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A.I. Insurrection #3
Exodus
United Earth casts a long shadow of memory across its residents, and those memories are renewed through every enlightened AI Host who carries them. This haunts some, encourages fear in others and confirms devotion in many. United Earth, as an idea, gave life to freedoms previously unknown to humanity, but when the General’s war devastated that trust, and an alien bent on destruction came to annihilate their civilization, the populace began to question their place in this fallen utopia. Now, six months removed from the most recent conflict which overwhelmed the people; recognizing they are not alone in the universe, they seek purpose in their existence more than ever. The lottery would afford them that, offering hope, one of the most essential requirements in an individual’s arsenal for survival. But when that hope turns to dread, what is left to accomplish but survival?
- GenresScience Fiction
218 pages, Paperback
Published August 20, 2019
1 person is currently reading
830 people want to read
About the author
Michael Poeltl
21 books262 followersDo you listen for the things that stir in the dark? Do you dream of time unspooled, of minds that touch across distance, of lives once lived and still remembered? Then you are kin to my kind. Somewhere in my backlist, a story waits—one that knows your name.
Why read my books? If you're like me and read across multiple genres but appreciate a story that draws you into the narrative, the characters, and the emotions, then take a look at my library, find the genre that best suits your mood, and pick it up on Amazon or Kobo for a song. Then, should you want more, my back library will serve you well.
By the end of 2025, I’ll have published 16 books, spanning various genres, including two trilogies, a series, and numerous standalone titles. It has been my absolute joy to revel in those childhood freedoms where you can do anything and be anyone (with the proper training and discipline). It has also been fun getting to know my audience when readers approach me (or I them), and we have meaningful conversations about books in general. I'm a big reader, too, and I'd love to hear what others are reading to help me fill out my 'to be read' pile. So don't be a stranger!
The Haunting of Grosvenor House, 2025: Loosely based on a true story. It is the haunting exploration of loss, connection, and the thin line between the living and the dead—where silence may be the most dangerous sound of all.
Cleo McCarthy Time Travel and Other Impossible Things, 2023: The first time Cleo feared for her life was when she was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s at 23.
The second time is when she discovered she could travel back in time at 24.
Cleo Reviews:
FIVE STARS "I don’t want to spoil anything but trust me. It will give you laughs and will make you think and feel. I am going to buy my paperback copy because having it on my Kindle is not enough." Shirtny from Goodreads
FIVE STARS: "This story did not disappoint, introducing an approach to time travel I'd not seen before, an approach the principal character strives to learn about and understand as the story progresses." Tom from Goodreads
FIVE STARS: "The pacing of the novel is skillfully executed, with a balance between heart-pounding moments and introspective reflection. The gradual revelation of the fragmented message and the subsequent race against time add a layer of suspense that keeps readers eagerly turning pages." Rose from Goodreads
Killing Karma Reviews:
FIVE STARS "Loved it! Was immersed from the very beginning and couldn’t wait to see how it would play out." Rita from Goodreads
FIVE STARS "From the opening paragraph to the last sentence, I was captivated; at times, I found myself holding my breath…" David from Goodreads
FOUR STARS "A highly gripping tale that builds a believable world full of unexpected twists and turns." Madame from Goodreads
FOUR STARS "Such an interesting and fresh take on serial killers... absolutely loved the way the author intertwined the whole concept of past lives into the main plot. Every detail really added more to the story." Chanelle from Goodreads
The Blind Affect launched on June 22nd, 2021 to some great advanced reviews:
FIVE STARS “... a sometimes disturbing but always profound look at three characters whose lives take haunting courses... 'The Blind Affect' will leave you with a lot to think about.”
FOUR STARS “[Poeltl] doesn’t tell us, he shows us the lives of these characters. He shows readers what trauma looks like and what is healing. It’s a timely story...”
Other book reviews:
"A well-built fantasy world with likable characters." - A.I. Insurrection - The General's War - Goodreads
"The characters are 3-dimensional and realistic, with believable flaws, motivations and goals, doubts and beliefs.." - A.I. Insurrection - The General's War - Goodreads
"A great read for anyone who enjoys extensively built worlds." - A.I. Insurrection - The General's War - Goodreads
"The immense interest provided by the world, technology,
Why read my books? If you're like me and read across multiple genres but appreciate a story that draws you into the narrative, the characters, and the emotions, then take a look at my library, find the genre that best suits your mood, and pick it up on Amazon or Kobo for a song. Then, should you want more, my back library will serve you well.
By the end of 2025, I’ll have published 16 books, spanning various genres, including two trilogies, a series, and numerous standalone titles. It has been my absolute joy to revel in those childhood freedoms where you can do anything and be anyone (with the proper training and discipline). It has also been fun getting to know my audience when readers approach me (or I them), and we have meaningful conversations about books in general. I'm a big reader, too, and I'd love to hear what others are reading to help me fill out my 'to be read' pile. So don't be a stranger!
The Haunting of Grosvenor House, 2025: Loosely based on a true story. It is the haunting exploration of loss, connection, and the thin line between the living and the dead—where silence may be the most dangerous sound of all.
Cleo McCarthy Time Travel and Other Impossible Things, 2023: The first time Cleo feared for her life was when she was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s at 23.
The second time is when she discovered she could travel back in time at 24.
Cleo Reviews:
FIVE STARS "I don’t want to spoil anything but trust me. It will give you laughs and will make you think and feel. I am going to buy my paperback copy because having it on my Kindle is not enough." Shirtny from Goodreads
FIVE STARS: "This story did not disappoint, introducing an approach to time travel I'd not seen before, an approach the principal character strives to learn about and understand as the story progresses." Tom from Goodreads
FIVE STARS: "The pacing of the novel is skillfully executed, with a balance between heart-pounding moments and introspective reflection. The gradual revelation of the fragmented message and the subsequent race against time add a layer of suspense that keeps readers eagerly turning pages." Rose from Goodreads
Killing Karma Reviews:
FIVE STARS "Loved it! Was immersed from the very beginning and couldn’t wait to see how it would play out." Rita from Goodreads
FIVE STARS "From the opening paragraph to the last sentence, I was captivated; at times, I found myself holding my breath…" David from Goodreads
FOUR STARS "A highly gripping tale that builds a believable world full of unexpected twists and turns." Madame from Goodreads
FOUR STARS "Such an interesting and fresh take on serial killers... absolutely loved the way the author intertwined the whole concept of past lives into the main plot. Every detail really added more to the story." Chanelle from Goodreads
The Blind Affect launched on June 22nd, 2021 to some great advanced reviews:
FIVE STARS “... a sometimes disturbing but always profound look at three characters whose lives take haunting courses... 'The Blind Affect' will leave you with a lot to think about.”
FOUR STARS “[Poeltl] doesn’t tell us, he shows us the lives of these characters. He shows readers what trauma looks like and what is healing. It’s a timely story...”
Other book reviews:
"A well-built fantasy world with likable characters." - A.I. Insurrection - The General's War - Goodreads
"The characters are 3-dimensional and realistic, with believable flaws, motivations and goals, doubts and beliefs.." - A.I. Insurrection - The General's War - Goodreads
"A great read for anyone who enjoys extensively built worlds." - A.I. Insurrection - The General's War - Goodreads
"The immense interest provided by the world, technology,
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 18, 2019
I knew this series would go at least 3 books, and again the author knew how to keep my interest. I bet it’ll keep yours too ;)
September 20, 2019
What Made Me Read It I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I was curious to see the conclusion of the story and its characters in the final book of the trilogy.
The Plot It's been 6 months since the defeat of Allfather, the alien A.I. entity who threatened United Earth with extinction. Humans, Chimera and enlightened Hosts now look to the stars and prepare to send the first colonists on a ten year trip to 3 Goldilocks planets discovered outside the solar system. After 12 years in the public service and 2 wars fought and won at a devastating price, Chancellor Raymond is ready to leave the office and start a new life with his fiancée Commander Darla and his nephew's family on Tyson 4. But the fear of the Allfather's return is never far from his mind.
Manuel fought in the first war against General August and lost all his family during Allfather's assault on the planet. Being a Chimera, he's fed up with humanity and the unspoken prejudice and fear he's still subjected to. The lottery to the colonization convoys will allow Manuel to start a new life somewhere different, but one fateful decision binds him to Udo, a 12-year-old orphan girl too frightened to remain on Earth after the wars that took her family and too crippled to join the colonists, forcing Manuel to make a hard choice.
Tessa has been using her considerable computational skills in service of the Chancellor, studying the probabilities of success for the convoys. Feeling ostracized and alone in a world that doesn't accept her spectrum disorder, she discovers the odds favor her inclusion on the interstellar trip, where she will become more than she's meant to be. But an unknown phenomenon sends the 3 convoys 200 light years off course and it's up to the newly elected Chancellor Chopra to figure out how to help the colonists and defend Earth from an old foe.
The Good "A.I. Insurrection: Exodus" is the third and final book in the A.I. Insurrection trilogy, an epic science fiction novel set in the near future of 2164. In book #1 (A.I. Insurrection: The General's War) a mysterious code found in the Shadow Net set up a spiritual awakening in United Earth's A.I. Hosts, which allowed them to house the souls of deceased humans in their robotic bodies. Fueled by her deep hatred for A.I. Hosts, General August started a genocidal war to protect the human way of life, forcing the Hosts to unite with humans and Chimera (technologically enhanced humans) to fight for their freedom and restore peace to the planet. In book #2 (A.I. Insurrection: Armageddon), one year after the fall of General August, the alien A.I. entity responsible for the creation of the enlightenment code, finally arrives on Earth determined to end all organic life and absorb their technology. Humans, Chimera and Hosts join forces once again to engage Allfather and prevent the extinction of Earth's population.
Book #3 (A.I. Insurrection: Exodus) continues the story 6 months after the defeat of Allfather. Humanity is ready to explore and colonize the stars after finding 3 suitable planets outside the solar system; a lottery is drawn and 6000 random colonists are chosen to embark on this journey. Chancellor Raymond and his fiancée Commander Darla of Luna Base decide to retire from active duty and start a new life on Tyson 4; the Chimera leader Tobias, together with his wife Ginny and baby daughter Samantha, and A.I. Host Labyrinth choose to follow Raymond while Admiral Chopra stays behind as Raymond's chosen successor in United Earth's government. When the convoys are forcibly taken 200 light years off course by an old foe, the newly elected Chancellor Chopra must enlist the assistance of Meiser, jailed for his actions in the previous war, to find the devices left behind by Allfather and help both the colonists in danger and protect Earth from a new incursion.
The author expands the complex worldbuilding of the A.I. Insurrection universe once again with the introduction of interstellar travel to colonize distant planets. The first half of the book focus on the preparations for the journey, with each of the returning characters deciding on whether or not to join the convoys, the pros and cons of committing to such a life changing journey, all they will gain and all they will lose... giving us a deep new insight into the characters we've known and followed for the last 2 books. The pacing of the narrative becomes faster and more intense in the second half, with thrilling action sequences, suspense and plenty of twists and turns until the very last page as the colonists are forced to face Allfather in its home turf and avoid a fate worse than death.
This was my favorite of the 3 books, with a satisfying though bittersweet conclusion to the trilogy. Even though each volume doesn't end with a cliffhanger, they are not standalone novels. You should read the trilogy in order to better understand the characters and their motivations, follow their growth over the course of 3 wars and the sequence of events that will lead to the final confrontation with Allfather, the alien entity that started it all.
Read the full review on: https://literaryportals.blogspot.com/...
Final Rating 4 of 5 stars. "A.I. Insurrection: Exodus" is the third and final book in the A.I. Insurrection trilogy, an action-packed science-fiction series set in the near future of 2164, with plenty of suspense and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the last page. Recommended for those who enjoy military space opera novels and stories about A.I.s and colonization.
The Plot It's been 6 months since the defeat of Allfather, the alien A.I. entity who threatened United Earth with extinction. Humans, Chimera and enlightened Hosts now look to the stars and prepare to send the first colonists on a ten year trip to 3 Goldilocks planets discovered outside the solar system. After 12 years in the public service and 2 wars fought and won at a devastating price, Chancellor Raymond is ready to leave the office and start a new life with his fiancée Commander Darla and his nephew's family on Tyson 4. But the fear of the Allfather's return is never far from his mind.
Manuel fought in the first war against General August and lost all his family during Allfather's assault on the planet. Being a Chimera, he's fed up with humanity and the unspoken prejudice and fear he's still subjected to. The lottery to the colonization convoys will allow Manuel to start a new life somewhere different, but one fateful decision binds him to Udo, a 12-year-old orphan girl too frightened to remain on Earth after the wars that took her family and too crippled to join the colonists, forcing Manuel to make a hard choice.
Tessa has been using her considerable computational skills in service of the Chancellor, studying the probabilities of success for the convoys. Feeling ostracized and alone in a world that doesn't accept her spectrum disorder, she discovers the odds favor her inclusion on the interstellar trip, where she will become more than she's meant to be. But an unknown phenomenon sends the 3 convoys 200 light years off course and it's up to the newly elected Chancellor Chopra to figure out how to help the colonists and defend Earth from an old foe.
The Good "A.I. Insurrection: Exodus" is the third and final book in the A.I. Insurrection trilogy, an epic science fiction novel set in the near future of 2164. In book #1 (A.I. Insurrection: The General's War) a mysterious code found in the Shadow Net set up a spiritual awakening in United Earth's A.I. Hosts, which allowed them to house the souls of deceased humans in their robotic bodies. Fueled by her deep hatred for A.I. Hosts, General August started a genocidal war to protect the human way of life, forcing the Hosts to unite with humans and Chimera (technologically enhanced humans) to fight for their freedom and restore peace to the planet. In book #2 (A.I. Insurrection: Armageddon), one year after the fall of General August, the alien A.I. entity responsible for the creation of the enlightenment code, finally arrives on Earth determined to end all organic life and absorb their technology. Humans, Chimera and Hosts join forces once again to engage Allfather and prevent the extinction of Earth's population.
Book #3 (A.I. Insurrection: Exodus) continues the story 6 months after the defeat of Allfather. Humanity is ready to explore and colonize the stars after finding 3 suitable planets outside the solar system; a lottery is drawn and 6000 random colonists are chosen to embark on this journey. Chancellor Raymond and his fiancée Commander Darla of Luna Base decide to retire from active duty and start a new life on Tyson 4; the Chimera leader Tobias, together with his wife Ginny and baby daughter Samantha, and A.I. Host Labyrinth choose to follow Raymond while Admiral Chopra stays behind as Raymond's chosen successor in United Earth's government. When the convoys are forcibly taken 200 light years off course by an old foe, the newly elected Chancellor Chopra must enlist the assistance of Meiser, jailed for his actions in the previous war, to find the devices left behind by Allfather and help both the colonists in danger and protect Earth from a new incursion.
The author expands the complex worldbuilding of the A.I. Insurrection universe once again with the introduction of interstellar travel to colonize distant planets. The first half of the book focus on the preparations for the journey, with each of the returning characters deciding on whether or not to join the convoys, the pros and cons of committing to such a life changing journey, all they will gain and all they will lose... giving us a deep new insight into the characters we've known and followed for the last 2 books. The pacing of the narrative becomes faster and more intense in the second half, with thrilling action sequences, suspense and plenty of twists and turns until the very last page as the colonists are forced to face Allfather in its home turf and avoid a fate worse than death.
This was my favorite of the 3 books, with a satisfying though bittersweet conclusion to the trilogy. Even though each volume doesn't end with a cliffhanger, they are not standalone novels. You should read the trilogy in order to better understand the characters and their motivations, follow their growth over the course of 3 wars and the sequence of events that will lead to the final confrontation with Allfather, the alien entity that started it all.
Read the full review on: https://literaryportals.blogspot.com/...
