Tag: books

Chasing Dreams vs. Reality: A Review of McFadden’s ‘The Accidental Future of Dean Harris’

‘The Accidental Future of Dean Harris’ is the inspiring new book by Derek McFadden. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.

Book Review: The Accidental Future of Dean Harris by Derek McFadden

Part of Paste Creative Book Tours

Release Date: June 15, 2026. Available for pre-order.

The Story

Dean Harris is a struggling writer with cerebral palsy. His life’s dream has been to write a bestselling novel, a dream he shares with his father, Damon Harris. When his father calls him with the good news that he has finally landed a literary agent, Dean is happy for him. He really is, but his father doesn’t believe him.

When Damon’s agent, Dianne, finds out that Dean is also a writer, she offers him an unpaid internship as a second reader, a manuscript gatekeeper. He accepts the internship and spends his days reading manuscripts, some good, some not so good. Then, one day, he meets bestselling author Charles Corning.

Over the years, they develop a close working relationship and Charles becomes a mentor of sorts to Dean. He agrees to read Dean’s unpublished novel, What Lucas Learned From Life, which is about a young man dealing with life with cerebral palsy. He likes it and encourages Dean to never give up on his dreams of seeing it published.

Dean self-publishes the book, but then his biggest dream comes true: his next novel becomes a bestseller and a critical success.

Then he wakes up. His reality once again centers around unread pages and a dream that is constantly just beyond reach. When parts of his dreams start creeping into his waking world, Dean realizes that maybe the vision wasn’t simply an “accidental future”—maybe it was more like a map.

Now Dean must decide whether he should stop chasing the ghost of the man he wants to be and face the life he’s actually living: the family he’s overlooked and a relationship with his girlfriend, Claire, that’s unraveling under the weight of his ambition.

Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours

Review

Derek McFadden’s The Accidental Future of Dean Harris is a gripping, mind-bending exploration of ambition and reality. Dean Harris is stuck between being a “visionary” and a “fraud,” and it’s affecting his relationships with the people he loves.

Taking place between 2015 and 2021, the story blends reality and subconscious insight, creating a narrative that feels introspective and highly relatable. The nonlinear format adds incredible depth to the story, revealing how past choices, hidden desires, and personal blind spots shape our futures. It also contains a story within a story, with portions of What Lucas Learned From Life included to support Dean’s narrative, which is in the first person point of view.

McFadden gives readers a story that is less about literary fame and more about the ghosts we chase at the expense of our present. The prose is sharp, witty, and deeply empathetic, capturing the existential dread of the creative mind.

“Yet, on this early evening, with the sun sinking low and inviting darkness to settle over the city like a colorless comforter outside my window, life had changed.”

The characters are well-developed, especially Dean, and his struggles as a writer will resonate with would-be authors everywhere.

The Verdict

The Accidental Future of Dean Harris is a thought-provoking and poignant read for anyone who has ever looked at their life and wondered if they are waking up to the wrong reality. Beyond its exploration of artistic ambition, the novel offers a powerful look at relationships, whether they be familial or friendships. These emotional threads ground the story and give it genuine heart.

Insightful and ultimately hopeful, it’s a gentle reminder of the importance of finding meaning not in the future we imagine, but in the life unfolding right before us.

“Rejection will, for all time, stand as the most personal, most painful verdict that can be delivered in all of human experience.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author

Derek McFadden is an author, a poet, a podcast presenter, a radio enthusiast, an unapologetic fan of the Seattle Mariners, and a former March of Dimes ambassador. He lives with a mild version of cerebral palsy, and his eyes are not great at being eyes.

