The Extractionist

RoboCop. The Matrix. And now, Ghost in the Shell. Today’s science fiction fans are enthralled with the idea of integrating technology into their bodies to enhance and extend their natural capabilities. Following the explosion of VR and AR popularity, hybridization of human and computer tech is on the horizon for real and such a near future is the rich turf of contemporary science fiction. Enter THE EXTRACTIONIST. Kimberly Unger, game producer, VR and AR expert, and CEO of her own game/tech company, takes over as an author where William Gibson left off. Unger has penned a fast-paced techno thriller following a tech-enhanced human hunting a persona in the virtual Swim as he tries to reunite it with its body. If only it were that easy. Elias McKay is an Extractionist. As an “Xwire” with a head full of experimental mites, he specializes in pulling minds out of virtual space and getting them back into their bodies intact. He’s one of the best. But he’s fallen on hard times. After getting banned by the government from doing lucrative legal work due to a past indiscretion, McKay picks up slightly shady gigs wherever he can find them—a far cry from his former glory days. His latest job takes him to Singapore for a quick extraction of a corporate bigwig, but things go from bad to worse when hired muscle, secret black ops agents, and hackers attack him and his client. After being ambushed in the Swim as well as the real world, McKay knows he needs to get on top of this situation or die for real. Thus the chase begins. With a noir setting, understandable technology, and a great anti-hero, THE EXTRACTIONIST is a non-stop thrill ride through exotic locales. It’s the next generation Neuromancer.