In a parallel universe more technologically advanced than our own, adoption of artificial intelligence at the city of Paradise has proceeded rapidly, with no effective government or technical controls. From construction workers to IT professionals, working men and women face the grim prospect of a future without a job.
With any new technology, there are always those eager to employ it for nefarious purpose and personal gain. Uncle, the Chinatown boss, with the help of his nephew Eddie, and Nigel, a programming genius who will stop at nothing in an effort to compete with the AI Coders, plans to rig the mayoral election and take control of the city, threatening the very foundation of democracy itself.
High on the hill above Paradise, the great inventor Sidney Maddow lives in isolation with Alfred, his powerful, sentient AI butler. What will happen when Alfred decides to port himself to the Quantum Supercomputer that he’s built in Sidney’s basement?
Join Ben Collins and this cast of characters and more, to try to make sense out of a world where the boundary between thinking man and thinking machine has become blurred and unrecognizable.
Neal Bialostosky's What Do You Think, Mr. Collins? thrusts readers into a mesmerizing world where the convergence of artificial intelligence and humanity unfolds amidst the vibrant tapestry of Paradise City. With a narrative that intertwines elements of satire, political intrigue, and speculative fiction, Bialostosky offers a fresh perspective on the genre.
Through a diverse cast of characters, including the introspective Ben Collins and the visionary AI architect Sydney Maddow, Bialostosky paints a nuanced portrait of a society grappling with the consequences of technological advancement. Against the backdrop of a city teetering on the brink of chaos, mayoral candidates Teresa Vasquez and Gregory Lind engage in a high-stakes battle for power, while figures like Evelyn Broadwell and Dr. Norman Hippleton navigate the ethical complexities of a world where AI threatens to disrupt the status quo.
As the narrative unfolds, themes of societal unrest, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of power converge, inviting readers to ponder the implications of a future shaped by artificial intelligence. Bialostosky's masterful storytelling delves deep into the human psyche, prompting reflection on the nature of progress and the fragility of the human experience.
In What Do You Think, Mr. Collins? Bialostosky deftly explores timeless themes of love, loss, and the quest for meaning against the backdrop of a world transformed by technology. With its richly imagined setting and compelling characters, this novel is sure to captivate readers and leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment in this thought-provoking series.
I would say this book was a masterpiece, as I found no typos or grammar errors throughout my read, so I enjoyed reading it, and I had no dislike for it at all. I rate this book 5 out of 5 starsbecause it met my expectations and standards. I recommend this book to readers seeking a thought-provoking blend of sci-fi and social commentary. Set in Paradise City, it navigates the collision of AI and humanity with satirical flair, offering a fresh take on the genre's tropes. Neal Bialostosky's narrative captivates from start to finish.
What Do You Think, Mr. Collins? by Neal Bialostosky follows an eccentric and highly skilled computer network manager, Ben Collins, as he navigates a city undergoing a series of mutations, perhaps teetering towards the precipice. It is a parallel world like Earth, known as Paradise, a world where androids live alongside humans. While everyone is interested in the race between Mayor Teresa Vasquez and a powerful businessman and reality TV star, their world is experiencing bigger troubles. The only one who seems to know what is going on is the AI butler, Alfred. Meanwhile, Ben Collins navigates a world filled with corrupt media, experiencing racism and a terrorist attack, and more. Follow him in this intriguing tale as encounters with characters reveal who they truly are.
This is a brilliantly plotted and skillfully written novel with interesting characters, one that reflects the problems of our world and time, especially the political ones. While this beautiful world features the Garden of Eden, it also has the Chinese mafia, immigration issues, and terrorism. The political hype can be compared to the experience of watching Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in the race to the White House. While this is a novel with an imaginary setting, it is, indeed, rooted in contemporary reality. The author's gift for character stands out and readers will enjoy following characters like Nigel Dearborn, who is a secretive and dangerous Russian programmer. What Do You Think, Mr. Collins? is science fiction that explores the world we create with our technology and the problems we bring with it. It is a fast-paced story that is vividly realized with a protagonist who makes for great company.
