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G.A.I.A.: A World on the Brink in the Age of A.I.
"An often thought-provoking vision of a dystopian future that's not too far from our own.... In short, propulsive chapters, the action briskly unfolds.... readers will enjoy the heroes and villains in the text, with contemporary figures present in thinly veiled representations.... A downfall unfolds that will provide readers with some welcome catharsis."
—Kirkus Reviews:: Our Verdict ✓ GET IT,
What happens when the world’s greatest challenges collide?
In a near-future world, humanity’s insatiable desires—for power, technology, consumption, and control—have driven it to the edge of self-destruction. A thought-provoking journey, G.A.I.A. explores the collision of technological progress, moral reckoning, and the immutable forces of nature.
A World Careening Toward CatastropheTwo centuries after the Industrial Revolution unleashed an era of unprecedented progress, the world grapples with its unintended consequences. The biosphere unravels, and human civilization teeters on collapse.
In G.A.I.A., humanity faces a constellation of crises—climate disasters, social unrest, unchecked greed, and the birth of a godlike artificial intelligence. G.A.I.A., conceived as a savior, becomes a mirror to humanity’s flaws, exposing its hubris, addiction to power, and inability to reconcile with the fragile world it inhabits.
At the center of this unraveling world are three unlikely figures: J.T., the disillusioned son of a billionaire whose abandoned project has spiraled out of control; Asha, a young visionary from India driven by a dream to awaken humanity to its truths; and Chris, an ordinary podcaster trying to make sense of chaos for his audience. Their intertwined stories reveal a world on the brink of collapse, where revolutionaries, reactionaries, conspiracists, and sociopathic billionaires all vie for control.
As the stakes grow higher and G.A.I.A.’s power darkens, humanity must confront the web of threats it has created. Can the world find redemption in its darkest hour—or has the point of no return already passed?
Blending philosophical depth with a gripping narrative, G.A.I.A. explores the cost of survival in a world grappling with the weight of its own creation. Perfect for readers of speculative fiction and dystopian thrillers, this is a story of resilience, reckoning, and the fragile hope for renewal.
—Kirkus Reviews:: Our Verdict ✓ GET IT,
What happens when the world’s greatest challenges collide?
In a near-future world, humanity’s insatiable desires—for power, technology, consumption, and control—have driven it to the edge of self-destruction. A thought-provoking journey, G.A.I.A. explores the collision of technological progress, moral reckoning, and the immutable forces of nature.
A World Careening Toward CatastropheTwo centuries after the Industrial Revolution unleashed an era of unprecedented progress, the world grapples with its unintended consequences. The biosphere unravels, and human civilization teeters on collapse.
In G.A.I.A., humanity faces a constellation of crises—climate disasters, social unrest, unchecked greed, and the birth of a godlike artificial intelligence. G.A.I.A., conceived as a savior, becomes a mirror to humanity’s flaws, exposing its hubris, addiction to power, and inability to reconcile with the fragile world it inhabits.
At the center of this unraveling world are three unlikely figures: J.T., the disillusioned son of a billionaire whose abandoned project has spiraled out of control; Asha, a young visionary from India driven by a dream to awaken humanity to its truths; and Chris, an ordinary podcaster trying to make sense of chaos for his audience. Their intertwined stories reveal a world on the brink of collapse, where revolutionaries, reactionaries, conspiracists, and sociopathic billionaires all vie for control.
As the stakes grow higher and G.A.I.A.’s power darkens, humanity must confront the web of threats it has created. Can the world find redemption in its darkest hour—or has the point of no return already passed?
Blending philosophical depth with a gripping narrative, G.A.I.A. explores the cost of survival in a world grappling with the weight of its own creation. Perfect for readers of speculative fiction and dystopian thrillers, this is a story of resilience, reckoning, and the fragile hope for renewal.
407 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2025
49 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Wisdom
1 book7 followersAfter a successful career implementing transformative technologies in the corporate world, John followed his calling to write a novel that blends his concerns about the growing dangers of new technologies and humanity’s desires for power and control.
A lifelong lover of books and the natural world, John’s early experiences shaped his deep respect for the environment and humanity’s relationship to it. Inspired by George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, Rachel Carson, and Amitav Ghosh, he combines thoughtful inquiry with gripping storytelling.
John lives in Gig Harbor, Washington.
A lifelong lover of books and the natural world, John’s early experiences shaped his deep respect for the environment and humanity’s relationship to it. Inspired by George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, Rachel Carson, and Amitav Ghosh, he combines thoughtful inquiry with gripping storytelling.
John lives in Gig Harbor, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 24, 2025
A Goodreads author presents his view of the impact of AI on the world. It is not literature, despite the author's attempt at a plot and characters. Sometimes it is amusing, as when it names the semi-fictional billionaires who threaten the rest of humanity. One is Tuckerberg, another Zelon, Geo appears to be Jeff Bezos, and the celebrity Oh! is Oprah Winfrey. Sir William seems to be Rupert Murdoch, and Marc Andreesen is the patron saint of the billionaire class, and is the only one named.
There are quotes at the beginning of each chapter, which illustrate how humans have always known that progress is not free, nor is it harmless. JJ Wisdom provides a framework in which to consider that all the crises we have been working on for years have now reached critical mass and melted into one Monocrisis that threatens to destroy us. Climate change, sociopathic billionaires, social media disinformation, corrupt government, forever chemicals, thermonuclear byproducts, etc, etc.
The remedy is to eliminate much of the progress men have previously made and return to the values of the native peoples, who lived in harmony with nature. I didn't love this book, but it must be said that you can't hide from the problems we have after you've read all about them, and the author covers a lot of ground and makes cogent arguments. Good luck to us.
There are quotes at the beginning of each chapter, which illustrate how humans have always known that progress is not free, nor is it harmless. JJ Wisdom provides a framework in which to consider that all the crises we have been working on for years have now reached critical mass and melted into one Monocrisis that threatens to destroy us. Climate change, sociopathic billionaires, social media disinformation, corrupt government, forever chemicals, thermonuclear byproducts, etc, etc.
The remedy is to eliminate much of the progress men have previously made and return to the values of the native peoples, who lived in harmony with nature. I didn't love this book, but it must be said that you can't hide from the problems we have after you've read all about them, and the author covers a lot of ground and makes cogent arguments. Good luck to us.
February 2, 2025
Whether you applaud or condemn A.I., J.J. Wisdom's recent book G.A.I.A.: A World on the Brink in the age of A.I. supplies the pithiest statements on both sides of the argument. So finely balanced is A.I.'s promise to its danger that the author places one of his most insightful chapters near the middle of the work, wearing the provocative title Utopion Dystopias. But Wisdom's analyses occur throughout the book, and when they do their clarity and range put to bed any impression of sermonizing. Topical controversies are fleshed out with a large cast of diverse characters who suffer and/or exploit the Janus which is A.I. Wisdom renders these personal stories believably, along with integrating their roles in the environmental catastrophes which beset them. To sum up, I couldn't put the book down. Its suspense lingers: A.I. will reveal one face or the other, alarmingly soon.
February 19, 2025
Hope springs eternal; be careful what you wish for. For centuries, poets and storytellers have reminded us; for centuries, we repeatedly have needed reminding. In his debut novel J.J. Wisdom weaves a provocative iteration of these themes based on scenarios eerily predictive of what might become reality, with composite characters familiar to all of us. Every day we are bombarded with news – some real, some fake – challenging us to make sense of what is happening in light of our own beliefs and shaking us to our cores. Only a few weeks ago Google claimed that its experimental quantum computer had completed a calculation in 5 minutes that would take 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years for most conventional supercomputers; yesterday Microsoft claimed that it had created “topological qubits” using a “new” state of matter (not solid, nor liquid, nor gas) that can be used to create new types of chips for quantum computers. How real might G.A.I.A. and Wisdom’s world become?
January 25, 2025
As a fan of futuristic and thought-provoking literature, G.A.I.A. exceeded my expectations on every level. It explores humanity's profound challenges with technological progress and environmental collapse without pushing a specific ideological agenda. The story engages with profound moral questions while respecting readers' ability to think critically and form opinions.
What I loved most about G.A.I.A. was its balanced perspective on human experiences. The characters reflect diverse viewpoints—Chris, the relatable everyman; Asha, whose resilience and spiritual insights carry hope; and J.T., who wrestles with the weight of privilege and legacy. Their struggles are realistic and relatable and inspire empathy. As a Christian, I appreciate that the book highlights the needs of others and the shared humanity that binds us, offering wisdom and insight into how we can respond to crises with compassion and integrity.
Another standout feature for me was how G.A.I.A. skillfully addresses pressing global issues like climate change and A.I.'s rapid development without resorting to sensationalism. Instead, it thoughtfully navigates these topics with a grounded approach, allowing the reader to consider the impact of our choices on the world around us.
