Book Review: Chase Brandon’s Kryptos Conundrum
I recently wrapped up Kryptos Conundrum, an intriguing read recommended by Matthew Pines. The author, Chase Brandon, is a former high-ranking official at the CIA, and the book is positioned as “faction”—a blend of fact and fiction. Unfortunately, its literary qualities fall short, reminiscent of a scene from the Naked Gun series. I see it more as a collection of ambiguous suggestions regarding the agency’s covert activities.
Brandon has participated in interviews on Coast to Coast (with George Noory) over the past decade, including a YouTube interview where he discusses mysterious artifacts from history that require advanced technologies. Notably, at the 43-minute mark, he speaks about a box containing evidence from the Roswell incident that “validated” his belief in extraterrestrial life and “ancient astronauts” without further explanations. They also delve into the politics surrounding disclosure.
Overview
The book outlines a concealed history of the CIA, from its inception through to apocalyptic scenarios unfolding in the early 2020s, extending into the 2150s and as far as the 40th century. Nestled within obvious fictional elements are veiled references to actual historical figures and seemingly astonishing events that never saw the light of day.
One question remains unanswered: what was the book’s purpose? While published in 2011, it appears to have been written during the author’s tenure at the CIA, likely between 2005 and 2007, yet it didn’t surface until after his departure.
While one could argue that its purpose is to bolster the CIA’s image, the narrative also includes acknowledgments of the agency violating laws, fabricating criminal cases against journalists, and disseminating disinformation—albeit for greater good. The book certainly lacks the apolitical demeanor that agencies typically aim for in public relations, which raises the possibility that its delayed publication was deliberate.
Fact vs. Fiction: What’s What?
The narrative blends elements of sci-fi and conspiracy theories, with some real-life figures recognizable by their similar names and details. Certain fantastical occurrences serve as narrative devices, while ambiguous references often hint at realities that might have actually taken place. However, glaring historical inaccuracies (e.g., Nazis in 1916, mentions of binaural beats before they were invented) leave readers guessing whether they are intentional indicators of concealed truths.
Curiously, many elements align with UFO lore, including details released by figures such as Elizondo and Lacatski.
The distinction between fact and fiction is muddied, leading to a “what they want you to think” kind of narrative.
Here are some key plot elements:
Jonathan Chalmers
The protagonist, Jonathan Chalmers, is portrayed as a senior OSS and CIA executive, one of its founders. Born in 1890, he experiences the horrors of World War I, and through supernatural means, he gains extraordinary intelligence and significantly slows his aging—tasked with preparing for numerous impending threats by building defenses.
Chalmers wrestles with difficult decisions, including the production of armaments and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, before moving to esoteric interests tied to the Roswell incident. His use of binaural beats for insights raises eyebrows, as these weren’t actualized until the mid-20th century.
Chalmers appears to represent the collective mindset of CIA leadership. Unfortunately, his unyielding confidence, particularly regarding threats from China and Islamic terrorism over the USSR, is disappointing. Given his assertions during politically turbulent times, one might wonder about the foresight of the agency’s intelligence.
Timeline
Events primarily occur between the 1940s and 2022, frequently referencing CIA directors and U.S. presidents—though sometimes inconsistently. Chalmers mentions events like 9
Your review of “Kryptos Conundrum” offers a fascinating and comprehensive analysis of the book, touching on its intriguing blend of fact and fiction, as well as the historical context in which it was written. The premise of a former CIA executive weaving a narrative that intertwines with conspiracy theories and hidden truths makes for a compelling read, particularly for those interested in the murky intersections of intelligence and speculative fiction.
Your skepticism regarding the book’s purpose is particularly thought-provoking. It indeed raises questions about whether it’s an attempt at self-disclosure, a narrative designed to foster a particular image of the CIA, or perhaps a subtle commentary on the agency’s operations and societal implications. You’ve highlighted the contradictions as well—the references to CIA misconduct juxtaposed against a backdrop that could easily be interpreted as attempts at justifying its actions.
The character of Jonathan Chalmers as a proxy for CIA decision-makers is well-noted. This meta-narrative approach cleverly showcases the convoluted nature of intelligence work, while the character’s implausible attributes (like supernatural intelligence and stunted aging) certainly take the story into science fiction territory, possibly reflecting the way intelligence agencies might view themselves as almost otherworldly compared to typical perceptions of governance and morality.
The timeline and the book’s apparent projections into an alternative future are particularly compelling. Your remarks regarding the portrayal of domestic extremism and foreign threats suggest a certain prescience—or lack thereof—on the part of intelligence agencies. It seems the author uses Chalmers to critique the shortsightedness of government planning and to challenge readers’ perceptions of what constitutes a credible threat.
Moreover, the connections to UFO lore and the incorporation of real historical figures into a fictional narrative raise the question of which elements are meant to be taken seriously and which are mere fiction. This uncertainty adds depth to the reading experience, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of truth and the reliability of the information disseminated by intelligence agencies.
Your deep dive into the themes and subplots also reveals the book’s significant commentary on the broader implications of disinformation and psychological operations. The cynical view of media, specifically the ties to tabloid journalism and the National Enquirer, reflects a grim reality about the manipulation of public perception—a notion that carries weight even beyond the context of the story.
Overall, your review paints a picture of a book that is as much about exploring the boundaries of reality and fiction as it is about presenting an alternative historical narrative. You’ve provided a thorough examination that encourages engagement with the text, and your insights into the interplay between the CIA, societal perceptions, and the implications of secrecy are particularly resonant. Thank you for sharing such an in-depth and critical perspective on “Kryptos Conundrum.” It’s clear that the book raises important questions about truth, perception, and the nature of power that will linger long after the last page is turned.