Author J.M. Lanham

J.M. Lanham is an American author of science fiction, suspense, thrillers, and supernatural fiction.

John

FREE EBOOK GIVEAWAY—TODAY ONLY!

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AI is turning into a real no-brainer.

Captain Bernard McArthur, leader of the Jacksonville Department of SAILE (Support for AI in Law Enforcement).

My latest book, 𝘼𝙄: 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 is FREE today (May 14th 2025) on Amazon! Get the ebook readers are calling “a fun and refreshing read” for 𝘴𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘢, which I believe is Spanish for “No bad pages.”

Check out the book readers are calling, I, Robot meets Idiocracy. It’s my first foray into YA SciFi, so if you haven’t read it yet then now’s your chance to grab it FREE through midnight PT.

👉 Grab your FREE copy here:

Book cover for AI: Artificial Incompetence. An image of a crosseyed android robot.

https://amzn.to/4keREkK

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧:

“Fast read, very enjoyable book. Believable characters. Give it a try, you will be surprised.”

“Just a hoot! Give it a whirl…”

“Definitely one of the BEST Sci-Fi books I have read!”

“A light-hearted apocalypse … loved it.”

If you love smart humor in SciFi that doesn’t take itself too seriously then this may be the next read for you. I had a lot of fun writing (yes, writing—not ChatGPT’ing!) this one, and it’s my hope that you get a lot of enjoyment out of reading it!

As one of SAILE’s newest interns, college student Halle Hernandez brings intelligence, strength, swift perception and a playful wit to the force.

As always, thank you so much for supporting this little ol’ indie author over the years. Each and every kind word from readers like you has encouraged me to work harder to create better stories that I think readers will get a kick out of, and my latest is no exception.

Have you read AI: Artificial Incompetence, or any other books by me? I’d love to hear what you think. Feel free to drop me a line at john@jmlanham.com anytime to talk books, stories, writing and more.

𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦: 𝘈𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘐 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴.

Book Review: Sphere by Michael Crichton

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She may be old and tattered, but Sphere still delivered fresh thrills after a recent revisit.

Michael Crichton’s Sphere plunges readers into the abyss—literally and figuratively—crafting a techno-thriller that resonates with the depths of human curiosity and fear. As a writer who loves the fusion of science fiction and suspense, I found Sphere to be a masterclass in blending speculative science with psychological tension.

The book follows a team of experts summoned to investigate a mysterious spacecraft discovered deep beneath the Pacific Ocean. As they dive into the top-secret enigma, the story morphs into a cerebral exploration of consciousness, reality, and the unknown. Crichton’s meticulous attention to scientific detail, coupled with his knack for building palpable suspense, makes for another edge-of-your-seat thriller that’s sure to keep you riveted from start to finish.

The quote from American architect Louis Kahn (1901 – 1974) points out that sometimes scientists may overlook extraordinary possibilities because of a tendency to observe only that which is already known.

One of the coolest things about Sphere is that it’s one of many Crichton novels that made its way to the big screen. Released in 1998, the film starred Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, and Samuel L. Jackson—an all-star cast tackling the eerie mysteries of the deep.

Much like Jurassic Park and Timeline, Sphere showcases Crichton’s talent for creating stories that practically beg to be adapted into Hollywood blockbusters, although it’s also worth noting that the tone of most of Crichton’s book tends to be a lot darker than their Hollywood adaptations.

The mysterious (and presumed alien) consciousness named Jerry communicates with the crew through the computer system in ways that baffle crew members.

While the movie Sphere tries to capture the tension, it tends to gloss over the slow-building dread that’s so palpable in the novel. The book delves far deeper into the characters’ psyches, especially when it comes to fear and paranoia. And (in my humble opinion) the sense of isolation and helplessness in the underwater habitat is far more vivid in the book.

The back cover of my extremely old yet highly enjoyable paperback copy of Sphere by Michael Crichton.

What sets Sphere apart is its ability to challenge perceptions and probe the human psyche. The characters’ interactions with the titular sphere serve as a conduit for examining fear, desire, and the power of the mind—a theme that resonates deeply with the explorations in my own work, such as The R.E.M. Effect.

For readers who relish a narrative that intertwines cutting-edge science with profound psychological exploration, Sphere is a dive worth taking. It’s a reminder of why the ocean—and the mind—remain two of the greatest frontiers yet to be fully understood.

Grab your newer, less-weathered copy of Sphere on Amazon by clicking here!

Halloween Giveaway!

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🎃Halloween Giveaway!🎃

AI has bats in the belfry in my latest book AI: Artificial Incompetence – FREE to download today only!👻 Don’t miss your chance to snag the ebook readers are calling an absolute delight!

Check it out at the link below and grab your copy on Amazon now.

https://amzn.to/3YmXVBs

Currently #1 FREE EBOOK for YA/Sci-Fi on Amazon. Rated 4.5 on Goodreads!

Free Download Ends Midnight Pacific Time!

Book Signing at The Book Loft: Fernandina Beach, Florida

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Come say hi this weekend at The Book Loft: the oldest independent bookstore in sunny Fernandina Beach, Florida!

Photo of The Book Loft on Amelia Island, Florida
The Book Loft, Amelia Island, Florida

If you’re going to be near Amelia Island, Florida this weekend, then please take a moment to stop by The Book Loft in Fernandina Beach’s downtown historic district on Centre Street (details below).

