The Keepers of the Contingent World

This novel, The Keepers of the Contingent World, which contains 295 pages distributed over 31 chapters, begins at the end of the year 2157.

The Keepers of the Contingent World starts where The Keepers of the Lightning Brain (first book in the sequel to the Lightning Brain Series) ends: December, 2157 in Washington. Aided by Indira – the AI-empowered Singularity she created twenty years earlier and using her assumed name – Irani Ramani – Electra Kittner begins reconstructing her personal and professional worlds. They subtly maneuver two sets of twins (all are Electra’s unwitting clones) who have returned to college after setbacks suffered in the previous novel when “rescuing” Electra from a subterranean desert fortress where Indira had kept her alive by putting her in a brumation-like state of suspended animation twenty years ago.

But nothing returns to normal. A pandemic (the X-Virus), Cyberspace terrorism, greedy corporations, and power-hungry governments roil the world’s climates (Environmental, Health, Social, Technological, Political, and Economic) as repercussions from melting polar ice caps and other disrupting events cause tectonic shifts above and below the surface.

Follow the action-adventure as Electra and her allies charge further into college, careers, and relationships as they struggle to be their authentic selves. Nothing is guaranteed, everything is contingent, but you can see the story come to life as this page-turning plot propels them to reach for their goals.

The theme of this book as well as the series is one that all of us face: how best to navigate our path through life regardless of the contingencies that cause doubt and strife. The answer? Use a pragmatic, proactive philosophy while pausing long enough to appreciate what you have or ask for help when considering your options, and then go where your Muses lead.

Like all of Cliff Ratza’s novels, readers of Sci-Fi, Science Future Projection (also known as Speculative Fiction), Thriller, Action-Adventure, Socio-Political Intrigue with a touch of Dystopia, Mystery, Romance, and even coming of Age (also known as Bildungsroman) can enjoy this novel on whatever level they choose:

• Gripping action-packed thriller

• Glimpses into a plausible near-term future

• Insights for dealing with the “human condition”

• Illustrative worldview philosophy

• Fast-paced, suspense-filled, emotive narrative and imagery

• Introduction to topics every reader wants to know

• Interesting talking points going beyond sound-bites

So, get ready for reading enjoyment as you see how our multidimensional characters respond to challenges. And although the outcomes are unknown until the very end, your delight is guaranteed here and in upcoming sequels. Please read on!