Supporting the National Year of Reading 2026

In a near-future where humans and humanoid bots live side by side, a sophisticated virus is infiltrating the national system. If it uploads fully, every intelligent machine in the country will shut down.

Zero, a thirteen-year-old hacker whose day job is to sneak into high-security server rooms and ‘liberate’ funds from undeserving corporations, has a serious distrust of bots, and no real interest in saving the world. But the virus threatens the life of Grace, his younger sister, who – as a result of the car crash that killed their parents ten years ago – now has a machine heart.

And now no one will work harder than Zero to stop the upload.

LISTEN TO STEVE BLACKMAN READ CHAPTER ONE

‘An action-packed techno-thriller set in a very believable near-future dystopia. A really exciting read blending adventure, mystery and action in perfect measures … a stellar debut.’
Christopher Edge, author of Escape Room

‘Great fun, super sharp and optimistic.’
Ross Welford, author Time Travelling with a Hamster

‘A propulsive, high stakes thriller filled with espionage and heists – this is the book of my dreams!’
Wren James, author or The Loneliest Girl in the Universe

Meet the characters. Challenge your friends.

Zero Override is set in a world where humans and intelligent machines live side by side. Discover some of the ones you’ll meet – who do you want on your team? Download the character cards, deal them between you and your friends, and see who comes out on top.

DOWNLOAD CHARACTER CARDS
Addmin – Zero Override character card
Andi  – Zero Override character card
Cosmo – Zero Override character card
Dogg – Zero Override character card
Drone – Zero Override character card
Espi – Zero Override character card
Firekrew – Zero Override character card
Karer – Zero Override character card
Kleaner – Zero Override character card
Klerk – Zero Override character card
Kop – Zero Override character card
Nanni – Zero Override character card