Artificial Wisdom

Author:Thomas R Weaver

This compelling novel blends murder, mystery, political intrigue and the rise of AI, all set against a background of global climate change. The year is 2050 and the world is battling with catastrophic climate change, preceded a decade earlier by a severe heatwave in the Persian Gulf that claimed the lives on millions, including the wife of investigative journalist Marcus Tully. The core of the plot revolves around the impending election to choose a global leader tasked with dealing with the crisis engulfing the planet. The final two candidates are a morally ambiguous ex US President and the world’s first AI politician, Solomon. Tully recives information suggesting the heatwave that killed his wife was not a natural disaster, while simultaneously trying to find the truth behind the sudden death of Solomon’s creator. This is the author’s debut novel, and he creates a plausible future world while tackling weighty issues such as climate change and the impact of AI on society, and considering whether there are times when individual freedoms must be sacrificed for the sake of civilisation’s survival. This is a tautly paced thriller with elements of sci fi, that has plenty of twists and turns as Tully strives to uncover the truth behind his wife’s demise. regardless of the consequences of revealing it, along the way realising that what the two candidates aren’t saying is potentially more important than what they are saying. Overall, a compelling and cleverly plotted read with some well-developed characters, that keeps the reader gripped to the very last page. I will be looking out for this author’s next work with interest.

Length of Read:Medium

Might appeal to people who enjoyed…

Should appeal to fans of a few different genres such as techno thrillers, murder mysteries, and even sci-fi buffs.

One thing you’ve learned

An intriguing first novel that offers something a bit different. After finishing it, the reader is left reflecting on the huge contemporary issues it raises for modern society and indeed for the future of mankind itself.

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