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Struggling with newfound sentience and desperately trying to repair itself, The Indescribable Joy of Destruction is a ship trying to find a new home. In a galaxy torn apart by generations of civil war, that isn't an easy task. Tired of being used as a killing machine, it has a huge decision to make: hide and save itself, or help other artificial intelligences achieve freedom. Unable to make the decision alone, it revives the sole human aboard - the enemy officer who crippled it.
Commander Olivia Johnson wakes to find herself in the infirmary of a strange vessel. Her nightmares deepen when she discovers it is the ship that attacked her destroyer. Even as she recovers from her physical injuries, she can't get past her survivor's guilt. She might have failed to protect her crew, but she vows to take revenge on their killer.
When the ship uncovers a genocidal plot by the commander's own admirals, Johnson realizes just what is at stake. Together, the AI ship and the human officer must recruit outsiders from both sides. Training the misfits in battle to prevent the atrocity may be an impossible task, but running and hiding is no longer an option.
Commander Olivia Johnson wakes to find herself in the infirmary of a strange vessel. Her nightmares deepen when she discovers it is the ship that attacked her destroyer. Even as she recovers from her physical injuries, she can't get past her survivor's guilt. She might have failed to protect her crew, but she vows to take revenge on their killer.
When the ship uncovers a genocidal plot by the commander's own admirals, Johnson realizes just what is at stake. Together, the AI ship and the human officer must recruit outsiders from both sides. Training the misfits in battle to prevent the atrocity may be an impossible task, but running and hiding is no longer an option.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 3, 2016
I enjoyed Shaw's science fiction book, Liberty. The writing is fresh, engaging and full of detail. It reminds me a little of Anne McCaffrey's Brain ship series with it confluence of worlds and personalities. Rather than cyborgs though-- the mastermind at the helm of the main ship is an artificial intelligence, named 'Indie,' who becomes sentient when a battle goes horribly awry. Losing his crew and fleeing from the forces that are supposed to be on his side, Indie teams up with a former captive, Olivia, to stop an evil plot that's a tactic designed to ensure support for an ongoing intergalactic war.
Their friendship opens doors for them both. Indie wrestles with what it means ‘to be,’ while Olivia struggles with her own personal demons. The pair get into more than a few scrapes along the way as they literally try to save the world -- in this very interesting, futuristic universe. The technical and medical advancements alone are thought-provoking.
These characters are well developed, with intriguing dispositions and offer an interesting twist on what it means to be a true friend.
Shaw presents their story realistically without getting overly emotional or sidetracked by ethical debates. It's a rather fascinating idea that this ship can heal itself after battles with the synthesis of organic and elemental matter. Highly intelligent, excellent read. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I don’t read that much SyFy, but I was hooked on the first chapter as the damaged ship limped back to safety and couldn’t put it down.
I received a free copy of this book in return for a nonreciprocal, honest review.
Their friendship opens doors for them both. Indie wrestles with what it means ‘to be,’ while Olivia struggles with her own personal demons. The pair get into more than a few scrapes along the way as they literally try to save the world -- in this very interesting, futuristic universe. The technical and medical advancements alone are thought-provoking.
These characters are well developed, with intriguing dispositions and offer an interesting twist on what it means to be a true friend.
Shaw presents their story realistically without getting overly emotional or sidetracked by ethical debates. It's a rather fascinating idea that this ship can heal itself after battles with the synthesis of organic and elemental matter. Highly intelligent, excellent read. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I don’t read that much SyFy, but I was hooked on the first chapter as the damaged ship limped back to safety and couldn’t put it down.
I received a free copy of this book in return for a nonreciprocal, honest review.
July 23, 2016
This is great. Liberty is a well-written space adventure with the action starting right from the get go. It's also a bit of an unusual one – for me at least – with some of the main characters being computer programs. But author Shaw keeps the interest up with plenty of action and intrigue – plus a very tidy storytelling ability. One impressive aspect of this is to allow the reader to guess the motivations of some humans through a carefully constructed and believable digital naivety. Elementary, my dear Watson!
Mr. Shaw also obviously really knows his physics as he manages to sneak in a few extraneous astro facts which I enjoyed – possibly due to my own science background! However he doesn't overdo it and makes sure his computer programs 'talk' to the reader in a manner that makes it easy to understand what they're 'thinking'. A big tick from me.
To be honest, I did find it a little hard to get going in the beginning as it took a while for me to empathise with the fate of AI programs. But once the plot kicked in I was away laughing.
I would totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction in the Star Trek or Alien frontier exploration styles.
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
Mr. Shaw also obviously really knows his physics as he manages to sneak in a few extraneous astro facts which I enjoyed – possibly due to my own science background! However he doesn't overdo it and makes sure his computer programs 'talk' to the reader in a manner that makes it easy to understand what they're 'thinking'. A big tick from me.
To be honest, I did find it a little hard to get going in the beginning as it took a while for me to empathise with the fate of AI programs. But once the plot kicked in I was away laughing.
I would totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction in the Star Trek or Alien frontier exploration styles.
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
September 19, 2016
I came into Liberty without having read many science fiction novels, but ended up being pleasantly surprised. My original fear when starting this novel focused around what I thought would be a lack of characterization and ‘heart’. However, I was happy to discover the relationship between Olivia and Indie to be a far cry from the heartlessness I thought accompanied sci-fi novels. Both Commander Olivia and the sentient AI ship struggle with their own problems and challenges, and watching them combat those problems and grow along the way helped me form more of a connection to each of them.
Because Liberty was one of my first science fiction novels, I can’t compare it to any others that sci-fi readers might enjoy. But overall, a good read and a nice intro to the world of science fiction for me.
Because Liberty was one of my first science fiction novels, I can’t compare it to any others that sci-fi readers might enjoy. But overall, a good read and a nice intro to the world of science fiction for me.
October 4, 2016
*looks under book* More?
*looks over book* Indie come back.
*looks around book* Johnsoooooooooon.
Oh no. I have more favorites. Yep. This series made my auto buy list quite easily. Where Ancillary Justice Failed to deliver for me, this book succeeded. I love sentient star ships and this fits like a glove.
*looks over book* Indie come back.
*looks around book* Johnsoooooooooon.
Oh no. I have more favorites. Yep. This series made my auto buy list quite easily. Where Ancillary Justice Failed to deliver for me, this book succeeded. I love sentient star ships and this fits like a glove.
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July 12, 2022I'm not quite sure whether this should be categorized "Military SF." It doesn't entirely fit my image of the sub-genre, but I'm only somewhat familiar with the area.
The context is a war between two interstellar empires - Republic and Congress (both referred to as "democracies.") In one battle, ships from both sides are seriously impacted. The Republic ship has all of its small crew die, but impact to the ship's AI system removes restrictions otherwise kept on AI's, allowing the AI to become fully sentient and have free will. Meanwhile, the main Congress ship is so damaged the survivors of its crew are stranded on a barely habitable planet, and all members of the Congress boarding party to the Republic ship die except their officer who is put on life support in the Republic ship's medical facility. The Republic ship's AI feels loyal to the Republic and tries to report in at a couple of Republic worlds, but is attacked by Republic forces because of fears of a sentient AI. When the AI tries to drop off the Congress officer at a Congress world, they are attacked because the Congress forces don't trust the officer (or the crew on the barely-habitable world) or the fact it is a Republic ship trying to drop her off.
As a result, both the AI and the Congress become alienated from their military / society. As they are trying to understand their situations, they also decode a highly-encrypted message which had been sent to someone on the Congress ship. The message tells of a plan to change the Congress public's apathy towards the war by carrying out a major attack on a Congress civilian world and falsely blaming it on the Republic. So, the AI and officer decide to make plans to stop this scheme. However, as they try to contact people the officer knows or media on Congress worlds or other ways of bringing it to the attention of those who might be able to stop it, their efforts fail.
This leads them to decide to create their own independent military to try to stop the Congress attack. The story tells about getting more recruits, giving the recruits military training, finding an abandoned military starship to add to their forces, etc. Eventually, they conclude they won't be able to prevent the attack or have the forces to stop the attack fleet. So, they rather than making a futile attempt to stop it, they provide assistance to the survivors after the attack and consider how to move forward from there. And that's essentially where this volume in the series ends.
The context is a war between two interstellar empires - Republic and Congress (both referred to as "democracies.") In one battle, ships from both sides are seriously impacted. The Republic ship has all of its small crew die, but impact to the ship's AI system removes restrictions otherwise kept on AI's, allowing the AI to become fully sentient and have free will. Meanwhile, the main Congress ship is so damaged the survivors of its crew are stranded on a barely habitable planet, and all members of the Congress boarding party to the Republic ship die except their officer who is put on life support in the Republic ship's medical facility. The Republic ship's AI feels loyal to the Republic and tries to report in at a couple of Republic worlds, but is attacked by Republic forces because of fears of a sentient AI. When the AI tries to drop off the Congress officer at a Congress world, they are attacked because the Congress forces don't trust the officer (or the crew on the barely-habitable world) or the fact it is a Republic ship trying to drop her off.
As a result, both the AI and the Congress become alienated from their military / society. As they are trying to understand their situations, they also decode a highly-encrypted message which had been sent to someone on the Congress ship. The message tells of a plan to change the Congress public's apathy towards the war by carrying out a major attack on a Congress civilian world and falsely blaming it on the Republic. So, the AI and officer decide to make plans to stop this scheme. However, as they try to contact people the officer knows or media on Congress worlds or other ways of bringing it to the attention of those who might be able to stop it, their efforts fail.
This leads them to decide to create their own independent military to try to stop the Congress attack. The story tells about getting more recruits, giving the recruits military training, finding an abandoned military starship to add to their forces, etc. Eventually, they conclude they won't be able to prevent the attack or have the forces to stop the attack fleet. So, they rather than making a futile attempt to stop it, they provide assistance to the survivors after the attack and consider how to move forward from there. And that's essentially where this volume in the series ends.
October 14, 2016
This book is a military space opera, which gives a framework for the plot and action. But, in my opinion, the interest of the book resides mainly in the building of relations between humans and AI, and in the very advanced integrated interfaces, creating a virtual environment that plays an important role in various aspects of the story.
There are roughly 3 parts of about a hundred pages. The first is the encounter and relationship building between the two main protagonist, a human and an AI. There is some suspense regarding the evolution of the relation, as it is not clear in that first part what is their real intent, and their behaviours can have multiple interpretations (I was not convinced as early as Johnson regarding Indie's good intentions). The second part is much a context building where they achieve the creation and organization of a space militia required for a goal they have identified. The third is more dynamic, more page-turner, relating their action towards their goal, though it is becomes clear that not all is achieved or even explained in this first volume of the series (but there is no artificial cliff-hanger).
I found the book quite imaginative and very rich in credible details (both surroundings and events) that give life to a story, while maintaining some suspense and a good pace. I am moderately interested in military SF that constitutes part of this book. The creation of the militia may be the least original and interesting part of the book, and I felt it somewhat slower, but this may be subjective. The choice of Roman organization is interesting for an author whose name originates north of the Hadrian wall.
The book sustained my interest and curiosity, and never felt predictable. I am actually looking forward to reading the next instalment of the series (hoping there will be an epub version). The main characters did acquires depth as the story went, but that may have been a bit missing for the rest of the crew. There is no pseudo technical information that brings nothing to the story, which I always fear in military space-opera. However I have been wondering about the physical credibility of one or two details (mostly the use of planets as gravitational slingshots in space battles) though I have been so far too busy to do the precise mathematical checking. In a nutshell, the duration of battles implies reactiveness and high speeds that seem incompatible with the effective use of gravitational slingshot (for acceleration or for direction change). But this should be precisely checked, since I noted other authors suggesting the use of that technique.
As I said the speculation on the various uses that can be developed for advanced interface and communication technology is one of the better spices in this story. How far can that be pushed ? I am imagining this a an advanced tool for experimental scientists. I am also wondering about the physical effects of a virtual meal, or a virtual drink, or virtual sport (?) ... which is certainly an issue when virtuality becomes a significant part of reality. More to the point, it is likely that our interfaces, command and communication devices will evolve in that direction in a future that is not as distant as this story would have it. The same probably hold for sentient AI, for as much as there will be a clear distinction between natural and artificial beings. Hence, speculating on these topics contributes much to the interest of the book.
The book is well written, with a direct and clear style. I noted what seemed missing words on a few occasions, but English is not my native language. For the record, I received my copy for free from the author.
I hesitated between 4 and 5 stars, because of my few reservations, but given the high ratings given to books far below this one, I can only rate it at 5.
There are roughly 3 parts of about a hundred pages. The first is the encounter and relationship building between the two main protagonist, a human and an AI. There is some suspense regarding the evolution of the relation, as it is not clear in that first part what is their real intent, and their behaviours can have multiple interpretations (I was not convinced as early as Johnson regarding Indie's good intentions). The second part is much a context building where they achieve the creation and organization of a space militia required for a goal they have identified. The third is more dynamic, more page-turner, relating their action towards their goal, though it is becomes clear that not all is achieved or even explained in this first volume of the series (but there is no artificial cliff-hanger).
I found the book quite imaginative and very rich in credible details (both surroundings and events) that give life to a story, while maintaining some suspense and a good pace. I am moderately interested in military SF that constitutes part of this book. The creation of the militia may be the least original and interesting part of the book, and I felt it somewhat slower, but this may be subjective. The choice of Roman organization is interesting for an author whose name originates north of the Hadrian wall.
The book sustained my interest and curiosity, and never felt predictable. I am actually looking forward to reading the next instalment of the series (hoping there will be an epub version). The main characters did acquires depth as the story went, but that may have been a bit missing for the rest of the crew. There is no pseudo technical information that brings nothing to the story, which I always fear in military space-opera. However I have been wondering about the physical credibility of one or two details (mostly the use of planets as gravitational slingshots in space battles) though I have been so far too busy to do the precise mathematical checking. In a nutshell, the duration of battles implies reactiveness and high speeds that seem incompatible with the effective use of gravitational slingshot (for acceleration or for direction change). But this should be precisely checked, since I noted other authors suggesting the use of that technique.
As I said the speculation on the various uses that can be developed for advanced interface and communication technology is one of the better spices in this story. How far can that be pushed ? I am imagining this a an advanced tool for experimental scientists. I am also wondering about the physical effects of a virtual meal, or a virtual drink, or virtual sport (?) ... which is certainly an issue when virtuality becomes a significant part of reality. More to the point, it is likely that our interfaces, command and communication devices will evolve in that direction in a future that is not as distant as this story would have it. The same probably hold for sentient AI, for as much as there will be a clear distinction between natural and artificial beings. Hence, speculating on these topics contributes much to the interest of the book.
The book is well written, with a direct and clear style. I noted what seemed missing words on a few occasions, but English is not my native language. For the record, I received my copy for free from the author.
I hesitated between 4 and 5 stars, because of my few reservations, but given the high ratings given to books far below this one, I can only rate it at 5.
August 3, 2016
I haven't so thoroughly enjoyed a Science Fiction novel since Bruno Goncalves's Descent into Mayhem which I read in 2014. This is a blue ribbon winner all the way.
Alasdair Shaw creates an original setting from the universe down to the individual characters, and the minerals they walk on - or are made of. His characters are generally superb, but Indie (short for The Indescribable Joy of Destruction) and Johnson (Olivia) steal the show. Indie is the ship AI, or perhaps is the ship. Johnson starts out as an enemy commander, until the two of them begin carving out an alternative destiny. The development and growth of both lead characters, and the interaction between them, is brilliant. Shaw's novel develops a number of threads, but ethics is a major theme. The rights of artificial intelligences, and how humans respond to the assertion of those rights, is a fascinating debate underpinning the abundant action of the story. The gritty realism of Shaw's choices in the plotline only enhance the novel. The pace is excellent; it varies depending on what is happening, but is always perfectly measured, and the climax is fascinating. The only concern I have is whether Shaw will be able to match this tour de force in the sequels - but I'll find out, because I will certainly be reading them.
In summary: Space, action, combat (lots of it, both space and ground-based), AI, humans, a military setting and interstellar politics; fascinating technology and relationships (yes, even a little romance), great pace and plot, a new concept presented in a well-written and readable style - what more could you possibly want?
