IN THE YEAR 2099, at the dawn of the 22nd century, a new normal in the United States and the world has set in. The time for humans to rule themselves is over, relegating their failures to the history books. With a new, more equitable system of government in place, people are hopeful the brutal civil war 20 years earlier ended bloodshed in the US, once and for all. Following America's example, the rest of the world also surrendered rule to their creations of superior intelligence. Can humanity trust them to protect their continued existence?

In his third book in the Artificial Lords series, Adam Norwood paints a strange dystopian society led by manufactured imposters of long-deceased icons. A civilization governed by new rulers who constantly learn to manage their creators, adapting their methods to facilitate order and peace. One in which even the most widely held scientific theories become relics of humanity's past. What does evolution even mean when the fittest design and build their own improvements?

As Ian Ramsey and Jack Ritchie observe this puzzling new realm arranged by them, even they are alarmed about the future, wondering what's next for their friends, family, and humanity. With the best and brightest humans, scientists, engineers, and artists now insignificant, will the people become restless? Will humans ever be insulated from the perils that threaten their existence? What is our utopia? Do we even have one?