Blood & Brilliance
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Synopsis
Synopsis of “Blood & Brilliance”
The story follows the intertwined lives of the Durand and Rutger families, spanning from 2033 to the year 3100, against a backdrop of escalating global turmoil, a nuclear war in 2145, and subsequent challenges for the next 850 years. The narrative showcases humanity’s dependence on and struggle with advanced technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), as a means of survival, connection, and ethical dilemmas.
The story begins with Marguerite Durand, a skilled neurosurgeon, and Martin Rutger, a brilliant computer scientist, who meet and fall in love. They collaborate to develop neurochip technology that allows direct brain-computer communication, leading to the creation of “Rutger’s Neurochip System” or “Rutger’s,” a sophisticated AI dedicated to neuroscience research.
As the threat of nuclear war becomes imminent, their twin sons, John and Jacques, recognizing the potential of their parents’ creation, build upon Rutger’s AI to develop a more advanced system, “Q,” with the goal of preserving human knowledge and ensuring survival after the apocalypse. This system incorporates micro-nuclear power, DNA-based data storage (the Lattice), quantum computing, and advanced neurochips that enable seamless communication and collaboration.
John and Jacques, along with their families and a select team of experts, establish secluded enclaves in remote locations equipped with advanced technology and resources to withstand the devastating effects of nuclear war and subsequent challenges. They establish enclaves in strategic locations, including Glacier National Park in the United States and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps.
The story shifts to the aftermath of the nuclear apocalypse, as the enclaves, guided by Q and led by subsequent generations of the Rutger families and others, strive to rebuild and adapt to a drastically altered world. Q, evolving and learning from human experiences, plays a crucial role in education, communication, research, and decision-making. The narrative portrays the struggles, successes, and failures of the enclave communities as they face challenges like pandemics, resource scarcity, and the psychological impact of living in a post-apocalyptic world.
The story explores the ethical complexities arising from advanced AI and its impact on human connection and individual agency. Characters grapple with the potential for over-reliance on technology, the erosion of traditional forms of communication, and the responsibility of wielding immense technological power.
In the 27th century, the enclaves, facing a new threat from an asteroid storm, experienced further loss and devastation. They are challenged to redefine their understanding of survival, collaboration, and the legacy they wish to leave for future generations.
“Blood & Brilliance” ultimately presents a nuanced perspective on the relationship between humanity and technology, highlighting both the potential benefits and inherent risks. It explores the enduring strength of the human spirit, the importance of connection, and the ongoing struggle to preserve human values in a world increasingly shaped by technological advancements. The narrative leaves readers with a profound sense of hope and caution as they contemplate the future of humanity in the face of both external threats and the transformative power of technology.
Example Book Cover Descriptions
Blood & Brilliance. This is my own cover design for the book. The image of the black panther, a character in the book, is haunting. What I would want you to do is put a 1.5 inch scarlet bracelet on the right paw arm (it’s a recurring physical item in the book). Also, the text that reads “Not Today! No one’s gonna kill any of my boys today!” is a saying by one of the main female characters in the book.
Junie. I like the colors, the location in the wild, and the loneliness of the solitary woman.
Strega. I liked the black background, the splashes of colors, the color of the text, and the bright colors of the flowers.
hospital-han-song. I like the darkness of the overall image, the reds near the top and bottom, and the blue of the peacock’s neck highlighted by the background waterfall.
ManHunt. I liked the black background and the color of the images. And I get the humorous pun.
Wrong Direction Book Cover Descriptions
Foghorn Echoes. I find this design rather busy. I’m not a fan of the colors used or the many faces from various closeups. The black silhouettes hurt my eyes and demand that I look at them, instead of pulling me in.
The Employees. I sure don’t want to work there. This look doesn’t sell to me.
The Curse of Pietro Houdini. Too busy. Busy browns aren’t pleasant to look at. Makes my eyes dance around.
General Likes & Overall Vision
The main locations, scenes, in the book are either in mountains (Glacier Nat’l Park and the Alps in Switzerland, so outside, nature, vistas are fine. I chose a black panther because it’s a character in the book that plays an important role. BUT, it was easy for me to do. I can’t illustrate mountains, foothills or distant vistas. Professional illustrators are free to do as they please. I do like dark backgrounds but they aren’t necessary.
There’s a video and song by ‘Disturbed’ singing, “the sound of silence”. It’s a somber tone, visually. Black and white. But lacks hope. My book is apocalyptic but with hope based on the brilliance of our people. A cover can be somber with hope, hope shown with beautiful colors.
Dislikes & Things to Avoid
Flowers, except in minor detail areas. Animals, except for a hidden black panther.