author
Michael Shanks
Welcome to the Realm of Imagination and Terror
Greetings, fellow seekers of the extraordinary! I'm Michael Shanks, a writer passionate about pushing the boundaries of science fiction and paying homage to the golden age of horror. From the far reaches of space to the shadowy corners of our world, my stories explore the unknown and the terrifying.
My first book!
The Immortality Code:
Rewriting the Rules of Life and Death
Dr. Ethan Caldwell's Lazarus Project at GenTech creates Adam, a sentient bioengineered being, in pursuit of immortality. When Adam escapes, Ethan, colleague Anya, and journalist Gabriel become fugitives, protecting Adam while uncovering dark secrets about GenTech and a centuries-old family rivalry. Pursued by the ambitious Dr. Mary Godwin, they seek refuge in Arcadia, a hidden sanctuary for scientific outcasts. As they confront ethical dilemmas and corporate greed, Ethan must make an ultimate sacrifice to expose the truth and secure Adam's future. This thrilling sci-fi novel explores the boundaries of science, consciousness, and humanity in a world on the brink of transformation.
Check out the character profiles below!!
Release Date: October 15th, 2024
Order the Kindle Digital version here:
2 Geeks and a Microphone
When I'm not crafting tales of terror and wonder, I'm co-hosting and co-creating the podcast "2 Geeks and a Microphone". Join us as we dive deep into the realms of science fiction, horror, and all things geek culture!
About the Podcast
We cover all aspects of geek media, including:
TV Series: From classic sci-fi to the latest binge-worthy showsMovies: Blockbusters, indie gems, and everything in between Comic Books: Superheroes, graphic novels, and underground comicsBooks: Sci-fi and horror literature, from classics to contemporary works And more:
If it's geeky, we're talking about it!
Frequency: Live every Saturday at 9am CST
Format: Live discussions, reviews, and interviews with fellow geeks and industry professionals
The Cast of The Immortality Code
Dr. Ethan Caldwell: The Creator
A brilliant but troubled geneticist, Dr. Caldwell spearheaded the audacious Lazarus Project with the singular goal of ending death. This mission is deeply personal, rooted in his own family's history and a consuming, almost desperate desire to overcome human mortality. He views Adam as his masterpiece—the next stage of human evolution. Caldwell must now contend with the ethical monstrosity he has unleashed, realizing his noble vision has become a terrifying race against time to control the perfect being he designed.
Adam: The Bioengineered Man
Adam is the magnificent, terrifying outcome of the secret Lazarus Project. Bioengineered for physical and cognitive perfection, his very existence is the key to conquering mortality. Defined by his bioluminescent heart that pulses with ethereal blue light, Adam is not merely a subject—he is a rapidly evolving, sentient being. As he grapples with his imposed purpose and the vast knowledge of his hyper-intelligent mind, he begins to question his creators' ethics and decides the ultimate fate of the species he was born to save.
Anya Petrova: The Ethical Voice
As Dr. Caldwell's dedicated and talented research assistant, Anya was instrumental in Adam's creation. Unlike her peers, Anya is burdened by the ethical cost of the Lazarus Project. She represents the conscience of the scientific team, torn between the breathtaking promise of immortality and the profound dangers of interfering with natural law. Her loyalty is strained as she works to protect Adam from those who seek to control him.
Dr. Mary Godwin: The Corporate Threat
Ruthless, powerful, and driven by profit, Dr. Godwin is the corporate figure pulling the strings behind the Lazarus Project. She sees Adam and the promise of immortality not as a scientific miracle, but as the most valuable commodity in human history. Her singular focus on control and exploitation sets her on a direct collision course with Adam and the small team fighting to preserve the project's integrity.
Gabriel Moreau: The Investigator
Gabríel is a determined investigative journalist who senses a dark, world-altering secret hidden within the highest levels of power. Risking his career and his life, Gabriel fights to expose the truth of the Lazarus Project to a world spiraling toward chaos. He is the audience's window into the unfolding crisis, determined to hold those responsible accountable before the consequences of Adam's creation become irreversible.