Wishmen: A Future Noir Thriller About What We Want—and What It Costs

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By William Reimers

A bold and electrifying entry into the realm of future noir, Wishmen is a genre-defying narrative that blends the philosophical weight of speculative fiction with the grit of dystopian thrillers. Sky Daltrey is the author. The novel, which is set in the not-so-distant future of 2032, offers a disturbingly familiar vision of a world that is influenced by an algorithm that promises to fulfill every human desire—at a concealed, and ultimately catastrophic, cost.

Daltrey's ability to establish a specific tone and atmosphere is immediately apparent from the first page. His writing is characterized by a combination of deliberateness and elegance, as well as a sense of tension and cinematic detail. The pacing is meticulously controlled, yet it is flexible enough to allow for contemplative depth. The dialogue is replete with subtext, and the scenes are presented with the clarity of a graphic novel—visual, moody, and immersive. Daltrey utilizes his proficiency in conflict zones, journalism, and theoretical physics to imbue each moment with intellectual weight and visceral realism.

Wishmen fundamentally investigates the architecture of desire, including its shaping, marketing, and ultimately weaponization. The novel delves into the themes of digital control, surveillance, emotional manipulation, and the illusion of free will in the age of AI through the narrative of Nico Gracie, a disillusioned game designer, and Felicia, an enigmatic artist. Their pursuit of the truth takes them to the underbelly of Anglesden, an enigmatic island that is the site of MANA's dark origins. The consequences are not only existential but also profoundly personal.

The book challenges readers to consider uncomfortable questions: If technology can fulfill our every wish, do we become more free—or more enslaved? What are the consequences of forgoing significance in favor of convenience? Daltrey is not a preacher; rather, he incites controversy. The outcome is a narrative that engages both the intellect and the gut, compelling the reader to confront the ambiguous boundaries between individuality and programming, pleasure and control.

Wishmen is emotionally resonant with vulnerability and urgency. Below the surface, there is a tangible sense of melancholy—for the gradual degradation of truth, for corrupted innocence, and for the loss of autonomy. However, the book also exudes a sense of defiance, and in its concluding chapters, it provides a glimmer of resistance: the enduring influence of human connection in a world that is becoming increasingly influenced by code.

Wishmen is not merely a thriller. It is a book that dares to inquire about the meaning of desire and freedom, but it is also a philosophical reckoning that is presented as entertainment.

About the Author

Sky Daltrey

Sky Daltrey lives in Ireland, where he writes fiction, poetry, and educational content. With a diverse background spanning theoretical physics, journalism, advanced analytics, and expertise in business, leadership, and coaching, Sky's career has taken him across the globe. Over the years, he has worked internationally with people from territories affected by military conflicts, gaining profound insights into the complexities of human experience.

Fascinated by AI, psychology, and the boundaries of human potential, Sky's work often explores themes rooted in these disciplines. While his fiction is often categorised as Science Fiction, it's more accurately described as Speculative Fiction, delving into the intersection of technology, humanity, and the unknown.