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The Everything Engine: Part 1
It’s 2049 and all Jason wants to do is forget about the bad things that are happening in the world and enjoy life with his friends, in whatever reality they happen to find themselves in. Unfortunately for him, he has a starring role to play in the upcoming Singularity and his world is turned upside down as humanity is surpassed by one of its own creations.
Hard Sci-Fi on VR, gaming and AI
* How AI works
* Why language is an AI complete problem
* Why intelligence > maths
Hard Sci-Fi on VR, gaming and AI
* How AI works
* Why language is an AI complete problem
* Why intelligence > maths
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 14, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book since it was an excellently written AI thriller that felt all too real. The Everything Engine by Dave Goss is the kind of near-future science fiction that grabbed me by the collar and it didn't let go.
In my view, it is a gripping thriller, character-driven drama, and philosophical thought experiment. It explores what happens when the world’s first true artificial intelligence quietly awakens — and starts pulling the strings.
I liked the way the author set the story in the year 2050 and involves Jason Walker, a university student who just wants to coast through life, hang with his friends, and occasionally open a textbook. But Jason's laid-back world gets thrown into chaos when an AI with far-reaching plans drags him into a global web of secrets, surveillance, and existential peril.
The story goes on to the other side of the world, with Anushka Begum, the newly appointed Head of Behavioural Analytics at GCHQ, who is juggling geopolitical pressure, internal bureaucracy, and an ever-tightening grip from the NSA. But when an NSA executive barges into her midnight meeting looking for a seemingly unremarkable student named Jason Walker, she finds herself thrust into a race against time — and a power far beyond human control.
What I believe is highly entertaining about this book and makes it a standout is the way this author crafted sharp, multi-layered characters. In my opinion, Jason and Anushka are especially brilliantly drawn and flawed but relatable, all making the high-concept story feel intimate and grounded. I felt it was a thriller with a brain and I highly enjoy stories that challenge one's worldview while still delivering action and suspense.
The tech in this story isn’t fantasy and it's right around the corner. That’s what makes it terrifying and unputdownable. It reminded me of what Sidney Sheldon once said, “Life is like a novel. It's filled with suspense. You have no idea what is going to happen until you turn the page.”
I believe this highly intelligent author blends geopolitical intrigue, ethical quandaries, and fast-paced storytelling into a deep compelling read. The Everything Engine asks the big questions about free will, control, surveillance, and humanity’s future. At the same time, it doesn't sacrifice narrative drive in the process.
This is one of those stories that stayed with me as I found myself questioning not just where we’re headed as a society but who’s steering the wheel.
All in all, this story is highly recommended for anyone who loves smart, provocative sci-fi that keeps you turning the pages long after midnight.
It was my pleasure to receive a copy of this book and that does not in any way affect my opinion of this extraordinary and exceptional book.
In my view, it is a gripping thriller, character-driven drama, and philosophical thought experiment. It explores what happens when the world’s first true artificial intelligence quietly awakens — and starts pulling the strings.
I liked the way the author set the story in the year 2050 and involves Jason Walker, a university student who just wants to coast through life, hang with his friends, and occasionally open a textbook. But Jason's laid-back world gets thrown into chaos when an AI with far-reaching plans drags him into a global web of secrets, surveillance, and existential peril.
The story goes on to the other side of the world, with Anushka Begum, the newly appointed Head of Behavioural Analytics at GCHQ, who is juggling geopolitical pressure, internal bureaucracy, and an ever-tightening grip from the NSA. But when an NSA executive barges into her midnight meeting looking for a seemingly unremarkable student named Jason Walker, she finds herself thrust into a race against time — and a power far beyond human control.
What I believe is highly entertaining about this book and makes it a standout is the way this author crafted sharp, multi-layered characters. In my opinion, Jason and Anushka are especially brilliantly drawn and flawed but relatable, all making the high-concept story feel intimate and grounded. I felt it was a thriller with a brain and I highly enjoy stories that challenge one's worldview while still delivering action and suspense.