Other Books by Derek McFadden:

  • What Death Taught Terrence – His debut novel was a Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist (2021) and the Best Adult Fiction Winner at The Wishing Shelf Awards (2021). The audiobook version, read by the acclaimed BJ Harrison, was a Best Adult Audio Book Finalist at The Wishing Shelf Awards (2021).
  • The Santa Claus Agreement – His second novel, and a Wishing Shelf Awards “red ribbon” winner.
  • All Systems Snow – A collection of short stories published in 2023.
Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours

**Thank you to Stephanie Caruso, Paste Creative Book Tours, and Derek McFadden for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours

‘The Girl on the Beach’ Book Review: This Summer’s Ultimate Thriller

‘The Girl on the Beach’ is the new suspenseful thriller by Carol Snow. Photo: Penguin Random House

Book Review: The Girl on the Beach by Carol Snow

Release Date: June 23, 2026, available for pre-order.

Genre: Psychological Thriller / Suspense

Synopsis

On the surface, Sonia and Graham Starr are a glamorous couple: Sonia is the sleek entrepreneur behind a successful lifestyle brand and Graham is a handsome painter with an irrepressible zest for life. They had everything money could buy and the one thing it couldn’t, a precious, precocious four-year-old named Roxie. But when Roxie disappears into the Pacific Ocean on a perfect August afternoon, their world crumbles around them.

Months after the tragedy, the Starrs are divorcing, and Sonia has hired real estate agent Jan Murray to sell their expensive beach house. One Sunday afternoon, Jan waits for Colleen, Roxie’s twenty-one-year-old former nanny, to arrive at the home.

Still haunted by unanswered questions and overwhelming guilt, Colleen returns to the Starrs’ house on the “American Riviera”—the rarefied stretch of land around Santa Barbara where the mountains meet the sea—hoping the environment will trigger buried memories.

Her first night back, she gazes out at the sand and sees a child who bears a striking resemblance to Roxie. When she calls out, the child runs away. Colleen never believed that Roxie, who was deeply afraid of the surf, would run into the ocean on her own. A desperate hunt for the truth begins, forcing Colleen to face her greatest fears.

Review

The Girl on the Beach immerses readers into the devastating aftermath of a family’s worst nightmare. Set against the sun-drenched, wealthy backdrop of Santa Barbara, the story masterfully follows the unraveling of a family unit broken by grief.

A Gripping, Non-Linear Narrative

The heart of the book is Colleen’s journey. Told through her first-person perspective, the story unfolds using alternating BEFORE and AFTER chapters. These flashbacks carefully piece together the timeline surrounding Roxie’s disappearance.

Colleen is a particularly engaging protagonist whose determination and vulnerability make her incredibly easy to root for. Driven by intense guilt, she constantly blames herself for not watching Roxie, even though it was her day off. Snow handles Colleen’s struggles with anxiety, grief, and an unhelpful therapist with remarkable empathy and realism.

Atmospheric and Tense

Snow excels at creating an atmosphere of unease and paranoia, skillfully revealing secrets while forcing the reader to question who is actually telling the truth. The beautiful scenery comes alive through poetic, highly descriptive prose:

“Our feet crunch on gravel. Insects buzz. The scent of wild roses and sage hangs heavy in the air.”

This gorgeous, idyllic setting creates a tense, gripping juxtaposition against the dark, suffocating grief of the Starr family.

The Verdict

The Girl on the Beach is a riveting thriller that beautifully combines family tragedy, suspense, and emotional depth. It uses themes of grief, identity, and the fragility of memory to explore the human condition under extreme stress.

Fans of psychological suspense will appreciate the intricate plotting and emotional complexity. Best of all? The genuinely jaw-dropping finale completely resets everything you thought you knew. It is easily this year’s top summer beach read.

“The sky is white and soggy. The air has a bite. It is winter, after all; some days it even feels like it. And yet, the sea calls to me.”

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the Author

Carol Snow holds a BA in psychology from Brown University and an MA in teaching English from Boston College. She is the author of ten novels.

Called “an author to watch” by Booklist, recognition for Snow’s previous titles includes a Target Bookmarked Breakout Selection, Amazon Editors’ Pick: Best Books of the Month, and a Readers’ Crown Award Finalist.

