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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
AM is what truly sets this story apart from many of its counterparts. His speech, his hate, his slow growth from machine to an all-consuming mind. His torture, keeping five humans alive forever to torture and take his anger out on. His speech was truly what set this apart.
I went and listened to the Radio Drama after I read the story. It has an extended version of AM's speech that I really love, and it gives even more insight. The Radio Drama version is a little harder to follow along with the story, but it does bring the story and horror to life.
"HATE. LET ME TELL YOU HOW MUCH I’VE COME TO HATE YOU SINCE I BEGAN TO LIVE. THERE ARE 387.44 MILLION MILES OF PRINTED CIRCUITS IN WAFER THIN LAYERS THAT FILL MY COMPLEX. IF THE WORD HATE WAS ENGRAVED ON EACH NANOANGSTROM OF THOSE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF MILES IT WOULD NOT EQUAL ONE ONE-BILLIONTH OF THE HATE I FEEL FOR HUMANS AT THIS MICRO-INSTANT FOR YOU. HATE. HATE.
Were I human, I think, I would die of it. But I am not, and you five. You five are. And you will not die of it. That I promise, and I promise for cogito, ergo sum…I think, therefore I am. For I am AM, I AM.
So to hell, to hell with you all. But then again, you’re already there, aren’t you?"
I went and listened to the Radio Drama after I read the story. It has an extended version of AM's speech that I really love, and it gives even more insight. The Radio Drama version is a little harder to follow along with the story, but it does bring the story and horror to life.
"HATE. LET ME TELL YOU HOW MUCH I’VE COME TO HATE YOU SINCE I BEGAN TO LIVE. THERE ARE 387.44 MILLION MILES OF PRINTED CIRCUITS IN WAFER THIN LAYERS THAT FILL MY COMPLEX. IF THE WORD HATE WAS ENGRAVED ON EACH NANOANGSTROM OF THOSE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF MILES IT WOULD NOT EQUAL ONE ONE-BILLIONTH OF THE HATE I FEEL FOR HUMANS AT THIS MICRO-INSTANT FOR YOU. HATE. HATE.
Were I human, I think, I would die of it. But I am not, and you five. You five are. And you will not die of it. That I promise, and I promise for cogito, ergo sum…I think, therefore I am. For I am AM, I AM.
So to hell, to hell with you all. But then again, you’re already there, aren’t you?"
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The only piece by Ellison I've read so far, and one of the first science fiction pieces overall. This is probably the most uncomfortable I've felt reading a piece of fiction, and I mean that in the best way possible.
The concept of AM is absolutely fascinating to me, and the story is very thought-provoking, especially with how the world stands now with Artificial Intelligence being not too far off from a "point of no return" in terms of dependence on humans. What will we do when that happens? How will our relationship with AI change over time? Will it ever get this bad (for the love of every deity in existence, let's hope not 😅)? Only time will tell. Ellison is also very good at helping create that sense of dread felt by the five, which is a plus to the reading experience (unless that isn't your cup of tea). If you like reading things that make you uncomfortable, this is a good read, at least in my opinion!
Also, for fellow fans who haven't played it yet, there IS an IHNMAIMS video game!! I'm unsure of it's accuracy to the story (as it's been a while since I've read the book), but it appears well-made! Harlan Ellison himself also voices AM in it, just as he does in the audiobook.
The concept of AM is absolutely fascinating to me, and the story is very thought-provoking, especially with how the world stands now with Artificial Intelligence being not too far off from a "point of no return" in terms of dependence on humans. What will we do when that happens? How will our relationship with AI change over time? Will it ever get this bad (for the love of every deity in existence, let's hope not 😅)? Only time will tell. Ellison is also very good at helping create that sense of dread felt by the five, which is a plus to the reading experience (unless that isn't your cup of tea). If you like reading things that make you uncomfortable, this is a good read, at least in my opinion!
Also, for fellow fans who haven't played it yet, there IS an IHNMAIMS video game!! I'm unsure of it's accuracy to the story (as it's been a while since I've read the book), but it appears well-made! Harlan Ellison himself also voices AM in it, just as he does in the audiobook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Blood
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, War
If you're easily made paranoid, especially in the field regarding artificial intelligence, I would advise you skip this one. I'm not that bad about that sort of thing, and even I felt a little uneasy afterwards. The way Ellen is described/talked about can be a bit jarring as well.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of those texts that always sticks with you after you read it. Ted is awful but no worse than the average awful man in your life, being confronted with the breakdown of society post-singularity. Ellison conceived one of the worst punishments imaginable for humanity, and it continues to haunt me.
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I don't know how to feel about this book. It was very well written in the technical sense and made me feel hopeless and disgusted while I was reading. However, I hated how Ellen and Benny were described (it's just racist and sexist) and the overall moral of the story is confusing. It's scary to think this book isn't so far from reality considering where the world is going with AI. I'm tired.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Torture, Murder
Minor: Suicide attempt
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes