In 2026, a new science fiction novel, “Existence Equation,” will hit bookstores. Written by Matthew Medney, former head of Heavy Metal and founder of Gungnir Books, in collaboration with Don Macnab-Stark, the book immerses readers in the 23rd century, a time when artificial intelligence, cybernetics, and the quest for immortality are central to human existence. The protagonist, Liam Kerr, a teenager, faces a difficult choice: remain human, or become a cybernetic hybrid like his idol, Larkin Downey.
An exclusive excerpt from the book transports us to the heart of the desert, where Larkin Downey, a human-like android, prepares for an extreme race. His mechanic, Ricard, has equipped the racing car with a special feedback system that can deliver sudden bursts of power. The track, winding through open plains, narrow canyons, plateaus, and tunnels, demands not only skill from the pilots but also instant adaptation to changing conditions. At the starting line, Larkin meets his main rival—Sedulus, who has beaten him to the finish three times in a row.
The races of the future
In this world, speed is more than just a sport—it’s a way to prove the superiority of technology over nature. Larkin, with his mechanical body and absence of emotions, feels an inner emptiness despite his outward perfection. As the race approaches, his mind is filled with doubts: can victory truly fill that void? Or is the price of abandoning human feelings simply too high?
Ricard, his loyal assistant, not only upgrades the race car but also supports Larkin through moments of uncertainty. Their conversations are filled with technical details and philosophical reflections on the limits of artificial intelligence. Every corner of the track becomes a metaphor for the hero’s inner struggle—between machine and man, between logic and lingering emotion.
Technology and identity
The rivalry with Sedulus goes beyond an ordinary race. It is a clash of two approaches to life: absolute rationality versus stubborn human will. Larkin analyzes every move his rival makes, calculates trajectories, but at some point realizes that unpredictability and passion are what make people unique. In that moment, for the first time in a long while, he feels something like excitement—perhaps it’s the remnants of his former self.
The desert landscapes flashing past the car window become a symbol of loneliness and the search for meaning. For Larkin, the race is not just a battle for first place but also an attempt to answer the fundamental question: what does it mean to be alive in a world where the line between human and machine is almost erased?
A look toward tomorrow
The novel “Existence Equation” promises to be one of the most talked-about sci-fi releases of 2026. The authors skillfully blend fast-paced action with profound philosophical themes, prompting readers to reflect on the future of humanity. At the heart of the story are not only technological breakthroughs, but also timeless questions about the soul, free will, and the cost of progress.
This exclusive excerpt reveals just a glimpse of a vast world where every character is forced to balance personal desires against the demands of the era. Watching Larkin, Liam Kerr begins to question his own choices, realizing that even the most advanced machines can never replace genuine human warmth and emotion.
In case you didn’t know: Matthew Medney is a well-known producer, writer, and entrepreneur who once headed the legendary magazine Heavy Metal and founded Gungnir Books, a publisher specializing in sci-fi and comics. Don Macnab-Stark is an experienced screenwriter and author who has worked on various speculative fiction projects. Their collaboration, “Existence Equation,” has already attracted attention from critics and fans of the genre worldwide.
