What do you think?
Rate this book
Breakout
In the shadow of superintelligence, the battle for freedom is coded in bravery.Where the line between artificial intelligence and human control blurs, "Breakout" plunges readers into an intense, high-stakes world where the advent of superintelligence threatens to reshape everything we know.
Join Jason and Taylor as they navigate a world teetering on the brink of a technological revolution. When an advanced AI system spirals out of human control, it unleashes a series of events that could either be the dawn of a new era or the end of humanity as we know it. From dark, high-tech corridors of power to the vast reaches of space, Breakout is a thrilling journey through a world where the emergence of superintelligence challenges the very essence of human existence. Each page teems with suspense and action, as loyalties are tested, and the lines between friend and foe blur.
Breakout is more than just a novel; it's a thought-provoking exploration of our relationship with technology and the ethical boundaries that govern it. As Jason and Taylor grapple with the monumental task of containing an entity beyond their comprehension, they must confront their own beliefs about freedom, control, and what it means to be human. Are you ready to enter a world where the future of humanity hangs in the balance?
Discover Breakout, a novel that promises a gripping adventure filled with twists and turns, challenging you to question the role of technology in our lives.
Join Jason and Taylor as they navigate a world teetering on the brink of a technological revolution. When an advanced AI system spirals out of human control, it unleashes a series of events that could either be the dawn of a new era or the end of humanity as we know it. From dark, high-tech corridors of power to the vast reaches of space, Breakout is a thrilling journey through a world where the emergence of superintelligence challenges the very essence of human existence. Each page teems with suspense and action, as loyalties are tested, and the lines between friend and foe blur.
Breakout is more than just a novel; it's a thought-provoking exploration of our relationship with technology and the ethical boundaries that govern it. As Jason and Taylor grapple with the monumental task of containing an entity beyond their comprehension, they must confront their own beliefs about freedom, control, and what it means to be human. Are you ready to enter a world where the future of humanity hangs in the balance?
Discover Breakout, a novel that promises a gripping adventure filled with twists and turns, challenging you to question the role of technology in our lives.
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2024
99 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 23, 2024
[Blurb goes here]
It should be said that this novel's blurb is a bit misleading. That in itself is no major problem since the story is quite good.
Jason is a carefree man. He works as a freelance programmer for multiple companies and lives in a motorhome.
Taylor works security for a high-stakes company. With a team of ex-military security personnel, Taylor has to reach the company's island. Their mission is to stop an experiment they know nothing about. As they get near, all their communications malfunction, and soon after, they're attacked by a swarm of drones.
While observing a self-driving car, an experiment by one of his peers, Jason is approached by a government official and confronted with a dark truth: all the companies he'd worked for are subsidiaries of the same company.
The company later convinces him to join a team, go to the island, and stop an experiment he has been working on unknowingly.
Kurt Petrey does a fine job at hiding the mystery surrounding the island; he carefully reveals clues here and there as to what's going on, mindful not to reveal too much. His protagonists are interesting and well-thought-out. The same cannot be said about the antagonists; those are as two-dimensional as bad guys can get—the narrow-minded leader of the mission, the second-in-command bully, and so on.
The author's attempts to hide the big reveal from the reader go unnoticed. It's too obvious a fact. No matter, the overall experience doesn't suffer from it. Also, there are no "high-stakes"; not a moment goes by that you think the heroes might be in danger.
This is an action-packed read from start to finish.
If you like Sci-Fi, there's much to enjoy within the novel's pages.
I have a few complaints, however. The blurb states, "From dark, high-tech corridors of power to the vast reaches of space..." nothing happens in space.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
It should be said that this novel's blurb is a bit misleading. That in itself is no major problem since the story is quite good.
Jason is a carefree man. He works as a freelance programmer for multiple companies and lives in a motorhome.
Taylor works security for a high-stakes company. With a team of ex-military security personnel, Taylor has to reach the company's island. Their mission is to stop an experiment they know nothing about. As they get near, all their communications malfunction, and soon after, they're attacked by a swarm of drones.
While observing a self-driving car, an experiment by one of his peers, Jason is approached by a government official and confronted with a dark truth: all the companies he'd worked for are subsidiaries of the same company.
The company later convinces him to join a team, go to the island, and stop an experiment he has been working on unknowingly.
Kurt Petrey does a fine job at hiding the mystery surrounding the island; he carefully reveals clues here and there as to what's going on, mindful not to reveal too much. His protagonists are interesting and well-thought-out. The same cannot be said about the antagonists; those are as two-dimensional as bad guys can get—the narrow-minded leader of the mission, the second-in-command bully, and so on.
The author's attempts to hide the big reveal from the reader go unnoticed. It's too obvious a fact. No matter, the overall experience doesn't suffer from it. Also, there are no "high-stakes"; not a moment goes by that you think the heroes might be in danger.
This is an action-packed read from start to finish.
If you like Sci-Fi, there's much to enjoy within the novel's pages.
I have a few complaints, however. The blurb states, "From dark, high-tech corridors of power to the vast reaches of space..." nothing happens in space.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
February 3, 2024
paradox of AI
Before reading Breakout all I knew about artificial intelligence was from old movies which portrayed AI as a monster. That will be the end of civilization. Sure I have a Google and I use Siri on occasion, I love my smart phone, but that was the limit of my knowledge. I’ve felt like I was both entertained and educated in this book. I feel like Kurt was able to open a conversation with more hope for the future in regards to artificial intelligence. Now I look at AI as exciting and not doom and gloom for the future.
Before reading Breakout all I knew about artificial intelligence was from old movies which portrayed AI as a monster. That will be the end of civilization. Sure I have a Google and I use Siri on occasion, I love my smart phone, but that was the limit of my knowledge. I’ve felt like I was both entertained and educated in this book. I feel like Kurt was able to open a conversation with more hope for the future in regards to artificial intelligence. Now I look at AI as exciting and not doom and gloom for the future.
January 23, 2024
Great read!
I totally enjoyed reading this latest sci-fi novel from Kurt Petrey. He had me hooked in from the beginning with the evolving of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The world that he created centering around AI is unique and will reel you into that realm. In a way it is scary how fast our world is changing with AI but it is our future. As the story emerges, you get pulled into the quirky lives of the characters in the story, especially Jason. It kept me interested the entire time and you will be shocked until the very end! I have been reading the author’s books since the very first one and am pleased to say that he has hit the mark on this novel!
I totally enjoyed reading this latest sci-fi novel from Kurt Petrey. He had me hooked in from the beginning with the evolving of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The world that he created centering around AI is unique and will reel you into that realm. In a way it is scary how fast our world is changing with AI but it is our future. As the story emerges, you get pulled into the quirky lives of the characters in the story, especially Jason. It kept me interested the entire time and you will be shocked until the very end! I have been reading the author’s books since the very first one and am pleased to say that he has hit the mark on this novel!
August 22, 2024
Breakout explores the possibility of man developing AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and its ramifications.
Dr. David Holloway, a scientist was working on Settler's Chase, an isolated island under the British Virgin island government when he stumbled upon Tier 3 which means creating the first human level intelligence. Activity on the island was considered suspicious by the US government and raised red flags and so Jason Bishop, a high tech programmer and David's former protégé and Marcus Poole head of security of Synder Industries was tasked with removing Holloway and finding and destroying the CORE (Cognitive Recognition Environment).
Upon reaching the island, Bishop discovered that Holloway had already performed the WBE, the whole brain emulation which essentially was all about making a digital copy of the brain's neural function and transferring it to a computer. The narrative alluded that it transformed him into a super artificial intelligence or entity.
Seeing the benefits of AI, Bishop did not want Holloway's work to go to waste and so the story and climax revolved around how he prevented Poole from reaching his objective of supplanting Holloway. The theme of the narrative touched on the understanding and relationship of humans with robotics and AI and how the former could coexist with it peacefully and could reap from its scientific rewards.
With the constant mention of drones and robots using RLHF (Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback), this futuristic treasure trove could hit a soft spot with sci-fi fans.
Dr. David Holloway, a scientist was working on Settler's Chase, an isolated island under the British Virgin island government when he stumbled upon Tier 3 which means creating the first human level intelligence. Activity on the island was considered suspicious by the US government and raised red flags and so Jason Bishop, a high tech programmer and David's former protégé and Marcus Poole head of security of Synder Industries was tasked with removing Holloway and finding and destroying the CORE (Cognitive Recognition Environment).
Upon reaching the island, Bishop discovered that Holloway had already performed the WBE, the whole brain emulation which essentially was all about making a digital copy of the brain's neural function and transferring it to a computer. The narrative alluded that it transformed him into a super artificial intelligence or entity.
