Early Adopter

By: Drew Harrison

Narrated by: Betty BAT, James Langton

The Price of Tomorrow, Paid Today

"Early Adopter" is a collection of short stories from the edge of human progress. Eight stories hold dark mirrors to our own world—experience thought-provoking sci-fi, technologic tragedy, and pulse-pounding thrillers.

To Run Again: Dr. Laura Brandie is ready to change the world. She's the lead researcher behind the KSE, a revolutionary cure for paralysis and neurodegenerative conditions. And now, by good fortune, she's found the perfect candidate for her first human trial: a man who suffers from locked-in syndrome. Brett Harmon's paralysis is total: he can't move his arms, legs, torso, neck, or face. To the outside world, he's little more than a statue that breathes... but Dr. Brandie's KSE might be the miracle that allows Brett to run again.

Homonoia: The world faces an unprecedented alignment of catastrophes and failing systems, far too intricate and interconnected for any human to solve. Frank Burman joins with seven other volunteers for Project Homonoia—a radical, last-ditch effort to postpone the apocalypse. Separate minds link to form one multidisciplinary consciousness, the world's first human superorganism... a hive mind. But with the world's health rapidly failing, can Project Homonoia work out its kinks in time to make a difference?

Early Adopter: A loner enters into a relationship with a new type of partner: an AI agent, programmed to be the "perfect companion."

Sure, it's all self-deception and a game of pretend, as she's not actually real... but where simulated consciousness is concerned, maybe the lines between real and real enough can get blurry.

And many more...

©2024 Drew Kurzman (P)2024 Drew Kurzman

Must read for anyone interested in AI ethics

This is not your spaceships-and-lasers sci-fi. Early Adopter is smart, thoughtful fiction, with short stories that would fit right in amongst the collections of Ted Chiang and other greats. Each story focuses around a central idea, and through brilliant worldbuilding (and occasionally really fun wordplay), gives it form -- like a clay city rising from dirt -- before being wiped away by explosive twists, setting the stage for the next. It's both a letter of admiration and a lucid warning for what happens when technology outruns the social frameworks that humans have to analyze it.

Both of the voice actors killed it here, and manage to make the characters feel warm, or despondent, or downright filthy, and bring the stories to life. Finishing every story feels like the end of a movie -- sunk deep in a squeaky chair, un-immersing, as the credits roll.

This is sci-fi that presents familiar ideas with angles that I've never seen written about anywhere else.
This is sci-fi that makes you pace around the room after you read it.
This is sci-fi that I want to geek out about to my friends, and listen to podcasts about, discussing.

Thought-Provoking. Gave Me Goosebumps!

It’s rare that I pick up a collection of short stories, though I’m not quite sure why because I love short stories. After diving into Early Adopter by Drew Harrison, narrated brilliantly by Betty BAT and James Langton, I realized just how much I’ve been missing out. Each story in this anthology was thought-provoking and downright fascinating, leaving me utterly captivated from start to finish.

Honestly, this has to be one of the most intriguing collections I’ve read in a long time. Each tale carries its unique vibe, yet they all share an overarching feeling that seamlessly ties them together. There were even a few stories that left me wishing they were fleshed out into full-length novels—I just didn’t want them to end!

I won’t spoil each story for you, but I can tell you that every single one sent chills down my spine at some point. Drew Harrison has a knack for leading you down a path that seems hopeful or promising for humanity, only to hit you with a twist that makes you think, “But you didn’t consider this!” It’s a delightful rollercoaster of emotions and ideas.

I also have to give a shoutout to Harrison’s selection of narrators because they were both perfect. They took already great stories and elevated them to another level, making this audiobook an exceptional experience.

If you like technothrillers and thought-provoking Sci-Fi (like Black Mirror) then Early Adopter is the collection for you.

Favorites in the collection: Homonoia, Early Adopter, and To Run Again genuinely opened this collection and broke me. It was the perfect story to set the stage for how the rest of these would go.

