Journalist Den Secord is sent to find missing tech mogul Gregor Makarios, only to uncover a reality-bending conspiracy involving damaged AI, interdimensional Sasquatch-like entities, and a decaying near-future world where technology and cosmic horror collide. Through surreal interviews and unsettling encounters, the novel explores the nature of reality, human consciousness, and the darkly comic, gnostic underpinnings of existence.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future world marked by environmental decline and technological immersion, the novel follows journalist Den Secord as he is tasked with locating the reclusive tech mogul Gregor Makarios. The story unfolds in the Pacific Northwest, where Den's investigation leads him to a hi-tech hermitage surrounded by primeval forests, and into a series of interviews and conversations that blur the lines between reality, simulation, and hallucination. The narrative structure is non-linear, often framed as Den recounting his experiences after the fact, and incorporates elements of horror, science fiction, gnostic philosophy, and cosmic dread. The book features a range of unusual concepts, including damaged artificial intelligences, interdimensional Sasquatch-like entities called Archons, and recurring scatological metaphors, all woven into a plot that explores the nature of reality, consciousness, and humanity's place in the universe.

Readers praised the book for its dense and imaginative worldbuilding, particularly the vivid depiction of a decaying, fungus-choked future landscape and the immersive, sensory-rich descriptions of both natural and artificial environments. The dialogue and character work, especially the dynamic between Den and Makarios, were frequently highlighted as engaging and effective in conveying complex philosophical ideas. Many found the horror elements, such as body horror and existential dread, to be subtle yet deeply unsettling, with specific scenes—like the fate of Lil Dougie and the creation of the frog bridge—leaving a lasting impression. The book's willingness to tackle big questions about reality, technology, and meaning, as well as its blend of humor, dark satire, and references to cyberpunk and gnostic traditions, were also noted as strengths.

Some readers found the book difficult to engage with due to its unconventional structure, which often prioritizes expository dialogue and philosophical monologues over traditional plot development. The narrative's focus on ideas sometimes came at the expense of character depth, with Den occasionally serving more as a passive observer than a fully realized protagonist. Several reviewers mentioned that the worldbuilding, while imaginative, felt underdeveloped or inconsistent in places, with near-future elements and contemporary references sometimes straining credibility. A few readers were put off by moments of cultural insensitivity, the heavy use of scatological metaphors, or the book's ambiguous symbolism, and some felt that the central gnostic worldview was either unconvincing or unappealing. There were also comments that the pacing lagged in sections, and that the story's resolution or thematic clarity was lacking for those seeking a more conventional narrative arc.

The book has generated significant discussion among readers, with some reporting that its ideas and imagery lingered long after finishing. It has been compared to works by Philip K. Dick, Lovecraft, Jeff VanderMeer, and others, and is noted for blending elements of cosmic horror, cyberpunk, and psychedelic philosophy. The publisher, Word Horde, is recognized for supporting unconventional speculative fiction. While the book's approach has proven divisive, it has prompted both philosophical debate and strong emotional reactions, with some readers returning to it for further analysis or group discussion.