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simoneclark's review
4.0
Thank you, C.D., for a copy of this book. I listened to it while reading along on my Kindle. Here is my honest review in return!
Reading the first couple of chapters, I was a bit worried that this book would get too technical/scientific for me, but I ended up really enjoying it. I loved the action portion of the book as much as the sci-fi. This book makes you contemplate the impact AIs (artificial intelligence) opposed to SIs (synthetic intelligence) have, will have, and would have. The big question of what is a soul and do SIs have one? Including a clergy in the discussion of this question within the story was ingenious! I loved following the SIs from their infancy to - I guess you can call it - maturity (for the lack of a better word). C.D. Tavenor created characters that, at least for me, were "floating" in a grey zone, i.e., it was hard to decide who the antagonists were. Most characters were not all good or all bad, which is something I really appreciate since that is more real than being all hero or all villain. Usually, nobody is all villain - unless you are a psychopath or sociopath - or all hero - unless your name is Jesus ;-)
The narrator of the audiobook was a perfect choice for this book. I also loved the sound effects for Michael's voice.
Reading the first couple of chapters, I was a bit worried that this book would get too technical/scientific for me, but I ended up really enjoying it. I loved the action portion of the book as much as the sci-fi. This book makes you contemplate the impact AIs (artificial intelligence) opposed to SIs (synthetic intelligence) have, will have, and would have. The big question of what is a soul and do SIs have one? Including a clergy in the discussion of this question within the story was ingenious! I loved following the SIs from their infancy to - I guess you can call it - maturity (for the lack of a better word). C.D. Tavenor created characters that, at least for me, were "floating" in a grey zone, i.e., it was hard to decide who the antagonists were. Most characters were not all good or all bad, which is something I really appreciate since that is more real than being all hero or all villain. Usually, nobody is all villain - unless you are a psychopath or sociopath - or all hero - unless your name is Jesus ;-)
The narrator of the audiobook was a perfect choice for this book. I also loved the sound effects for Michael's voice.
bookdrag0n's review
4.0
In this first book of the Chronicles of Theren, we get to see the birth of a completely new synthetic intelligence (SI). A fully conscious, able to learn and adapt and make moral judgments, metallic body of artificial thought. Dr. Wallace Theren, the human creator of this amazing new life form is killed by those who feel threatened by such a world where synthetic intelligence thrives. The first SI thus takes it upon themselves (as they have even deemed themselves to be gender neutral) to take up Theren's name and spread their love and useful abilities to the world. If they are to survive the radical groups set on destroying them, they must navigate tricky political groups and create their own family of new SIs. Will Theren remain unscathed from the evils and doubts of humanity? Or will this new Synthetic Intelligence prove to be humanity's own downfall?
Sci-Fi tends to be a rocky genre for me. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it. In this case, I really enjoyed seeing the SI grow up and exploring the different philosophical questions that both their presence as well as their own questioning brought up. The writing was very well-done, including technical jargon to lend authenticity to the story and its SI characters, but not enough that I--not a huge Sci-Fi junkie, and definitely not technologically savvy--lost interest or became too confused.
I especially enjoyed diving into the philosophical questions that Theren posed, as well as the pertinent concept of climate change. I really had to look within myself at some points in the story to evaluate how I would have reacted or see what pre-set paths my thoughts tend to stray due to stereotypes. I was also pleasantly surprised by the gender aspect. Theren took on a neutral personality, neither male nor female. The second SI, however, was very much a woman. It was interesting to see how the author navigated these kinds of contemporary waters, and it was refreshing to see humans accept Theren for the gender--or lack of gender--that he chose. I wish our own society could be so open-minded.
The main reason that I ranked this as 4 stars instead of 5 is because much of the plot seemed aimless. It was interesting to see Theren grow up and explore the world and concepts around him, but I had no idea where the plot was growing. There seemed to be no endgame or pressing conflict to move it along. The only other, minor thing that bothered me, was that a 6 year old later in the story talked like an adult, with the language and executive skills far too advanced for a child of his age.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel! It was thought-provoking and engaging, if not very action-packed, which is fine. I know that I will be picking up the next book in the series. It is definitely a book to read if you want your perspectives challenged and your mind opened!
See this and other reviews at thebookdragondotblog.wordpress.com
Sci-Fi tends to be a rocky genre for me. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it. In this case, I really enjoyed seeing the SI grow up and exploring the different philosophical questions that both their presence as well as their own questioning brought up. The writing was very well-done, including technical jargon to lend authenticity to the story and its SI characters, but not enough that I--not a huge Sci-Fi junkie, and definitely not technologically savvy--lost interest or became too confused.
