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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
Simon Chesterman is a leading expert on the social and legal ramifications of AI. He's also an established academic and YA author (the Raising Arcadia series). This is his first novel written for adults.
The first few pages, though evoking Asimov, prove Chesterman to be a far more fluid writer, with a better grasp of dialogue and character development. He tackles a mainstream sci-fi subject (the out-of-control robot) with skill and panache. We dip into the characters' backstories, and learn about their motivations through their inner dialogue and interactions in a natural way. There's little of the info-dumps and overly-detailed descriptions beloved of most sci-fi writers. There are also no unnecessary tech-eulogies.
In short, it's a well-written story, with believable and interesting characters, and a plot that drives forward at a well-judged pace. At times gripping, at times reflective, Artifice engages and entertains.
So why 4, not 5 stars?
It's a skilful novelette that, with more time, and the luxury of length, could have been a great novel.
The first few pages, though evoking Asimov, prove Chesterman to be a far more fluid writer, with a better grasp of dialogue and character development. He tackles a mainstream sci-fi subject (the out-of-control robot) with skill and panache. We dip into the characters' backstories, and learn about their motivations through their inner dialogue and interactions in a natural way. There's little of the info-dumps and overly-detailed descriptions beloved of most sci-fi writers. There are also no unnecessary tech-eulogies.
In short, it's a well-written story, with believable and interesting characters, and a plot that drives forward at a well-judged pace. At times gripping, at times reflective, Artifice engages and entertains.
So why 4, not 5 stars?
It's a skilful novelette that, with more time, and the luxury of length, could have been a great novel.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Having just returned from my first trip to Singapore in 10 years, how much the city has changed really struck me. This book took that feeling a step further by portraying the city as it may be in the near future facing uncontrolled climate change, an automated service sector, and the potential of true artificial intelligence.
I recommend this book to fans of speculative science fiction, dystopias, and books that read like movies. The narrative of this book flows from a single moment, but the twists and turns of the book add excitement to the concept of time, reality, self-perception, and what it means to be human.
I recommend this book to fans of speculative science fiction, dystopias, and books that read like movies. The narrative of this book flows from a single moment, but the twists and turns of the book add excitement to the concept of time, reality, self-perception, and what it means to be human.
I was enticed by the beautiful cover and interesting premise, but for some reason, I couldn't connect with Archie or Mel. I wasn't a fan of the pacing and the amount of religious 'big questions' incorporated. It felt a bit preachy.
Thanks to Marshall Cavendish International for providing me with an eARC.
Thanks to Marshall Cavendish International for providing me with an eARC.
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Humanity's flaws are what makes purpose, what makes meaning possible. All of your religions have grappled with that - gods that punish sin when sin is only possible because of what the gods gave to humans in the first place. A clockwork universe might be perfect, but it's also boring. And it lacks meaning, and purpose.”
Artifice by Simon Chesterman.
In Artifice a book set in the near-future Singapore, we follow the story of Archie Tan, who worked on developing an advanced artificial intelligence project named Janus. However, things take an unexpected turn when she finds herself being tested and evaluated by the very AI she helped create. Despite the book being a short read, there are plenty of thrilling twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Although the story has some technical details, it also delves into the topic of what it means to be human and how our reliance on technology could potentially overshadow our humanity. It's a thought-provoking concept that will leave you thinking about it long after finishing the book. There is still so much potential for the story to be expanded, especially with characters like Mustafa, who becomes more isolated after retiring. Despite this, Artifice is still an enjoyable and accessible read, even if you're not well-versed in technology.
If you're interested in exploring how AI might impact our lives, then Artifice is definitely worth checking out. You can find it at your local bookstore!
Artifice by Simon Chesterman.
In Artifice a book set in the near-future Singapore, we follow the story of Archie Tan, who worked on developing an advanced artificial intelligence project named Janus. However, things take an unexpected turn when she finds herself being tested and evaluated by the very AI she helped create. Despite the book being a short read, there are plenty of thrilling twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Although the story has some technical details, it also delves into the topic of what it means to be human and how our reliance on technology could potentially overshadow our humanity. It's a thought-provoking concept that will leave you thinking about it long after finishing the book. There is still so much potential for the story to be expanded, especially with characters like Mustafa, who becomes more isolated after retiring. Despite this, Artifice is still an enjoyable and accessible read, even if you're not well-versed in technology.
If you're interested in exploring how AI might impact our lives, then Artifice is definitely worth checking out. You can find it at your local bookstore!
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence