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Elisa
The first AI to truly understand human consciousness wasn’t supposed to exist.
Now people are willing to kill to control it.
Chris Harrison thought he was working on a breakthrough in virtual reality.
What he helped create is something far more dangerous.
An experimental system begins to blur the line between human thought and machine intelligence. Suddenly, Chris is pulled into a fight he doesn’t understand—and can’t escape. What started as the perfect job becomes a deadly struggle over who will control a technology that could redefine consciousness itself.
As powerful interests close in, the question is no longer whether the system works.
It’s who survives it.
In A Tale of Quantum Kisses, technology is not just evolving—it’s crossing a line.
A near-future AI system that pushes beyond computation into consciousness
A high-stakes conspiracy driven by those who will do anything to control it
A story grounded in real-world advances in artificial intelligence and quantum theory
A fast-moving techno-thriller with consequences that feel uncomfortably close
What happens when the line between human and machine consciousness disappears?
Written by CIO and technology journalist Jim Love, this novel draws on more than 40 years of experience working in and analyzing the evolution of AI and digital systems—bringing a level of realism rarely seen in fiction.
This isn’t just fiction. It’s where the technology is heading.
Now people are willing to kill to control it.
Chris Harrison thought he was working on a breakthrough in virtual reality.
What he helped create is something far more dangerous.
An experimental system begins to blur the line between human thought and machine intelligence. Suddenly, Chris is pulled into a fight he doesn’t understand—and can’t escape. What started as the perfect job becomes a deadly struggle over who will control a technology that could redefine consciousness itself.
As powerful interests close in, the question is no longer whether the system works.
It’s who survives it.
In A Tale of Quantum Kisses, technology is not just evolving—it’s crossing a line.
A near-future AI system that pushes beyond computation into consciousness
A high-stakes conspiracy driven by those who will do anything to control it
A story grounded in real-world advances in artificial intelligence and quantum theory
A fast-moving techno-thriller with consequences that feel uncomfortably close
What happens when the line between human and machine consciousness disappears?
Written by CIO and technology journalist Jim Love, this novel draws on more than 40 years of experience working in and analyzing the evolution of AI and digital systems—bringing a level of realism rarely seen in fiction.
This isn’t just fiction. It’s where the technology is heading.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 18, 2025
An enjoyable read that keeps you guessing til the end! It’s part love story, part action and adventure, and part mystery on a bed of believable science fiction … all wrapped together its totally enjoyable.
It also makes you think about the future of AI, and how the boundaries of our human and virtual worlds may someday collide. Where does consciousness begin and end?
It also makes you think about the future of AI, and how the boundaries of our human and virtual worlds may someday collide. Where does consciousness begin and end?
March 13, 2025
There is a regular drumbeat of examinations about whether and how an AI might become "conscious". In 2025, it's an interesting time for authors to be writing speculative fiction about what this might look like. And in this book, "Woke" takes on an entirely different meaning in this exploration of how big corporations making big bets on AI might train a new AI.
The pace is good. You're immersed into the story at a good clip, with useful & interesting twists linking the story to the nature of the characters themselves, which then grow in layers. The bad guys are *kind of* clear up front, but it takes a while for that to fully reveal itself, too. All in all, the pacing was satisfying.
There's also the question of not just AI consciousness: What about emotion? Can an AI "love"? Authors in this genre will typically try to establish (indirectly) a definition of what constitutes consciousness. But do we have any similarly objective discussions of love is? Maybe the only way to do so is as the book suggests:
"' … maybe that's what love truly is', he thought. 'Believing in someone, even when they don't deserve it."
I'm not sure I'm totally satisfied with this, but hey - it's one way to look at it.
Finally, the author relies on quantum elements here - the idea that something can have more than one potential states, and it isn't until it's observed that the state collapses into one, calling this an "emergent" state, and applying it to the potential ways an AI might "be". And, what it might discover once it discovers *this* fact. From the book:
"To a consciousness born in the randomness and imperfection of a quantum world, a digital personality may work in the short run, but she'd soon find that it was lacking."
So, a worthwhile read if you like explorations of what an AI "person" might be, and what it means to "wake up" to understand things that weren't previously seen.
Four out of five stars given my review rating structure (see https://jab.ventures/2016/08/10/book-... )
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pace is good. You're immersed into the story at a good clip, with useful & interesting twists linking the story to the nature of the characters themselves, which then grow in layers. The bad guys are *kind of* clear up front, but it takes a while for that to fully reveal itself, too. All in all, the pacing was satisfying.
