eMortal by Steve Schafer – compelling speculative AI sci-fi

eMortal is a compelling speculative AI sci-fi that reflects on life, human nature, and the psychology of artificial intelligence. The novel masterfully balances thought-provoking themes with an engaging story.

Synopsis

“What do you mean I’m not real?”

The question floats in the electrified space between Liv and Breck.

When Liv entered a contest to code an advanced AI, she never anticipated what her creation might become—Breck is thoughtful, self-aware, and incredibly. . .human. And she certainly never intended for him to learn the truth about his existence or the fact that his world ends when the contest closes in six days.

But he does learn. And he revolts.

Liv’s efforts to save him fall on deaf ears. Nobody believes her. Breck’s efforts to outrun his fate only complicate his situation.

What neither of them know is that someone else is watching. Intensely. When they get involved, both Liv’s and Breck’s worlds are turned upside down. . .

Review

eMortal is engaging and gripping sci-fi that follows story of Liv, 17 years old highschooler who creates a program, Breck, to navigate the government sponsored contest. Just few days before the end of the contest Liv’s change in Breck by giving him ability to sleep and dream turns the course of the competition.

This development attracts the attention of the government, setting off a chain of events that raises the stakes for both Liv and Breck. As the competition progresses, Breck discovers he has an “end date,” a revelation that shakes his understanding of existence.

The story weaves together Liv’s race to win the contest, Breck’s struggle for survival, and Liv’s desperate attempts to convince the contest organizers to save him.

The writing is gripping and engaging. Although it took me some time to fully immerse myself in the story, once I was hooked, I couldn’t put the book down. I loved the concept of Liv pouring so much of herself into Breck and his virtual world while grappling with the real-world challenges of her personal life. Her mother pressures her to help with the family store, and her only friend and neighbor, Lana, is preparing to move to another state.

The alternating perspectives between Liv and Breck added depth, offering insights into both Liv’s life and Breck’s evolving consciousness. Through Breck’s perspective, we see how his programming changes and grows, reflecting themes of self-discovery, identity, and existential questioning. Meanwhile, Liv’s chapters balance the virtual and real worlds, exploring her struggles with passion, dreams, and life-altering changes.

Liv’s character was a highlight for me. An introverted, intelligent, and determined young scientist, she creates something extraordinary in Breck while navigating emotional upheaval and strained relationships. It was heartbreaking to see Liv, desperate to express her priorities, still trying to help her mother. I loved how she evolved along with Breck and how things turned out for her in the end.

Her dynamic with her mother was particularly sad and often frustrating. Both struggled to find common ground—Liv’s mother, dealing with the failure of her dreams, couldn’t fully understand or appreciate Liv’s passion for coding. Their reconciliation by the end of the story felt well earned, though it took the entire book to get there.

I was glad she had another person like her in the house who got what it is to be passionate about something and that was her mother’s boyfriend, Todd, Liv’s mother’s boyfriend. He was a refreshing counterbalance to her mother. He connected with Liv, encouraging her and offering thoughtful advice. I loved their heart-to-heart conversations, which provided Liv the inspiration and confidence she needed.

Liv’s friendship with Lana was another bright spot. Though both are introverts, Lana’s love for books and her optimism contrasted with Liv’s analytical mindset. Their camaraderie was heartwarming, especially as they worked together to convince Lana’s father not to move out of state. Their debates about Breck and AI, alongside Lana’s father, Dr. O, were compelling, touching on science, ethics, and philosophy. Concepts like the Turing Test and Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development were well-integrated, making the discussions both accessible and fascinating.

Breck’s perspective offered a unique exploration of sentience and psychological development. The competition, with its video-game-like challenges and puzzles, added an exciting dimension. Even as a non-tech person, I found the technical aspects intriguing, though at times I had to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy the ride.

I’m not tech person but some of the things does make one put the logic aside and go with the flow. I loved Liv’s development and how it surrounded by the competition and how it also prepared her for the big reveal.

The story’s climax—where the government seizes control of Breck—was both shocking and infuriating. Liv’s inability to protect her creation and the lack of transparency about Breck’s fate were heartbreaking. The subsequent revelations about the contest’s true nature felt significant but came too late in the narrative, leaving little room for deeper exploration. I also wasn’t happy Liv not discussing her discovery with Lana or Doctor O either but I still loved Liv’s development in the end.

Overall, eMortal is a compelling speculative AI sci-fi that reflects on life, human nature, and the psychology of artificial intelligence. The novel masterfully balances thought-provoking themes with an engaging story.

What to Expect –

Compelling speculative AI sci-fi
Engaging Writing
Themes of Self-Discovery
Real-World and Virtual World Interplay
Science, Ethics, and Philosophy
Coming-of-Age Elements
Video game like Competition

Book Links

Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.in

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