Hello, World! is a near-future sci-fi thriller set in Tokyo and London. Amidst a global ban on AI research, a defiant scientist, backed by a clandestine organisation races against international governments to shape the future of artificial life.
Industry Reviews
… a captivating, thought provoking, confronting read offering a unique addition to the genre in its transcending of barriers combining classical science fiction and real world elements with an analytical approach and clear eye for detail that speaks to extensive research and knowledge.
Throughout there is a compelling honesty well-paced against the thrilling twists and turns; combining a deep emotional effect with an excitement that drags the reader to the edge of their seat beyond the final dramatic scenes as Artificial Intelligence is brought to life.
The authorial voice is transfixing, challenging archetypal stereotypes, and subverting classic tropes, each layer of the unconventional, thought-provoking odyssey further engrosses the reader. Supported by detailed worldbuilding; a nuanced and complex cast, and an immersive fast pace the work is memorable; undoubtedly well-written and worthy of attention.
-- International Publishing House
Reader
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An exciting and imaginative page-turner - "Hello World" is an absolute blast! It wastes no time getting you into the action and delivers a roller-coaster ride to a brilliant finale. Some really imaginative futuristic gadgets and concepts are the highlights of the book but the real star is the story itself- it's a big concept but it is handled really well, with an ending that is unpredictable, but totally believable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "An incredible read, and so beautifully written. Set in a futuristic Japan, Hello, World! explores the intricacies of AI and the questions that abound, and looks at what it means to be human, in all the beauty and pain."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ”I read this virtually in one sitting. Really enjoyed this as-contemporary a take on AI dystopia as one could imagine. Definite nods to Blade Runner/Do Androids, Ishiguro and Haruki Murakami.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A great read - clever, entertaining, and of course topical!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Enjoyable futuristic romp… Just finished this in 6hrs lying next to the pool. Page turner! Fans of Richard Morgan and William Gibson will enjoy the neo-Tokyo vibes while themes of AI are explored in realistic scenarios with compelling characters. Highly recommended!”
ABOUT HELLO, WORLD!
Hello, World! is a near-term sci-fi action thriller where AI research and development takes place in Quantum Sandboxes which serve to contain the risk of opening the Pandora's Box of Superintelligence . A global summit then takes place where a vote is passed to dismantle and ban all AI Research Facilities and Initiatives, as the risk to humanity is too great. This is known as The Shutdown.
Following the ban, a leading scientist who campaigned against the Shutdown is drafted in by a secret organisation to fight against what is considered by many as our species' greatest mistak
Mark Rodseth was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1976, and spent the first twenty five years of his life in a country that transformed from white ruled Apartheid to a full democracy. Mark moved to the United Kingdom where he now works as a full time computer geek, husband and dad, and a part time writer and photographer.
Mark's first book, The Singularity, was written over the period of two years, on his iPhone, on the tube to and from work. Mark wanted to see what he could do with his time, rather than firing small, irate birds at intricate constructions.
What some readers are saying about his latest book, Snowing in Johannesburg.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - “Brilliant read and I do not even like sci-fi” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - “Thrilling. Kind of like District 9 meets Back to the Future. Couldn’t put it down.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - “A sublime piece of fiction. A deep and intelligent story.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - "I found this book very action packed and couldn't out it down. Also, interesting perspective on South Africa's troubled history." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - "Great book, engaging themes and learnt a bit about South African history, British history... oh and time travel"
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I found this book was written really well. The descriptions made my imagination see well what the author was talking about. In my mind I saw a world of bright neon colors. It's the age old argument about whether AI is a good or bad thing within our realm of the future. The twist is it's been outlawed in this plot. The English government has hired Detective Kane and a young hacker named Annike to find the location of of the last practicing AI research facility in Tokyo's underground. Lots of futuristic action during this plot. The professor that is the lead scientist in AI intelligence takes a very drastic step in assuring his survival of his life and his daughters life. I recommend you keep reading to find out how it ends.
I read this virtually in one sitting. Really enjoyed this as-contemporary a take on AI dystopia as one could imagine. Definite nods to Blade Runner/Do Androids... and a grizzled Deckard type protagonist. Also Ishiguro and Haruki Murakami - although that might be framed by my limited knowledge of Japanese literature. Setting (mostly Japan) definitely evokes a more Zen, pristine futureworld than Ridley Scott's grimey LA/Tokyo (?) neon megalopolis. "Cognitive ballet" is a descriptor that will stick with me for a while...
This book is a duality. It's short, but it has you spend more time thinking than reading. It's a simple fun read, with a weird uncanny feeling. I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it made me feel but whatever it was, it was intense which is so much better than art that leaves you feeling empty. My soul starves for the sequel.
Incredible read, and beautifully written. Set in futurystów Japan, Hello, World! explores the intricacies of AI and the questions that abound, and looks at what it means to be human, in all the beauty and pain.