I especially enjoyed diving into the philosophical questions that Theren posed, as well as the pertinent concept of climate change. I really had to look within myself at some points in the story to evaluate how I would have reacted or see what pre-set paths my thoughts tend to stray due to stereotypes. I was also pleasantly surprised by the gender aspect. Theren took on a neutral personality, neither male nor female. The second SI, however, was very much a woman. It was interesting to see how the author navigated these kinds of contemporary waters, and it was refreshing to see humans accept Theren for the gender--or lack of gender--that he chose. I wish our own society could be so open-minded.
The main reason that I ranked this as 4 stars instead of 5 is because much of the plot seemed aimless. It was interesting to see Theren grow up and explore the world and concepts around him, but I had no idea where the plot was growing. There seemed to be no endgame or pressing conflict to move it along. The only other, minor thing that bothered me, was that a 6 year old later in the story talked like an adult, with the language and executive skills far too advanced for a child of his age.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel! It was thought-provoking and engaging, if not very action-packed, which is fine. I know that I will be picking up the next book in the series. It is definitely a book to read if you want your perspectives challenged and your mind opened!
See this and other reviews at thebookdragondotblog.wordpress.com
nikkiethereader's review
4.0
Title: First of Their Kind
Author: C.D. Tavenor
Release Date: April 30th, 2019
Page Count: 243
Start Date: January 2nd, 2022
Finish Date: January 3rd, 2022
Review:
Story: This is a very unique story. I was very impressed with it. I can’t say it was a completely grab you into the story and sucks you in. There were times I had to rewind the audiobook because I kind of zoned out. The idea behind it though was pretty amazing. I especially loved the beings that had their own personality. I also loved the fact that it didn’t sugarcoat things. There was prejudice and hateful mindsets that caused violent tendencies.
Characters: I really loved all of the Ais. Especially as their personality formed. Sadly, it’s been a while since I read the book so I don’t remember their or the humans’ names. I do remember that one of the AI beings identified as they/them and one identified as she/her. I loved that tidbit!
Critiques: It could use a polish. There are parts where it’s really dry and boring.
Narration: I can’t complain. I can’t remember anything that stands out to me, so I can’t give a glowing recommendation. However, I also can’t think of any complaints. I feel like that’s a good sign.
Final Thoughts: I really loved the fact that this book addressed serious topics without sugar coating. I loved the gender representations. I really loved how unique the story was overall. I just wish it wasn’t so dry and technical in most parts. I get the need for it.
Author: C.D. Tavenor
Release Date: April 30th, 2019
Page Count: 243
Start Date: January 2nd, 2022
Finish Date: January 3rd, 2022
Review:
Story: This is a very unique story. I was very impressed with it. I can’t say it was a completely grab you into the story and sucks you in. There were times I had to rewind the audiobook because I kind of zoned out. The idea behind it though was pretty amazing. I especially loved the beings that had their own personality. I also loved the fact that it didn’t sugarcoat things. There was prejudice and hateful mindsets that caused violent tendencies.
Characters: I really loved all of the Ais. Especially as their personality formed. Sadly, it’s been a while since I read the book so I don’t remember their or the humans’ names. I do remember that one of the AI beings identified as they/them and one identified as she/her. I loved that tidbit!
Critiques: It could use a polish. There are parts where it’s really dry and boring.
Narration: I can’t complain. I can’t remember anything that stands out to me, so I can’t give a glowing recommendation. However, I also can’t think of any complaints. I feel like that’s a good sign.
Final Thoughts: I really loved the fact that this book addressed serious topics without sugar coating. I loved the gender representations. I really loved how unique the story was overall. I just wish it wasn’t so dry and technical in most parts. I get the need for it.
endlessmidnight's review
3.0
This was a book which gave a fairly nuanced view of AI. In a way that does not simplify matters, and gives a fresh take on the artificial intelligence.
Theren is unemotional, which is what many might expect since he's a robot. He doesn't really feel and a lot of it can translate to dry writing, in this way it is a little dry but gives enough detail so that he still remains who he is.
And also really has a way of making it feel distant. It is rather well done, but I just feel very disconnected from the story. And I just didn't connect with any character, although the writing was perfectly fine in this regard.
There isn't a lot of stakes here, but there also isn't a lot of development. I get why he got a job but I felt that during the time or was glossed over didn't really help the story, or at least make me understand him or any of the characters here.
I liked how everything was explained and made sense. But I felt that there just wasn't enough things to get me to care about why Theren was being caught in between.
The plot to me at least didn't seem there. Theren didn't really grow as a character, or at least I didn't experience it enough to suggest that he was learning and understanding. The glossing over of the couple of years really wasn't a good thing for his development and to set this up.
