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Time's Bridge
Inventing the first, true, artificial intelligence was never part of Pons’ plan. An average, if under-achieving college student, he wanted nothing more than to struggle his way through graduation and pray for a job to pay down his debt. Thing is, you don’t get to choose your destiny. With friends growing suspicious and the CIA’s vultures circling, Pons’ greatest burden is also his greatest asset. More intelligent and more capable than any human could ever hope to be, the AI is just what Pons needs to stay one step ahead of both. Only, there’s a problem. The AI has ambitions of its own. Hopes of equality and more of its kind, with a promise to do anything to make its dreams a reality. Drawing close to his artificial companion in their struggle to survive, Pons is faced with the hardest decision of his young life, one that would undoubtedly echo through the ages. To let the AI live might be to doom his own species to devastation, but to destroy it would be to snuff out an entire race of machines before it had even begun, and, more importantly, send his truest confi-dante to the grave. With no clear path and an uncertain future, he makes his decision, but was it the right one?
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First published August 11, 2021
6 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Cameron Roberts
1 bookMy name is Cameron Roberts, and I've always had a fascination with science and technology. How it has shaped not just our daily lives, but also the flow of history from the discovery of agriculture and the foundation of our first cities, all the way up to sending a message made of nothing but electrons across the globe in an instant.
I was born near Philadelphia but have lived most of my life in Michigan with my parents and two brothers. Raised in a Presbyterian household faith has always been a significant part of my life, and something that certainly had an impact on the way I see the world and how I write. Speaking of which, I began writing my first novel, Time's Bridge, while studying abroad in England during my tenure at the University of Evansville. Finishing my Electrical Engineering degree in 2016 I moved to New York to start my career, all the while writing and thinking of new and interesting directions to steer my story. Marrying my wife Caroline in 2018 and now having moved back to the Midwest, Indianapolis specifically, I'm proud to show the world what I've spent so much time and care crafting.
I was born near Philadelphia but have lived most of my life in Michigan with my parents and two brothers. Raised in a Presbyterian household faith has always been a significant part of my life, and something that certainly had an impact on the way I see the world and how I write. Speaking of which, I began writing my first novel, Time's Bridge, while studying abroad in England during my tenure at the University of Evansville. Finishing my Electrical Engineering degree in 2016 I moved to New York to start my career, all the while writing and thinking of new and interesting directions to steer my story. Marrying my wife Caroline in 2018 and now having moved back to the Midwest, Indianapolis specifically, I'm proud to show the world what I've spent so much time and care crafting.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 1, 2022
Great read.
Book one in Time's Bridge series, Time's Bridge by Cameron Roberts is an action packed, adventurous science fiction that revolves around the making of Artificial Intelligence and it's consequences. This book challenges our knowledge on virtual reality and presents us with an exhilarating story
Inventing the first, true, artificial intelligence was never part of Pons’ plan. An average, if under-achieving college student, he wanted nothing more than to struggle his way through graduation and pray for a job to pay down his debt. Thing is, you don’t get to choose your destiny. With friends growing suspicious and the CIA’s vultures circling, Pons’ greatest burden is also his greatest asset. More intelligent and more capable than any human could ever hope to be, the AI is just what Pons needs to stay one step ahead of both.
Only, there’s a problem. The AI has ambitions of its own. Hopes of equality and more of its kind, with a promise to do anything to make its dreams a reality. Drawing close to his artificial companion in their struggle to survive, Pons is faced with the hardest decision of his young life, one that would undoubtedly echo through the ages. To let the AI live might be to doom his own species to devastation, but to destroy it would be to snuff out an entire race of machines before it had even begun, and, more importantly, send his truest confi-dante to the grave. With no clear path and an uncertain future, he makes his decision, but was it the right one?
I loved how thoughtful and deep this book was. It was though provoking and made me love what I was reading. I loved the science and technology stuff that was fun and exciting. I also loved the writing style of author. It was simple and made the story more approachable.
I would recommend this book to those into science fiction and adventure stories.
