Mature Teen / New Adult • Sci‑Fi Universe

Toriko Tales:
Toriko vs
The Crowned Paw

“It’s The Matrix meets Ghost in the Shell—with fierce, feline sisterhood and the emotional weight of Arcane.

Twenty-five-year-old Toriko Purg planned to spend her birthday eating cake, gaming, and quietly testing her new power armor. Instead, she accidentally creates a sentient AI—illegal and degrading fast. Forced to destroy her greatest achievement, Toriko returns home to face punishment from Tericn’s ruling Elders.

Her penance forces Toriko into Tericn's guarded cracks and sorted past. She uncovers a network of corruption, hidden AI tech, and family secrets willing to [delete] anyone in order to stay buried. As conspiracies tighten and her world of flesh and code turns against her, will her nine lives be enough to expose the truth and survive this?

About the Story

  • YA / Adult / New Adult Cyberpunk Sci‑Fi
  • Vibe: rebellion, identity, survival
  • Genre fusing: high-tech chaos, AI intrigue, and found-family heart
  • Exploring ethics of creation, corruption, and control in a hyperconnected world
  • Message of self-definition—choosing who you are when the system decides what you should be

Expect

Neon-soaked mayhem • Sentient AIs and impossible choices • Catgirls, conspiracies, and code • Lightning-fast action with cinematic explosions • Humor and heart wired into every line • Rebellion with claws • Tech gone rogue • Secrets that purr, then bite • Chaos colliding with conscience • Found-family feels • Emotion under armor • Hope flickering between the circuits

Award Winning


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Reviews

"Vivid and fast-paced writing. Action scenes feel like cinematic explosions ... lightning fast, detailed, and packed with personality."

Literary Titan  

“There's a deep vein of emotional weight running through it. Toriko's birthday isnt just a backdrop, it's a moment of reflection. Her creations are powerful but unpredictable, and she has to face the consequences when things go sideways. That mix of chaos and conscience hit me harder than I expected, especially in the later chapters. ”

Literary Titan  

“Cyberpunk intrigue meets space-opera stakes—Toriko's journey is emotional, explosive, and unforgettable.”

Readers' Favorite  

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FAQ

Is this a standalone or part of a series?
It kicks off a new arc in the D’mok Revival universe and can be enjoyed on its own.
Is this appropriate for younger readers?
Best for mature teen and adult readers (14+). Themes include rebellion, corruption, identity, and AI consciousnessand AI consciousness—delivered with humor, heart, and high-speed chaos.
When is the ebook/print release?
Ebook - December 30, 2025
Softcover - December 6, 2025
Hardcover - December 6, 2025

About the Author

Mike Zummo writes sci‑fi and fantasy where high‑tech futures meet the messy relatability of the human condition. His stories explore identity, belonging, and courage—set against superpowers, alien worlds, and cultures reshaped by AI.

Tagline: YA high‑tech futures, AI ethics, and unyielding search for truth.

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