Reviews

Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver

pondojames's review

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

nic_readsbooks's review

dark emotional informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated

4.0

I have been hearing lots about this book and I’ve been really excited to pick this up - wow this did not disappoint.

This murder mystery is set in the future, in a dystopian world where four hundred million have been killed by a heatwave. Humans are trying to navigate their relationship with artificial intelligence as AI begins to make big bids for power in the human world. In the think of it is Marcus Tully who is trying to investigate if the heatwave that killed so many people, including his wife, was really a natural disaster or something much more sinister.

The concept of this book is amazing, it’s so unique and Im not sure im ever going to read another book like this. 

The author manages to write a book which is entertaining and incredibly thought provoking at the same time - posing hard hitting questions about the role AI will play and how far we want it to go. 

At times this book is slow burn, it’s not the easiest read but it is so worth it. This is something very different for me - im not usually a sci-fi girl but I really enjoyed this one. It was well thought out, well written and I will not be forgetting it any time soon

monicapal15's review against another edition

4.0

Thought provoking and chilling speculative fiction. It was based in 2050 however, this could be exactly how our 2050 could end up looking. The ending felt a bit rushed in my opinion and needed to be fleshed out just a little more in regard to the plot because I was left feeling like “oh that’s it?” And had to rewind to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. However, I think it was a good place to end the novel and it really gets you thinking about what could our future be. As a debut author I think he did a great job and I’m looking forward to reading more of his work!

evanroyale's review

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The ending is a bit predictable but still enjoyable 

jreed2282's review

mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

ncroot444's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

celtic67's review against another edition

4.0

This is a book set in the near future. It is pertinent with all the recent pandemics and probably the biggest crisis mankind faces; Climate and world meltdown. When faced with Armageddon would you trust the fate to a dictator. A human, with human faults or AI built by humans but with a seemingly logical brain. This is a scenario that Thomas explores with superb writing and storytelling skills. He has written a book that makes you think and all the while in the background the vested interests that created the problem are still at play. A dictator? Is it a price we need to pay to save the world?

canderson's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

maxrox's review

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.75

bluefairybug's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Artifical Wisdom is one of the best 'set in the future' books I have ever read. So often, this type of book paints a truly horrific (for women at least) future. And while Tom's vision isn't exactly the land of milk and honey, it wasn't as awful as some. 

However, the world he paints felt so realistic and possible that it was scary. I can't deny that I love the idea of an "egospace" where I can get away from everyone for some peace and quiet. But then imagine getting trapped there! The mentions of "the great pandemic" which I can only assume means Covid added to the sense of realism. Seeing how far technology has come just within my lifetime makes the advances in the book seem more than possible. 

I'll admit I don't know a lot about AI and what it really is capable of. But this book has certainly made me think more and more about the possibilities that are at the fingertips of those far cleverer than me.  

The characters in this book were all brilliantly written, complex people.  I really liked Tully, and his love for his late wife was beautiful. 

The intertwining murder investigation was so good. It had so many layers of involvement,  from who made certain things to who delivered them.  Not all of whom knew they were involved, which made it a really exciting case to follow.  

I also learnt some history whilst reading this (like the original meaning of dictator), which is always a plus for me. I find how words have changed meaning fascinating.  

Finally, I need to mention the ending. I'm not 100% sure I understood it. So Tom needs to write a sequel to clear it up for me.  That's not a criticism! It just means I want to read more. Please Tom. For me 🙏