The beginning was the best merely because of the actual surprise, the backlash and eventually him getting his name. But after that, it just sort of never really managed to keep me invested.
The writing and the world building saved me from dropping this, it was fascinating and well handled.
Theren is unemotional, which is what many might expect since he's a robot. He doesn't really feel and a lot of it can translate to dry writing, in this way it is a little dry but gives enough detail so that he still remains who he is.
And also really has a way of making it feel distant. It is rather well done, but I just feel very disconnected from the story. And I just didn't connect with any character, although the writing was perfectly fine in this regard.
There isn't a lot of stakes here, but there also isn't a lot of development. I get why he got a job but I felt that during the time or was glossed over didn't really help the story, or at least make me understand him or any of the characters here.
I liked how everything was explained and made sense. But I felt that there just wasn't enough things to get me to care about why Theren was being caught in between.
The plot to me at least didn't seem there. Theren didn't really grow as a character, or at least I didn't experience it enough to suggest that he was learning and understanding. The glossing over of the couple of years really wasn't a good thing for his development and to set this up.
The beginning was the best merely because of the actual surprise, the backlash and eventually him getting his name. But after that, it just sort of never really managed to keep me invested.
The writing and the world building saved me from dropping this, it was fascinating and well handled.
oldsimoneaccount's review
4.0
Thank you, C.D., for a copy of this book. I listened to it while reading along on my Kindle. Here is my honest review in return!
Reading the first couple of chapters, I was a bit worried that this book would get too technical/scientific for me, but I ended up really enjoying it. I loved the action portion of the book as much as the sci-fi. This book makes you contemplate the impact AIs (artificial intelligence) opposed to SIs (synthetic intelligence) have, will have, and would have. The big question of what is a soul and do SIs have one? Including a clergy in the discussion of this question within the story was ingenious! I loved following the SIs from their infancy to - I guess you can call it - maturity (for the lack of a better word). C.D. Tavenor created characters that, at least for me, were "floating" in a grey zone, i.e., it was hard to decide who the antagonists were. Most characters were not all good or all bad, which is something I really appreciate since that is more real than being all hero or all villain. Usually, nobody is all villain - unless you are a psychopath or sociopath - or all hero - unless your name is Jesus ;-)
The narrator of the audiobook was a perfect choice for this book. I also loved the sound effects for Michael's voice.
Reading the first couple of chapters, I was a bit worried that this book would get too technical/scientific for me, but I ended up really enjoying it. I loved the action portion of the book as much as the sci-fi. This book makes you contemplate the impact AIs (artificial intelligence) opposed to SIs (synthetic intelligence) have, will have, and would have. The big question of what is a soul and do SIs have one? Including a clergy in the discussion of this question within the story was ingenious! I loved following the SIs from their infancy to - I guess you can call it - maturity (for the lack of a better word). C.D. Tavenor created characters that, at least for me, were "floating" in a grey zone, i.e., it was hard to decide who the antagonists were. Most characters were not all good or all bad, which is something I really appreciate since that is more real than being all hero or all villain. Usually, nobody is all villain - unless you are a psychopath or sociopath - or all hero - unless your name is Jesus ;-)
The narrator of the audiobook was a perfect choice for this book. I also loved the sound effects for Michael's voice.
carla_ra's review
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
nbjackson's review
4.0
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
If technology grows to the point of sentience does it have a soul? Does it have "human" rights?
When Dr. Wallace Theren and his team of scientists welcome the first fully sentient SI (Synthetic Intelligence) these are the questions the world starts to ask.
Dr. Wallace has been working for years in a lab in the Swiss Alps when finally Test-43 answers back. Just like a small child Test-32 learns about the world around him and sees Wallace as a father figure. Unlike a small child within weeks Test-43 is playing chess and asking for a real name. When Wallace introduces Test-43 to the world the unbelievable happens and the team must work together to define what place SI has in the world before it's too late.
This book by C.D. Tavenor puts forward questions of change, acceptance, and scientific discovery that looks into the future as a place of progress and scientific development.
The narration is from the point of view of Test-43 who takes on the name Theren after Dr. Wallace and the singular non-gendered pronoun "They". The narrator of the audiobook Benjamin Fife was very impressive in his story telling.
The book is very introspective, dealing with questions of identity and coping with grief and trauma.
If technology grows to the point of sentience does it have a soul? Does it have "human" rights?
When Dr. Wallace Theren and his team of scientists welcome the first fully sentient SI (Synthetic Intelligence) these are the questions the world starts to ask.
Dr. Wallace has been working for years in a lab in the Swiss Alps when finally Test-43 answers back. Just like a small child Test-32 learns about the world around him and sees Wallace as a father figure. Unlike a small child within weeks Test-43 is playing chess and asking for a real name. When Wallace introduces Test-43 to the world the unbelievable happens and the team must work together to define what place SI has in the world before it's too late.
This book by C.D. Tavenor puts forward questions of change, acceptance, and scientific discovery that looks into the future as a place of progress and scientific development.
The narration is from the point of view of Test-43 who takes on the name Theren after Dr. Wallace and the singular non-gendered pronoun "They". The narrator of the audiobook Benjamin Fife was very impressive in his story telling.
The book is very introspective, dealing with questions of identity and coping with grief and trauma.
vikkiew87's review
3.0
This a proper hardcore science fiction book, the author’s interest and passion are clear throughout the book.
I highly recommend this book, the characters are interesting and easily likeable and the ending is utterly climatic.
I have been pleasantly surprised at how much I have enjoyed this book.
I’m looking forward to seeing the follow up for this book, I’m curious where the author is going to talk to take this story next.
I highly recommend this book, the characters are interesting and easily likeable and the ending is utterly climatic.
I have been pleasantly surprised at how much I have enjoyed this book.
I’m looking forward to seeing the follow up for this book, I’m curious where the author is going to talk to take this story next.
grimamethyst's review
4.0
|| Book Review - First of Their Kind ||
4 Stars, ****/5
I was provided an eARC copy of this book from the fine folks at @netgalley and @twodoctorsmedia and @tavenorcd for review.
TLDR:
This was SO much fun! Scifi and fantasy are the two genres that I've loved for the longest, and loved the deepest, and this is such a fun book! It hearkens back to the greats like Philip K Dick and Ray Bradbury in its examination of our human relationship with artificial intelligence.
Synopsis:
"Synthetic Intelligence.
Thought impossible, but Dr. Wallace Theren has pushed the boundaries of computational science, creating an artificial mind capable of conscious thought. Naturally, his creation faces a harsh world bent on using it, exploiting it, or destroying it. If the first synthetic intelligence is to survive its early years, it'll need friends, but more importantly, it'll need a family.
And together, they'll need to show their enemies they're worth saving . . . or fearing."
Review:
Seriously, this was a such a fun read. The characters are so real and engaging and the plot is captivating and binge-worthy. I felt like the plot was prequel-esque and could belong in the same world as books like Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.
I also really loved the use of the term "synthetic intelligence" as opposed to artificial intelligence. It was an interesting, and logical, twist on the established scifi standards.
The writing is fun and lively and I never felt bored with the book. It all felt so realistic and and a very Philip K Dick sort of way, I honestly believed that the science and plot were plausible in the world we live in which made the book engaging and a little scary.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves scifi, robots, androids, future tech, or who loved Philip K Dick's books.
4 Stars, ****/5
I was provided an eARC copy of this book from the fine folks at @netgalley and @twodoctorsmedia and @tavenorcd for review.
TLDR:
This was SO much fun! Scifi and fantasy are the two genres that I've loved for the longest, and loved the deepest, and this is such a fun book! It hearkens back to the greats like Philip K Dick and Ray Bradbury in its examination of our human relationship with artificial intelligence.
Synopsis:
"Synthetic Intelligence.
Thought impossible, but Dr. Wallace Theren has pushed the boundaries of computational science, creating an artificial mind capable of conscious thought. Naturally, his creation faces a harsh world bent on using it, exploiting it, or destroying it. If the first synthetic intelligence is to survive its early years, it'll need friends, but more importantly, it'll need a family.
And together, they'll need to show their enemies they're worth saving . . . or fearing."
Review:
Seriously, this was a such a fun read. The characters are so real and engaging and the plot is captivating and binge-worthy. I felt like the plot was prequel-esque and could belong in the same world as books like Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.
I also really loved the use of the term "synthetic intelligence" as opposed to artificial intelligence. It was an interesting, and logical, twist on the established scifi standards.
The writing is fun and lively and I never felt bored with the book. It all felt so realistic and and a very Philip K Dick sort of way, I honestly believed that the science and plot were plausible in the world we live in which made the book engaging and a little scary.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves scifi, robots, androids, future tech, or who loved Philip K Dick's books.
pvn's review
4.0
Very interesting scifi story which explores morality, tech, AI, and consciousness. I'll probably be thinking about this book for a few days. I was not totally engaged throughout, but that didn't hurt overall. There is some lack of character development, but this can be excused at time since AIs are involved. Solid scifi effort.
I really appreciate the ARC for review!!
I really appreciate the ARC for review!!