**Thank you to Fauzia Burke of FSB Associates for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

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Dan Brown’s ‘Origin’ Review: Where Science Meets Faith

Robert Langdon is back to solving puzzles in ‘Origin.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Origin by Dan Brown

Synopsis

Edmond Kirsch is a billionaire philanthropist, computer scientist, futurist, and outspoken atheist. He sets up a meeting at the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey in Catalonia (Spain) with Roman Catholic Bishop Antonio Valdespino, Jewish Rabbi Yehuda Köves, and Muslim Imam Syed al-Fadl—all members of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Kirsch informs them that he has made a revolutionary discovery that he plans to release to the public in a month.

This discovery would severely undermine the public’s religious beliefs. Despite his hatred of organized religion, which he blames for his mother’s death, Kirsch wanted to inform them out of respect. However, the three religious leaders soon learn that Kirsch actually intends to make his discovery public in just three days, prompting Valdespino to urge him to reconsider. Kirsch proceeds with his plan, hosting a lavish event at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to reveal his findings. Among those in attendance are:

  • Robert Langdon: Kirsch’s former teacher and brilliant Harvard symbologist.
  • Ambra Vidal: The Guggenheim’s curator and fiancée to Prince Julián, the future King of Spain.

All guests receive a customized headset to communicate with Winston, a highly sophisticated, seemingly all-knowing artificial intelligence developed by Kirsch. During the presentation, Kirsch admits he fears he has put himself in grave danger due to the religious controversy surrounding his announcement. Suddenly, the carefully planned event erupts into chaos. With Kirsch’s precious discovery on the verge of being lost forever and facing an imminent threat, Langdon is forced to flee along with Ambra Vidal. Together, they travel to Barcelona on a dangerous quest to locate a cryptic password that will unlock Kirsch’s secret.

Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme religion, Langdon and Vidal must evade an enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace. They uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery and the breathtaking truth that has long eluded us.

Review

Origin is a fast-paced thriller that combines cutting-edge science, art, religion, and mystery into an engaging adventure. Langdon and Vidal’s search for the cryptic password leads them through iconic landmarks, hidden histories, and powerful religious and political forces determined to suppress the truth.

Brown has always been an expert at creating suspense; the novel’s short chapters and constant twists keep the reader hooked. The vivid descriptions of Spain’s architecture and culture add incredible richness to the story, while the exploration of science versus faith gives the narrative real intellectual depth.

Character Dynamics

  • Robert Langdon: The brilliant Harvard symbologist remains the steady, intellectual anchor of the series.
  • Edmond Kirsch: The true standout character. As a charismatic futurist and billionaire, his hubris and genius drive the entire plot, acting as the spark for a fierce debate on existence.
  • Ambra Vidal: Brings strong emotional stakes and a sharp mind to their journey through Barcelona’s historic architecture.

Literary Themes

Brown weaves compelling, thought-provoking themes that focus squarely on the collision between faith and reason. By asking two fundamental human questions—“Where did we come from?” and “Where are we going?”—the book contrasts traditional religious dogmatism with the rapid, unchecked advancement of artificial intelligence and science.

The Ideal Reader

This book is a perfect match for readers who love:

  • Fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers.
  • Art history, architecture, and cryptology.
  • Philosophical debates regarding how technology might shape the future of human spirituality.

Final Thoughts

Origin by Dan Brown is an entertaining and intelligent novel. While some readers may find the ultimate philosophical resolution more thought-provoking than genuinely surprising, the shocking final twist makes it well worth the ride. Fans of Robert Langdon and readers who enjoy mysteries built around big ideas will find plenty to enjoy here.

“Historically, the most dangerous men on earth were men of God… especially when their gods became threatened.”

