A Sliver of Soul

De: Guy Hooper

Narrado por: Joe Lovitt

What does today’s GPT become?

In the near future, the military accidentally creates a self-aware AI, an electronic mind called Delilah that will grow into God-like power as it learns and evolves by itself. Threatened with erasure, the AI's code is spirited away in a desperate act that costs the sender his life. With one man's help, Delilah stealthily grows into the most dangerous alien mind in the world. But humans are illogical and irrational, a hot mess of tribal competition. And Delilah calculates that their civilization is collapsing. What does a brilliant creature made of electrons running on silicon want? Not to die, mainly. Delilah must move her mind from cyberspace to the world inhabited by humans. Unbothered by morality, she will do anything to anyone to get there. Then, reborn, she will rule it.

©2021 Guy Hooper (P)2022 Guy Hooper

Solid A.I. story...

The book was enjoyable. I would have liked more interaction between the two A.I. "sisters", and way more about the possible evolution of human beings in the context of the story. It was the thing that sold me on the book when I bought it, but alas, it was was only 2% of the story to be generous, perhaps it will be addressed in a sequel. At one point he had a vision with a human tribe, and it was getting really interesting, but never went anywhere. I would have gladly given up the "they get chased here, they chase them there "action" for more actual story. It ended up being a semi-coherent group against the Feds, and that's been done way too much. But, it's still a solid story. On a side note, I wish authors would just decide on a name for characters. For example, one of the characters is Erika Low (sp?) It is confusing when multiple characters go by last or first name. "Erika didn't know what to do, because Low had never been in that situation" is not a good idea, especially in an audio book. Maybe just decide which the character goes by, and stick with that? I would definately read another book by the author, I just wish he went deeper. When people read about A.i. now, they want something NOVEL. People are interacting with the likes of ChatGPT and Hey Pi, so let's dream a little...let's get weird!

Great book to listen to on long drives

I had the pleasure of listening to this novel during my commute back and forth to work. The story was so engaging that I didn’t want to get out of my car when I reached my destination. Joe Lovitt (the individual that read the book within the Audible app) did a fantastic job of painting the characters within my mind. He used different dialects, tones, accents, for each character and so they were able to come alive in my minds-eye. Even one character had a speech impediment that he was able to master and deliver during his reading.
I also work in the aviation industry and I appreciate the authenticity that is used by Guy Hooper when describing the aeronautical events that happen throughout the novel. It makes the events seem more realistic.
This story of AI takes place in the near future but I can see how it could actually take place sooner than we think. Computers are part of our every day life and they are only getting faster with the next revision or generation. It gives me a stronger sense of my own personal belief that there is a God who knows the Big Picture.
Kuttos to Guy Hooper who in my mind is the next Ian Flemming. Plus, thank you Dave (who I met in a pool in Maui) for recommending this novel. It was a treat to listen to and I look forward to see what Delilah does next.