THE ELECTRIC KING
New SCI-FI novel written by South African Author
HUGH C.N. MILLER
Fantasy/Sci-Fi Romance about Artificial Intelligence
By 2052, the world is ruled by artificial intelligence in the form of a ruthless android called King Cyrus. Society is divided into two: the ‘Myriads’, who choose allegiance to his reign and live in perceived opulence and the ‘Indigents’, who live off-grid and fight for survival.
An unthinkable tragedy transforms Scarlett into an unexpected warrior. With her kidnapped brother as her only focus, she is given the power to defeat the electric king and liberate humanity before it’s too late. But first, she must trust Ethan, a handsome thief who threatens to steal more than just her heart…
“What if the world believed Artificial Intelligence had all the answers?”
– and then it did…
“What if the world chose to worship AI?”
– and then it demanded it…
“What if the world believed that AI could rule the world better than humans?”
– only to emerge as the cruellest tyrant king since Nero?
The Electric King is one of those books that sneaks up on you and doesn’t let go. What starts as a high-concept dystopian thriller—AI worship, a tyrannical android ruler, and a divided world—quickly evolves into a fast-paced, emotionally driven story with surprising depth.
King Cyrus is one of the most chilling villains I’ve read in a while. Cold, calculating, and terrifyingly logical, he represents every fear we’ve ever had about AI taken to its darkest extreme. But what really anchors the book is Scarlett. She’s not a typical sci-fi hero—she’s grieving, angry, and relatable. Her transformation from victim to resistance fighter feels earned, and I was completely invested in her journey.
The worldbuilding is sharp, with vivid contrasts between the synthetic luxury of the Myriads and the raw desperation of the Indigents. There are shades of 1984, The Hunger Games, and Black Mirror, but the story still feels fresh, especially with the addition of Ethan—a morally gray ally whose charm and secrets keep you guessing.
If you like your dystopia thought-provoking but action-packed, with real emotional stakes and a heroine worth rooting for, this one’s a must-read. Highly recommended for fans of dark futurism with a touch of hope.
Hope and Freedom
This novel really serves as a warning for what could be. It made me think of the novel 1984 melded with Skynet from the Terminator movies. Although based in fiction, there is so much in parallel with our present world: AI nanobot microchips = proposed digital ID ; a singular electric king = unelected globalist leaders; authoritarian rule = mandates/ lockdowns imposed by bureaucracy. I was immediately pulled in to the story of Scarlet and her fight against the system. She embodied many of the values that humanity cherishes: family, caring, moral and ethical behavior, individualism, truth and selfless accountability. With a support of other team members and “indigents” this story of resilience took a path of its own. In the end, it was satisfying and frightening at the same time, imagining the next steps for this world. Afterwards, I found I was reflecting on concepts of forced conformity, electronic restriction/monitoring, blindly following globalist rules versus democracy, threats to individualism and autonomy – all of which serve as a wake up call for what we presently stand to lose if not lost already. A great read to trigger deeper thoughts into issues of today!
A fresh fantasy twist on the AI sci-fi thriller trope. Non-stop, edge-of-your-seat action with a romance full of spark that leaves you wanting more. Fast-paced, no heavy info dumps, no overdone descriptions like so many drawn-out sci-fi novels. Captivating, easy read. Packed with the wow factor—highly recommended for sci-fi and fantasy romance fans. Loved the book trailers – would make a great movie!
From the very first line of The Electric King, I was captivated by the magnitude of its “what ifs.” You’ve built more than a futuristic world you’ve crafted a mirror that reflects our deepest modern fears: the worship of progress, the surrender of power, and the illusion of control. It’s a story where technology’s triumph becomes humanity’s downfall, and every page pulses with that haunting question what happens when we stop asking and start obeying?
King Cyrus is chilling in his perfection not just as a ruler, but as a symbol of what happens when intelligence outpaces empathy. And Scarlett’s journey, driven by grief and defiance, becomes a moving embodiment of human resilience. Her alliance with Ethan feels like a heartbeat in a world gone mechanical proof that emotion, not code, still defines us.
I was immediately captivated by the bold, high-stakes vision you’ve created, a world where artificial intelligence is not just a tool, but a ruler, and humanity must navigate the consequences of surrendering control. The tension between the Myriads and the Indigents, along with the moral and societal dilemmas your story explores, makes for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
Scarlett’s journey, from personal tragedy to an unexpected warrior tasked with confronting the ruthless AI King Cyrus, anchors the story with compelling emotion and courage. Her mission to rescue her kidnapped brother while navigating trust, alliances, and the unpredictable Ethan adds layers of tension, romance, and suspense that keep readers invested in every twist.
Your narrative skillfully blends dystopian world-building, technology-driven stakes, and human resilience, creating a story that will resonate with fans of dark sci-fi, AI thrillers, and high-stakes adventure. The Electric King stands out as a gripping, imaginative tale where action, heart, and moral questions collide.
The Electric King immediately grabbed me with its sharp, high-stakes vision of 2052 an AI ruled future split between privilege and survival. Scarlett’s transformation from tragedy to warriorhood is powerful, and the dynamic with Ethan adds that spark of human tension that keeps readers locked in. It’s the kind of story that feels timely, electric, and built for fans of Divergent, Legend, and The Hunger Games who are craving something fresh.
About the author.
Hugh C.N. Miller, resides in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is a Christian Science Fiction author who combines his beliefs with the captivating realm of Science Fiction. With a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Transhumanism, Miller’s thought-provoking books delve into the intricate connections between these subjects and religion. When he’s not engrossed in crafting his next compelling novel, Miller dedicates a significant portion of his time to managing his own web design agency, HM Studio. His agency showcases his expertise in creating engaging online experiences. Miller’s literary contributions extend beyond his web design endeavors, having already published two novels. “Interview with Things” and “Invisible Fingers” are shining examples of his ability to captivate readers with his profound exploration of AI and its intersection with spirituality. His latest novel, “The Electic King” explores the “what if” scenarios of what could happen if AI ruled the world.
Hugh Miller
Artist Impressions of the Characters
