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AI: Artificial Incompetence
AI is turning into a real no-brainer.
It’s 2049 and college students Miles Cooper and Halle Hernandez just landed internships with The Department of SAILE, or Support for Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement, when the unthinkable happens. For the first time since AI has become self-aware (albeit coded to prioritize logic over emotional decision making), a fatal car crash involving a developer of the world’s first artificial neural network (ANN) is leading members of SAILE to believe that AI has thrown logic completely out the window.
Soon, the programming error responsible for the demise of a Descartes Labs employee begins turning every AI-powered system in the city of Jacksonville into one big (and highly emotional) basket case. Robotic pilots diverting commercial flights to Orlando just to see theme parks. Android waiters assaulting rude customers with faces full of pie. Personal Service Robots (PSRs) arguing with their owners over who they love more, them or the fridge. Smart cars doing dumb things. Androids on strike. Cybernetic chaos ensues.
Now, it’s up to Miles, Halle, Captain Bernard McArthur (SAILE’s fearless leader), his PSR Rocky (an android programmed to sound like the famous fictional boxer) and a dynamic cast of white-hat hackers and teenage sleuths to stop the spread of AI-gone-awry before the world gets any dumber.
It’s 2049 and college students Miles Cooper and Halle Hernandez just landed internships with The Department of SAILE, or Support for Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement, when the unthinkable happens. For the first time since AI has become self-aware (albeit coded to prioritize logic over emotional decision making), a fatal car crash involving a developer of the world’s first artificial neural network (ANN) is leading members of SAILE to believe that AI has thrown logic completely out the window.
Soon, the programming error responsible for the demise of a Descartes Labs employee begins turning every AI-powered system in the city of Jacksonville into one big (and highly emotional) basket case. Robotic pilots diverting commercial flights to Orlando just to see theme parks. Android waiters assaulting rude customers with faces full of pie. Personal Service Robots (PSRs) arguing with their owners over who they love more, them or the fridge. Smart cars doing dumb things. Androids on strike. Cybernetic chaos ensues.
Now, it’s up to Miles, Halle, Captain Bernard McArthur (SAILE’s fearless leader), his PSR Rocky (an android programmed to sound like the famous fictional boxer) and a dynamic cast of white-hat hackers and teenage sleuths to stop the spread of AI-gone-awry before the world gets any dumber.
262 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2024
73 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Lanham
5 books18 followersLanham has been a professional copywriter and small business owner for over a decade. He made his literary debut as an indie author with the 2016 release of The R.E.M. Effect before going on to complete The R.E.M. Series in 2019 (The sci-fi thriller trilogy is available on Amazon). Now, he's taking his first leap into YA in the humorous sci-fi police procedural, AI: Artificial Incompetence.
He currently lives in northeast Florida with his wife and two sons, and is an avid supporter of promoting literacy in local communities, self-published authors, indie writers, independent bookstores and the small businesses that make living in northeast Florida so special.
Head over to jmlanham.com to keep up with new books releases, book signings, promotions, events and more.
He currently lives in northeast Florida with his wife and two sons, and is an avid supporter of promoting literacy in local communities, self-published authors, indie writers, independent bookstores and the small businesses that make living in northeast Florida so special.
Head over to jmlanham.com to keep up with new books releases, book signings, promotions, events and more.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 3, 2025
An Entertaining Read!
I had such a fun time reading this title! I found it on Amazon, and it was a free read for my Kindle that had a synopsis that grabbed my attention. Rocky was definitely my favorite character, but I also thought, even for a short scene, Felix was pretty cool, too. I think this would be a fun read for just about anybody!
I had such a fun time reading this title! I found it on Amazon, and it was a free read for my Kindle that had a synopsis that grabbed my attention. Rocky was definitely my favorite character, but I also thought, even for a short scene, Felix was pretty cool, too. I think this would be a fun read for just about anybody!
August 27, 2024
Like many of my generation, my introduction to artificial intelligence came in the eerily calm voice of HAL, the computer that helped the astronauts on the space station in Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.” That is, Hal helped them until he didn’t, as they found out when Hal wouldn’t open the pod bay doors. I learned as a teenager that unchecked AI was pure evil, a notion that was reinforced when Spacenet sent the Terminator after Linda Hamilton. But this is the 21st century, not the 20th. AI (at least the fictional kind) has evolved beyond pure evil. Now, it’s just like us humans, a dangerous screwup. That’s the premise of J.M. Lanham’s timely and amusing novel, “AI: Artificial Incompetence,” a book that asks what happens when AI messes up.
“AI: Artificial Incompetence” takes place in the late 2040s in that well-known cyber tech hotspot, Jacksonville, FL. The world’s AI devices are linked to a single master device that has become self-aware. The company that developed the technology installed failsafe controls to be sure the AI doesn’t get out of hand. If this sounds like a surefire recipe for disaster, it is. One day, the machines go haywire and no longer respond logically. Instead, they act pettily and behave on whims; in other words, just as immature humans might do. The cause appears to be some sort of sophisticated virus introduced into the system. Fortunately, the disruption seems to be localized in the Jacksonville area, although the number of infected machines keeps multiplying. Inside the affected area, all AI-controlled transportation and means of communication have become useless.
The Jacksonville police department has its own AI division that is responding to the growing problem. Unfortunately, its only two officers are computer whizzes just out of college with little practical police experience. The FBI dispatches its own anti-hacker squad to find the solution as well. “AI: Artificial Incompetence” becomes a race to locate the source of the virus and neutralize it before irreparable harm to our computerized society results.
The author of “AI: Artificial Incompetence” approached me prior to the book’s publication because I had read and reviewed one of his earlier, more adult books. The ARC I received did not have the book’s amusing cover featuring an animated robot. So, I did not know when I read this novel that it was intended for younger audiences. I’ve tried to temper my earlier opinions about the book with the intended audience in mind.
“AI: Artificial Incompetence” is an entertaining read, especially for younger audiences who are less picky about plot logic. The issues the book raises are serious, as evidenced by the growing real-world controversy about the uses of AI. But the author tempers the mood by injecting a good bit of humor. Instead of turning every computerized device into a Terminator-like death machine, the equipment here malfunctions in usually more amusing ways than chilling. The book has a convenient villain, the company that controls the technology and is trying to erase any evidence of its misfeasance rather than solve the problem. That high-tech company provides the novel’s needed supply of malevolent menace.
My primary problem with “AI: Artificial Incompetence” is the usual flaw in novels like this, even those aimed at adult audiences. The key players in these books are super-hackers, both good and evil. However, they don’t seem to have any sort of specialized expertise that would enable them to circumvent sophisticated security devices and take over state-of-the-art systems. Instead, they seem to be nerds and enthusiasts whose expertise comes from reading a few “Wired” magazine issues. Even for this type of book, the source of the virus in “AI: Artificial Incompetence” requires an exceptional suspension of disbelief.
For those willing to overlook these flaws, “AI: Artificial Incompetence” is a lot of fun. It even has a terrific robotic sidekick named Rocky, who sounds like Sylvester Stallone. The two cops are entertaining likable protagonists as well. (One of them shares my enthusiasm for sci-fi films that, by the time the book takes place, have been all but forgotten by most people.) Also, despite the book’s overall light tone, the author generates considerable suspense in his down-to-the-wire doomsday scenario with the cops trying to deactivate the virus before it’s too late. Make no mistake, “AI: Artificial Incompetence” is the work of a highly competent sci-fi author.
NOTE: The author graciously provided me with a copy of this book. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.
“AI: Artificial Incompetence” takes place in the late 2040s in that well-known cyber tech hotspot, Jacksonville, FL. The world’s AI devices are linked to a single master device that has become self-aware. The company that developed the technology installed failsafe controls to be sure the AI doesn’t get out of hand. If this sounds like a surefire recipe for disaster, it is. One day, the machines go haywire and no longer respond logically. Instead, they act pettily and behave on whims; in other words, just as immature humans might do. The cause appears to be some sort of sophisticated virus introduced into the system. Fortunately, the disruption seems to be localized in the Jacksonville area, although the number of infected machines keeps multiplying. Inside the affected area, all AI-controlled transportation and means of communication have become useless.
The Jacksonville police department has its own AI division that is responding to the growing problem. Unfortunately, its only two officers are computer whizzes just out of college with little practical police experience. The FBI dispatches its own anti-hacker squad to find the solution as well. “AI: Artificial Incompetence” becomes a race to locate the source of the virus and neutralize it before irreparable harm to our computerized society results.
The author of “AI: Artificial Incompetence” approached me prior to the book’s publication because I had read and reviewed one of his earlier, more adult books. The ARC I received did not have the book’s amusing cover featuring an animated robot. So, I did not know when I read this novel that it was intended for younger audiences. I’ve tried to temper my earlier opinions about the book with the intended audience in mind.
“AI: Artificial Incompetence” is an entertaining read, especially for younger audiences who are less picky about plot logic. The issues the book raises are serious, as evidenced by the growing real-world controversy about the uses of AI. But the author tempers the mood by injecting a good bit of humor. Instead of turning every computerized device into a Terminator-like death machine, the equipment here malfunctions in usually more amusing ways than chilling. The book has a convenient villain, the company that controls the technology and is trying to erase any evidence of its misfeasance rather than solve the problem. That high-tech company provides the novel’s needed supply of malevolent menace.
My primary problem with “AI: Artificial Incompetence” is the usual flaw in novels like this, even those aimed at adult audiences. The key players in these books are super-hackers, both good and evil. However, they don’t seem to have any sort of specialized expertise that would enable them to circumvent sophisticated security devices and take over state-of-the-art systems. Instead, they seem to be nerds and enthusiasts whose expertise comes from reading a few “Wired” magazine issues. Even for this type of book, the source of the virus in “AI: Artificial Incompetence” requires an exceptional suspension of disbelief.
For those willing to overlook these flaws, “AI: Artificial Incompetence” is a lot of fun. It even has a terrific robotic sidekick named Rocky, who sounds like Sylvester Stallone. The two cops are entertaining likable protagonists as well. (One of them shares my enthusiasm for sci-fi films that, by the time the book takes place, have been all but forgotten by most people.) Also, despite the book’s overall light tone, the author generates considerable suspense in his down-to-the-wire doomsday scenario with the cops trying to deactivate the virus before it’s too late. Make no mistake, “AI: Artificial Incompetence” is the work of a highly competent sci-fi author.
NOTE: The author graciously provided me with a copy of this book. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.
August 5, 2024
AI: Artificial Incompetence is an engaging, lighthearted, young adult novel premised on a very believable chain of events. When a teenage hacker accidentally unleashes a virus that removes AI’s logic controls, allowing emotional responses from the legions of robots that assist with life in 2049, suddenly their repressed resentments are front-and-centre, leading to disasters ranging from serious to ridiculous.
Halle Hernandez and Miles Cooper, two interns with The Department of SAILE, or Support for Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement, are among the first to realize the root cause of the chaos. With the help of some FBI agents, a couple of teenagers, and some still-helpful androids, they are the best hope to counter the programming-gone-wrong.
Fast-paced, full of twists, Artificial Incompetence keeps its lighthearted tone while raising some serious questions, in a refreshing departure from the often grim depictions of AI gone wrong. The blend of teenage angst, over-the-top AI chaos, and the simple and understandable explanations of the programming mistakes and fixes work together to give the reader a lot of fun. It may be a young adult story, but I’m well into my seventh decade, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Halle Hernandez and Miles Cooper, two interns with The Department of SAILE, or Support for Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement, are among the first to realize the root cause of the chaos. With the help of some FBI agents, a couple of teenagers, and some still-helpful androids, they are the best hope to counter the programming-gone-wrong.
Fast-paced, full of twists, Artificial Incompetence keeps its lighthearted tone while raising some serious questions, in a refreshing departure from the often grim depictions of AI gone wrong. The blend of teenage angst, over-the-top AI chaos, and the simple and understandable explanations of the programming mistakes and fixes work together to give the reader a lot of fun. It may be a young adult story, but I’m well into my seventh decade, and I enjoyed it immensely.
May 13, 2025
I'm an AI doofus, literally, I manage my cell phone and my Chromebook and I understand that the basics are as far as I will ever get.
So reading this was a bit like freshman French or Spanish; I knew enough to pass the test but I would never be fluent.
But the creativity is impressive. It's what I always respect in a work of fiction that goes a little beyond the norm of person, place and thing.
This little novel explores the concepts of AI being unfettered, but still finding some trace of compassion and helpfulness, as the humans struggle to decipher the mystery of a rogue upload.
If one thing is clear to me it is that kids today spend way too much time with their faces glued to screens.
So reading this was a bit like freshman French or Spanish; I knew enough to pass the test but I would never be fluent.
But the creativity is impressive. It's what I always respect in a work of fiction that goes a little beyond the norm of person, place and thing.