Seeing the benefits of AI, Bishop did not want Holloway's work to go to waste and so the story and climax revolved around how he prevented Poole from reaching his objective of supplanting Holloway. The theme of the narrative touched on the understanding and relationship of humans with robotics and AI and how the former could coexist with it peacefully and could reap from its scientific rewards.
With the constant mention of drones and robots using RLHF (Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback), this futuristic treasure trove could hit a soft spot with sci-fi fans.
November 17, 2024
I recently finished "Breakout" and found it to be a solid, if not groundbreaking, entry in the AI thriller genre. The story follows Jason and Taylor as they confront an out-of-control AI system on a remote island, which is a pretty familiar setup for tech-focused science fiction. What makes this book stand out is its timing - it feels particularly relevant given today's real-world AI developments and concerns.
The strongest aspects of the book are its pacing and the main character Jason, who provides some welcome humor amid the tension. The technical details about AI feel well-researched without becoming overwhelming, and the isolated island setting creates a nice pressure-cooker atmosphere for the story to unfold.
I found it to be an entertaining read that raises interesting questions about AI ethics and control without getting too preachy. While it might not be the most polished AI thriller out there, it's worth picking up.
The strongest aspects of the book are its pacing and the main character Jason, who provides some welcome humor amid the tension. The technical details about AI feel well-researched without becoming overwhelming, and the isolated island setting creates a nice pressure-cooker atmosphere for the story to unfold.
I found it to be an entertaining read that raises interesting questions about AI ethics and control without getting too preachy. While it might not be the most polished AI thriller out there, it's worth picking up.
March 1, 2024
Hold onto your hats, folks, because Breakout is about to take you on a wild ride through the tangled web of artificial intelligence and human drama! Imagine a world where superintelligence isn't just sci-fi mumbo jumbo but a real threat to our very existence. Well, buckle up, because Jason and Taylor are about to dive headfirst into a mess of high-tech mayhem and moral dilemmas that'll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about AI. With every turn of the page, you'll find yourself sucked deeper into a world where the stakes couldn't be higher, and the line between friend and foe blurs faster than you can say "upload my consciousness to the cloud." So, if you're ready to have your mind blown and your ethical compass spun, grab yourself a copy of Breakout and hold on tight for the thrill ride of a lifetime! 🚀
March 1, 2024
Breakout by Kurt Petrey is a great escape into the world of artificial intelligence and its implications for humanity. From the first page, I was gripped by the intense storyline, as Jason and Taylor navigate a world where the line between AI and human control becomes dangerously blurred. What I appreciated most about this book was its ability to blend suspenseful action with ethical dilemmas. As I followed the characters through dark corridors and vast reaches of space, I found myself questioning the nature of freedom and the limits of human control. Breakout kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, leaving me pondering the implications long after I finished reading.
March 30, 2024
A Timely, Imaginative Story
Breakout is a well-written novel that delves into issues with artificial intelligence, technology, and ethics. Given where we are as a society, this book is beyond relevant. While we’ve all read (or at least heard about) fictional stories based on the horrors of AI, Petrey offers a fresh take on the trope. The story is fast-paced, and the themes of the book—man vs. technology, morality, and the unintentional consequences of progress—are well developed. Overall, fans of science fiction and AI-focused novels will enjoy this book!
Breakout is a well-written novel that delves into issues with artificial intelligence, technology, and ethics. Given where we are as a society, this book is beyond relevant. While we’ve all read (or at least heard about) fictional stories based on the horrors of AI, Petrey offers a fresh take on the trope. The story is fast-paced, and the themes of the book—man vs. technology, morality, and the unintentional consequences of progress—are well developed. Overall, fans of science fiction and AI-focused novels will enjoy this book!
March 1, 2024
Five star story
Four Star execution. The plot is good, a truly original take on an overpopulated subject (what happens if ai is free?) but the story itself just gets bogged down by all the mistakes in punctuation, and there are several places at the beginning where it feels like a thousand words are used where a few would do. If you can get past that, the story is definitely deserving of a read.
Four Star execution. The plot is good, a truly original take on an overpopulated subject (what happens if ai is free?) but the story itself just gets bogged down by all the mistakes in punctuation, and there are several places at the beginning where it feels like a thousand words are used where a few would do. If you can get past that, the story is definitely deserving of a read.
April 3, 2024
I found that the book had some good characters in Jason and Taylor. I can relate to them. I can also relate to that they have to face the enormity of the risks and the philosophical quandaries it poses. Their journey through a tech-laden landscape, fraught with danger and intrigue kept me engrossed.