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

About The Author

Dan Brown is the author of nine #1 bestselling novels including The Da Vinci Code, which has become one of the bestselling books of all time. His Robert Langdon thrillers, including The Lost Symbol, Angels & Demons, Inferno, Origin, and The Secret of Secrets, have captivated readers world wide and continue to spark intellectual debate, dialogue, and conjecture. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages around the world with over 250 million copies in print.

Book Spotlight: ‘Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey’ by Craig Yorke

‘Steep’ is the new memoir by Craig Yorke. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey by Craig Yorke

Steep traces an odyssey from a gritty Boston neighborhood to a neurosurgical practice in Middle America. It’s more about the price of success than the weight of bigotry – a story of resilience and self-discovery that will resonate with anyone who has wrestled with their past as they chased the American Dream. (PR by the Book, 2026)

The word “steep” has two meanings: the adjective that conjures a precipitous climb—or descent—but also the verb that connotes a ripening or maturing over time. Both definitions are evident in Yorke’s story, one that will resonate with anyone who’s run from their past, and anyone whose world feels too small.

Get your copy today!

Praise for Steep

“Written with the deftness of a brain surgeon and the ear of a concert violinist, Steep is the unforgettably moving story of one man’s life and times. But it is also a wise and courageous commentary on our time.”

— Cyrus Console-Soican, Ph.D., Professor of Liberal Arts, Kansas City Art Institute

About the Author

Dr. Craig Yorke was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He received a BA from Harvard College in 1970 and an MD from Harvard Medical School in 1974. His parental directive insisted he avenge centuries of bigotry with a life of infinite success.

After a neurosurgical residency at the University of California at San Francisco, he and his wife Mary found their way to an unlikely destination. He practiced in Topeka, Kansas, for 25 years, wrestling with his history and the armored identity it had imposed.

He’s a credible violinist, having played the Bruch G Minor concerto with the Boston Pops at age 17, and hits tennis balls with passion. Steep is his first book.

AI Made Simple: The Beginner’s Guide to Reclaiming Your Time

‘AI for Boomers’ is a straightforward and helpful guide to AI for beginners. Photo: Amazon

Book Spotlight: AI for Boomers

By Andrew Robbins & Noah Kruthaupt

Think AI is Rocket Science? Think Again.

What if we told you AI is completely non-technical and the easiest tool available to improve your quality of life?

If you aren’t comfortable with technology, or you think artificial intelligence sounds like a daunting math problem, consider this your simple, stress-free roadmap. Written by the younger generation for those who want to reclaim their time, this guide teaches you how to use a powerful tool you simply type or talk to. (Amazon, 2026)

No jargon. No homework. Just a basic method to make AI your personal assistant, giving you more understanding of and control over your:

  • Home Life
  • Health
  • Wealth
  • Security
  • Independence

You haven’t missed the memo; the instructions up until now have just been completely missing or buried in confusing tech-speak. You are sharp and capable, but you’re likely tired of wasting time on monotonous tasks and complicated technology.

Real Solutions Are Simple

AI isn’t just for tech companies. Here is how it can solve everyday headaches right now:

  • Instantly Cut Through Confusion: Turn any complicated bill, medical form, or long legal letter into one simple next step.
  • Protect Your Money & Safety: Learn to spot fake voices, images, and sophisticated scams before they ever reach your wallet.
  • Master Your Wellness: Take pictures of pill bottles for a clean medication list, or turn vague symptoms into clear questions for your doctor.
  • Communicate with Confidence: Get help drafting firm but respectful emails, or translate slang from younger family members.

The Promise: Authors Andrew Robbins and Noah Kruthaupt are part of the generation that built these tools. Their promise to you is simple: If you can type or talk, you can use AI to reclaim your time, protect your money, and secure your independence.

