Dark Intelligence
One man will transcend death to seek vengeance. One woman will transform herself to gain power. And no one will emerge unscathed...
Thorvald Spear wakes in hospital, where he finds he's been brought back from the dead. What's more, he died in a human vs. alien war which ended a whole century ago. But when he relives his traumatic final moments, he finds the spark to keep on living. That spark is vengeance. Trapped and desperate on a world surrounded by alien Prador forces, Spear had seen a rescue ship arriving. But instead of providing backup, Penny Royal, the AI within the destroyer turned rogue. It annihilated friendly forces in a frenzy of destruction, and, years later, it's still free. Spear vows to track it across worlds and do whatever it takes to bring it down.
Isobel Satomi ran a successful crime syndicate. But after competitors attacked, she needed more power. Yet she got more than she bargained for when she negotiated with Penny Royal. She paid it to turn her part-AI herself, but the upgrades hid a horrifying secret. The Dark AI had triggered a transformation in Isobel that would turn her into a monster, rapidly evolving into something far from human.
Spear hires Isobel to take him to the Penny Royal AI's last known whereabouts. But he cheats her in the process and he becomes a target for her vengeance. And as she is evolves further into a monstrous predator, rage soon wins over reason. Will Spear finish his hunt, before he becomes the hunted?
This is the first volume in a no-holds-barred adventure set in Asher's popular Polity universe.
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Neal Asher
Neal Asher is a name that rings out in the world of science fiction, particularly for those who crave gripping, high-concept stories filled with complex characters, advanced technology, and an exploration of the darker side of human nature. Asher’s writing has cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary sci-fi, especially with his Polity series, a sweeping narrative that spans galaxies, alien races, and an ever-expanding vision of what humanity might become. His works are often a blend of hard science fiction, political intrigue, and the kind of action that makes readers’ hearts race.
Transformation
Transformation consists of three books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Main series Polity Universe
