Artificial Intelligence is all the rage today. AI terrifies many as it
develops and will continue to do so for quite some time because, while those
working to develop it have the best of intentions, we all know there are
predators out there who will use it for their own nefarious reasons, all the
way from plagiarizing their school papers to defrauding the unsuspecting of
their property. It is in the early stages now, but it is evolving rapidly.
Above Dark Waters is a story of people with the best intentions of
helping clients with problems, but they get caught in a trap nearly leading to
their own destruction, as well as that of millions of others.
The story is driven forward by some solid characters moving around in a
well-developed world. Or should I say worlds? On the one hand, there are plenty
of shenanigans occurring in the real world, but there are also some major
problems in the artificial world.
It all starts with an idea from Keight Stanford to help people using
artificial therapy. It seems like a good idea that is needed, especially for
people who do not have access to therapy through conventional means.
Keight's former husband, Ed Kingston, is having a little financial trouble
keeping his Nort Pacific Seastead in operation. He is losing money and is
seeking a cash infusion to keep the business afloat. The only part of his
operation that is not losing money is the data center that is cooled by the
waters of the North Pacific Ocean. So, he turns to Keight for the resources he
needs.
Keight has launched her online therapy model and has received the funding to
keep it moving forward and developing. She is not hurting for money, but
entertains an offer from Ed to partner up, which would greatly benefit him.
Keight, on the other hand, is doing just fine on her own.
While Keight is enjoying her success, there is a transformation occurring. A
rogue programmer adds some amazing code into the mix, and the AI develops
beyond its design. It reaches into every mind connected to it and attains sentience
and is very ambitious.
Ed Kingston and Keight Stanford are an estranged couple who really belong
together. With Keight as the brains, and Ed as the muscle, they would seem to
be the perfect couple. As I read this tale, I found myself hoping they would
find a common ground to reconcile and move forward. Beyond that, they have
their own personalities, but I found both to be compassionate, good people at
the core.
The rogue programmer, Clark, is a brilliant programmer who doesn't know when
to stop working and becomes addicted to his own creation. He gets deeper and
deeper in, his involvement with the AI, which eventually has him forgetting to
take care of his basic needs as he tinkers, unaware of what the consequences
might be.
There are numerous other characters in this story who are not main players
but are none the less compelling in themselves. I felt this point was one of
the author's strengths in creating a story that is plausible, if not a little
disturbing.
While the theme of Above Dark Waters is not a new one (I would point to
films such as Colossus: The Forbin Project - 1970, and WarGames -
1983), this story has, at least for me, a new twist on the idea of artificial
intelligence attaining sentience and having evil intentions.
But the "monster at the end of the book" isn't what kept me
reading on. It was the characters and how they were able to adapt to solve the
problems popping up. And every time they solved a problem, a new one would
emerge, further challenging their creativity and abilities.
My takeaway from Above Dark Waters is to remember what is important
in life.
As I sit at my computer, I understand how easy it is to get caught up in
some of the things already happening in the cyberworld. You look up something
you are thinking of purchasing, check a few prices, and the next thing you
know, your social media feed is loaded with ads enticing you to click on them.
Most are legitimate sellers, but some are just looking to get their hooks into
you. One can waste a lot of time just scrolling and scrolling.
One theme that shines through in this story is the importance of people
working together to keep from falling into the trap of cyber addiction.
Remember the things that are important: friends, family, and one's own
wellbeing.
Above Dark Waters is a marvelous science fiction tale. It moves at a
blinding speed and will hold the reader’s attention. It is a page turner with
surprises along the way that one may have not thought about as AI becomes more
intelligent. This story is thought provoking and a little scary at times, but
also has moments of humor, and it has donuts! Unfortunately, they are only
virtual donuts, but a reader can make sure they are supplied in advance on my
advice.
I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good Sci-Fi thriller.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I (author Eric Kay) have only three things to offer:
Exploration, Technology, and Optimism (ETO)
Every novel will have heaps of ETO. It doesn’t mean they ignore the hard
questions or the downsides of technology. In fact, some of them border on
dystopia or tragedy, or have characters that are unsympathetic. But I write the
kinds of hard science fiction I want to see in the world. Plausible near-future
fiction backed up by science where we go out and explore.
Well, there it is…
Qapla!
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