- The Billion Dollar Sugar Cube (David Blum)

After foiling a plot to create a bioweapon-induced global pandemic in the Pangaea Solution, David Blum must again confront the menacing Global Futures Alliance (GFA) as it implements a plan to control human behavior. The GFA has developed a machine that uses a terrifying combination of AI and Artificial Emotion to manipulate human emotions in a way that benefits the GFA, and is untraceable to them. It is written in author Jacob’s page-turning writing style with well-researched and enjoyable plot construction. This thriller is a great read that shows the reader what bad actors might (would) do if they are able to combine these technologies. Given it takes an author considerable time to research and write a book, and given how timely his topics turn out to be, it is clear Jacobs is adept at identifying future threats before they become newsworthy. I almost don’t want to know the subject of his next book. But given how much fun his first two books have been, I eagerly await his next one.

Reading was uninteresting; plot was flat 🫤

Another thrilling page-turner featuring David Blum. Chuck Jacobs once again combines a thoughtful plot, realistic characters, and a plausible theory for nefarious employment of emerging tech...that takes us on another wild ride with Agent Blum. Aside from the enjoyable story, it raises some profound questions about the trajectory of AI, emotional manipulation, and the future of warfare. Well done, Chuck.

A page turning high octane and fully worthy sequel to The Pangea Solution. This book is straight from, or one step ahead of, the headlines as AI becomes ever more pervasive in our lives - whether we know it or not. The European Union is already discussing banning emotion reading AI from work places and schools. They must have read the Billion Dollar Sugar Cube. Charles Jacobs has his own unique creative style but readers of Flemming, Clancy and Le Carré will surly enjoy this book.

In The Billion Dollar Sugar Cube, Agent David Blum returns in this exciting sequel to The Pangaea Solution. This is a page turner filled with tension, suspense, and even a little romance! With all the implementation of artificial intelligence occurring now, this is a timely novel that had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! Many challenges await Blum from being tasked with his first hit job, to terminating a deadly plan utilizing artificial intelligence. The Billion Dollar Sugar Cube explores the nefarious ways AI can be used and the devastating consequences. Imagine this technology falling into the wrong hands and being deployed on humans to reconfigure their emotions and control their actions. Read The Billion Dollar Sugar Cube for a terrifying look at the disastrous possibilities! If you enjoy espionage, suspense or science fiction, you’ll love The Billion Dollar Sugar Cube!

This book is a worthy sequel to the Pangea Solution, and features David Blum traveling across continents to put down an artificial intelligence device that can power to the n the emotional effect of speech on listeners. The device is in the wrong hands and mayhem ensues. The effect on the world portrayed here reminded me of how CDO's amplified distortions in mortgage lending globally only to collapse in the 2007-08 crisis. This time it is through mass communication. The book is a fun read. It features details and explanations that keep the plot convincingly real, while the third person narrative moves quickly across time, technologies, and countries. Particular twists involve bonds and elections, cooling of computers, and running thru a gauntlet of security to access buildings. The connections that build between David, Tina, Mindy are compelling. I was rooting for them to the end. Read this book now and think about what coded messages you may be hearing without listening, daily!