I’ll be signing copies of my latest book titled AI: Artificial Incompetence this Saturday, August 31st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

So if you love books and you’re in the area, stop on by! We can talk shop, science fiction, all-things fiction, or anything else that comes to mind. I’d love to meet you!

Where:

The Book Loft

214 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

When:

Saturday, August 31st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hope to see you there!

Revival: A Dark and Disturbing Descent into the Supernatural

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Stephen King’s Revival is a haunting exploration of faith, obsession, and the destructive power of unchecked desire. This tale, set against the backdrop of a small American town (a common Stephen King trope), delves into the complexities of human nature and the potential consequences of dabbling in the unknown.

At the heart of the story is the enigmatic Reverend Charles Jacobs, a man consumed by his fascination with electricity. His obsession leads him down a dangerous path, culminating in a tragic accident that shatters his life and leaves him searching for answers. Years later, a young boy named Jamie Morton witnesses a horrifying event involving Jacobs and becomes entangled in his world of darkness.

Reverend Charles Jacobs is the very definition of the fifth business.

King masterfully weaves together a tale of friendship, loss, and the supernatural. The characters are deeply flawed and relatable, their struggles with addiction, grief, and the search for meaning resonating with readers. The author’s prose is both lyrical and chilling, creating a sense of dread and anticipation that lingers long after the final page.

Revival is a departure from King’s more traditional horror fare. While it contains elements of the supernatural, the true horror lies in the exploration of human darkness and the consequences of our actions. The ending is both shocking and thought-provoking, and left me questioning the nature of reality for a solid week after reading; I don’t think you’ll see this one coming.

If you’re a fan of Stephen King or enjoy dark, character-driven stories, Revival is a must-read. Its exploration of faith, obsession, and the power of the supernatural will leave a lasting impression.

Stephen King’s Revival is available on Amazon.

Book Review of DMT: The Spirit Molecule by Dr. Rick Strassman

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Image of the cover of DMT: The Spirit Molecule

In the realm of psychedelic research, few books have had as profound an impact as DMT: The Spirit Molecule by Dr. Rick Strassman. Published in 2000, The Spirit Molecule delves deep into the world of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the most powerful known hallucinogen in the world (Interestingly enough, it’s also the only hallucinogen that’s endogenous to many plants and animals, human beings included). Through a combination of rigorous scientific research, compelling narrative, and philosophical exploration, Strassman offers readers an unprecedented look at one of the most mysterious substances known to science.

Overview of the Book

DMT: The Spirit Molecule chronicles Dr. Strassman’s groundbreaking research conducted at the University of New Mexico in the 1990s. Over the course of five years, Strassman administered approximately 400 doses of DMT to 60 volunteers in a controlled clinical setting. The book meticulously documents these experiments, providing detailed accounts of the experiences reported by the participants.

Key Themes and Insights

The Nature of DMT Experiences

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is Strassman’s exploration of the nature of DMT-induced experiences. Volunteers reported a wide range of phenomena, from vivid visual hallucinations to encounters with otherworldly beings. Strassman’s detailed descriptions and analyses of these experiences offer a rare glimpse into the profound and often mystical states of consciousness that DMT can induce.

Scientific Rigor and Ethical Considerations

Strassman’s work is notable for its scientific rigor and ethical considerations. He meticulously designed his studies to ensure the safety and well-being of the participants, setting a high standard for future research in the field. The book provides an in-depth look at the methodologies used in the experiments, offering valuable insights for researchers and clinicians interested in studying psychedelics.

Image of reader praise and reviews of DMT: The Spirit Molecule

Praise for DMT: The Spirit Molecule

Theoretical Implications

Beyond the empirical data, DMT: The Spirit Molecule delves into the theoretical implications of Strassman’s findings. He explores the potential roles of endogenous DMT in the human brain, hypothesizing that it may be involved in naturally occurring mystical and near-death experiences. This speculative aspect of the book prompts readers to consider the broader implications of DMT on our understanding of consciousness and spirituality.

What I Liked about the Book

Strassman’s writing is both engaging and accessible, making complex scientific concepts understandable to a broad audience. His narrative style draws readers in, creating a sense of immersion in the world of psychedelic research.

The book strikes a balance between scientific rigor and personal reflection. Strassman doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges and controversies associated with psychedelic research, providing a comprehensive and balanced perspective.

DMT: The Spirit Molecule is thought-provoking, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about the nature of reality and consciousness. Strassman’s willingness to explore the mystical and spiritual dimensions of DMT experiences adds a rich layer of philosophical inquiry to the book.

Regarding Strassman himself, he’s super accessible to readers and fans of his work, and was kind enough to sign my paperback copy of The Spirit Molecule in 2017 back when I read it for the first time. It’s also worth noting that what I’ve learned from Strassman’s research and the many of the speculative concepts throughout his work inspired several themes found in my own R.E.M. book series.

Image of a signed paperback copy of DMT: The Spirit Molecule

Fun fact: J.M. Lanham is my pen name 😉

Recommended? A Mind-Blowing YES

DMT: The Spirit Molecule by Dr. Rick Strassman is a landmark work in the field of psychedelic research. Through a combination of scientific rigor, engaging narrative, and philosophical exploration, Strassman offers readers a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at the world of DMT.

The book’s insights into the nature of consciousness, the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics, and the broader implications for our understanding of reality make it an essential read for anyone interested in the mysteries of the human mind.

If DMT: The Spirit Molecule sounds like a read that’d be right up your alley, you can grab your copy by visiting Amazon at this link!


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