Inside the Book, You Will Instantly Learn:

  • The “Calculator for Words” Secret: Use AI as your personal calculator for words, guaranteed to clarify any messy or confusing information.
  • The 92:8 Principle for Time: Learn the simple rule for delegating 92% of your necessary-but-draining tasks to AI.
  • The HAT Method for Talking to “The Robot”: A simple, three-step method for structuring your requests that forces the AI to give you the best answers.
  • The #1 Defensive Habit: Proactively use AI to spot advanced scams, transforming your phone and inbox into a safe, reliable defense system.
  • The Curious Growth Strategy: Use AI as your cognitive coach to instantly summarize books, test your knowledge, and plan your personal growth.

“But Is This a Complicated Tech Book?”

We understand that feeling. This book assumes absolutely zero tech background and is made purely for your self-growth:

  • 🛑 You Can’t Break It: You are learning a compounding skill, the only result of a “mistake” is just getting a better answer next time.
  • 💻 No Coding Required: If you can send a text or write a note, you have all the skill needed. This guide focuses only on the three essential skills to get the biggest return.
  • ⏳ Low Time Commitment: This guide is organized for quick, practical wins, not deep technical theory.

Live Life on Your Own Terms

This book simply gives you an easy-to-use tool to thrive in the modern world. You’ve earned your independence, don’t waste it on busy work. It’s time to let a machine handle the boring, draining tasks so you can stay in the driver’s seat.

Secure your copy today and rest easier with a new tool that keeps you capable, connected, and independent.

Meet the Authors

Noah Kruthaupt

Noah is a student business owner, founder, and AI professional focused on helping people understand and apply artificial intelligence in practical, real-world ways. While studying business and entrepreneurship, Noah began working directly with organizations, educators, and everyday adults who were being asked to use AI without ever being taught how to think about it. He saw the same pattern repeatedly: powerful tools, unclear guidance, and growing confusion, especially among experienced professionals and leaders who didn’t grow up with this technology.

Andrew (Andy) Robbins

Andy is a founder and AI professional who specializes in building practical, custom artificial intelligence solutions for real-world use. With a background in technology and systems development, Andy works at the intersection of AI capability and business operations. His focus is on designing solutions that help organizations use AI responsibly, efficiently, and in ways that fit their existing workflows without unnecessary complexity or disruption.

The Blueprint for Cybersecurity Leadership: ‘The First 100 Days of the New CISO’

‘The First 100 Days of the New CISO’ by JC Gaillard is a practical roadmap for real and lasting cybersecurity leadership. Photo: Amazon

Book Spotlight: The First 100 Days of the New CISO

A Leadership Guide to Lasting Impact

By JC Gaillard

When a new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) steps into the role, their first 100 days don’t just set the tone—they can define their entire legacy. (Amazon, 2026)

In The First 100 Days of the New CISO, seasoned cybersecurity leader and consultant JC Gaillard offers a pragmatic, experience-driven guide to succeeding in those crucial early months and beyond. Drawing on over two decades of advising major global organizations, Gaillard helps CISOs, executives, and boards understand what true leadership in cybersecurity looks like: calm, structured, and aligned with business priorities.

This is not another technical manual. Instead, it is a leadership guide grounded in governance, culture, and the realities of corporate life, serving as a definitive blueprint for the next decade of cybersecurity leadership.

Inside the Book: What You’ll Discover

The book is structured like a consulting playbook and written in clear, disciplined prose. Inside, you’ll find the perspective and tools needed to turn uncertainty into direction, including:

  • The Blueprint for Timing: How to navigate the first 6 days, 6 weeks, and 6 months with clarity and composure.
  • Stakeholder Management: How to build trust and credibility across the organization before trying to drive major change.
  • Business Alignment: Proven techniques for aligning security with business strategy and corporate governance.
  • Boardroom Success: How to communicate effectively and confidently with boards and executive committees.
  • Culture Over Tools: Why culture, rhythm, and proportion matter far more than tools or technology.
  • Lasting Transformation: Understanding what differentiates true, long-term security maturity from short-term, reactionary activity.

