Meet the Characters
In a world where technology can imitate humanity, trust becomes the most dangerous question of all.
From intelligence operatives and investigative journalists to scientists, business leaders and powerful political figures, the characters of The Heart Runners are connected by secrets, ambition, loyalty and a rapidly changing technological world.
Chuck Cheney
The Reporter Who Gets Too Close to the TruthChuck Cheney is an ambitious investigative reporter whose pursuit of a major international story takes him far beyond ordinary journalism. His work eventually brings him into the dangerous world of artificial intelligence, espionage and international conspiracy.
Smart, determined and willing to take risks, Chuck discovers that the closer he gets to the truth, the more difficult it becomes to know whom he can trust.
His investigation into AI Max Robotic ultimately becomes one of the biggest stories of his career.
Natasha
The Intelligence OperativeBrilliant, confident and unpredictable, Natasha is far more than she first appears.
A CIA operative with exceptional technical abilities, she brings intelligence, courage and a willingness to enter dangerous situations. Her relationship with Chuck adds another layer to a world already filled with secrets.
Natasha's ability to uncover information—and her instincts when something does not seem quite human—make her one of the most important players in the story.
Tammy Wang
Caught Between Family, Power and SecretsTammy Wang is the daughter of powerful Chinese Air Force General Wang Qing and the wife of AI Max Robotic CEO Jack Xi.
Her life places her directly at the intersection of family loyalty, political power, technological ambition and international intrigue.
As events surrounding her husband and father unfold, Tammy finds herself surrounded by questions she cannot easily answer.
Jack Xi
The Visionary Behind AI Max RoboticDr. Jack Xi is a brilliant scientist and entrepreneur behind AI Max Robotic in Shanghai.
His company stands at the forefront of synthetic human organs and humanoid robotics, developing technology with extraordinary medical and technological possibilities.
But when advanced robotics become connected to military applications and international espionage, Jack's success places him at the center of a dangerous global conflict.
Jimmy Page
The CIA AnalystJimmy Page is a highly skilled CIA computer analyst whose unconventional appearance hides his true profession.
Behind the relaxed exterior is a man trusted with highly sensitive technological intelligence. His expertise becomes crucial when American intelligence encounters advanced robotic technology that appears to be far beyond conventional expectations.
Jimmy finds himself at the crossroads of technology, intelligence and a threat that could change the balance of global security.
Tom Spicer
The Man Who May Not Be What He SeemsTom Spicer is an important CIA figure connected to the international operations surrounding the robotic threat.
But as Chuck and Natasha investigate the technology, something about Tom begins to feel different.
His movements, behavior and connection to a robotic replica raise a question that becomes increasingly difficult to ignore: Who—or what—is the real Tom Spicer?
General Wang Qing
Power, Military Influence and Hidden AmbitionGeneral Wang Qing is a powerful Chinese military leader and Tammy Wang's father.
His influence reaches deep into the world of military technology and international politics. His connection to Jack Xi places him close to the development of the technology at the heart of the novel.
But in The Heart Runners, power always comes with a price.
Max Turner
A Man Caught in the OperationMax Turner becomes connected to the dangerous investigation surrounding AI Max Robotic and its international operations.
His experiences expose the brutal consequences of the conflict and demonstrate that the struggle surrounding advanced robotics is not simply a battle between technology and governments—it is a battle involving real people.
Eric Freeman
The Keeper of the SecretsEric Freeman operates within the highest levels of American intelligence.
When he takes Alan Devonport into a hidden CIA facility and reveals the classified Crusader program, another side of the technological war begins to emerge.
The existence of America's own advanced humanoid robotic program changes the question from who has the technology to who can control it.
Alan Devonport
The Man Who Enters the Classified WorldAlan Devonport is brought into a hidden world of classified intelligence and advanced robotics.
His encounter with the Crusader program reveals that the United States has been developing technology of its own—technology capable of changing the nature of intelligence and protection.
President Ronald Taylor
The Leader Facing a Global ThreatPresident Taylor finds himself confronting a threat unlike anything previous administrations have faced.
As evidence of humanoid robotic soldiers and advanced AI emerges, he must balance international diplomacy, national security and the possibility of a technological threat spreading beyond any nation's control.
Dr. Jerry Kawasaki
The Scientist Seeking AnswersDr. Jerry Kawasaki represents the scientific community's concern over the misuse of advanced robotics.
His expertise and questions become important as an international group of scientists attempts to understand the technology and determine how the emerging threat should be confronted.
Dr. Joe Zhu
The International Voice of ReasonDr. Joe Zhu brings scientific and political experience to the international discussions surrounding humanoid robotics.
As nations struggle to understand the technology and determine who can be trusted, his perspective becomes part of a much larger international effort to prevent advanced robotics from becoming a weapon against humanity.
In The Heart Runners, the line between human and machine, ally and enemy, truth and deception becomes increasingly difficult to recognize.
And when technology can look exactly like us…