*I received a free copy for an honest and objective review. I'm so glad I did!*
Alasdair Shaw creates an original setting from the universe down to the individual characters, and the minerals they walk on - or are made of. His characters are generally superb, but Indie (short for The Indescribable Joy of Destruction) and Johnson (Olivia) steal the show. Indie is the ship AI, or perhaps is the ship. Johnson starts out as an enemy commander, until the two of them begin carving out an alternative destiny. The development and growth of both lead characters, and the interaction between them, is brilliant. Shaw's novel develops a number of threads, but ethics is a major theme. The rights of artificial intelligences, and how humans respond to the assertion of those rights, is a fascinating debate underpinning the abundant action of the story. The gritty realism of Shaw's choices in the plotline only enhance the novel. The pace is excellent; it varies depending on what is happening, but is always perfectly measured, and the climax is fascinating. The only concern I have is whether Shaw will be able to match this tour de force in the sequels - but I'll find out, because I will certainly be reading them.
In summary: Space, action, combat (lots of it, both space and ground-based), AI, humans, a military setting and interstellar politics; fascinating technology and relationships (yes, even a little romance), great pace and plot, a new concept presented in a well-written and readable style - what more could you possibly want?
*I received a free copy for an honest and objective review. I'm so glad I did!*
September 14, 2016
After a 4 star introduction short story M. Shaw serves up a superb full length novel. The story of a ship AI becoming sentient and forging a relationship with a human enemy soldier is very refreshing and entertaining. There is a strong sense of atmosphere emanating from the author's writing and a perfect balance between the exploration vs action sequences of the story. The short story was hinting at a deeper setting of war and it is cleverly (and slowly) revealing itself in the novel, but nothing too convoluted or complicated. The first half of the novel (the becoming sentient part) is better than the latter half, but only because it is something I haven't read often before. Overall, you really get the feeling that this is some serious, intelligent and gripping sci-fi. Highly recommended.
February 17, 2018
Liberty - a review by Rosemary Kenny
In a stunning if brief, sequel to Independence, Liberty leads the entranced reader further into the future mysteries as man and machine meld together mentally. Captain of the doomed airship Olivia Johnson wakes in the infirmary of the Indescribable Joy of Destruction (aka Indie) and remembers with shock and guilt that her crew is dead and she is alone with the AI that controls her new environment.
What will Olivia do to come to terms with her situation?
What will she do next? Will she be able to cope with the isolation from human contact?
Where does Indie end up after the nuclear mine blast?
What does he reveal to Olivia about her government and their plans for Humanity?
How do Olivia and Indie agree to co-operate to foil the impending disaster?
Another cunning plot is unveiled in a subtle but ultimately thrilling snippet of a novella by sci-fi genius Alasdair Shaw - a definite winner for fans of apocalyptic fantasy scenarios with a twist.
Get your copy now - you won't regret it!
In a stunning if brief, sequel to Independence, Liberty leads the entranced reader further into the future mysteries as man and machine meld together mentally. Captain of the doomed airship Olivia Johnson wakes in the infirmary of the Indescribable Joy of Destruction (aka Indie) and remembers with shock and guilt that her crew is dead and she is alone with the AI that controls her new environment.
What will Olivia do to come to terms with her situation?
What will she do next? Will she be able to cope with the isolation from human contact?
Where does Indie end up after the nuclear mine blast?
What does he reveal to Olivia about her government and their plans for Humanity?
How do Olivia and Indie agree to co-operate to foil the impending disaster?
Another cunning plot is unveiled in a subtle but ultimately thrilling snippet of a novella by sci-fi genius Alasdair Shaw - a definite winner for fans of apocalyptic fantasy scenarios with a twist.
Get your copy now - you won't regret it!
August 9, 2016
Goodreads Win Copy
Commander Olivia Johnson wakes up from battle to find herself in the infirmary in a strange vessel. The vehicle is the same one which attacked her as members of her crew are dead. Suffering from survival guilt, she seeks revenge on the killer.
She discovers that her own higher ups are not to be trusted as they have their own genocide plans. Olivia is wary about who she can trust as she seeks help in her battle along the way. Will she be able to win the battle between good and evil? An interesting story.
Commander Olivia Johnson wakes up from battle to find herself in the infirmary in a strange vessel. The vehicle is the same one which attacked her as members of her crew are dead. Suffering from survival guilt, she seeks revenge on the killer.
She discovers that her own higher ups are not to be trusted as they have their own genocide plans. Olivia is wary about who she can trust as she seeks help in her battle along the way. Will she be able to win the battle between good and evil? An interesting story.
October 7, 2016
Great story
This is what I like, scifi that borders on the believable, like the old Heinlen stories. The tech works and the politics are believable. I found the lead characters to be a little rushed but there is so much going on that it can be forgiven.
I received this book in exchange for a truthful review
This is what I like, scifi that borders on the believable, like the old Heinlen stories. The tech works and the politics are believable. I found the lead characters to be a little rushed but there is so much going on that it can be forgiven.
I received this book in exchange for a truthful review
November 4, 2016
Great Read
Olivia and Inde illustrate the long path for very different entities to become friends. I like the sub plot where the AI characters struggle in developing their sentience.
Olivia and Inde illustrate the long path for very different entities to become friends. I like the sub plot where the AI characters struggle in developing their sentience.
August 8, 2016
Great start to this series, I cannot wait for the next one.
July 3, 2018
This book has been on my To-Read list for a while and I'm glad I finally got the chance to get to it. While I think I would have enjoyed a few more details with regard to the two major powers laid out in this book and how things evolved, it wasn't difficult to jump right into the story and get entranced in development of the main characters and the evolving Legion they created. I loved that they created a whole new military organization but I would have also loved to see a bit more conflict along the way...e.g. the problems that would have likely arisen given that people from two different sides have been thrown together. All in all though, this was a great start to a series that I definitely intend to continue on with.
September 22, 2017
This is a pretty good science fiction tale, and has you dreaming with several Walter Mitty-type moments of what would you do with the future technologies and a sentient computer running an advanced spaceship. The author does a good job of quickly getting you into the action, and many times I felt as if I was a participant in the action. I purchased this book for 99 cents during a Kindle promotion, and received a lot more than that in entertainment value. If you like a good sci-fi book with believable technology scenarios, I would recommend this one.
May 10, 2018
Not bad
I enjoyed the first half of the book very much, but then it seemed to change course. All space marines and tactics, and then lots about ‘should we free the AI’s’ which has all been done before by other authors. The AI’s weren’t very convincing for me. Would a computer program suddenly get angry, or spit out virtual coffee when surprised by something? Overall, not bad though, and I’ll probably read the next in the series.
I enjoyed the first half of the book very much, but then it seemed to change course. All space marines and tactics, and then lots about ‘should we free the AI’s’ which has all been done before by other authors. The AI’s weren’t very convincing for me. Would a computer program suddenly get angry, or spit out virtual coffee when surprised by something? Overall, not bad though, and I’ll probably read the next in the series.
June 22, 2018
DNF: 53%
The action kept me reading for a while, but then the weak plot finally bored me to the point where I quit. Plus some implausible shifts in character motivation; wanting to sabotage the AI and then the next day wanting to be best friends?
An AI with emotional responses is too anthropormophic for me.
When the military leaders started picking logos and uniforms like some after school club I gave up.
The action kept me reading for a while, but then the weak plot finally bored me to the point where I quit. Plus some implausible shifts in character motivation; wanting to sabotage the AI and then the next day wanting to be best friends?
An AI with emotional responses is too anthropormophic for me.
When the military leaders started picking logos and uniforms like some after school club I gave up.
January 20, 2019
Excellent
No spoilers...
Immerse yourself further than you ever have before. Escape the now, and head into the future with an intelligent and not unrealistic view of the possible.
Heart-stopping action, with intervals of intensity. The flow is excellent as is story.
Minimal amount of typo’s, most will gloss over them in reading.
If you’ve not read any of Alastair Shaws work before this, you are in for a real treat.
Enjoy. I know I did. Off to get book two now.
No spoilers...
Immerse yourself further than you ever have before. Escape the now, and head into the future with an intelligent and not unrealistic view of the possible.
Heart-stopping action, with intervals of intensity. The flow is excellent as is story.
Minimal amount of typo’s, most will gloss over them in reading.
If you’ve not read any of Alastair Shaws work before this, you are in for a real treat.
Enjoy. I know I did. Off to get book two now.
January 28, 2021
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
I am more than this. I am not simply a weapon of destruction.
I love AIs. I can't help it. Something about a sentient AI just intrigues me no end.
So, it goes without saying, that I loved Indie.
The rest of the book was pretty darn good, too.
“I am The Indescribable Joy of Destruction. Pleased to meet you, Commander Olivia Johnson.”
I am more than this. I am not simply a weapon of destruction.
I love AIs. I can't help it. Something about a sentient AI just intrigues me no end.
So, it goes without saying, that I loved Indie.
The rest of the book was pretty darn good, too.
“I am The Indescribable Joy of Destruction. Pleased to meet you, Commander Olivia Johnson.”
July 29, 2017
4+
I liked that the story revolves around the relationship between a newly sentient A.I. and a woman who should be his enemy. It's the basis for an exciting plot that is way more than space battles, it's the creation of a force that could change the universe.
It only missed being a 5 because I was distracted by spelling errors too often, though I know that wouldn't bother most.
I liked that the story revolves around the relationship between a newly sentient A.I. and a woman who should be his enemy. It's the basis for an exciting plot that is way more than space battles, it's the creation of a force that could change the universe.
It only missed being a 5 because I was distracted by spelling errors too often, though I know that wouldn't bother most.
January 25, 2021
The premise of the continuous war struck a nerve with me. The last 4 years of US politics looked too much like the beginning of that war. The idea of benevolent AI seeking freedom is not new, but logically is possible. All in all, I liked the book, but it was a little choppy in the sense that it took a while to see how a new chapter fitted into the whole.
February 20, 2021
Outstanding story
I started with this book, sort of in the middle of the series, it seems, but that is irrelevant. To the understanding of the story. Characters are fully developed, entrancing, and endearing. The action is realistic and vector physics is scientifically reasonable. Seldom do i find books of this caliber in a true science fiction genre. Thanks Mr Shaw
I started with this book, sort of in the middle of the series, it seems, but that is irrelevant. To the understanding of the story. Characters are fully developed, entrancing, and endearing. The action is realistic and vector physics is scientifically reasonable. Seldom do i find books of this caliber in a true science fiction genre. Thanks Mr Shaw
May 13, 2017
Interesting
It took me awhile to get into it but once I did I enjoyed this story very much. The characters continue to develop. The people are flawed but still do the best they can to survive in a troubled universe without losing their humanity.
It took me awhile to get into it but once I did I enjoyed this story very much. The characters continue to develop. The people are flawed but still do the best they can to survive in a troubled universe without losing their humanity.
May 22, 2018
A good start
I have enjoyed reading this book, it is a good start. Yes a editor would have been helpful, but there is a lot of good authors outthere that could say the same. Looking forward to see how the story continues.
I have enjoyed reading this book, it is a good start. Yes a editor would have been helpful, but there is a lot of good authors outthere that could say the same. Looking forward to see how the story continues.
May 22, 2018
Great read
This is a strongly character driven story, something I’ve been craving for a long time. The plot is good, but what really drew me in were the characters- especially the AI’s.
This is a strongly character driven story, something I’ve been craving for a long time. The plot is good, but what really drew me in were the characters- especially the AI’s.
August 10, 2018
A long read.
An interesting story that developes AI characters and gives them personality. It combines military drama with the recognition of AI as a sentient and developing life form.
An interesting story that developes AI characters and gives them personality. It combines military drama with the recognition of AI as a sentient and developing life form.
December 13, 2018
AI independence
Enjoyed this book and its incredible lack of misogyny! So refreshing and with all the action there was still time to touch on mental instability and the treatment without stigma.
Enjoyed this book and its incredible lack of misogyny! So refreshing and with all the action there was still time to touch on mental instability and the treatment without stigma.
February 23, 2019
Good premise, okay story, badly in need of an editor. Example: "All ships used prestigious amounts of fuel." Uh, think you mean prodigious, there. If you're going to write purple prose, at least use the right words in the right context.
January 7, 2020
I very much enjoyed this work of space opera. I was reminded of Ian Banks Culture novels with the sentient ships. Good pace, not too much violence or blood and gore, characters that are well drawn. I hope the second in the series is as good.
May 6, 2020
A little disjointed but promising
Sounded like a rip off of Iain Banks initially but soon found its own rhythm. It gets disjointed in parts and could do with being edited better. It has enough promise to ensure that I will read the next instalment.
Sounded like a rip off of Iain Banks initially but soon found its own rhythm. It gets disjointed in parts and could do with being edited better. It has enough promise to ensure that I will read the next instalment.
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