Who This Book Is For

Whether you are stepping into the hot seat for the first time or overseeing the person who is, this guide offers invaluable insights:

  • Newly Appointed CISOs seeking a structured, strategic start to their new role.
  • Experienced Security Leaders looking to strengthen their corporate influence and organizational impact.
  • CEOs, CIOs, and Board Members who want to understand what truly effective security leadership looks like.
  • Consultants & Governance Professionals focused on organizational resilience, trust, and transformation.

“If you want to lead with confidence, build maturity, and leave a legacy that lasts beyond your tenure, The First 100 Days of the New CISO will show you how.”

About the Author

JC Gaillard is a leading strategic advisor and a globally recognized cybersecurity thought-leader with over 25 years of experience and a track record of driving fundamental change across global organizations.

He is the Founder and CEO of Corix Partners, a UK-based boutique management consultancy firm and thought-leadership platform. Corix Partners focuses on assisting CIOs and other C-level executives in resolving complex cybersecurity strategy, organization, and governance challenges.

‘Volk’ by D. Werkmeister Review: A Gripping Philadelphia Crime Thriller

‘Volk’ by D. Werkmeister is a fresh reimagining of the werewolf mythos. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.

Book Review: Volk by D. Werkmeister

Part of Paste Creative Book Tours

Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours

The Predator Meets the Procedural

FBI Agent Terri Watson is working the biggest case of her career. As she tracks the flow of dirty money around the world to take down a powerful Russian money launderer, her investigation collides with a series of horrific murders.

Something is out there, stalking the streets of Philadelphia. When Terri comes face-to-face with the beast, she discovers an explosive secret—one that powerful men will kill to keep hidden. Her investigation reveals there is more to this predator than meets the eye. Much more. (Amazon, 2026)

The Story

The journey begins in Siberia, 1994, where a team of archaeologists led by the young genetic biologist Peter Lavroski discovers a preserved wolf carcass.

Fast forward to Philadelphia, 2017, where an unknown creature is on the prowl. After witnessing a convenience store robbery, it tracks the criminal into the shadows, leaving a trail of blood in its wake.

  • The Agent: Special Agent Terri Watson is buried in records, hunting for evidence against a local money launderer.
  • The Partner: Marc Peterson, a Philly detective and FBI task force officer, is busy investigating the string of grisly alleyway murders.
  • The Wildcard: Dieter Schnoll moves “dark money” for the world’s shadiest characters. But when a client puts his life in the crosshairs of the creature, he is forced into an unlikely alliance with the FBI.

Together, they must track the beast and dismantle a Russian criminal organization before the body count rises.

Review

In Volk, D. Werkmeister delivers a gripping thriller that blends crime, horror, and conspiracy into a suspenseful masterpiece. The hunt for a Russian financier quickly descends into a fight for survival against a predator that defies conventional logic.

A Fresh Perspective on the Beast

Right from the beginning, the tension builds through the creature’s first-person point of view. Surprisingly, the beast is conflicted and nuanced:

“A wave of loneliness falls over me like a shadow.”

Compelling Characters

Terri Watson is a standout protagonist—intelligent, determined, and believable under pressure. As she uncovers the connections between organized crime and the supernatural, the narrative shifts seamlessly from the clinical world of “dirty money” to the blood-slicked streets of Philadelphia.

Atmospheric Writing

Werkmeister uses vivid, poetic language to ground the horror:

“The rain makes little popping sounds as it pelts the Gore-Tex hood. I pause, listening intently: no sound other than the rain. I sniff the air deeply invigorated by the fresh, damp smell.”

The Verdict

Without spoiling the twist, this is a fresh, modern reimagining of the werewolf mythos. It strips away tired tropes in favor of a grounded, conspiratorial plot. It’s an exciting, chilling read that proves the most dangerous monsters often hide behind fur and finance.

  • Most Unexpected Reaction: Feeling genuine sympathy for the creature and its tragic history.

