Press Release
Official Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Batavia Author and Educator Tackles Society's Growing Worries About AI in New Bestselling Novel
BATAVIA, IL (April 20, 2026) — As headlines daily report on the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, a local educator is offering a prophetic look at what these changes mean for the average person. Nick Duda's debut novel, Sawyer's Reach: The Battle for Tomorrow, has quickly climbed the Amazon charts, resonating with readers who are asking the same questions the book explores: Who is really in control? And what happens to our families and communities when technology starts making our choices for us?
Set in the quiet woods of Wisconsin, the story follows the Carter family as they struggle against ZevraCorp, a global entity that uses technology to manage every aspect of life. For Duda, the book isn't just science fiction; it's a reflection of the deep-seated concerns he sees in society today. From the isolation of digital "bubbles" to the environmental impact of massive data centers drying up local water sources, the novel addresses the very real anxieties of the modern age.
"I wrote this book because I see the worries so many of us share right now," says Duda. "As a teacher, I know that real personal growth comes from overcoming challenges, not from having every obstacle removed by an algorithm. As a father, I wanted to write a story about how we protect our humanity, our families, and our connection to the natural world in a future that often feels like it's leaving us behind."
Drawing on his 22 years in the classroom and his technical background as a drone pilot and ham radio operator, Duda provides a grounded, relatable perspective on high-tech themes. The "Battle for Tomorrow" in the title refers to the fight to ensure that technology serves as a tool for human connection, rather than a replacement for it.
Sawyer's Reach: The Battle for Tomorrow is available now on Amazon and major retailers. For full media resources, visit SawyersReachBook.com/MediaKit.
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Option A — The “Short & Sweet”
Batavia resident and 22-year veteran educator Nick Duda has released Sawyer’s Reach: The Battle for Tomorrow, a near-future science fiction novel that hit #31 on the Amazon Cyberpunk charts. The story follows a Wisconsin family fighting for agency and community in a world optimized by corporate AI. Available now at all major retailers. Learn more at SawyersReachBook.com.
Option B — The “Human Interest”
Drawing on his two decades of classroom experience, Batavia author Nick Duda is sparking a conversation about the role of technology in our families. His new novel, Sawyer’s Reach, follows the Carter family as they navigate a world where a massive corporation prioritizes data over human dignity. Duda, a father of three and a licensed drone pilot, uses his technical background to ground this prophetic thriller in the realities of today’s societal worries.
For Interviewers
Suggested Interview Topics
- The Catalyst: As an educator and father, what was the “spark” that made you write this story now?
- The Carter Family: Why is a family the focal point of resistance against global AI?
- The Value of Struggle: As a teacher, why is “human friction” so vital to our personal growth?
- Meaningful Tech: Tell us about the tools you created at AskKaela.com and why they were necessary.