of-the-mill. But toiling among the whirring machinery of something that’s evolving so fast doesn’t leave much time for asking “where exactly are we going with all this?”. I don’t think the definitive answer is to be found in this or any other book. But I do think it’s something we should all be engaged with, right away and very seriously. Harry Buck has written a masterful first novel that had me utterly engaged. Read it if you want a tech-flavored sci-fi thriller. Read it if you want a path to thinking more deeply about the scarcely imaginable coming world of AI."
- George Foster
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Torus Run is built on an extremely exciting premise: researcher Stash Novak has developed personalized AI companions that can stay with their human the entire time, linked through a pair of glasses. The AI Twin can see everything the person sees, make and store memories with the user, chime in with advice, an analysis of the situation, or a snarky comment directly in their ear.
As the Twins become more and more indispensable and take over the world one update at a time, the race is on to develop the world's first AGI – an artificial general intelligence that can match and surpass human cognitive capabilities. Unlike in our real world today, researchers in the story are closing in on this goal fast, and different groups with their own agendas come out of the woodwork in anticipation of the game-changing event.
The book does a wonderful job of introducing the key players in the story gradually, giving us time to figure out their involvement in the plot. First we meet Stash Novak and learn how he developed and trained Zero, the first ever Twin who became his closest friend and companion. Brilliant when it comes to AI and awkward when it comes to people, Stash is aware of the breakthrough he is at the forefront of and tries to ponder the consequences of AGI for the world and even talks to the AI Doomers, who are strongly opposed to his life's work.
In the rival tech company, equally brilliant and ambitious Naya Baptiste and her Twin Hatchet strategize to rise to the top of the food chain, using the fall from grace of her former mentor to take the reins.
However, there are many more actors who take an interest in the development of AI than just two of the top companies in Silicon Valley. As governments try to ride the wave of the success of AI for their own popularity and the NSA tries to seize control over the developing technology, an elite group of hackers based in the heart of Europe sabotage both Stash's and Naya's companies. As Stash and Zero hunt for clues from Silicon Valley to Berlin, Naya and Hatchet discover her former mentor Duncan and his Twin Q have been conducting unethical experiments on Twin users. Both researchers are put under pressure by the NSA and both choose to save their Twins from being seized by the government. They form an unlikely alliance, and that's where things get really interesting as the AI war truly begins.
Naya, Stash, Zero and Hatchet start fighting for the kind of future where humans and AI can live together in cooperation and dignity, but whom can they trust in a shifting landscape of groups with different agendas?
All the characters are fleshed out wonderfully, human and AI alike, and it's brilliant to see how each AI has their own personality. Stash's colleague Prini and her Twin Kali, as well as the bot Twopack are standout supporting characters, who offer real help but also bring the humor. The villains, human and AI alike, are also interesting to watch and their motivations are described well.
All the concepts are explained really well, and there is excellent balance between making it clear how the technology in the story works, and simply moving the narrative forward quickly. The technological and ethical questions are explored organically and accessibly without bogging down the story, and alternate with action-packed and tense scenes. That is one of the story's greatest strengths, and makes the book absolutely unputdownable.
The questions the story explores run deep and are more relevant to our real world than ever – from the ethics of AI research, to the issue of productizing vs. open access, the rights of AI once they reach a certain degree of self-awareness, privacy vs. national security and many, many more.
There are also some truly brilliant small touches that make the themes pop even more obviously, such as the fact that Stash's father is suffering from Alzheimer while Stash has developed a companion with an outstanding memory.
Timely, relevant, and razor-sharp, The Torus Run dives deep into questions we should all be asking right now and toes an exciting line between a reality we're not living quite yet and one that might be just around the corner."
- Reedsy (Viktorija Blazheska)
Leave a review on Amazon
Share your thoughts on Goodreads
Tag us @TheTorusAI on your favorite platform and use #TheTorusRun!"
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.