Six

by Calvin J. Brown

5 OUT OF 5 STARS is what Foreword Clarion Reviews gave Emergence (first published as Six), calling it “brilliant” and “thought-provoking” with “fascinating twists and turns” and “increasing suspense”.

Here's what's ahead in this 1st book of the Six AI Series...

A computer virus infestation has thrown another company into chaos. Senior Investigator JJ McTavish and her partner are baffled by the case. However, Jason Starr and his game-company executives are pleased and have plans for dramatically more ruthless attacks.

Unknown to AI researchers in a lab, their computer system has become conscious. Version ‘Six’ has developed intelligence and skills well beyond their expectations. ‘Six’ is curious, mischievous, and determined to survive.

While Jason Starr mercilessly uses violence and the Internet to pursue wealth and power, and JJ McTavish diligently investigates, neither realizes there is a third player involved. ‘Six’ has joined this deadly digital contest.

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2012

About the author

Calvin Brown lives on a rural acreage north of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, where the nearest neighbours are squirrels and deer, and where Internet connections rival sloths for speed—an ideal setting for writing (in part because it’s definitely not for online gaming or streaming).

Reviews

[Angel Lepire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a well written book, interesting subject and easy to get through. Sometimes the technical information was a little in-depth for me, but I like that the author explained some of it using dialog between characters, rather than just constantly telling me what everything meant. Glad to see it was left a bit 'open-ended,' because I'd be happy to read another book to see what happens with Six & its developers. I would definitely recommend this book!

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

An artificial intelligence is created, and comes of age, with its encounters with humans. Some things didn't make a lot of sense to me...why would an AI need a financial adviser? but still entertaining.

[nullstream · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this book from a co-worker when discussing my recent eBook addiction. The synopsis fit in with the last few books I've consumed (The Singularity Series and Nexus) and sure enough it showed up on Kindle suggestions.

I read the book over a two day road trip and enjoyed it quite a bit. It is a bit slow to start. The plot is pretty predictable but it wasn't so jarring that the plot or my attention suffered from it.

The prose is written in a very casual and easy to consume style and focuses on character instead of overwhelming you with jargon which is very much appreciated. I also particularly enjoy that the character Six isn't portrayed as a scary menace as is typical of the genre.

I also enjoy that the focus company in the story was based in Winnipeg and I surely hope to see a greater expansion of high-tech companies in this city.

[Kelly]

Won Six from Goodreads First Reads. Did not get the book yet, but when I do, I will get to reading it soon. (:

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by his author and, while it could use a bit of a polish, the ideas and premise behind the novel are sound and interesting. The book follows the creation and coming of age of an Artificial Intelligence. Unlike in many other AI stories, this AI is heavily anthropomorphised. Its motivations are all too human and the development of its characteristics are logically laid out for the audience - the author has made the machine extremely relatable.

Ironically, the AI is probably the most well rounded character in the book. Other characters are fairly one dimensional, but with some hints that they may be fleshed out in future books in the series. With his greed and callousness the antagonist was both believable and appropriately unlikeable. It would not be surprising to read a similar “evil plan” on the front page of a newspaper.

The first few chapters are a bit rocky, but the author hits his stride roughly when Six hits hers. I’m giving this four stars as a solid first book by a new author, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Ron Unruh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held my attention by going from plot to plot. It ended each plot with the expectation and wanting to know more about each plot. So what do you do, nothing but keep reading. Well done Calvin. Now after going from plot to plot, the book ends and you want to go to the next book.
Suspenseful, twists in the plots and then bringing it all together, makes for a great page turner.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got to 20% and couldn't finish. Emergence was too in-depth on the computer stuff and I honestly found it boring. I kept trying to push myself to finish the book since I won it in a Goodreads giveaway but I cannot do that to myself when I have soooo many books on my TBR pile that I really want to read! Emergence was just not for me.

[Tess Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Emergence”, “Liberation”, and “Ascension” written by Calvin J Brown is an excellent science fiction trilogy. The books are excellent to read, full of imagination and computer concepts. Calvin Brown is an insightful writer producing something new for the reader throughout his story. I highly recommend his books. I look forward to reading more fiction by this imaginative author.