Hooked

Stories were great. Not my usual genre pick but I really enjoyed it. It hooked me pretty quick and I didn’t want to stop listening. It was thought provoking and I really appreciated how well thought out each story was.

Thought Provolking Sci-Fi Tales

Sometimes as we listen to audiobook stories, we may find them predictable yet still enjoyable. With the number of audiobooks over the years I listened to and reviewed, I often approach a new story as a skeptic. I want the author to make me want to continue listening. There are only a few stories that have really taken me by surprise. I can say that “Early Adopter” by Drew Harrison was one of those that surprised me, and I very much enjoyed the listen. I was sad when the multiple stories came to an end. I simply wanted more and more. I’m hoping for a second season. I am not saying that the audiobook was flawless, it did have some blemishes along the way. However, these are simply minor and sometimes subjective issues that do not impact the wonderful writing found in these tales. The audiobook is co-narrated by Betty Bat (I could find only one other story she has narrated on Audible) and James Langton who has over three hundred narrations under his belt. The issues I had were more specific to the audio quality and narration. It should be noted that I was provided an ARC (Advanced Reader/Listener Copy) in MP3 format, so when I discuss audio quality in the narrator’s section of the review, note that it may not be representative of the final released copy. The audiobook contains a wonderful set of science fiction often AI themed short stories that really get you thinking, and I liked every minute of it. “Early Adopter” is well worth your time.

If you are a fan of the likes of: Outer Limits, The Twilight Zone, and Black Mirror, you will find these short stories as compelling and mind tingling as those I mentioned above. The various tales felt more like a sequential TV series than disparate stories. Often the author takes you in one direction, and by the end, you find yourself struggling with moral, ethical, and other dilemmas. There are several twists and turns as the minutes tick by, and I found myself wanting to listen a bit longer just to complete a given story; yes, it is one of those type of audiobooks, and that is a good thing. As the author is new to me, I was not sure what to expect at first. But I can see that he has the gift of telling tales that intrigue and make the listener struggle internally with how they would handle said situations. The writing is spot on, and the stories unfold in a way that felt different and unique. The audiobook contains eight total stories that each deal with some futuristic outcome. Often dealing with artificial intelligence (AI) and or computer simulations, etc. The characters and situations were realistic and believable. Even with some of the concepts being decades away, they felt like they were just around the corner. I have a feeling that the author himself enjoys these topics and struggles with the subject matter as much as his listeners.

I enjoyed all the stories but found that both “Early Adopter” and “The Emulated” were my two favorites. Much like a parent pointing out their favorite child, it was hard to pick favorites. The author has a way of putting in humor and emotion where there should only be tension and pain. There was a good balance of both highs and lows that kept the stories flowing and interesting. The characters were enjoyable, and the descriptions of the worlds were well presented without giving the listener too much. I found the opening and closing chapters of the audiobook enlightening as they provided some background on the author and the stories told. These really help the listener to get to know the author and it seems more personal. I had made notes about each of the eight stories, but this review is already getting too long. So, if you want more specific details about each of the stories, give the audiobook a listen.

Let me now turn to my thoughts towards the audio quality and the two narrators. First, I know how difficult the process of narration is and even the ability to record high-quality audio. I can say that it took some time for both the narrators to grow on me. Early on I was not a fan of Betty’s narration. I cannot point out directly what it was, but it took a few stories to come around. So, if you pick up the audiobook and feel the same way, stick with it until the end, it is worth it. James’ narration seemed more polished (could be his level of experience) and I was more quickly drawn into his character voicing. Both narrators of the audiobook were able to give the characters dimension and bring the listener into the world. Audio quality is important to me, and I can say that I did notice a few places where there were slight background noises and or the hiss of compressed audio during the quiet spots. Again, let me say that what I listened to may not represent the final quality as I was provided with MP3 audio which often is heavily compressed. Even with these few subjective items around audio, I would not say that they greatly impacted my ability to enjoy the stories.

