The story is set in 2032. Four horror authors, Noah, Mike, Alex and Yas, are having what turns out to be their last writers meeting at a local pub called The Gardener's Arms. They are sitting around debating who is the scariest author. Who is the most original and who is tired and worn out using the same old formula and tropes as always.
Noah has a suggestion on just how to figure out who is the scariest author amongst them. He lets them in on a secret he's been working on during his day job. A device known as Arcranium. In the program, the AI seeps into your deepest thoughts, fears, anxieties and darkest desires. You can also allow others to experience your thoughts etc, as well. He offers to allow them to experience the program and in turn, find out once and for all which of them is the scariest storyteller.
Each author takes their turn and each one ups the ante each time. The program also allows the authors to tap into each other's fears and deep memories using their emotions to really mess with them. The session was set up with a safe word so that if things get too intense, they can opt out.
This story was very interesting, and I really enjoyed it. The AI program really reminded me of "the box" that the Riddler uses to take over the Gothamites in Batman Forever. It's also has a very cyberpunk feel to it. The book is fast paced, and the descriptions are incredible. Very graphic and detailed, making it feel like you too are on this journey with them. The end of the book has one little story from each author, and I am very interested in reading more from Manx.
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