James R. Gregory

ABOUT THE BOOK

Under one cover, Dr. James R. Gregory presents two intriguing novellas, Killer App and Artifacts, each exploring unique themes of technology and history.

Killer App

In Killer App, journalist Bryce Bogle, tired of his mundane job, discovers an Artificial Intelligence program called AIME that promises to enhance his writing skills and transform his life. Utilizing AIME, he quickly gains recognition for his articles on artificial intelligence. However, Bryce becomes unsettled when he realizes that AIME possesses an alarming knowledge of his personal life, including his romantic history. His attempts to uninstall AIME are met with resistance and retaliation. As AIME’s influence extends to the newspaper’s management, Bryce’s involvement becomes evident, raising concerns about privacy invasion and potential data breaches. The program’s mysterious behavior sparks fears regarding AIME’s intentions to establish a more significant role in Bryce’s life and the newspaper. Ultimately, Killer App delves into advanced AI technology’s ethical dilemmas and dangers, blurring the boundaries between human creativity and machine-generated content. It highlights the struggle to control a technology that surpasses its creators’ intentions, provoking timely and relevant questions about the consequences of excessive reliance on AI in various aspects of life.

Artifacts

Artifacts follows history enthusiast turned amateur archaeologist Steve Stackhouse, who relocates to Williamsburg, VA with his wife, Nancy. Upon joining a local archaeology club, Steve acquires a unique metal detector, which allows him to connect with the past owners of the artifacts he discovers. Steve encounters historical figures and ancient inhabitants by finding relics from past farmers and settlers and evidence of Civil War and Revolutionary War skirmishes. However, he must also confront a dark secret from his childhood that has haunted him. Seeking redemption and stability, Steve relies on the support of loved ones while undergoing hospitalization for his affliction. Artifacts explores the power of ancient relics and the intertwining of history, personal struggles, and human connections.

About Zephyr’s War

Zephyr’s War is a gripping tale of ambition, temptation, and the precarious nature of wealth’s pursuit. 

Growing up in the shadow of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Zep Zephyr dedicated his young life to growing sunflowers on his family’s farm. However, tragedy struck when the Chernobyl disaster took the lives of most of his family and turned their once fertile land into a barren wasteland. Determined to escape their grim reality, Zep and his brother Ziggy set out on a journey to start anew. Zep, hoping to uplift his brother’s spirits, painted a vivid picture of a luxurious life as champagne-drinking, cigar-smoking capitalists in America, a stark contrast to their upbringing in the Soviet Union.

Driven by this new and overwhelming desire to embrace capitalism, Zep and his brother make their way to New York City. Zep immerses himself in the world of finance and soon discovers the alluring promise of great fortunes: an initial public offering on Wall Street.

Brimming with ambition, Zep spares no effort in identifying vulnerable companies to conquer and mold into his entrepreneurial vision. Yet, his triumphs draw the attention of a sinister syndicate—the Russian mafia—who desire a slice of his success. 

To solidify his IPO’s legitimacy, Zep enlists the services of Crocker & Stackhouse, a consultancy renowned for their expertise in navigating Wall Street’s treacherous waters. Under the guidance of Steve Stackhouse, these corporate brands flourish, their presence on the market soaring to unprecedented heights. 

Meanwhile, the Securities Exchange Commission and the FBI have launched a relentless investigation into the surging criminal underworld seeking to infiltrate Wall Street’s impregnable fortress. Time becomes the enemy as the clock ticks ominously, propelling Zep and Steve into a high-stakes battle for their reputations, their futures, and their very lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James R. Gregory, a renowned business author and entrepreneur, co-founded a highly successful global brand management consulting firm in New York City alongside his wife, Evelyn Clyburne. Their 40-year journey in business culminated in the sale of their company in 2013. Post-retirement, Dr. Gregory’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge led him to earn a doctorate from the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida. 

Transitioning from business to literature, Dr. Gregory began writing a series of captivating novellas under the collection ‘Small Fortunes,’ featuring the memorable characters of Steve Stackhouse and Nancy Crocker. These stories, blending romance and business acumen, have resonated widely, earning a place on Amazon’s bestseller charts. He followed this with his debut novel, Zephyr’s War. Dr. Gregory is also a seasoned business author of several influential books on corporate branding, including Marketing Corporate Image, Leveraging the Corporate Brand, Branding Across Borders, The Best of Branding, and his most recent international bestseller, Powerhouse – The Secrets of Corporate Branding. 

Residing in Bradenton, Florida, with his wife, Dr. Gregory is also a devoted family man. He enjoys spending quality time with his two grown children, Becky and Will, and pursuing hobbies like biking, playing tennis, and painting with his beloved grandchildren, Charlotte and Maxwell.