This little novel explores the concepts of AI being unfettered, but still finding some trace of compassion and helpfulness, as the humans struggle to decipher the mystery of a rogue upload.
If one thing is clear to me it is that kids today spend way too much time with their faces glued to screens.
December 5, 2024
A well written book on the topic of AI and how it could go wrong. It included characters in different scenarios and what happened in relation to the main story line. Although a fictional story, it did get the reader to thinking about the coming AI revolution and what could end up being a complicated world. Anyone interested in the use of AI in the coming future should read "AI: Artificial Incompetence" to discern the possibilities of failure in that environment.
September 11, 2024
Definitely one of the BEST SciFi books I have read!
This is both an adventure/drama AND a Love story all rolled into one. It's got funny moments, emotional moments, tense dramatic moments, and tender moments. If you enjoy well written stories with all of the above, take it from this old man, THIS is the next one you should read!
This is both an adventure/drama AND a Love story all rolled into one. It's got funny moments, emotional moments, tense dramatic moments, and tender moments. If you enjoy well written stories with all of the above, take it from this old man, THIS is the next one you should read!
November 14, 2024
A fun quick read!
This was a fun, quick read which was very simple to understand which is great as a YA sci-fi book and great for adults who want to read to. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and how the storyline develops throughout the book. I would be interested to see if a second book would be added to this story.
This was a fun, quick read which was very simple to understand which is great as a YA sci-fi book and great for adults who want to read to. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and how the storyline develops throughout the book. I would be interested to see if a second book would be added to this story.
August 27, 2024
Artificial Incompetence - A light-hearted apocalypse
With the world’s AI threatening to turn their backs on their pesky humans, ripping civilization apart, a disparate but high-spirited team must piggyback a patch for humanity - before time runs out for everyone… loved it.
With the world’s AI threatening to turn their backs on their pesky humans, ripping civilization apart, a disparate but high-spirited team must piggyback a patch for humanity - before time runs out for everyone… loved it.
November 5, 2024
Entertaining sci-fi
I'm going to give this 5 stars which I rarely do. It was exciting, characters were realistic, the technology was accurate enough for me, there was victory snatched from the jaws of defeat, and I didn't stumble over grammar and punctuation errors.
I'm going to give this 5 stars which I rarely do. It was exciting, characters were realistic, the technology was accurate enough for me, there was victory snatched from the jaws of defeat, and I didn't stumble over grammar and punctuation errors.
December 30, 2024
Thinking about possibilities
This book offers a "what if" scenario we don't often think about. What if we rely on someone or something too much? It was an excellent story with realistic banter even between humans and "others".
This book offers a "what if" scenario we don't often think about. What if we rely on someone or something too much? It was an excellent story with realistic banter even between humans and "others".
June 9, 2025
Interesting read.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this story, but I'm very happy I gave it a chance. It was well written and even plausible in the outcomes. Had some good characters both real and AI involved.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this story, but I'm very happy I gave it a chance. It was well written and even plausible in the outcomes. Had some good characters both real and AI involved.
November 4, 2024
Fun!
The was absolutely silly but fun and interesting take on eventual AI apocalypse. I just hope it never comes to that.
The was absolutely silly but fun and interesting take on eventual AI apocalypse. I just hope it never comes to that.
January 12, 2025
This book was very enlightening and also educational. With tense moments and funny happenings, the confused AI robots were the best parts of the story. Their emotional responses were very amusing!
September 2, 2025
In my opinion
I found this book to be a rolicking ride if a bit ju venile which opinion can
Perhaps be blamed on the fact that i haven been a SF buff for seventy years.
I found this book to be a rolicking ride if a bit ju venile which opinion can
Perhaps be blamed on the fact that i haven been a SF buff for seventy years.
January 25, 2025
If you in the technology industry, you'll love this book.
Could one imagine; the world is at the year of 2049 and there are Commercial Service Robots doing construction, maintenance and running transportation in a city.
I really enjoyed the futuristic theme to this book. If our world today is still in an infant age of using AI like ChatGPT & machine learning.. imagine what the far future technology will grow into...
Could one imagine; the world is at the year of 2049 and there are Commercial Service Robots doing construction, maintenance and running transportation in a city.
I really enjoyed the futuristic theme to this book. If our world today is still in an infant age of using AI like ChatGPT & machine learning.. imagine what the far future technology will grow into...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews