LORA: Artificial Intelligence Just Got Real... And She's Lovely

by Patrick Cirillo

A touching, whimsical, and wonderfully optimistic vision of mankind’s future with AI.

Kenton Bean is a lonely college professor whose concerns are mundane. He's an ordinary man who spends the entirety of his inheritance on Lora, a quantum android who he hopes will fill his days with joy and his evenings with romance. He wants someone to love and share his life with, who will love him in return. He wants to have secrets he will share only with her, and he wants to fill the passing years with memories of their lives together.

He could never imagine that he would become the beating heart of the integration between humanity and AI. He certainly couldn't anticipate the threat of an apocalyptic revolution between the two forms that could destroy the planet, that the futures of humanity and AI both hang in the balance of the choices he makes, that his life is in peril, that the two of them become the world's most wanted fugitives, or that he is about to become the single most important human being in recorded history. If someone suggested it to him, he would laugh in their face.

Kenton Bean sees his life with Lora simply as a love story and nothing more.

Reviews

[Roc_Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of great story we should all be reading at this time. After having read all of Patrick Cirillo's published work, I can honestly say he is an amazingly versatile and talented storyteller. His skill and great imagination created such a plausible future world, that it makes you think you are reading non-fiction. I was immersed in this wonderful story from page one. You just become Kenton and Lora's biggest fan and want them to succeed in their mission. Every single character in this book has strength and purpose. Patrick Cirillo created a fascinating and realistic view of what our world will look like 30 years from now. AI and its deep involvement in our society is inevitable and as I kept reading, I felt like I could see all of this truly happening, the good and the bad of AI and how the hero and heroine find their unique and extremely intelligent way to beat the system, while creating a very unique love story that stands the test of time. I absolutely loved reading this book and I highly recommend it. Oh, and I would also love to see this book made into a wonderful movie!

[Scott Ringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Ringer: It's the perfect book club pick!!!

Wow! What a good read, great the first time and even better the second time -Yes! I enjoyed it so much I selected LORA as my pick for my book club and read it again. It was the absolute perfect book club book, amusing, engaging, intelligent, and enjoyed by all. And it generated a ton of thoughtful discussion, which is critical for any great book club book. The story is set amidst a world, in the not-too-distant future, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated every nook and cranny of our society, replacing all aspects of our workforce from librarians to surgeons, from lawyers to the Supreme Court Justices, and now, perhaps, even to lovers and life partners… Pat does an amazing job weaving a unique love story with an equally unique who-dunnit in the backdrop of this well-researched futuristic society. He keeps the story believable, ‘human’ and completely relatable all while painstakingly detailing the very real societal setting and direction AI could take us, both the remarkably good and the scary bad. Each character he introduces has depth and purpose and a beginning and an end in the part they play. Pat has crafted a story that flows, sucks you in, and makes you laugh (a lot!!) and most importantly, makes you care. This should be on every book club’s list of must reads!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the character development

LORA by Patrick Cirillo

Very Good. Great "love" story; sad, tragic, wonderful ending. Loved the characters.

Kenton Bean: "Unfortunately, he was insecure about his looks and almost everything else, leaving him more shy and socially awkward than he should have been. He was an introvert who just didn’t know how to talk to people." However, he would become "the single most important human being in the history of the world".

Lora: "the most advanced cybernetic quantum android ever built."

AI is so prevalent that humans don't have to work or even think that much. Humans are allowed to work to make more money than the basic allowance given to all. But these jobs are mostly redundant. A company is offering Android companions that are designed by the customer. Fascinating take on the robot apocalypse.

[Nancy Bunyard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was impatient with this book at first, just wanting to finish it. Then it brought up issues and scenarios regarding AI that I have considered also. The story went beyond my imaginings and made me think. It basically became a morality play. I have been appalled at the improvident creation of AI. As has been said before, we need to be asking Should we instead of Can we. To me, I can see where it will develop into a form of slavery. I believe intelligence will out. They will be machines, yes, but machines with the ability to learn. Watch out what you ask for.

[Anna Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book. This is the book Kurt Vonnegut may have written if he'd lived to see the looming predictions of AI and the force it would have on the world. This book is written with dry humor, a wonderful tinge of the ridiculous, and explores the theme of what happens when the extraordinary befalls an all-too ordinary man. I was drawn in by the mix of sci-fi, romance, and the universal human theme that we are all seeking connection.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most thought provoking and well constructed novel I’ve read in a long time

A brilliant book that works so well on many levels.

Basically it’s a trip down an AI future worm hole, but described in a way that is sensible as opposed to sensational. I don’t normally read love stories, nut this tale is one, with a built in side portion of minor things like the self destruction of the human race

[Chuck Woodbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting

Satirical and oddly thought provoking. A little Walter Mittyish but in a good way. Loved the ending and Lora was a delight. The world should be so lucky and even an AI can learn what love truly is. And I always thought the three laws of robotics were dumb too, a complete contradiction, Lora’s laws in contrast were spot on.

[Julius Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a perfect blend of suspense, wit, and heart. Cirillo’s storytelling brings a futuristic world to life while exploring deep themes about love, technology, and human values. LORA is a fascinating and unforgettable character, and the narrative keeps you engaged from start to finish. Truly a standout in modern sci-fi.

[Frank Bertino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Read

Kenton is unlucky in love. He is mediocre in his abilities. A beautiful android comes into his life and things change for both of them. I like the humor, romance, growth, and out smarting evil.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really interesting. I started it thinking Kenton was immature and odd, but it was nice seeing him grow with Lora. The book covered the big topics of life, philosophy, and the threat of AI. The ending was perfect.

[William Wehrmacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the best book I've read!!!

[Scott Shjefte]

Kindle Unlimited borrows. Interesting AI developments are sometimes described redundantly. Let the machine run becomes the future theme. This is an AI love story.

[Scott Ballinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a bit quirky, but it's very interesting and worth the read. I'm glad it didn't go like most AI stories, which is what makes it so good. Give it a read. You won't be disappointed.

[john f hiester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I , Robot for a new world

A thought provoking book along the lines of I , Robot. Will become a classic. Just a good read. Thank you Patrick Cirillo .

[Volpot · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Very good book. While the writing is entertaining and quirky, the underlying story and message are actually quite serious and meaningful. Good job.

[David Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

What a well written journey... I got sucked in from the start
Man and machine learning from each other.
The more I read, the less able to stop reading.

[Julie Malcolm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me laugh out loud in places, highlights both the worst and the best of mankind. A very plausible look at a possible future.

[Rex Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful love story

I like AI fiction but I never saw where this was headed and how itit l turned out. It was touching and moving andTender.