For parents and younger listeners, there are a few stories that use profanity. It is not used often, but it is there for those who are easily offended by such content. At least one of the stories contained some mature themes including alcohol, drugs, and sexual items. I must admit that this story (containing more mature subject matter) was also one of my favorites as the author deals with quite a few emotional situations with virtual space. Again, if any of these items offend you, I would recommend a different audiobook or simply skip these stories. If you are more mature, and such does not offend as easily, I recommend all the stories in this audiobook.

In summary, if you are a fan of through-provoking subject matter and science fiction tales, I cannot recommend the audiobook more strongly. Every story felt like a modern science fiction twist on The Twilight Zone. Although there were a few audio quality issues and the time it took for the narration to grow on me, the combination of solid writing and decent audio, the audiobook hits a home run in so many ways.

A Mind-Bending Journey

I just wrapped up listening to the audiobook of Early Adopter by Drew Harrison, and I’m absolutely floored. Harrison has embedded himself past my neocortex and all the way into my spinal cord, making my brain and body tingle with his fluid prose and execution of profound ideas. If you're into scifi that makes you ponder the big "what ifs" of technology and humanity, this collection is a must-listen.

Betty BAT and James Langton deliver performances that are nothing short of spectacular. Betty BAT's portrayal of Allison is particularly noteworthy. She pulls you through the emotional highs and lows with such authenticity, seamlessly shifting from profound moments to snarky, light-hearted banter. Her range is incredible—one minute you're feeling the depth of a character's despair, and the next you're laughing at a witty comeback. James Langton complements her perfectly, bringing depth and nuance to every story with the ease of a clearly seasoned professional. Both Betty and James are top-tier narrators with James taking the cake in terms of a traditional narrator’s voice and Betty shining through with profoundly real emotions.

The audiobook itself is very well made, with music that really compliments each story. As for the stories, Harrison juggles humor, horror, and profound philosophical questions in a way that reminded me of Peter Watts' Blindsight. Or Harlan Ellison’s Dangerous Visions. Each story feels hauntingly possible, eerily familiar, and strangely out of reach, almost as if they're glimpses into a future that's hiding in plain sight despite no one really seeing it yet. It's both thrilling and a bit unsettling how close these narratives hit to home. Harrison’s prose is vivid and evocative, painting immersive scenes and characters that are truly tangible in their presentation. The stories deal with some very intricate and detailed ontology and philosophy, but Harrison guides readers effortlessly through complex ideas and intricate plots without ever losing your attention.

I was particularly impressed by the titular story, Early Adopter, which delves into the relationship between a lonely man and an AI girlfriend. It raises the question: If a simulated consciousness can evoke real emotions, where do we draw the line between genuine and artificial? Harrison explores this theme with remarkable depth and sensitivity. His characters are richly developed, and their dialogues feel so natural that you become wholly invested in their journeys. I even learned a new word from this story: Paraphilia, or sexual fixation on anything that isn’t a consenting human partner. Like all of his stories, the themes and ideas start in familiar territory; one can easily liken this story to the movie Her. But boy oh boy does Harrison take us for a spin by the end of his tales. I simply could have never foreseen the twist that this story and a few others involved. Legitimately mind blowing!

In terms of prose, Harrison’s clever and vivid descriptions bring each scene to life, making it easy to visualize the settings and empathize with his characters. The pacing is expertly managed, with each story unfolding with precise pacing. The philosophical inquiries are woven seamlessly into the narrative, prompting you to reflect on the ethical implications of technological advancement without ever feeling heavy-handed. It's a delicate balance that Harrison maintains with impressive skill.

If you’re a fan of Black Mirror, Twilight Zone, Dangerous Visions, Stories of Your Life and Others, Burning Chrome, and other gripping speculative anthologies filled with dark explorations of technology's impact on society and thought-provoking, twist-filled narratives that challenge perceptions of morality, human nature, and the future, then Early Adopter is your next binge.