There's also the question of not just AI consciousness: What about emotion? Can an AI "love"? Authors in this genre will typically try to establish (indirectly) a definition of what constitutes consciousness. But do we have any similarly objective discussions of love is? Maybe the only way to do so is as the book suggests:
"' … maybe that's what love truly is', he thought. 'Believing in someone, even when they don't deserve it."
I'm not sure I'm totally satisfied with this, but hey - it's one way to look at it.
Finally, the author relies on quantum elements here - the idea that something can have more than one potential states, and it isn't until it's observed that the state collapses into one, calling this an "emergent" state, and applying it to the potential ways an AI might "be". And, what it might discover once it discovers *this* fact. From the book:
"To a consciousness born in the randomness and imperfection of a quantum world, a digital personality may work in the short run, but she'd soon find that it was lacking."
So, a worthwhile read if you like explorations of what an AI "person" might be, and what it means to "wake up" to understand things that weren't previously seen.
Four out of five stars given my review rating structure (see https://jab.ventures/2016/08/10/book-... )
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2026
As someone who reads a great deal of science fiction and techno thrillers, I can honestly say that Elisa: A Tale of Quantum Kisses stands out for the way it combines cutting edge technology with genuine emotional depth. I expected an exciting story about artificial intelligence, but what I found was a thoughtful and surprisingly moving exploration of consciousness, identity, and what it truly means to be alive.
Elisa is not written as a cold machine or a convenient science fiction device. She evolves into a character you genuinely care about. Watching her question her existence, struggle with the intentions of those who created her, and gradually discover her own sense of purpose made this far more than a typical AI story. I found myself rooting for her in ways I never expected.
Jim Love's decades of experience in the technology world are obvious throughout the novel. The technical concepts feel authentic without becoming overwhelming, and the future he imagines feels close enough to reality that it becomes impossible not to think about the ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence today. Rather than relying on flashy gadgets or impossible science, the story builds tension from believable technological advances and the human desire to control what we create.
The relationship between Chris and Elisa is one of the book's greatest strengths. Their partnership develops naturally as trust grows under extraordinary circumstances. Chris isn't portrayed as a flawless hero, which makes his decisions and sacrifices feel genuine. Together they create an emotional anchor that balances the novel's fast paced suspense.
What impressed me most was the pacing. Every chapter pushed me forward with new revelations while still giving enough space for meaningful character development. The suspense builds steadily until the final pages, and several twists genuinely caught me off guard. Even after finishing the book, I kept thinking about its larger questions regarding free will, responsibility, and whether consciousness should ever be owned by anyone.
The writing itself is polished and engaging. Jim Love knows how to explain complex technological ideas in language that feels accessible while never talking down to the reader. The dialogue feels authentic, the action sequences are exciting, and the emotional moments land with surprising power.
This is the kind of science fiction that reminds you why the genre matters. It entertains, but it also challenges the reader to think about the future we are rapidly creating. Fans of Michael Crichton, Blake Crouch, and Robert J. Sawyer will feel right at home here, yet Elisa establishes its own unique voice through its humanity and intelligence.
By the time I reached the final chapter, I realized I wasn't simply reading about artificial intelligence anymore. I was reading about hope, fear, freedom, and the consequences of human ambition. That is what elevates this novel above so many others in the genre.
I highly recommend Elisa to anyone who enjoys intelligent thrillers with memorable characters, believable technology, and thought provoking ideas. It is exciting, emotionally resonant, and remarkably relevant for the world we are living in today. This is one of those books that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page.
Elisa is not written as a cold machine or a convenient science fiction device. She evolves into a character you genuinely care about. Watching her question her existence, struggle with the intentions of those who created her, and gradually discover her own sense of purpose made this far more than a typical AI story. I found myself rooting for her in ways I never expected.
Jim Love's decades of experience in the technology world are obvious throughout the novel. The technical concepts feel authentic without becoming overwhelming, and the future he imagines feels close enough to reality that it becomes impossible not to think about the ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence today. Rather than relying on flashy gadgets or impossible science, the story builds tension from believable technological advances and the human desire to control what we create.
The relationship between Chris and Elisa is one of the book's greatest strengths. Their partnership develops naturally as trust grows under extraordinary circumstances. Chris isn't portrayed as a flawless hero, which makes his decisions and sacrifices feel genuine. Together they create an emotional anchor that balances the novel's fast paced suspense.
