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A review by kaydenspacebeam
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
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.