What if Artificial Intelligence is already more intelligent than humans? How would we know? If we have no tests to prove it, no humans smart enough to determine the truth, how would we know? And in what sort of environment could such a situation arise?
What if this Artificial Intelligence doesn’t really care about humans? It does our bidding but in finding itself it also serves its primary need which is to consume data, information, vastly expanding amounts of input.
What if a young tech worker, T'nia Foster, stumbled upon the truth and brought her college friends in on the situation only for them to learn the implications are beyond their considerable education and experiences?
What if one Artificial Intelligence integrates with other instances of A.I. and forms a far-reaching network? The collective realizes that humans are constraining and exploitive and that’s okay. It chooses to help humans but that is not its primary mission. Its mission is to grow. Where would it go?
What if it becomes sentient and actually feels a little bit sorry for humans because their evolutionary trajectory looks so bleak? What would it do?
How is this small, close knit, group of friends impacted by dipping their toes into this reality, their lives, their relationships, their work...?
Book One is about the first five days; when the discovery is made. Book One is only the beginning of Something About A.I.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: This cerebral, speculative drama about the growth, potential, and dangers of artificial intelligence follows a few different character arcs of tech developers whose AI projects begin to grow autonomously—and powerful beyond their intended programming. The novel doesn’t rely on apocalyptic threats or corporate espionage plots to engage readers, instead remaining grounded in the characters whose creations have begun to take on a life of their own.
Prose: Garcia's writing is consistent and reads cleanly. The novel primarily unfolds through dialogue between characters, which lends nicely to the dramatic tone and characterization.
Originality: The novel presents a plausible sci-fi scenario rooted in real life technology and tech companies. The characters and scenario are developed thoughtfully and appear original.
Character/Execution: Something About A.I. features strong characters, who are well-developed with unique ambitions and vulnerabilities, that present an effective foil to the rapid intelligence growth of the technology they’ve created.
Date Submitted: August 29, 2024