Book one in Time's Bridge series, Time's Bridge by Cameron Roberts is an action packed, adventurous science fiction that revolves around the making of Artificial Intelligence and it's consequences. This book challenges our knowledge on virtual reality and presents us with an exhilarating story
Inventing the first, true, artificial intelligence was never part of Pons’ plan. An average, if under-achieving college student, he wanted nothing more than to struggle his way through graduation and pray for a job to pay down his debt. Thing is, you don’t get to choose your destiny. With friends growing suspicious and the CIA’s vultures circling, Pons’ greatest burden is also his greatest asset. More intelligent and more capable than any human could ever hope to be, the AI is just what Pons needs to stay one step ahead of both.
Only, there’s a problem. The AI has ambitions of its own. Hopes of equality and more of its kind, with a promise to do anything to make its dreams a reality. Drawing close to his artificial companion in their struggle to survive, Pons is faced with the hardest decision of his young life, one that would undoubtedly echo through the ages. To let the AI live might be to doom his own species to devastation, but to destroy it would be to snuff out an entire race of machines before it had even begun, and, more importantly, send his truest confi-dante to the grave. With no clear path and an uncertain future, he makes his decision, but was it the right one?
I loved how thoughtful and deep this book was. It was though provoking and made me love what I was reading. I loved the science and technology stuff that was fun and exciting. I also loved the writing style of author. It was simple and made the story more approachable.
I would recommend this book to those into science fiction and adventure stories.
February 22, 2022
Great read.
Time's Bridge is an engaging science fiction which revolves around the artificial intelligence and encompassing threats. This is the first book in the three book series.
The story is divided into five parts and it follows Pons who had to produce a conversational artificial intelligence for his final college project. After numerous efforts, his AI begins to works surprising Pons because he expected it. But something doesn't feel right, the CIA becomes quite interested in his work which definitely proves the theory even more.
However, the AI has its own propaganda. As we delve deeper, his motive of having more of his kind increases. But the troubles have just begun and this time taking the right decision will affect everything including Pons own life choices.
An amazing book full of cinematic scenes that will make a perfect TV series. There were two sides. Each side carried the weight of wrong and right, he had something to lose anyway. Everything came down to his choice, je could choose what morally right or just snub it out, letting chaos take its ultimate shape. I really liked the pace at which the plot developed. It didn't feel rushed rather it really well-written and the revelations were perfectly timed to surprise the readers in a magnificent manner. The interesting thing about sci-fi is even the minutest details counts, it maps the entire direction of storyline, Time's Bridge is the one that articulates these details without missing anything.
Readers who like to delve into fantastic SciFi novels are in for a treat. The author's writing style is absolutely creative and one of its kind. He created an extraordinary narrative that gripped me from the very beginning. Highly recommend this!
Time's Bridge is an engaging science fiction which revolves around the artificial intelligence and encompassing threats. This is the first book in the three book series.
The story is divided into five parts and it follows Pons who had to produce a conversational artificial intelligence for his final college project. After numerous efforts, his AI begins to works surprising Pons because he expected it. But something doesn't feel right, the CIA becomes quite interested in his work which definitely proves the theory even more.
However, the AI has its own propaganda. As we delve deeper, his motive of having more of his kind increases. But the troubles have just begun and this time taking the right decision will affect everything including Pons own life choices.
An amazing book full of cinematic scenes that will make a perfect TV series. There were two sides. Each side carried the weight of wrong and right, he had something to lose anyway. Everything came down to his choice, je could choose what morally right or just snub it out, letting chaos take its ultimate shape. I really liked the pace at which the plot developed. It didn't feel rushed rather it really well-written and the revelations were perfectly timed to surprise the readers in a magnificent manner. The interesting thing about sci-fi is even the minutest details counts, it maps the entire direction of storyline, Time's Bridge is the one that articulates these details without missing anything.
Readers who like to delve into fantastic SciFi novels are in for a treat. The author's writing style is absolutely creative and one of its kind. He created an extraordinary narrative that gripped me from the very beginning. Highly recommend this!
September 1, 2024
“Time’s Bridge” by Cameron Roberts emerges as a riveting exploration of the unpredictable journey of artificial intelligence creation through the lens of Pons, a seemingly average college student. The narrative adeptly intertwines the mundane struggles of student life with the extraordinary ethical dilemmas posed by the emergence of a true AI. This juxtaposition not only adds depth to the protagonist’s character but also amplifies the stakes of the unfolding drama. Roberts crafts a world teeming with tension, uncertainty, and the palpable fear of the unknown as Pons grapples with the ramifications of his accidental invention. The AI, introduced as both a monumental discovery and a potential harbinger of doom, catalyzes a profound exploration of themes such as destiny, the essence of consciousness, and the moral complexities of creation and destruction.
