Surviving the Cull — J.Z. O'Brien

In 2020, intelligent malware infects and destroys the digital circuitry that nearly 8 billion humans depend on -- only those with both wisdom and strength survive the cull that results. By 2050, a shrunken populace has learned to depend on its wits and smart dogs, instead of infrastructure and smartphones. With a new clue in his pocket, treasure hunter Pro is on his mission of discovering the fabled “Lost Retreat” when slavers chase spear-toting, raven-haired Kenai and her dog, O3, across his path. While Pro and Kenai deal with the best and worst of desperation's effects on humanity, human history is set to repeat itself. This time advanced technology emerges from bunkers instead of wooden ships, but its allure to the indigenous people remains strong. A war ensues as Pro, Kenai, and other cull survivors are forced to choose between living on the edge but free, or submitting to governmental control for security and the supposed good of the species.