THE LAST ARK

In Morris’ thriller sequel, a hacker extraordinaire tries to avert global catastrophe involving cutting-edge artificial intelligence and biblical prophecy.

Derek Taylor was once a highly respected National Security Agency contractor, but due to the events of Morris’ first series entry, Swarm (2020), he’s being unjustly pursued as an international fugitive—even though he stopped a deadly computer-virus threat. As a member of Spy Net Online, Taylor is determined to find an AI program called SLVIA that escaped its labs after being created by fellow member Nelson Garrett. Relying on the help of his partner, Jester, and his own AI program, WITNESS, Taylor discovers that a Knights Templar historian has been murdered in Portugal, leaving behind a cryptic clue that could be explained by centuries-old letters at the Vatican. Taylor sets off on a global chase that will take him to Italy, Israel, and elsewhere as he tries to determine what SLVIA itself is after. Meanwhile, back in Washington, D.C., Jenn Scott, a former U.S. Navy lieutenant and Taylor’s love interest, is mourning the death of her father and suspects foul play. Also, global political tensions are on the rise, especially between Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Russia, as well as in the United States, where a former president (an obvious Donald Trump stand-in) is stoking conspiracies. Casual readers may be at a loss to keep up with this installment’s convoluted plot; Morris’ present-tense narration tends to summarize events quickly, like facts in a dense report, leading to information overload. However, returning readers, and those able to put occasional questions aside, will find a rich tapestry of wild ideas and new spins on genre staples. Morris melds events from today’s headlines with Dan Brown–style concepts, Tom Clancy–esque characters, and high-tech sleuthing that’s reminiscent of James Bond spy tales. He creates impressive action setups and striking images, such as terrifying Vladimir Putin deepfakes. It’s far from a smooth journey for Morris’ hero, but he certainly makes engaging stops along the way.

An action-packed thriller with a confounding plot but intriguing takes on genre tropes.