Artifact by Jeremy Robinson: A Masterful Blend of Science and Suspense

Artifact by Jeremy Robinson: A Masterful Blend of Science and Suspense

Jeremy Robinson has crafted a narrative that honours the traditions of authors like Michael Crichton while infusing it with his unique voice and style. The novel’s exploration of AI ethics, combined with its chilling horror elements and emotional depth, makes it a must-read for fans of the genre

Artifact takes place in the remote Alaskan town of Raven’s Rest, a community so isolated that it is accessible only through a tunnel and surrounded by secrets buried in ice. The story kicks off with a bizarre and terrifying incident: a camel wanders down Main Street, its head grotesquely adorned with a dozen eyes. This unsettling event shatters the quiet life of Sheriff Colton Graves, propelling him into an investigation that leads to NovaGen, a clandestine research facility housed in a repurposed Cold War bunker.

As Colton and his team delve deeper into the facility, they discover evidence of horrifying experiments involving generative AI and bioprinting, a technology capable of printing living organisms. The trail of blood, cryptic warnings, and a bloody six-fingered handprint hint at a threat far beyond mere animal experiments, building a sense of dread that permeates the entire narrative.

The setting of Raven’s Rest proves to be one of the novel’s greatest assets. Robinson masterfully uses the harsh, isolated Alaskan environment to amplify tension and claustrophobia. The eternal winter and confined spaces of the bunker create a palpable sense of entrapment, making the unfolding horrors feel inescapable.

This setting not only pays homage to the classic isolation horror of The Thing but also serves as a metaphor for the characters’ internal struggles, particularly Colton’s, as he grapples with his own vulnerabilities. The town itself, with its hardy locals and buried secrets, becomes a character in its own right, adding layers of history and mystery to the plot.

At its core, Artefact is an exploration of the dangers of unchecked technological advancement, a theme that places it firmly in the tradition of Michael Crichton’s works. The novel explores the ethical dilemmas of generative AI and bioprinting, presenting a scenario in which these technologies are pushed beyond their limits, leading to grotesque and deadly consequences.

The AI in the story is not just a tool but an active creator of life, blurring the lines between human ingenuity and unnatural creation. This theme resonates deeply with contemporary debates about AI ethics, making the story feel both timely and timeless.

Robinson also incorporates elements of body horror and psychological suspense. The grotesque mutations, such as the multi-eyed camel, serve as powerful symbols of humanity’s tampering with nature, while the mysterious six-fingered handprint hints at even more unsettling revelations . These elements are balanced with moments of genuine emotional depth, particularly through the characters’ personal journeys.

Sheriff Colton Graves stands out as one of Robinson’s most compelling protagonists. Unlike typical action heroes, Colton is portrayed as a relatable and deeply human character, with flaws and vulnerabilities that make him instantly engaging and relatable.

Colton’s preference for a quiet life is upended by the novel’s events, forcing him to confront not only external threats but also his own internal struggles. This duality adds a rich layer to his character, making his journey both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

Robinson’s writing style in Artefact is both accessible and engaging, characterised by fast-paced action and crisp dialogue. Robinson’s humour, a hallmark of his style, provides occasional levity without undermining the tension, ensuring that the story remains gripping from start to finish. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter revealing new clues or escalating the threat, making it difficult to put the book down.

While the novel is packed with intense sequences and terrifying revelations, it also takes time to develop its characters and their relationships. This balance is evident in the interactions between Colton and his team, which feel authentic and grounded despite the extraordinary circumstances.

Artifact is a triumph of modern science fiction thriller writing, combining heart-pounding action, thought-provoking themes, and deeply human characters. Jeremy Robinson has crafted a narrative that honours the traditions of authors like Michael Crichton while infusing it with his unique voice and style. The novel’s exploration of AI ethics, combined with its chilling horror elements and emotional depth, makes it a must-read for fans of the genre. While it may be particularly appealing to those who enjoy isolation horror and techno-thrillers, its well-rounded characters and fast-paced plot offer something for everyone. For those looking to lose themselves in a tale where innovation and nightmare collide, Artifact is an essential addition to your reading list.

Artifact by Jeremy Robinson

In an isolated Alaskan town, the local sheriff uncovers a secret lab where generative A.I. and bioprinting have unleashed grotesque, living anomalies—and now, something monstrous is loose.

Sheriff Colton Graves prefers the quiet life in Raven’s Rest, Alaska, a remote town accessible only by tunnel and home to a hardy mix of locals and secrets buried in the ice. But when a camel wanders down Main Street—its head grotesquely sprouting a dozen eyes—Colton knows his quiet days are over. The bizarre incident leads him to NovaGen, a nearby research facility constructed inside a Cold War bunker, buried in the mountains above town. There, a trail of blood and eerie silence hints at something far more sinister than an escaped animal experiment.

With his deputies—the sharp-witted Tali and rookie Ethan—Colton recruits a few trusted locals, including the unshakable Marit, Tali’s sister, the intimidating ‘Grizz’ Norval, and Edgar ‘Old Red’ Rydell, an aging man plagued by demons from when he worked at the bunker during its covert cold war days.

Together, they investigate the abandoned lab. What begins as a search for missing scientists soon reveals chilling evidence: pools of blood without bodies, cryptic warnings left behind, a bloody six-fingered handprint, and the revelation of a new technology: a generative A.I. capable of printing living organisms. As they descend deeper into the lab, it becomes clear that the answers they seek may come at a terrifying cost—and that what was made in the dark may not be content to stay there.

New York Times and #1 Audible bestselling author, Jeremy Robinson, reclaims his title as one of the best Michael Crichton successors, with this harrowing blend of suspense, science, and survival. ARTIFACT takes readers into a frozen abyss where innovation and nightmare collide.

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