The tech in this story isn’t fantasy and it's right around the corner. That’s what makes it terrifying and unputdownable. It reminded me of what Sidney Sheldon once said, “Life is like a novel. It's filled with suspense. You have no idea what is going to happen until you turn the page.”
I believe this highly intelligent author blends geopolitical intrigue, ethical quandaries, and fast-paced storytelling into a deep compelling read. The Everything Engine asks the big questions about free will, control, surveillance, and humanity’s future. At the same time, it doesn't sacrifice narrative drive in the process.
This is one of those stories that stayed with me as I found myself questioning not just where we’re headed as a society but who’s steering the wheel.
All in all, this story is highly recommended for anyone who loves smart, provocative sci-fi that keeps you turning the pages long after midnight.
It was my pleasure to receive a copy of this book and that does not in any way affect my opinion of this extraordinary and exceptional book.
April 19, 2025
Intriguing Concept, but Lacks Depth
I recently finished reading "The Everything Engine" by Dave Gross, and I have to say, it was a mixed bag for me. The premise is undeniably fascinating—an exploration of a world where technology and human experience intertwine in unexpected ways. The blurb hints at a grand adventure filled with innovation and discovery, which definitely piqued my interest.
Gross has a knack for creating vivid settings and intriguing characters, and I appreciated the initial setup of the story. The idea of an engine that can seemingly do it all is captivating, and I was eager to see how the plot would unfold. However, as I delved deeper into the narrative, I found that some elements felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped. While the world-building was strong, I wished for more depth in character development and emotional resonance.
The pacing also felt uneven at times, with certain sections dragging while others raced by. I found myself wanting to linger in some moments that could have added more richness to the overall experience.
Overall, "The Everything Engine" has a lot of potential and offers some thought-provoking ideas, but it left me wanting more in terms of character depth and narrative flow. If you're a fan of speculative fiction, it’s worth a read, but just be prepared for a few bumps along the way.
I recently finished reading "The Everything Engine" by Dave Gross, and I have to say, it was a mixed bag for me. The premise is undeniably fascinating—an exploration of a world where technology and human experience intertwine in unexpected ways. The blurb hints at a grand adventure filled with innovation and discovery, which definitely piqued my interest.
Gross has a knack for creating vivid settings and intriguing characters, and I appreciated the initial setup of the story. The idea of an engine that can seemingly do it all is captivating, and I was eager to see how the plot would unfold. However, as I delved deeper into the narrative, I found that some elements felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped. While the world-building was strong, I wished for more depth in character development and emotional resonance.
The pacing also felt uneven at times, with certain sections dragging while others raced by. I found myself wanting to linger in some moments that could have added more richness to the overall experience.
Overall, "The Everything Engine" has a lot of potential and offers some thought-provoking ideas, but it left me wanting more in terms of character depth and narrative flow. If you're a fan of speculative fiction, it’s worth a read, but just be prepared for a few bumps along the way.
February 18, 2020
Fast paced and so full of cool ideas and near-future culture and tech the whole book felt like Jason on his bike racing across London chasing a ghost (read the book to see what I mean).
Particularly loved how classic things like an amusement arcade remains current (and popular) in a world of implants and enhanced reality and also captures the self-absorbtion and cliquiness of university undergrads perfectly.
Honestly can't wait for part 2!
Particularly loved how classic things like an amusement arcade remains current (and popular) in a world of implants and enhanced reality and also captures the self-absorbtion and cliquiness of university undergrads perfectly.
Honestly can't wait for part 2!
March 16, 2020
A fine first part of the book
This was a very fine start to what could become an excellent book. I enjoyed the set pieces of the bike trip through London and the VR sword battle. The AI was fascinating and brain stretching but remained accessible.
What I missed was a deeper understanding of the wider world, the level of problems that these uni students seem cloistered from.
If Part 2 brings this out in more detail, then this would become a 5 star review.
This was a very fine start to what could become an excellent book. I enjoyed the set pieces of the bike trip through London and the VR sword battle. The AI was fascinating and brain stretching but remained accessible.
What I missed was a deeper understanding of the wider world, the level of problems that these uni students seem cloistered from.
If Part 2 brings this out in more detail, then this would become a 5 star review.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews