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Unholy Domain

Dan Ronco
Kunati Inc. (2008)
ISBN 9781601640215
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Philliber for RebeccasReads (7/08)

The world of 2022 is limping along ten years after the computer virus PeaceMaker crashed the Internet, facilitated the starvation and death of thousands, and neutralized the Government’s ability to function. Technology is still progressing, advancing artificial intelligence and rebuilding the Internet, but mainly through the black market. Yet unbeknown to many, the wheels are about to come off. That’s the story in the techno-fiction “Unholy Domain” penned by author Dan Ronco. In this adult-level book Ronco tells the story of what might be, based on his years of working inside the computer development community.

In “Unholy Domain” Ronco pictures two major forces pitted against each other. The Domain, under the guidance of the megalomaniac Diane Morgan, seeks to gain control of the world by saturating the society with very human-like robots that can ultimately be controlled by the Domain. But Morgan’s greatest desire is to advance artificial intelligence by means of techno-evolution. The Domain’s nemesis is The Church of Natural Humans, headed up by the fanatical First Minister Adam Jordan, and his terroristic Army of God. The hostility between the Domain and the Army of God intensifies with each chapter, coming to an explosive head at the Domain’s compound, and a not-so-surprising conclusion.

There are several strengths to Ronco’s book “Unholy Domain” that will please many readers, especially the more technologically inclined. The advancement of very human-like ‘Sarah’ robots, a communications Command Chip planted in the ear, virtual reality technology which projects images directly in the eye’s retina, and the merger of artificial and human intelligence that promises to lead to the supposed next stage of human evolution.

On the other hand, the author struggles to build a seamless story causing the reader to feel as if they’re on a bumpy literary road. There are also unhelpful scenes of sexual trysts and an unfortunate rape scene, none of which adds to the story, but in fact distracts. And finally, there are negative connotations toward religious groups that aren’t on board with techno-evolution.

Overall, if you’re looking for a storied presentation of the technical possibilities of the future, along with the potential conflicts, you may find Ronco’s book an interesting reading adventure.

         

  

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