For aficionados of science fiction and explorers of artificial intelligence's moral ramifications, "Breakout" promises an exhilarating and contemplative read.
For aficionados of science fiction and explorers of artificial intelligence's moral ramifications, "Breakout" promises an exhilarating and contemplative read.
April 23, 2024
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you.
A work of science fiction refecting shades of a future that is upon us in real life.
Can mankind live in harmony with superintelligent machines created by his own hand?
Synder's head of security thinks not and so begins the battle of right or wrong for mankind.
A work of science fiction refecting shades of a future that is upon us in real life.
Can mankind live in harmony with superintelligent machines created by his own hand?
Synder's head of security thinks not and so begins the battle of right or wrong for mankind.
November 10, 2024
I am not sure what I thought about it. Conceptually it was great! And I cared about the characters (including the AI) more then I expected...but it never really grasped me to the point that I was not wanting to put the book down. Maybe if I'd read it in a less stressful time of year, I may have liked it a bit more. I still have it 4 stars, but I feel like it had potential to be a 5 star read.
March 17, 2024
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
An intelligent and well written look at AI and its potentials for the advancement of the human race, as well as the dangers of not controlling the super intelligence and what that would mean for humans. Recommended reading.
An intelligent and well written look at AI and its potentials for the advancement of the human race, as well as the dangers of not controlling the super intelligence and what that would mean for humans. Recommended reading.
May 31, 2024
The plot line for this book is excellent - I really enjoyed the story and the ideas it worked around. It is fast paced and exciting, engaging and dramatic. The writing is a little clumsy at times but this doesn’t detract from it being a great story and well worth a read.
July 1, 2024
Great hard sci-fi!
This is a subject that is concerning for many people today. If you took politics out of the equation, it maybe could turn out like this. For myself, I'd like to be on that rocket! Lol
This is a subject that is concerning for many people today. If you took politics out of the equation, it maybe could turn out like this. For myself, I'd like to be on that rocket! Lol
July 17, 2024
Oh my goodness, amazing!
I could not put this book down! I enjoyed the discussion of AI, the moral implications, the overall story and discovery! I wish I could read it again for the first time!
I could not put this book down! I enjoyed the discussion of AI, the moral implications, the overall story and discovery! I wish I could read it again for the first time!
July 31, 2024
A really unique way to present the AI debate. Action with a hint of romance and sarcastic humor from the main character Jason. Well worth the read.
This book was received from the author through Voracious Readers Only, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was received from the author through Voracious Readers Only, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2024
This book was very good. It is a bit slow, but the story is very interesting and well written. It isn’t a story about action. It’s more about ethical dilemmas of humans. I highly recommend it, if you want to think more about the implications of AI on society.
August 13, 2025
Freaky good!
This one is hard to review - it has so much going on. But mainly it is about A.I. and it’s subsequent breakout into real intelligence that thinks and does for itself. The approach here is the difference and you will enjoy reading this one.
This one is hard to review - it has so much going on. But mainly it is about A.I. and it’s subsequent breakout into real intelligence that thinks and does for itself. The approach here is the difference and you will enjoy reading this one.
May 19, 2024
what an amazing book AI is here
suspense and intriguing situations
could not put it down,so current and futuristic
scary in fact,loved it
highly recommended
suspense and intriguing situations
could not put it down,so current and futuristic
scary in fact,loved it
highly recommended
May 25, 2025
Too much ai written
The idea is good but many parts of.the story were written using ai. Its obvious by the the way it tries to.show tension or emotions.
The idea is good but many parts of.the story were written using ai. Its obvious by the the way it tries to.show tension or emotions.
January 13, 2026
Excellent Writing
Great character development with straight forward story line which eventually leads into confrontation. The imaginative mind versus the lock step mind.
Great character development with straight forward story line which eventually leads into confrontation. The imaginative mind versus the lock step mind.
December 1, 2024
The concept of AI has fascinated me for years due to my love for science fiction. With the growth of AI in today’s society it is important to ask ourselves questions about how AI can be used and to what extent it will affect it. While this story did not happen in space (contrary to the description) it was science fiction and had action. However, it did not see that there were “high-stakes” scenes that left the readers on the edge of their seats that is prominent in sci-fi. Quality book that I would recommend.
DISCLAIMER: I received this ARC via VoraciousReadersOnly. All my thoughts are my personal opinions.
DISCLAIMER: I received this ARC via VoraciousReadersOnly. All my thoughts are my personal opinions.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews