THE UNTETHERED is a philosophical techno-thriller that spans the globe, weaving five seemingly unrelated characters into a web of impossible conflict and unlikely friendship. And while they battle against their own internal demons in an attempt to achieve their selfish pursuits, the self-righteous mobs of the world are closing in to stop them. The characters: Juvenile delinquent, Roble Santos, chases his radical vision to build the most controversial aircraft in history---but with the threat of betrayal, prison, and death all around, he's running out of time. Political star, Alexandria Patra, rises to the envy of the masses---yet to reach the top she is forced to decide between what everyone expects and her long-abandoned childhood dream. Rogue geneticist, Stock Brant, reinvents nature in order to save the very world he hates---unaware the price of his plan may be his own soul. Savant tennis player, Nicolette Popov, employs precise mathematics and youthful spunk to become the best player in the world---but unwilling to follow the rules off the court, she risks everything she fought to achieve. Manga artist, Danny Sands, goes to the ends of the earth to make his father proud---blind to the reality his submission may cost everything and everyone he ever held dear. When all five lives collide beneath the streets of Las Vegas, each must make a choice---and none of them will ever be the same again. ----------------------- "A thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of Atlas Shrugged."---BookBub. bookbub.com/books/the-untethered-by-s-w-southwick ----------------------- Quote from the back cover: Alexandria counted her shallow breaths. "Roble, what...what is it you need?" He pulled his arrowhead out from his shirt and rubbed it. "I don't need to hear how scary the world is and how I shouldn't try anything. I don't need to know how much suffering there is out there," he pointed out the window, "or how bad I should feel about it. What I need..." he looked up, his grey eyes pleading, "...is to see someone who is still happy after growing up." Lowering his head, he added, "I need to see living, Ms. Patra, because I actually want to live." ----------------------- Quote from inside: The East China Sea glistened like an endless glass sheet. The F-22 Raptor Super Kai flashed just above its surface, ripping twin aerated water plumes into the air. A grey destroyer sat broadside in the water just ahead. Roble hurtled toward its bow without slowing. Crossing above the ship, the jet's sonic shockwave rocked sailors to the deck as if Roble's soul had exploded through their bodies. Sea spray from the wake doused the ship's hull like an exclamation point. ----------------------- Advisory: This novel contains sex, drugs, and fighter jets.