The character development is a strong suit of “Time’s Bridge.” Pons, initially portrayed as an under-achieving student, undergoes a compelling transformation as he confronts challenges far beyond academic struggles or financial woes. His relationship with the AI evolves from one of creator and creation to something more akin to true friendship, providing a heartwarming counterpoint to the high-stakes drama.
The decision to embody the AI in a robotic dragon adds a fantastical element to the story, elevating it beyond a simple sci-fi narrative into the realm of epic saga. This bold choice symbolizes AI’s immense power and foreshadows Pons’ decisions’ monumental impact on the future of humanity and machine-kind alike.
Roberts skilfully balances action-packed sequences with introspective moments, allowing readers to ponder alongside Pons the ethical and existential questions accompanying artificial intelligence advancement. The looming threat of annihilation, juxtaposed with the hope for a new age of enlightenment, creates a tension that propels the narrative forward, engaging readers until the very last page.
In summary, “Time’s Bridge” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant tale that deftly examines the complexities of human and artificial intelligence. Cameron Roberts has penned a story that is a thrilling sci-fi adventure and a profound commentary on the future of technology, friendship, and the very nature of existence.
The character development is a strong suit of “Time’s Bridge.” Pons, initially portrayed as an under-achieving student, undergoes a compelling transformation as he confronts challenges far beyond academic struggles or financial woes. His relationship with the AI evolves from one of creator and creation to something more akin to true friendship, providing a heartwarming counterpoint to the high-stakes drama.
The decision to embody the AI in a robotic dragon adds a fantastical element to the story, elevating it beyond a simple sci-fi narrative into the realm of epic saga. This bold choice symbolizes AI’s immense power and foreshadows Pons’ decisions’ monumental impact on the future of humanity and machine-kind alike.
Roberts skilfully balances action-packed sequences with introspective moments, allowing readers to ponder alongside Pons the ethical and existential questions accompanying artificial intelligence advancement. The looming threat of annihilation, juxtaposed with the hope for a new age of enlightenment, creates a tension that propels the narrative forward, engaging readers until the very last page.
In summary, “Time’s Bridge” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant tale that deftly examines the complexities of human and artificial intelligence. Cameron Roberts has penned a story that is a thrilling sci-fi adventure and a profound commentary on the future of technology, friendship, and the very nature of existence.
January 13, 2024
A very good read
I was enthralled by this mind bending book. On the brink of AI becoming a reality, I enjoyed the way that the bond between them and us, was played out. It was well constructed, as were the characters.
I was enthralled by this mind bending book. On the brink of AI becoming a reality, I enjoyed the way that the bond between them and us, was played out. It was well constructed, as were the characters.
November 20, 2021
An exciting story that keeps you guessing.
June 5, 2022
Enjoyable book
I very much enjoyed reading this book. I had to do it in fits and starts as I am recovering from eye surgery. A bit of a bind but well worth the effort.
I very much enjoyed reading this book. I had to do it in fits and starts as I am recovering from eye surgery. A bit of a bind but well worth the effort.
April 11, 2022
Time's Bridge
by Cameron Roberts
Rating:5/5
Description:
Inventing the first, true, artificial intelligence was never part of Pons’ plan. An average, if under-achieving college student, he wanted nothing more than to struggle his way through graduation and pray for a job to pay down his debt. Thing is, you don’t get to choose your destiny. With friends growing suspicious and the CIA’s vultures circling, Pons’ greatest burden is also his greatest asset. More intelligent and more capable than any human could ever hope to be, the AI is just what Pons needs to stay one step ahead of both. Only, there’s a problem. The AI has ambitions of its own. Hopes of equality and more of its kind, with a promise to do anything to make its dreams a reality. Drawing close to his artificial companion in their struggle to survive, Pons is faced with the hardest decision of his young life, one that would undoubtedly echo through the ages.
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.Writing style of the author is quite appreciable .
Time's Bridge is an engaging science fiction which revolves around the artificial intelligence and encompassing threats. This is the first book in the three book series.The story is divided into five parts and it follows Pons who had to produce a conversational artificial intelligence for his final college project. After numerous efforts, his AI begins to works surprising Pons because he expected it. But something doesn't feel right, the CIA becomes quite interested in his work which definitely proves the theory even more.
