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

A priest must contend with hearsay and corruption in a futuristic world in author Jeremy Bender’s “Twin Rivers.”

The Synopsis

The High Priest rules the city of Twin Rivers in the name of the Lord of Mercy, his AI god. In this land, where robotic Brothers complete all labor and humans are left to enjoy the fruits of this Eden, something rotten grows. Yonatan, a newly ascended Priest in the sclerotic Priesthood, is meant to shore up the faith of those left behind. Yet as Yonatan’s preaching takes him deep into the city’s bowels, he must confront heresy far deeper rooted than he ever imagined. When he sees one of the city’s paramilitary Keepers leave a young woman to die because of her unsanctioned implants, Yonatan must decide whether his faith in the Lord of Mercy outweighs his own belief in human exceptionalism.

The Review

This was such a compelling and thought-provoking read. The author does a remarkable job of creating a world that is both futuristic to the point of being sci-fi and yet so grounded in the problems of our modern world that it feels tangible and jumps right off the page. The blending of modern technology with religion and spirituality was a unique twist on the cyberpunk genre, and the powerful imagery in the author’s writing made this world feel both cohesive and vibrant on the page.

The world building and mythos of this world was perfectly built up by the author, and the way this balanced out the complex themes the story touches on was incredible. Themes that include mankinds reliance on automated systems and the battle of freedom versus the control that comes from conformity all made the story feel so important and enthralling at the same time. The characters are so complex and help highlight these themes through each shocking twist and turn.

The Verdict

Thrilling, complex, and engaging, author Jeremy Bender’s “Twin Rivers” is a must-read cyberpunk thriller. The shocking twists and turns the story brings out and the dynamic characters and the world they inhabit will both entertain readers and keep them invested as the futuristic setting slowly peels away to show just how close to reality this seemingly perfect yet problematic society truly is. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on February 7th, 2026 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Jeremy Bender is a part-time writer, full-time father, and all around dilettante. He has worked in the threat intelligence, cybersecurity, and education fields for over a decade. This work, as well as his studies in college on religion, folklore, and Middle Eastern history, have influenced the stories he writes. 

Jeremy has short stories published in The Arcanist, Black Hare Press’ “Year Seven” anthology, Support Indie Authors, and Lit Up.