I really liked The Created and one of the reasons was the artificial agents. I'm not certain if McCloskey is consciously exploring our current fascination with the Internet of Everything, but these artificial agents and their interactions with their environment, our home- and city-scapes and the networked humans around them represent some deep exploration of what "could be" soon enough.

In The Created, autonomous AI drones manipulate the networked and physical worlds by making decisions and choices based on goals (and even desires and feelings, to some extent) and not just simple programs.

Bitcoin-like transactions flow between entities, physical and virtual hacks and cracks take place in real-time, and pervasive, ubiquitous, high-speed, wireless, encrypted networks exist for everyone (for a price).

When my (physical) door lock has a network connection, the tips and tricks for hacking SSH authentication (for example) will extend to this new entrance mechanism. The algorithms and heuristics my home will use for perimeter defense, egress and ingress decisions (should we let the dog in? should the cat be prowling around? which cat and how do we know? what about the FedEx guy?) will be attacked, spoofed and countered. Now add artificial, mobile AIs capable of interacting in both the physical world and the networked world...

I really liked the change of pace in The Created. Your view of AI seems a bit more benign. Bravo for making a completed story in one book; one that can still have squeals!
I do believe your idea of the link is the way we are headed with smartphone technology. It seems a natural extension of the invasion these devices have successfully pulled off on modern society today. Both The Created and The Celaran Probe took the next step in link evolution. Allowing Marcant to emulate the Tri-minded consciousness of the Trilisks with his mind being so connected to his two AIs and Matthieu's ability to re-incarnate himself through his very close links to his three Semi-AI agents. In both these instances your view of the AI as beneficial seems at odds with the view in the Synchronicity Trilogy. Well - thanks!! I do encourage everyone to read The Created and the entire PIT series!!!