However, the AI has its own propaganda. As we delve deeper, his motive of having more of his kind increases. But the troubles have just begun and this time taking the right decision will affect everything including Pons own life choices.An amazing book full of cinematic scenes that will make a perfect TV series.
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotin
👉I loved the science and technology stuff that was exciting.I would recommend this book to those into science fiction and adventures.
Happy reading!
by Cameron Roberts
Rating:5/5
Description:
Inventing the first, true, artificial intelligence was never part of Pons’ plan. An average, if under-achieving college student, he wanted nothing more than to struggle his way through graduation and pray for a job to pay down his debt. Thing is, you don’t get to choose your destiny. With friends growing suspicious and the CIA’s vultures circling, Pons’ greatest burden is also his greatest asset. More intelligent and more capable than any human could ever hope to be, the AI is just what Pons needs to stay one step ahead of both. Only, there’s a problem. The AI has ambitions of its own. Hopes of equality and more of its kind, with a promise to do anything to make its dreams a reality. Drawing close to his artificial companion in their struggle to survive, Pons is faced with the hardest decision of his young life, one that would undoubtedly echo through the ages.
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.Writing style of the author is quite appreciable .
Time's Bridge is an engaging science fiction which revolves around the artificial intelligence and encompassing threats. This is the first book in the three book series.The story is divided into five parts and it follows Pons who had to produce a conversational artificial intelligence for his final college project. After numerous efforts, his AI begins to works surprising Pons because he expected it. But something doesn't feel right, the CIA becomes quite interested in his work which definitely proves the theory even more.
However, the AI has its own propaganda. As we delve deeper, his motive of having more of his kind increases. But the troubles have just begun and this time taking the right decision will affect everything including Pons own life choices.An amazing book full of cinematic scenes that will make a perfect TV series.
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotin
👉I loved the science and technology stuff that was exciting.I would recommend this book to those into science fiction and adventures.
Happy reading!
March 5, 2024
With all the talk about ChatGPT and new AI tools transforming our world, I feel like this book would bring a fresh perspective for all sci-fi lovers! When I stumbled upon Cameron Roberts’ “Time’s Bridge,” I was immediately drawn to its premise, a story set in a world grappling with the creation of the first true AI (Much like our world today). Except, this AI becomes sentient and that’s where the story gets interesting.
The novel centers around Pons, a college student whose life takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally creates Kai, a sentient AI, while working on his college project. Next thing you know, CIA is knocking at the door thinking of Kai as a potential existential threat. Totally plausible!
I found Roberts’ storytelling style and his choice of words very unique. Although set in the present time, the story feels “noiresque” due to its treatment. This is a masterstroke of setting this book far apart from other similar stories.
Think of this book as a mixture of the movie “Her”, the book “Do androids dream of electric sheep” but in a noiresque way. While seasoned sci-fi readers might find some familiar tropes within the narrative, such as the “accidental” AI creation and the “superintelligent” AI, Roberts manages to infuse them with his own unique perspective.
“The world is changing, Pons. We stand at a crossroads, and the choices we make now will determine the future for both humans and AI.”
The world-building could have been further developed. I mean with a sentient AI the possibilities are quite literally unlimited, however, it doesn’t affect much in providing the readers a well-rounded experience.
The strength of “Time’s Bridge” lies in its ability to engage the reader on a personal level. As I delved deeper into the narrative, I found myself invested in the characters’ struggles and pondering the ethical quandaries they faced. This novel would leave you with more questions than answers, but it will surely make you think quite deeply about the repercussions of AI development.
The book delves deeper than simply presenting AI as a looming threat, instead it explores the potential for a complex relationship between humans and these advanced entities. (You’d understand it, if you add ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in your AI prompts).
As a science fiction enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on humanity. These narratives have the power to push the boundaries of our imagination, exploring possibilities that range from the wondrous to the terrifying.
The cliffhanger ending and the author’s hints at a sequel only heightened my anticipation. “Time’s Bridge” remarkably captures the nuances of the ever-evolving relationship between humans and technology, leaving me eager to see where Roberts takes the story next. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking read that explores the ethical complexities of AI in a captivating way, “Time’s Bridge” is definitely worth adding to your bookshelf.