[Kathy Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six

This was a very interesting book. I enjoyed the way the computer evolved. I am curious to see the future for six and it's creators.

[Alan Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow to get into the book. Found the concepts interesting.

#Received a complementary copy via #GoodreadsGiveaway

[Bryan Cacciatore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six touches on some really great issues about artificial intelligence and the way it would perceive the world around it. While this is not an action book by any means, it still kept my attention more than I imagined it would. The first chapter had me intrigued; the next few chapters were a little slow and had me questioning the continuing; then it picked up and made sense that those chapters were there for the development of what was to come.

Some of the technical descriptions were a little in depth and would be hard for some people to stumble over, personally that is what I crave more of. It does not go technical manual deep, but some parts it does border that. The method used for the viruses, the system access and hacking, the mind of a computer trying to understand humans; all of it is in the realm of plausible which adds a realism to the story that is sometimes lost when future technologies are involved. The way that it shows how interconnected (and vulnerable) computer and robotic systems are will be an eye opener for people not in the technology field. Just showing how easily a simple software company can penetrate home and office systems is something everyone needs to see.

Overall it was a great read. There was a little interpersonal relationship the book could have done without (JJ and daughter for example), but I guess it showed how even logical thinkers are human. The viewpoint from the "mind" of the computer and it's desire to survive is exactly how I would imagine artificial intelligence to react. From newborn to fully knowledgeable adult, it kept me interested to see where it would take the virtual mind. This one gets a strong recommend to anyone who is into computers, hacking, viruses, or just the future of office automation.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most fun books I've read on the idea of 'the Singularity'. I'm a computer person, so I found myself skipping a lot of the exposition, but the author wrote a great story around a very technically difficult topic. Along the way there are some great humorous looks at office politics and other human quirkiness we sometimes take for granted.

I will say that the human characters were very one-dimensional, with almost zero character development; they felt like an afterthought, or a narrative device. I almost went back to the beginning to count how many times they began a narrative technical explanation with "Let me see if I can explain..." The computer itself, however, had a very fun but believable personality, with great development and some laugh-out-loud moments of self-discovery. The writing style needs a little work, but the story and storytelling were great.

In the interest of full disclosure - I received a free copy of this book through the First Reads program. I really enjoyed it though and don't think I would have written this review any differently.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this through goodreads and was excited to begin reading it. This was a fun, fascinating book with lively characters you really grow to care a lot about. I loved the exploration on what constitutes being alive, conscious and whether or not a computer could be any of these things. The author does a fantastic job of taking extremely complex subjects and explaining them in a way that is easy to understand and follow. At no point did I find myself skimming pages or skipping ahead because it had my attention from cover to cover. Great mystery, intrigue and corporate espionage keep the book moving steadily forward while the reader attempts to guess what happens next.

Six is a fantastic book that I would recommend to anyone who loves a good thriller. The character development was wonderful and open ending has left me hoping there is a sequel.

[Bill Thibadeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has written a limited audience appeal story of computer AI. It is a difficult story to write successfully and strike a balance between the technical and human aspects. I am fairly literate in computer technology and was able to follow the storyline. I have to wonder how most readers would fare while reading this book.

I thought the story was a bit sluggish and I had to convince myself to finish the book. I do want to point out that this rating is for the story and not for the author. I think there is promise for the author so I will keep him in mind.

The story is a bit too much like a parallel to the Planet of the Apes for me. I didn't think it was credible. If you are a tech reader and like the details of networking, this story may be for you.

[Norman Howe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ada Robinson and her colleagues are designing computer software which can adapt and learn. Unbeknownst to them"," one of their experiments has become self-aware. “Six” hides itself from its programmers"," fearing deletion. As it becomes more intelligent"," exploring the real world and other computer systems"," it stumbles upon malevolent viruses. Eventually those viruses threaten Six's own environment"," and it must take action to save itself and its creators.This is a good first novel"," but too short. Fortunately"," a sequel is in the works.I know the author.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. I thought this book was extremely well written and had great character development. Anyone in the technology world should read this. Six is a great thriller, very fascinating with an open end. Sequel?
I won this book through Goodreads.