Just finished up Infinity Born by Douglas E. Richards. It is a “near-future science fiction thriller” that explores what could happen if we were able to create a sentient artificial intelligence. Richards tries to maintain a scientifically reasonable foundation for most of the story. The good guys versus bad guys and action hero tropes are less than this topic deserves. The overall theme is reflective of the famous quote by Ian Maxwell in the original Jurrasic Park film.
Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.
Dr. Ian Maxwell in Jurrasic Park
Overall, this is an easy, somewhat entertaining light summer read. Richards has a few other titles that are supposed to be stronger. I may add them to the TBR list at some point.
Infinity Born by Douglas E. Richards
When DARPA’s billion-dollar program to create Artificial Superintelligence is sabotaged, US operative Cameron Carr is tasked with finding the culprit. He’s been on high-stakes missions before, but this time the stakes are nothing less than the future of humanity. Because the race to evolve a superintelligent computer is on, and power players around the world will stop at nothing to get there first.
In the right hands, Artificial Superintelligence could lift humanity to towering heights. But in the wrong hands, this technology could represent the greatest threat humanity has ever seen . . .
Ripped from tomorrow’s headlines, Infinity Born is a roller-coaster ride of a thriller that explores the deadly perils and mind-blowing possibilities that await the human race–including both extinction and immortality.
As our phones and computers become ever smarter, Infinity Born takes an unblinking look at a technological tipping point that is just around the corner. One that will have a profound impact on the future course of human history.