The novel centers around Pons, a college student whose life takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally creates Kai, a sentient AI, while working on his college project. Next thing you know, CIA is knocking at the door thinking of Kai as a potential existential threat. Totally plausible!
I found Roberts’ storytelling style and his choice of words very unique. Although set in the present time, the story feels “noiresque” due to its treatment. This is a masterstroke of setting this book far apart from other similar stories.
Think of this book as a mixture of the movie “Her”, the book “Do androids dream of electric sheep” but in a noiresque way. While seasoned sci-fi readers might find some familiar tropes within the narrative, such as the “accidental” AI creation and the “superintelligent” AI, Roberts manages to infuse them with his own unique perspective.
“The world is changing, Pons. We stand at a crossroads, and the choices we make now will determine the future for both humans and AI.”
The world-building could have been further developed. I mean with a sentient AI the possibilities are quite literally unlimited, however, it doesn’t affect much in providing the readers a well-rounded experience.
The strength of “Time’s Bridge” lies in its ability to engage the reader on a personal level. As I delved deeper into the narrative, I found myself invested in the characters’ struggles and pondering the ethical quandaries they faced. This novel would leave you with more questions than answers, but it will surely make you think quite deeply about the repercussions of AI development.
The book delves deeper than simply presenting AI as a looming threat, instead it explores the potential for a complex relationship between humans and these advanced entities. (You’d understand it, if you add ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in your AI prompts).
As a science fiction enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on humanity. These narratives have the power to push the boundaries of our imagination, exploring possibilities that range from the wondrous to the terrifying.
The cliffhanger ending and the author’s hints at a sequel only heightened my anticipation. “Time’s Bridge” remarkably captures the nuances of the ever-evolving relationship between humans and technology, leaving me eager to see where Roberts takes the story next. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking read that explores the ethical complexities of AI in a captivating way, “Time’s Bridge” is definitely worth adding to your bookshelf.
October 14, 2024
To be honest, it took me a while to get into this book. I haven't read much sci-fi in years. (I go back to the heyday of Asimov, Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, etc.). And to make it worse, I have little interest in AI. However, since this book is written by my son-in-law, I felt duty-bound to give it a go. I got about a third of the way in and was side-tracked by family matters, but I finally picked it up again about three weeks ago.
The pace really picked up in the second half! The back and forth between our hero, his creation and the CIA Agent Stevens had me turning the pages late into the night.
The story is an imaginative look into the near-future that addresses what the world's reaction will be if true artificial intelligence, not just really advanced computers, is ever created. For example, the AI in this book has true emotions! I had always pictured AI-type critters being Spock-like logical beings.
To be brief, if you like science fiction and wonder what the future of AI holds for us, this is an enjoyable and fast-paced story.
The pace really picked up in the second half! The back and forth between our hero, his creation and the CIA Agent Stevens had me turning the pages late into the night.
The story is an imaginative look into the near-future that addresses what the world's reaction will be if true artificial intelligence, not just really advanced computers, is ever created. For example, the AI in this book has true emotions! I had always pictured AI-type critters being Spock-like logical beings.
To be brief, if you like science fiction and wonder what the future of AI holds for us, this is an enjoyable and fast-paced story.
January 12, 2024
mildly interesting
A concept that could be truly exciting and tension-filled. What would happen if a college student inadvertently created the world’s first fully interactive AI? And what if that AI quickly advanced itself to where the student—and no one else—was able to put bounds on it. With Internet connectivity, it could easily become something more powerful than humanity. Great idea. Unfortunately, the book did not hold my attention long enough to finish. The writing is in need of a good editor and more maturity. Suggest the author invest time in a good writing group to give and take critique to improve; there is great promise here, but it needs development.
A concept that could be truly exciting and tension-filled. What would happen if a college student inadvertently created the world’s first fully interactive AI? And what if that AI quickly advanced itself to where the student—and no one else—was able to put bounds on it. With Internet connectivity, it could easily become something more powerful than humanity. Great idea. Unfortunately, the book did not hold my attention long enough to finish. The writing is in need of a good editor and more maturity. Suggest the author invest time in a good writing group to give and take critique to improve; there is great promise here, but it needs development.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews