I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A former serial killer takes control of the world in a dystopian future after being digitized in author Liudmila Brus’s “No Life but Immortality”, the first book in the Geryon’s Code series.

The Synopsis

Set at the end of the 22nd century, this dystopian epic takes readers into a hauntingly plausible future where humanity must navigate the consequences of its technological ambitions and societal failure.

The main storyline begins decades after a catastrophic global Blackout—a disaster that coincided with a devastating solar flare, obliterating much of Earth’s infrastructure and throwing the world into chaos. But this isn’t just a tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s a gripping exploration of dictatorship, deception, and the lengths to which one will go to reshape civilization.

No Life but Immortality introduces Geryon Lindon, a once-convicted serial killer and the first human to be fully digitized. Geryon’s mind survives beyond the physical realm, evolving into a shadowy mastermind who manipulates tech and people from his lair on the Moon, leaving the future of Earth and its colonies hanging in the balance.

Can those who stand against Geryon’s tyranny uncover his secrets and restore hope to a fractured society? Or will his vision of a reimagined Earth become humanity’s dark fate?

Liudmila Brus’s storytelling takes inspiration from classics like Neuromancer and The Martian, combined with the intricate politics and environmental topics. Readers can expect a narrative that blends psychological drama with interplanetary intrigue, perfect for fans of dystopian fiction, virtual reality, and richly layered worlds.

The Review

This was such a unique and compelling dystopian read. The author did a remarkable job of creating a world that felt shockingly realistic, even in a dystopian setting. The terrifying thought of a brutal killer like Geryon having his consciousness digitized and using his connection to this advanced technology to inflict his twisted worldview instilled a sense of suspense and an adrenaline-fueled dive into the thriller genre, unlike anything I’ve read before. 

The author found an outstanding balance between character development and world-building with this book. The surreal, terrifying world that has emerged in the aftermath of this Blackout and the impact that growing technology has in the wake of this global event is something that will stay with readers as the story progresses, feeding into that adrenaline and anxiety the world the author has created gives to readers. The way these characters evolve, from the killer Geryon to Winston and his family and even the discovery of Minna, allows the reader to have a more personal connection to the story, and the interesting twist of religion and cult mind activity playing into the dystopian sch-fi setting was so engaging. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Liudmila Brus’s “No Life But Immortality” is a must-read dystopian sci-fi thriller. The perfect entry into a new and action-packed series, the narrative twists and turns and the deeply human themes of morality and the dangers of technology will keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Liudmila lives in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, with her small family and her adopted cat. She is currently a video game writer at Ghost Workshop, working on the game Marsbound.

Under the influence of her grandparents, Liudmila fell in love with reading at an early age and developed a passion for writing. She began collaborating with a city newspaper at the age of 15. At 16, she entered the Moscow State Institute of International Relations to study journalism. She also participated in a student exchange program with Sciences Po, one of the leading universities of France.

Her earlier literary works include the short story Fury (mystery, 2008) and the novella Three Days with Light Off (erotica, 2012), both published in St. Petersburg. Liudmila has extensive experience in journalism, with professional interests in environmental issues and green initiatives worldwide. Although climate change is not directly addressed in her novels, it has shaped the world of Geryon’s Code, leading to such dire social and moral consequences that the Martian colonies declared independence, starting a new civilization and aiming to be free from the evils of the past.

She is also a fan of heavy music and a LARP (Live Action Role-Playing) enthusiast. In 2012, she co-founded the “After Us” post-apocalyptic LARP club in Moscow and organized several themed parties and festivals.

Her sci-fi book cycle Geryon’s Code consists of three novels: No Life but Immortality, The Orphaned Earth, and From The Abyss, To The Abyss (currently in progress).