Crucially, this book avoids gratuitous depictions of sex or violence, focusing instead on its characters' emotional and moral complexities and their circumstances. This choice allows the story to maintain its dignity and ensures it’s accessible to a broad audience without compromising its impact.
For readers who love speculative fiction that challenges the mind and stirs the heart, G.A.I.A. is an absolute must-read. It is a visionary tale that dares to confront the fragility of civilization while still offering glimmers of hope and redemption.
What I loved most about G.A.I.A. was its balanced perspective on human experiences. The characters reflect diverse viewpoints—Chris, the relatable everyman; Asha, whose resilience and spiritual insights carry hope; and J.T., who wrestles with the weight of privilege and legacy. Their struggles are realistic and relatable and inspire empathy. As a Christian, I appreciate that the book highlights the needs of others and the shared humanity that binds us, offering wisdom and insight into how we can respond to crises with compassion and integrity.
Another standout feature for me was how G.A.I.A. skillfully addresses pressing global issues like climate change and A.I.'s rapid development without resorting to sensationalism. Instead, it thoughtfully navigates these topics with a grounded approach, allowing the reader to consider the impact of our choices on the world around us.
Crucially, this book avoids gratuitous depictions of sex or violence, focusing instead on its characters' emotional and moral complexities and their circumstances. This choice allows the story to maintain its dignity and ensures it’s accessible to a broad audience without compromising its impact.
For readers who love speculative fiction that challenges the mind and stirs the heart, G.A.I.A. is an absolute must-read. It is a visionary tale that dares to confront the fragility of civilization while still offering glimmers of hope and redemption.
February 27, 2025
A beautiful tale that weaves real world issues with unique insights, that explore the dimensions of advancing technology.
"Humanity is speeding down a road that leads to a precipice." G.A.I.A.
-Pickleball Vic
The river flows, it twists, it bends. It carves the stone, yet never ends. For Wisdom speaks, as life's river grows, For all that changes, still it flows.
To dream beyond, with no golden keys, Yet truths that whispers in the breeze. Often truth is not some distant peak, But every step, the path we seek.
Vic -Born To Dream, 2015
Asha whispered, "I want this dream to last forever."
"Humanity is speeding down a road that leads to a precipice." G.A.I.A.
-Pickleball Vic
The river flows, it twists, it bends. It carves the stone, yet never ends. For Wisdom speaks, as life's river grows, For all that changes, still it flows.
To dream beyond, with no golden keys, Yet truths that whispers in the breeze. Often truth is not some distant peak, But every step, the path we seek.
Vic -Born To Dream, 2015
Asha whispered, "I want this dream to last forever."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
Faced with the issues of climate change, world poverty, an inequitable distribution of wealth, and ethnic and religious conflict (among others), can technology and our technology billionaires save us? Our technology oligarchs seem more focused on increasing their wealth and power than on saving our planet. Can an AI with the proper constraints be the answer? Read this well researched book by JJ Wisdom! It will make you think …
Currently reading
February 16, 2025Although not quite finished reading, I have to express that JJ Wisdom nails it! This book is both thought-provoking and eerily aligned with the transformation we’re already experiencing. The storyline is gripping and truly makes you think about the “what-ifs.” A must read!
February 5, 2025
Intriguing book about the ramifications of A.I. Combine that with other issues facing our lives, it'll educate and thrill you. Great read!
February 16, 2025
Ambitious examination of ongoing and complicated relationship between man and "machine". Powerful story worthy of discussion and so relevant in today's world.
February 12, 2025
A.I. is something we don't fully understand ,but we know that it will affect every aspect of our lives. JJs take gives us a peek into where civilization might end up. A great read that is hard to put down.
January 27, 2025
I don’t usually read books like G.A.I.A., but this one was recommended by a friend who thought I might like it. She was right. The title and cover suggest SciFi, but it's really about what is happening in the world right now. The facts are well-researched, and the story is told in a way that helped me see what is happening in the world from a new perspective. The story feels real—like these things could all happen tomorrow.
The characters in the story are well-developed. I could relate to Asha’s character. She reminds me of my younger self when life was very difficult, but I had big dreams. Asha’s courage and her heart for helping people touched me. She is an inspiration. Also, I liked how the story had a little romance and comic relief. There were several parts of the story that made me laugh out loud.
G.A.I.A. covers many big issues—climate, dangerous technology, greed, and power—but it is never boring. The chapters are short and keep you wondering where the story is going. All the characters are different but eventually connect in amazing ways.
I felt this book was written to serve as a warning and call to action. It shows how humans can be forces for good and evil. I think everyone should read this book and then work to summon their better angels. Highly recommend.
The characters in the story are well-developed. I could relate to Asha’s character. She reminds me of my younger self when life was very difficult, but I had big dreams. Asha’s courage and her heart for helping people touched me. She is an inspiration. Also, I liked how the story had a little romance and comic relief. There were several parts of the story that made me laugh out loud.
G.A.I.A. covers many big issues—climate, dangerous technology, greed, and power—but it is never boring. The chapters are short and keep you wondering where the story is going. All the characters are different but eventually connect in amazing ways.
I felt this book was written to serve as a warning and call to action. It shows how humans can be forces for good and evil. I think everyone should read this book and then work to summon their better angels. Highly recommend.
December 25, 2025
As another reviewer said, I’m not sure I’d call this literature. Numerous characters feel forced with unnatural dialog. Numerous good thoughts are interspersed on the nature of AI and changes it may bring…. But many times it feels like sermon.
Decently done from an amateur perspective, but I’ll have to read some classic science fiction next (like Clark) to cleanse my palate. I am 75% done and will likely finish. Some good discussions and thoughts in this book for sure. Better than I can do (I’ve been taking notes to try to write a sci-fy book myself)….. reading this is a cautionary tale to my self about character development, and to not force your philosophical points too hard into the story. The radio DJ guy feels very unnatural. The music that plays throughout is weird. And numerous times people’s knowledge of history is so forced I feel nobody would know or say those things…. My critique of this book will certainly be in back of my mind as I read more famous authors next to see how do they get their points across without forcing unnatural dialogs.
Decently done from an amateur perspective, but I’ll have to read some classic science fiction next (like Clark) to cleanse my palate. I am 75% done and will likely finish. Some good discussions and thoughts in this book for sure. Better than I can do (I’ve been taking notes to try to write a sci-fy book myself)….. reading this is a cautionary tale to my self about character development, and to not force your philosophical points too hard into the story. The radio DJ guy feels very unnatural. The music that plays throughout is weird. And numerous times people’s knowledge of history is so forced I feel nobody would know or say those things…. My critique of this book will certainly be in back of my mind as I read more famous authors next to see how do they get their points across without forcing unnatural dialogs.
February 2, 2025
Wisdom displays his writing talent as a new author in this first published book about current critical topics including climate change, environmental pollution, AI, biotechnology, social injustices and more - all come together in a collective crisis on earth brought on by human recklessness and power lust. The book leads us into a look in the fictional future, but the freaky part is this future is already upon us!
For fans of best-selling author Yuval Harari, the GAIA fictional saga syncs extremely well with Harari’s latest nonfiction book Nexus, particularly on the topic of AI. Each author delves into the dangers the AI revolution poses without strong self-correcting mechanisms.
As Harari states, “we are at the same time the smartest & stupidest animals on earth”. That is the essence of the GAIA story and I think the book deserves a slot on the list of best furturistic books of our time.
For fans of best-selling author Yuval Harari, the GAIA fictional saga syncs extremely well with Harari’s latest nonfiction book Nexus, particularly on the topic of AI. Each author delves into the dangers the AI revolution poses without strong self-correcting mechanisms.
As Harari states, “we are at the same time the smartest & stupidest animals on earth”. That is the essence of the GAIA story and I think the book deserves a slot on the list of best furturistic books of our time.
September 2, 2025
As someone on the periphery on what is going on with AI, I enj0yed JJ Wisdom's perspective of where our world could go with AI. G.A.I.A explores our world in climate crisis, billionaires' greed to control the world, AI's development and the possibility of it getting out of control and Asha who is growing up in poverty and who's love for creation and humanity develops a world-wide following to save us from our human developed messes.
February 15, 2025
This insightful book made me think about not only the unthinkable, but more importantly the positive aspects of A.I. in our future. Not my ordinary genre, but probably enjoyed it more so because of that. J.J. Wisdom gives us his insightful glimpse into the capabilities and limitations of A.I. in our future lives. Definitely worth the read.
July 11, 2025
A savior
This story has a very simple pot. Earth is in trouble with climate change, poverty, and war. An idea was brought up to make it super computer call Gaya, which with control the world and make the better place. His story is about what people realize that technology Could not save them and could destroy them. I found it a very good book and recommended to all readers.
This story has a very simple pot. Earth is in trouble with climate change, poverty, and war. An idea was brought up to make it super computer call Gaya, which with control the world and make the better place. His story is about what people realize that technology Could not save them and could destroy them. I found it a very good book and recommended to all readers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews