An artist’s brain rules a team of a million microbial minds—from the Campbell Award winning author of A Door into Ocean.

In the hundred-level city of Iridis, human lords recycle diamonds and emeralds down to the Underworld while sentient machines pilot lightcraft and perform surgeries. Microbial minds expand the brains of scientists and artists. The artist Chrys directs her microbes to paint startling installations, design smart buildings and fix quantum networks. A world-size virtual intelligence called Transit commissions Chrys to create a whole new city on another planet.

But unexpected flaws fracture her designs. Microbial criminal gangs invade Chrys’s brain to kill off her own micros and take control. In Iridis, the roots of buildings grow cancers that escape the Underworld and cause earthquakes. Outlawed machines shake down shops and kidnap human lords for ransom. The city’s rulers ignore the signs of collapse, then face a new threat that no mind foresaw.

Timely Exploration of Genetic Engineering and AI: The book aligns with the current fascination around cutting-edge topics like genetic engineering and artificial intelligence.

Ethical Dilemmas in a Changing World: By weaving narratives around moral complexities in genetic editing or AI autonomy, the book taps into the zeitgeist of debates about CRISPR, AI ethics, and humanity's role in shaping the future.

Relevance to Global Challenges: Themes like pandemics, genetic cures, climate engineering, and the rise of AI-powered systems reflect real-world challenges.

A New Perspective on Humanity’s Future: The book doesn’t just speculate about the future—it challenges readers to consider what makes us human. This emotional and intellectual depth ensures it stays with the reader long after the last page.

Visually Stunning and Thought-Provoking Marketing Potential: Concepts of futuristic labs, genetically modified humans, or advanced AI systems lend themselves well to dynamic visuals for promotional campaigns.