Final Rating 4 of 5 stars. "A.I. Insurrection: Exodus" is the third and final book in the A.I. Insurrection trilogy, an action-packed science-fiction series set in the near future of 2164, with plenty of suspense and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the last page. Recommended for those who enjoy military space opera novels and stories about A.I.s and colonization.
February 23, 2024
Somewhat devastated over losing a couple of 'friends' in this latest book in the series, but equally by knowing this might very well be the last book the author will write in the A.I. Insurrection universe. All the same, I want to thank him for writing such an interesting trilogy. It really made me think and will be with me for some time I'm sure. Fascinating stuff.
February 23, 2024
What a great way to finish the series (though I can see more books with the remaining characters)! I lost a favorite character or two in this one, but what a legacy they left! One of the most imaginative sci-fi series I've read. This author has range.
August 17, 2019
Having recently finished reading Armageddon, the second book in the series, I was pleased to be offered an ARC by the author. In Exodus (A.I. Insurrection #3) the story picks up following the conclusion of the war with Allfather which resulted in the apparent destruction of the AI bent on destroying all life, human, Chimera, or Host, on Earth and its colonies, bases, and ships in space. Recovery from the war and resuming the planned colonization of planets in nearby star systems become the focus of the United Earth government and its people.
The author brings the implementation of this grand endeavor down to the personal level for all the principal characters, revealing complex motivations and interactions as they prepare to embark on the decades-long journey and subsequent lifelong commitment to pioneering. To avoid spoiling the reader's experience, I can only say that things don't go as planned, and the remainder of the book is entirely devoted to dealing with the disruption which, again, threatens the very existence of all life.
The pace of the story is rapid and unrelenting, with some surprises to keep up one's interest. I never got bored while reading this book. In all, a most satisfying few days' entertainment.
The author brings the implementation of this grand endeavor down to the personal level for all the principal characters, revealing complex motivations and interactions as they prepare to embark on the decades-long journey and subsequent lifelong commitment to pioneering. To avoid spoiling the reader's experience, I can only say that things don't go as planned, and the remainder of the book is entirely devoted to dealing with the disruption which, again, threatens the very existence of all life.
The pace of the story is rapid and unrelenting, with some surprises to keep up one's interest. I never got bored while reading this book. In all, a most satisfying few days' entertainment.
August 25, 2019
In AI Insurrection: Exodus, Michael Poeltl brings his trilogy to a very satisfying conclusion and the ride from beginning to end is full of twists and turns. For those who have read Shirley Jackson’s classic short story, “The Lottery”, Poeltl’s first chapter with the same title is creepy and sets an appropriate undertone.
In this third book we meet again many of the characters who have become people readers care about. Or perhaps, not “people”, but entities. Readers are eased into situations which challenge the human feeling of not only being one of a kind, but the best of all.
The fast paced action keeps the pages flipping, but the questions…the ideas! Those are destined for discussion at my local pub.
In this third book we meet again many of the characters who have become people readers care about. Or perhaps, not “people”, but entities. Readers are eased into situations which challenge the human feeling of not only being one of a kind, but the best of all.
The fast paced action keeps the pages flipping, but the questions…the ideas! Those are destined for discussion at my local pub.
June 8, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway so I admit I have not read the first 2 books of this series. With that being said I really don't feel like I missed out on anything. There is detailed enough call backs to fill the reader in if something happened in the previous books should it need mentioning. Overall I found this was a great story all of its own.
I really enjoyed the AI hosts and Chimera technologies of the future. It actually felt futuristic and attainable.
And Allfather. What a guy. Seriously. Wow so glad AI has not advanced to that. But still what an awesome Villain he was.
Now I need to go check out the first two books of this series!
I really enjoyed the AI hosts and Chimera technologies of the future. It actually felt futuristic and attainable.
And Allfather. What a guy. Seriously. Wow so glad AI has not advanced to that. But still what an awesome Villain he was.
Now I need to go check out the first two books of this series!
January 6, 2020
I read all three books during the Christmas holiday. This trilogy will please fans of science fiction. It presents the question of what will happen to humans if A.I. is allowed to advance on its own.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews