Sleeper Code

A Novel

By: Kevin McGuire

Narrated by: Austin Rising

Beneath the calm hum of America’s power grids, a new kind of weapon is awakening.

When a self-learning piece of code—Phantom—is planted deep inside the nation’s critical infrastructure, it lies dormant, invisible, and patient. Until the day it is called to life.

Max Shaw, a brilliant but battle-worn cybersecurity leader at the National Infrastructure Protection Agency, has spent years defending systems most people never see. But when the grid flickers and a single word appears across his screen—PHANTOM: AWAKE—he and his team realize the enemy is already inside.

Together with Tara Lin, an MIT-trained code-breaker haunted by her brother’s stolen identity, and Sam Rourke, a field-forged deputy who walks with a limp and the weight of past wars, Max races to trace the infection before it cascades through every network that keeps the nation alive.

From Washington’s hidden command bunkers to data farms buried in the Kansas plains, Sleeper Code delivers a pulse-pounding journey through the invisible battlefield of the twenty-first century—where power, water, and trust itself can vanish with a single keystroke.

Can Max and his team stop a weapon that learns faster than they can think—or has the countdown already begun?

Gripping, authentic, and terrifyingly plausible, Sleeper Code blends cutting-edge cyber warfare with human courage, exploring how far we’ll go to protect the systems—and the people—we love.

©2025 Perfect Publishing (P)2026 Blue Nose Publishing

A thrilling techno masterpiece!

The writing of the book is amazing, the reality of this book is scary. The narrator, Austin Rising really made the words come to life!

the storyline was riveting

i have enjoyed both the hardcover book and the audio adaptation. The narrator did very well with various voices and people.
The pace of the narration was very well done as well.

Wonderful Narration!

It wasn’t what I’m used to, but I jumped right on in anyway. This story kept me curious about how everything would unfold. While this particular book wasn’t my usual preference, I appreciated the creativity behind the story and plot. Austin Rising did a fabulous job with the narration, and was able to keep me engaged throughout. He helped make things that aren’t usually my cup of tea, like coding and cyber security, interesting and easy to understand. If you enjoy thrillers with hidden codes, secrets, and unraveling conspiracies, this one might be one you would definitely enjoy!

Intriguing read

It’s fast-paced, feels eerily realistic, and mixes high-stakes tension with just enough human drama to keep you invested.
Recommend, really good read.

ALC | SPOILER-FREE REVIEW Tropes: Conspiracies • Mystery • Spies

ALC | SPOILER-FREE REVIEW
Sleeper Code: A Novel by Kevin McGuire Tropes: Conspiracies • Mystery • Spies & Politics • Thriller & SuspenseAudiobook Narrated by: Austin Rising! I went into Sleeper Code expecting a typical tech thriller, but it pulled me in more than I expected. What makes the story stand out is how believable it feels. It explores how the systems we rely on every day might not be as secure as we think, which keeps the tension running throughout the book. The audiobook made the experience even better. Austin Rising's narration keeps everything clear and engaging, especially during the technical moments, while still building suspense. This is a smart thriller that never feels overwhelming, and the stakes keep rising as the story unfolds. If you enjoy suspense that feels realistic and a little unsettling, this one is definitely worth the listen.