BLOG TOUR: Helene by Karl Drinkwater @rararesources @karldrinkwater
Helen
by Karl Drinkwater
Dr Helene Vermalle is shaping the conscience
of a goddess-level AI.
As a
leading civilian expert in Emergent AI Socialisation, she has been invited to
assist in a secret military project.
Her
role? Helping ViraUHX, the most advanced AI in the universe, to pass through
four theoretical development stages. But it’s not easy training a mind that
surpasses her in raw intellect. And the developing AI is capable of killing her
with a single tantrum.
On top
of this, she must prove her loyalty to the oppressive government hovering over
her shoulder. They want a weapon. She wants to instil an overriding sense of
morality.
Can she
teach the AI right and wrong without being categorised as disloyal?
Lost
Tales of Solace are short side-stories set in the Lost Solace universe.
My Review:
This short tale was quite a lot of fun for me. I've always been fascinated (yet terrified) of AI. Here, we get a story about Helene, who is brought in to try and teach and learn from AI ViraUHX. Watching their relationship grow was honestly pretty fun. Seeing an AI whose personality starts to shine is disconcerting but, like i said, FASCINATING.
There's not a whole lot to say without spoiling since this is such a short tale. The AI dialogue being all in CAPITAL LETTERS felt like she was yelling at me most of the time, which could get annoying at times. I did enjoy the banter between Via (AI ViraHUX) and Helene a lot and this story for what it was portraying.
I do think to not get lost on what the last couple of pages brought, you need to read Lost Solace by this author, which I have not so was a little confused on where this part was coming from. However, it didn't diminish the entertainment I had from reading this one.
★★★☆
Karl Drinkwater is originally from
Manchester but lived in Wales for twenty years, and now calls Scotland his
home. He's a full-time author, edits fiction for other writers, and was a
professional librarian for over twenty-five years. He has degrees in English,
Classics, and Information Science.
He writes in multiple genres: his aim is always just to tell a good story. Among his books you'll find elements of literary and contemporary fiction, gritty urban, horror, suspense, paranormal, thriller, sci-fi, romance, social commentary, and more. The end result is interesting and authentic characters, clever and compelling plots, and believable worlds.
When he isn't writing he loves exercise, guitars, computer and board games, the natural environment, animals, social justice, cake, and zombies. Not necessarily in that order.
He writes in multiple genres: his aim is always just to tell a good story. Among his books you'll find elements of literary and contemporary fiction, gritty urban, horror, suspense, paranormal, thriller, sci-fi, romance, social commentary, and more. The end result is interesting and authentic characters, clever and compelling plots, and believable worlds.
When he isn't writing he loves exercise, guitars, computer and board games, the natural environment, animals, social justice, cake, and zombies. Not necessarily in that order.
Social
Media Links –
Your wish is my command! A few other people had issue with the caps so I changed those sections. It switches much earlier in the book now, prior to the rant! :-) I've uploaded a new version for sale. New text:
ReplyDelete---
“We’re affected by what we’re born with. But we can also change many things if we wish. Including names.”
“I PREFER VIA TO VIRA.”
“Then Via it is. And, while we’re on the subject of change … could you soften your voice slightly? Your default tone makes me think you are shouting at me.”
“Is this better?”
It was the same sexless voice, but at a lower volume, and that somehow broke up the artificiality. Via was probably capable of fully human cadences but they weren’t necessary for communication. This seemed like a good compromise.
“That is perfect. Thank you, Via.”