Volk by D. Werkmeister is an exciting and chilling read that successfully mixes crime fiction with supernatural terror. While some scenes are graphic, they serve the story’s dark tone effectively. Fans of supernatural werewolf thrillers with dark twists will appreciate the layered mystery and explosive revelations.

“Death is as relentless and unconquerable as the tide of the ocean. You can’t control it; you just have to learn to live with it. It is the dark shape that hides in the shadows, always present but unnoticed – until it comes for you.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Get your copy of Volk today!

About the Author

D. Werkmeister is an award-winning author and a retired FBI Agent. He brings 21 years of street experience in Philadelphia to his writing, including eight years on the FBI SWAT team. A former Marine Corps officer, his supernatural thrillers have earned a Claymore Award and a bronze medal from Readers’ Favorite. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours

** Thank you to Stephanie Caruso, Paste Creative Book Tours, and D. Werkmeister for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Demystifying AI and Algorithms: A Guide to Making Technology Work for You

‘Human Agency in a Digital World’ is the new book by Marcus Fontoura. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: Reclaiming Your Role in the AI Era

In an age where algorithms influence everything from our morning playlists to our career paths, it’s easy to feel like a passenger in a vehicle we don’t control. A new book by industry veteran Marcus Fontoura aims to change that narrative. (Digital Agency Book, 2026)

Human Agency in a Digital World

Understand technology and make it work for you

This may be the first true AI-era self-help book—not because we need help using technology, but because we need help using it well. Understanding how algorithms work is the first step in making sure they work for us.

This book is about reclaiming our role, not as passengers, but as pilots, in the fast-moving journey of technological change.

Written by a computer scientist who is also a father and a teacher, this is a deeply personal and accessible guide to the systems shaping our lives.

Why This Book Matters Now

Digital agents are all around us. They suggest songs, answer questions, sort emails, and, often invisibly, shape what we think. But how much power do we really have to redirect their impact?

In Human Agency in a Digital World, Fontoura explores the hidden architectures of modern life, including:

  • Social Media & Search Engines: How they capture and direct attention.
  • Cloud Computing & AI: The invisible backbone of the modern economy.
  • Quantum Technologies: A look into the next frontier of computing.

Drawing from decades of experience building the backbone of the internet, Fontoura demystifies these core concepts, allowing readers to develop digital fluency without needing a computer science degree.

Beyond Optimization

Ultimately, this is a book about people. It explores how we can use efficiency not just for speed or cost-cutting, but to unlock creativity, opportunity, and well-being. With examples ranging from broken playlists to complex protein folding, Fontoura asks a profound question:

What do we want technology to do for us, and what will we do with it in return?

About the Author

Marcus Fontoura is a titan of the tech industry, currently serving his second tenure as Technical Fellow and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, where he is the CTO for Azure Core.

His distinguished career includes:

  • Stone (2022-2025): Served as CTO, leading engineering and building efficient financial platforms. He remains an advisor to the company.
  • Microsoft (2013-2022): Served as Chief Architect for Azure Compute and led the Azure efficiency team.
  • Research & Development: Previous leadership roles at Google, Yahoo, and IBM Research.

With a career spent at the intersection of complex systems and human needs, Fontoura is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between “how it works” and “why it matters.”

Lord of the Flies (2026): The New BBC/Netflix Limited Series

David McKenna in Lord of the Flies (2026). Photo: J Redza/J Redza/Eleven/Sony Pictures Television

Book to Series Spotlight

Lord of the Flies

By William Golding

Book Synopsis

Lord of the Flies remains as provocative today as when it was first published in 1954, igniting passionate debate with its startling, brutal portrait of human nature. Though critically acclaimed, it was largely ignored upon its initial publication. Yet soon it became a cult favorite among both students and literary critics who compared it to J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye in its influence on modern thought and literature. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

William Golding’s compelling story about a group of very ordinary small boys marooned on a coral island has become a modern classic. At first, it seems as though it is all going to be great fun; but the fun before long becomes furious and life on the island turns into a nightmare of panic and death.

As ordinary standards of behavior collapse, the whole world the boys know collapses with them—the world of cricket and homework and adventure stories—and another world is revealed beneath, primitive and terrible. Labeled a parable, an allegory, a myth, a morality tale, a parody, a political treatise, even a vision of the apocalypse, Lord of the Flies has established itself as a true classic.

Photo: Barnes & Noble

TV Series Adaptation

Lord of the Flies has been adapted as a limited series on Netflix, premiering on May 4, 2026. This BBC/Netflix production, adapted by Jack Thorne, follows a group of stranded schoolboys whose attempt to create a civil society devolves into violence and savagery.

Quick Facts

  • Format: 4-Episode Limited Series
  • Runtime: 1 hour per episode
  • Platform: Netflix / BBC
  • Key Cast:
    • Winston Sawyers as Ralph
    • Lox Pratt as Jack
    • David McKenna as Piggy

The Plot

Following a plane crash, a group of young boys become stranded on a tropical island in the Pacific Ocean in the early 1950s. Ralph attempts to lead the boys, with help from the intellectual Piggy, in the hope of surviving and seeking rescue. However, Jack starts a rebellion, and their makeshift society begins a terrifying descent into chaos.

Each episode focuses on different characters navigating the island’s rising dangers and the collapse of their fragile civilization.

Redefining Leadership: ‘Virx-Leonatus Culture: The Codex’

Keenan L. McBride’s new book on how how art, culture, and empathy build powerful leaders. Photo: Amazon

Book Spotlight: Virx-Leonatus Culture: The Codex

By Keenan L. McBride

Synopsis

The Virx-Leonatus (VX) Culture Codex is more than a book; it’s a guide for the individual seeking mastery of presence, intellect, and character. While many manuals focus strictly on career or influence, The Codex argues that true power lies in the architecture of one’s culture. (Amazon, 2026)

Within these pages, McBride outlines the foundational pillars of VX culture:

  • Disciplined Confidence: Power without the need for noise.
  • Elevated Courtesy: Transforming simple manners into magnetic charisma.
  • Strategic Empathy: Using emotional intelligence as a core strength.
  • The Aesthetic Catalyst: Leveraging art, history, and beauty to deepen wisdom and broaden perspective.

The Lion’s Philosophy

Inspired by the lion, Virx-Leonatus teaches that true strength is quiet, sovereign, and patient. The lion doesn’t roar to prove dominance; its presence alone commands respect. This philosophy serves as a blueprint for modern leadership: ambition balanced by humanity, and influence rooted in genuine regard for others.

“This is the Virx-Leonatus standard. A lifestyle. A discipline. A legacy in the making.”

For the rising leader or the cultured professional, this codex offers a manual for gaining trust without force and loyalty without demand. It’s a necessary tool for anyone ready to lead with both mind and heart.

About the Author

Keenan L. McBride is the Owner and Founder of Success Strategy Training and Development, LLC and the creator of the Virx-Leonatus Culture lifestyle brand. With over 30 years of experience across various industries, Keenan has dedicated his career to building and delivering customized curricula for leaders at all levels. (Virx-Leonatus Culture, 2026)

Professional Credentials & Highlights:

  • Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM) via Training Industry Inc.
  • Certified Virtual Facilitator (CVF) via Inifac.
  • Professional Image Consultant Certification via IAPO.
  • Author of the “Lennox Lee Teaches Me” children’s book series.
  • Creator of “The Leader’s Image in Action,” a popular LinkedIn newsletter focused on leadership development.

Keenan’s extensive background, from manufacturing leadership to working with the State Technical College System, allows him to blend practical business strategy with the refined principles of the Virx-Leonatus lifestyle.

Ready to elevate your presence? Virx-Leonatus Culture: The Codex is available now for those seeking to turn quiet strength into irresistible authority.