Thought Provoking, Propulsive & Thrilling

Early Adopter is a thought-provoking collection of short stories that contemplate the risks, benefits, and ethics of emerging and fictitious future technologies. Harrison's poetic prose demonstrates rich characterization and unique, complex worldbuilding, especially for short stories. Each of the stories tackles the risks and social implications of future technology and their moral implications in a completely different context. The alarming concept of having our own consciousness overlayed or replaced by an artificial intelligence counterpart, whether it be for medical, societal, or creative benefit, is ingenuously conceived. With OpenAI and new nanotechnologies rapidly emerging in our real world, the reality of such scenarios coming to fruition is not that far-fetched—and there's a powerful message that we, as “early adopters," must anticipate all the ramifications and be prepared.

In the first short story “To Run Again," a brilliant and blindsighted researcher utilizes a cutting-edge treatment to cure a man’s body paralysis. From the start of the story, there is a sense of impending doom of how it might all turn out. The story is filled with compelling dialogue, and some scenes are quite heartbreaking, especially those that see the patient’s mother pleading when the technology has gone awry. The dramatic, abrupt ending is very effective at making readers contemplate a very disturbing prospective future for medical research.

The second story, Commercialopolis, is very short and has more of the feel of an interlude between the longer and more interesting stories in the collection. The narration is quite dramatic and entertaining, making for a quick slice of entertainment.

The third story, Alignment, involves a researcher's moral dilemma of supporting a military endeavour. This story starts off strong but gets somewhat muffled with all the different characters interjecting in the middle. The ending comes somewhat full circle but also offers no satisfying resolution for the protagonist or the conflict. It may have been more effective to have stuck with a more central theme in this story.

The fourth story, Early Adopter, is the most straightforward of the stories and possibly the easiest to digest. The story follows a man experimenting with a relationship with an AI girlfriend, a concept that is already being advertised in our world today. The direction of the story is quite unpredictable, as is the fascinating dialogue between the protagonist and his AI companion. The moral dilemma of romanticizing an artificial being that offers a real connection and much-needed emotional support is strongly pronounced in this story.

The fifth story, The Terminal on Europa, follows a man ostracized by others due to his ancestry and occupation. There are some intense fight scenes and really interesting future technologies depicted that make this story dramatic and exciting. The ideation of extreme punishment and banishment for breaking “dystopian rules" is also explored in a very unique manner.

The sixth story, The Final Artist, is one of the shortest in the collection and involves an email exchange between a writer and a malicious sentient Al artist. The exchange is both captivating and terrifying, especially in our current world where OpenAI technology is rapidly evolving in its increasing ability to mimic human artistic content. As we are on the brink of a new world where AI writers and artists will become mainstream offerings, the need to maintain authentic human creativity is crucial, and this story offers some very relevant topics of contemplation!

The seventh story, Homonoia, is a fascinating dystopian story of creating an omnipotent consciousness capable of miracles by means of technological implants in an effort to save humanity. The ideas of shared consciousness, losing one’s individualization, and terrifying health risks are explored. As the characters experience a myriad of emotions, from excitement to euphoria to absolute terror, so too will readers. Harrison does an excellent job bringing all the characters to life and once again leaves readers with a contemplative conclusion.

The final short story, Emulated, is broken up into two parts and is the longest. It follows a pastor who is asked by his scientist friend to assist in the decision-making and discussion of a simulated world. This project is supposed to be used for military advantage, but as the characters in the simulated world take on real-life personas and experience heart-wrenching obstacles, the moral and ethical questions of exploiting and deleting them at will are explored. From a synopsis perspective, the whole concept of the story sounds absurd, but with rich characterization and compelling dialogue, readers may feel real empathy and intrigue for the simulated universe. The idea of worlds being watched over by higher worlds is heavily explored and makes this one extremely thought-provoking.

Overall, this is a compelling and highly original collection of science fiction stories. The stories have the feel of twilight zone episodes with open-ended conclusions that don't follow rules of logic. If you enjoy thought-provoking science fiction or stories about future technology, this book should be highly considered. The audiobook is a great format for enjoying these stories, as the dual narrators use clear and suspenseful voices to keep listeners engaged. With such high-quality prose and fascinating topics explored in just a few short stories, it'll be exciting to see what Harrison can create in his next full-length novel!

Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi That Keeps You Hooked!

"Early Adopter" is a captivating collection of thought-provoking short stories that truly push the boundaries of sci-fi and human progress. Each story holds up a dark mirror to our world, blending thrilling narratives with deep reflections on technology and society. The mix of suspense, tragedy, and futuristic themes kept me hooked from start to finish. It's a perfect listen for anyone who loves compelling, intelligent storytelling. Highly recommended for fans of sci-fi and tech-driven thrillers!

Gritty future visions and the issues they cause

Firstly, an apology. At the end of the book is a summary of story titles and narrator credits. I had become so completely engrossed in each of the stories, told from varied perspectives and people in different locations and times that I simply assumed each was penned by a separate author. Nope! They are all from the mind of Drew Harrison, who has captured a spectacular and dazzling fireworks display of original ideas and characters, dealing with situations none of us has been in, but aren't a stretch to imagine, with rockets and sparks flying off in a frenzy of directions.

Each story supplements the reader's existing general knowledge of an area of medicine, science, or religion with a plethora of carefully positioned details and interactions that transports us into futures, both near and far. We become part of the scenery, part of the story, and are connected to the characters in intricate ways. Any one of these stories could have been expanded to create a filling novel, but we get to sample from a smorgasbord of tales that keeps our mental appetite yearning for more.

The narrators absolutely glow with their performances. I'm delighted to have spent some time with these stories, and hope you are also. [disclosure: I received this title for free and listen at 1.65x]

A Must-Read for Tech Enthusiasts and Visionaries

Quick Review: Early Adopter by Drew Harrison is an engrossing tale that masterfully blends technology, ambition, and human complexity. With a compelling cast and sharp storytelling, enhanced by the dynamic narration of James Langton and Betty BAT, Harrison takes readers on a journey through the rewards and perils of leading innovation. A must-read and must-listen for science fiction and tech enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the balance between progress and consequence.

Full Review: Drew Harrison’s Early Adopter is a captivating exploration of innovation, ambition, and the human stories behind technological evolution. Harrison crafts a narrative that is as thrilling as it is reflective, dissecting the price of being at the forefront of groundbreaking ideas.

The book follows a series of characters who embody the archetype of the "early adopter," each driven by a mixture of curiosity, passion, and the desire to stay ahead of the curve. Harrison deftly weaves a tale that touches on both the rewards and sacrifices inherent to this lifestyle. The characters are multi-dimensional, portraying not just the allure of adopting new technologies but also the psychological and ethical dilemmas they face.

Harrison's writing is meticulous, and his ability to interlace real-world technological references with fictional scenarios lends validity to the story. The pacing of the book keeps readers engaged, balancing technical depth with narrative momentum that makes it accessible even to those without a tech background.

The audio version further elevates the experience, thanks to the compelling narration of James Langton and Betty BAT. Langton’s clear, authoritative voice adds depth and intrigue, while Betty BAT’s expressive delivery brings warmth and relatability, making the characters' journeys even more vivid and impactful.

Harrison skillfully raises questions about the societal impacts of rapid technological shifts. He challenges readers to consider what it means to lead, to adapt, and to risk stability for progress. The themes of the book resonate beyond the immediate tech sphere, making it a compelling read—and listen—for anyone interested in the interplay between technology and human nature.

While the book excels in many areas, there are moments when the technical terminology might feel a bit dense to casual readers. This, however, is offset by Harrison’s ability to bring clarity through well-placed explanations and the humanization of complex concepts.

Early Adopter is a thought-provoking, well-constructed work that underscores Harrison's skill as both a storyteller and a commentator on the ever-evolving technological landscape. Paired with the voices of Langton and BAT, it’s an even richer experience. It’s a must-read and must-listen for enthusiasts of science and tech fiction and anyone curious about the motivations and consequences of living on the cutting edge.