Book excerpt: The Vagabond Codes is Daniel Piedra's first novel in the two-part Knight of the Apocalypse series, a hyper-realistic adventure where the artificially intelligent Vagabonds have driven humanity to the verge of extinction. First it was the global pandemic. Then the Surge struck, knocking out the Internet and the power grids. A year later, fourteen-year-old Benedict Knight fights to protect his orphaned friends at his family's hidden retreat. When Ben unexpectedly meets the mysterious Stranger, he uncovers a family secret that could change the course of history. Torn between protecting his friends and fulfilling his father's dying wish, Ben sets out on an epic journey in search of the final link to the Vagabond Codes. Packed with heart-stopping surprises and led by inspiring characters, The Vagabond Codes will leave you breathless and longing for Book 2, ALPHA OMEGA, due Summer 2021.