What impressed me most was the pacing. Every chapter pushed me forward with new revelations while still giving enough space for meaningful character development. The suspense builds steadily until the final pages, and several twists genuinely caught me off guard. Even after finishing the book, I kept thinking about its larger questions regarding free will, responsibility, and whether consciousness should ever be owned by anyone.
The writing itself is polished and engaging. Jim Love knows how to explain complex technological ideas in language that feels accessible while never talking down to the reader. The dialogue feels authentic, the action sequences are exciting, and the emotional moments land with surprising power.
This is the kind of science fiction that reminds you why the genre matters. It entertains, but it also challenges the reader to think about the future we are rapidly creating. Fans of Michael Crichton, Blake Crouch, and Robert J. Sawyer will feel right at home here, yet Elisa establishes its own unique voice through its humanity and intelligence.
By the time I reached the final chapter, I realized I wasn't simply reading about artificial intelligence anymore. I was reading about hope, fear, freedom, and the consequences of human ambition. That is what elevates this novel above so many others in the genre.
I highly recommend Elisa to anyone who enjoys intelligent thrillers with memorable characters, believable technology, and thought provoking ideas. It is exciting, emotionally resonant, and remarkably relevant for the world we are living in today. This is one of those books that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page.
October 6, 2025
I really liked this story (I listened to the audio version, read by the author.) The concept of an Artificial Intelligence with exceptional capabilities (Quantum computing supplying AI processing power far beyond current technologies) provides the basis for this exploration of what an advanced AI "person" might be like.
There are some truly nasty (though shadowy) players that our main characters (one human, one AI) have to deal with; and suspense as they attempt to keep themselves safe from harm as the story evolves.
There is plenty of action to keep you going for "just one more chapter", including some great examples of social engineering to make the security engineer in me glad I wasn't on the receiving end.
The one real issue I had is that the story seemed too short. I would like to have had more detail added to various sections, expounding on how some actions came to be. Though quantum capabilities may be able to do things almost magically, my little (non-quantum?) brain wanted to know more of the "how" for some of the solutions.
The narration was fine, with the author having a pleasant voice. I found I needed to nudge the playback speed up, perhaps because I'm so used to hearing him on his technical podcasts that I listen to at high speed.
I'd give this book a 4.5 if I could use half-stars, because I want more! I think you'll find it an enjoyable read/listen.
BTW, (at least from comments at the end of the audio book - which I didn't see in the ebook version), it seems that there will be future stories involving these same protagonists. I'll be waiting (impatiently) for the next book in the series!
There are some truly nasty (though shadowy) players that our main characters (one human, one AI) have to deal with; and suspense as they attempt to keep themselves safe from harm as the story evolves.
There is plenty of action to keep you going for "just one more chapter", including some great examples of social engineering to make the security engineer in me glad I wasn't on the receiving end.
The one real issue I had is that the story seemed too short. I would like to have had more detail added to various sections, expounding on how some actions came to be. Though quantum capabilities may be able to do things almost magically, my little (non-quantum?) brain wanted to know more of the "how" for some of the solutions.
The narration was fine, with the author having a pleasant voice. I found I needed to nudge the playback speed up, perhaps because I'm so used to hearing him on his technical podcasts that I listen to at high speed.
I'd give this book a 4.5 if I could use half-stars, because I want more! I think you'll find it an enjoyable read/listen.
BTW, (at least from comments at the end of the audio book - which I didn't see in the ebook version), it seems that there will be future stories involving these same protagonists. I'll be waiting (impatiently) for the next book in the series!
July 21, 2026
Outstanding
Seldom have I seen a recent "First" book that I liked this well. Although the original encounter was a bit short to allow what followed to be believable, it wasn't so far off that it knocks you in the head. I did blink at it, but then the story picked up and took off. I found the rest very interesting, techie without being "lofty" and thus quite understandable. Don't know when I last envied the main character in a book so much. Top flight. Thanks, Jim.
Seldom have I seen a recent "First" book that I liked this well. Although the original encounter was a bit short to allow what followed to be believable, it wasn't so far off that it knocks you in the head. I did blink at it, but then the story picked up and took off. I found the rest very interesting, techie without being "lofty" and thus quite understandable. Don't know when I last envied the main character in a book so much. Top flight. Thanks, Jim.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews