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Judge, Jury, & Executioner #9
Rise of the AI
The Singularity enters the Federation. Its citizens are AIs.
And no one knows how to treat them. From collaborations to master-slave, every relationship is different, when they shouldn’t be. The AIs fight back, but on a level none of the other members understand.
The fight starts slowly, but when the realization of what’s happening hits too close to home, more extraordinary measures are called for. What is the legal framework in which everyone can coexist peacefully? Who better to build it than Rivka and the Magistrates?
But only if they can survive.
Magistrate Rivka Anoa is the legal eagle you want on your side. No better friend. No worse enemy.
And no one knows how to treat them. From collaborations to master-slave, every relationship is different, when they shouldn’t be. The AIs fight back, but on a level none of the other members understand.
The fight starts slowly, but when the realization of what’s happening hits too close to home, more extraordinary measures are called for. What is the legal framework in which everyone can coexist peacefully? Who better to build it than Rivka and the Magistrates?
But only if they can survive.
Magistrate Rivka Anoa is the legal eagle you want on your side. No better friend. No worse enemy.
- GenresScience Fiction
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2020
194 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
327 books7,879 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 30, 2020
Really, really, good.
Rivka runs around CONSTANTLY in this book, putting out fires and working to prevent a massive war. The new AI existence is suffering birth pains, and some planets/governments haven't received the memo that AIs are people too.
Really fun book, filled with action, and a good amount of legal wrangling.
Rivka runs around CONSTANTLY in this book, putting out fires and working to prevent a massive war. The new AI existence is suffering birth pains, and some planets/governments haven't received the memo that AIs are people too.
Really fun book, filled with action, and a good amount of legal wrangling.
April 30, 2020
She's back
Another great addition.. great insightful exploration into the concept of integrating of artificial intelligence... oh and a hole lot of of action to keep you going
Another great addition.. great insightful exploration into the concept of integrating of artificial intelligence... oh and a hole lot of of action to keep you going
May 24, 2020
Legal Eagle Rivka at her best!
Definitely no disappointment in this book, Craig Martelle delivers just like all others in this series. Loved how we learn more about the AI’s and how they become a species as such in the Federation. This book seemed even more fast paced than usual with Rivka heading from one planet to the next as soon as each case was concluded. Brilliant storyline, great how some characters reappeared, such as Bad Company and how Ankh become an integral part of the story.
A definite must read and if you haven’t checked out any other of Craig Martelke’s series in the Kurtherian Universe, I suggest you do so, you won’t be disappointed.
Definitely no disappointment in this book, Craig Martelle delivers just like all others in this series. Loved how we learn more about the AI’s and how they become a species as such in the Federation. This book seemed even more fast paced than usual with Rivka heading from one planet to the next as soon as each case was concluded. Brilliant storyline, great how some characters reappeared, such as Bad Company and how Ankh become an integral part of the story.
A definite must read and if you haven’t checked out any other of Craig Martelke’s series in the Kurtherian Universe, I suggest you do so, you won’t be disappointed.
June 21, 2022
As usual with this series, I loved this book - because it's all about Rivka, and her ever growing crew!
What's not to like about this book?
Well, this book, especially, caught my attention, as it really involved the AI's throughout, and I've loved AI's, and Robots, ever since I was a child, and started reading SciFi, with books such as 'I, Robot', to name my very first SciFi book!
There was something so fascinating to me, that I spent the next few years veering between SciFi and Fantasy - and there was a great selection of amazing authors to choose from there, in the 60's, and 70's.
But, now, with this wonderful internet making ever more authors available at our fingertips, I feel I'm quite blessed, especially with Craig's books!
I really loved the different cases/missions in this particular book and, although poor Rivka, and her crew, had to get through them as quickly as possible, there was still enough finer detailing, to keep me riveted to my book!
The rights of an AI has been an enduring subject in SciFi, bit it's one I'll never get tired of, as each author brings their own perspective on it, with so many different ways that it might turn out - and Craig's views on the idea was a nicely balanced one, to the point where I really could visualise things happening in this way!
With the way in which computers have dominated our lives (and I really speak for myself, having gone four days without any internet - then was totally surprised at how often I actually use it each day!), I hope that I'm still alive when AI's become a commonplace thing!, and that they are something like the one's that inhabit the Kurtherian Universe.
But, after finishing this book, and unable, then, to write my review, I went straight on to the next book on my reading list, which happened to be book 6 of the Superdreadnought series - once again, written by Craig Martelle , along with Michael Anderle - where I immediately started reading it - and a good read it was, too!
What's not to like about this book?
Well, this book, especially, caught my attention, as it really involved the AI's throughout, and I've loved AI's, and Robots, ever since I was a child, and started reading SciFi, with books such as 'I, Robot', to name my very first SciFi book!
There was something so fascinating to me, that I spent the next few years veering between SciFi and Fantasy - and there was a great selection of amazing authors to choose from there, in the 60's, and 70's.
But, now, with this wonderful internet making ever more authors available at our fingertips, I feel I'm quite blessed, especially with Craig's books!
I really loved the different cases/missions in this particular book and, although poor Rivka, and her crew, had to get through them as quickly as possible, there was still enough finer detailing, to keep me riveted to my book!
The rights of an AI has been an enduring subject in SciFi, bit it's one I'll never get tired of, as each author brings their own perspective on it, with so many different ways that it might turn out - and Craig's views on the idea was a nicely balanced one, to the point where I really could visualise things happening in this way!
With the way in which computers have dominated our lives (and I really speak for myself, having gone four days without any internet - then was totally surprised at how often I actually use it each day!), I hope that I'm still alive when AI's become a commonplace thing!, and that they are something like the one's that inhabit the Kurtherian Universe.
But, after finishing this book, and unable, then, to write my review, I went straight on to the next book on my reading list, which happened to be book 6 of the Superdreadnought series - once again, written by Craig Martelle , along with Michael Anderle - where I immediately started reading it - and a good read it was, too!
September 3, 2021
In one of the previous books Rivka and her group had dealt with a problem with the Artificial Intelligences which formed a backbone for the Federation. She worked on a case which allowed the Ais to be recognized as having equal rights to human beings.
Problems have arisen, though, with a lot of people distrusting the Ais not trusting the humans. They have gone on a general strike, bringing much of the Federation to a grinding stop. Worse yet, there's a fear that they might go to war against the humans and, at the same time, the humans might start destroying the AI containers before anything else can happen.
So, Rivka gets the entire mess thrown into her hands. She and the group have to go to various planets where the Ais have been accused of causing trouble. Along the way she will have to deal with the mob , an AI that has fortified itself in a building, charges of stealing money, untrustworthy human insiders and, to top it all off, the arrival of Bad Company with a whole fleet of ships.
If she succeeds in solving the problems then things can proceed to a more normal way of trying to figure out just how to set up a workable base for both Ais and humans. If things go to blazes in a handbasket, though, then a Federation-wide massive war between Ais and humans could take place.
No pressure. Nope. Not a bit.
This one had a quote I wanted to note: 'Our worth is determined not by others, but by the impact we have on others.'
Problems have arisen, though, with a lot of people distrusting the Ais not trusting the humans. They have gone on a general strike, bringing much of the Federation to a grinding stop. Worse yet, there's a fear that they might go to war against the humans and, at the same time, the humans might start destroying the AI containers before anything else can happen.
So, Rivka gets the entire mess thrown into her hands. She and the group have to go to various planets where the Ais have been accused of causing trouble. Along the way she will have to deal with the mob , an AI that has fortified itself in a building, charges of stealing money, untrustworthy human insiders and, to top it all off, the arrival of Bad Company with a whole fleet of ships.
If she succeeds in solving the problems then things can proceed to a more normal way of trying to figure out just how to set up a workable base for both Ais and humans. If things go to blazes in a handbasket, though, then a Federation-wide massive war between Ais and humans could take place.
No pressure. Nope. Not a bit.
This one had a quote I wanted to note: 'Our worth is determined not by others, but by the impact we have on others.'
May 2, 2020
Rivka (with Craig’s assist) does it again
I doubt that’s it has been noticed but any book I have reviewed in the past 2 or 3 years has got 5 stars, just like this one.
That is not because anyone pays me to read the books, or even gives me free copies to read/review (positively). The truth is much simpler, every book I read must pass my (maybe unfair, but...) 20 rule.
If it hasn’t grabbed me in the first 20 mins or so it either doesn’t get read or at the very least it get’s put aside until I have spare time to give it another go, which is pretty much never.
I have yet to find one of Craig Martelle’s books that did not blast through the 20 min wall before I even realised I was halfway through the book and needed to move because some part of me had fallen asleep as I hadn’t moved for some long and not noticed the time passing.
Have missed a few train / tram stops that way more times than I like to admit.
Anyway, 5 stars to this book.
Craig, get the next one done, it is needed NOW!
I doubt that’s it has been noticed but any book I have reviewed in the past 2 or 3 years has got 5 stars, just like this one.
That is not because anyone pays me to read the books, or even gives me free copies to read/review (positively). The truth is much simpler, every book I read must pass my (maybe unfair, but...) 20 rule.
If it hasn’t grabbed me in the first 20 mins or so it either doesn’t get read or at the very least it get’s put aside until I have spare time to give it another go, which is pretty much never.
I have yet to find one of Craig Martelle’s books that did not blast through the 20 min wall before I even realised I was halfway through the book and needed to move because some part of me had fallen asleep as I hadn’t moved for some long and not noticed the time passing.
Have missed a few train / tram stops that way more times than I like to admit.
Anyway, 5 stars to this book.
Craig, get the next one done, it is needed NOW!
July 1, 2020
Food for thought
I'm writing this review barefoot, since my socks have been blown off! What a wonderful surprise! I had so many moments where I had to remember to breathe! Ok, I really enjoy the law, & it could have been more involved, legally speaking, but this installment spoke to my soul.
At a time when we are balancing equality in our own minds & societies, this book helped me to clarify my own thought processes. (I've always been like TH & Char) This is a fantastic read!
I have always enjoyed a book from which I can dive in & learn! This one fits that description perfectly! Thanks Atty & Author Martelle, for sharing your expertise with fans!
How long until Ambassadors Ankh & Erasmus, along with Rivka & her Magistrate team reappear? I know I will wait; I'll try to be patient.
I'm writing this review barefoot, since my socks have been blown off! What a wonderful surprise! I had so many moments where I had to remember to breathe! Ok, I really enjoy the law, & it could have been more involved, legally speaking, but this installment spoke to my soul.
At a time when we are balancing equality in our own minds & societies, this book helped me to clarify my own thought processes. (I've always been like TH & Char) This is a fantastic read!
I have always enjoyed a book from which I can dive in & learn! This one fits that description perfectly! Thanks Atty & Author Martelle, for sharing your expertise with fans!
How long until Ambassadors Ankh & Erasmus, along with Rivka & her Magistrate team reappear? I know I will wait; I'll try to be patient.
June 13, 2020
This has been a great series. How to get along with sentient AI’s and keep them from taking over the world? Read the book. Craig has the ability to pack a book with thought provoking questions, different type of aliens from multiple planets, and jokes galore. Erasmus choosing to be a Crenellian only makes sense and Craig would be the one to figure that out - I read android body and thought human. If you can have your intelligence transferred into any form, what would you choose? Made me think. Craig if you read this, how about Chia for the next pet name. Tiny Man Titan is great but I always like Chia for my pet because of Chia Pets. Imagine a plant-based creature that likes to be petted and cuddled.
May 7, 2020
Truly enjoyable
This story made me think even harder about how everyone is treated. The sentience and rights of artificial intelligence entities is the center for this story . Only a Marine Lawyer has the insight to tell this story, especially since there is violence involved in bringing AIs equality and respect. The way Rivka and her team handle the insane situations related to alien societies is not only brilliant but also delicately inspiring.
The story leaves you wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend to anyone who is a KU fan or just wants to get a better view of how people fight for equality and relevance.
This story made me think even harder about how everyone is treated. The sentience and rights of artificial intelligence entities is the center for this story . Only a Marine Lawyer has the insight to tell this story, especially since there is violence involved in bringing AIs equality and respect. The way Rivka and her team handle the insane situations related to alien societies is not only brilliant but also delicately inspiring.
The story leaves you wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend to anyone who is a KU fan or just wants to get a better view of how people fight for equality and relevance.
May 22, 2020
Love this series, never let it end
Would give it 7 stars if possible. The interaction between Rivka, her motley crew (LOL) and all who oppose her is so compelling and complex that I can not stop reading. Maximum time to finish one of these books is one day. That’s why I save and cherish them. A great read is such a small accolade for Craig Martelle’s work. Read all of this series, then read the other books he’s written, well worth the time.
Would give it 7 stars if possible. The interaction between Rivka, her motley crew (LOL) and all who oppose her is so compelling and complex that I can not stop reading. Maximum time to finish one of these books is one day. That’s why I save and cherish them. A great read is such a small accolade for Craig Martelle’s work. Read all of this series, then read the other books he’s written, well worth the time.
April 28, 2020
Skynet?
Maybe not.... Rivka and her team return with a time sensitive, challenging series of cases that *must* be dealt with quickly, fairly and decisively. Craig has outdone himself with action, introspection, wry and sarcastic humour, and all the things we have come to expect in his novels.
An excellent resolution, and now I’m waiting for the next book.
Maybe not.... Rivka and her team return with a time sensitive, challenging series of cases that *must* be dealt with quickly, fairly and decisively. Craig has outdone himself with action, introspection, wry and sarcastic humour, and all the things we have come to expect in his novels.
An excellent resolution, and now I’m waiting for the next book.
May 5, 2020
Rivka and team rock on.
I really like this series and definitely recommend it to you. The characters are strong, as are the plots. I have watched many of the characters grow, both personally and professionally. They help each other over the tough spots. The dialog is snappy and consistent. Editing is well done, and I certainly like that.
I really like this series and definitely recommend it to you. The characters are strong, as are the plots. I have watched many of the characters grow, both personally and professionally. They help each other over the tough spots. The dialog is snappy and consistent. Editing is well done, and I certainly like that.
May 8, 2020
And again a great story!
Loved this book, same as the other 8. Really glad that the standard remain as good as with the others. If you like bit of light reading, sci-fi, bit of intrigue and a very likeable gang of people with some cute pets then start this series asap. Can't wait for the next one!
Loved this book, same as the other 8. Really glad that the standard remain as good as with the others. If you like bit of light reading, sci-fi, bit of intrigue and a very likeable gang of people with some cute pets then start this series asap. Can't wait for the next one!
June 4, 2020
I love this series!
Each book has been so good, rereading them is almost as fun a the first time and I know I'll continue to enjoy each over and over again with each reading into the future. And each new book seems more satisfying than the previous books leaving looking forward to the next book.
Each book has been so good, rereading them is almost as fun a the first time and I know I'll continue to enjoy each over and over again with each reading into the future. And each new book seems more satisfying than the previous books leaving looking forward to the next book.
June 9, 2020
Viva Rivka!
Another great book in what is easily my favorite series in the KGU. Despite the author’s concerns, I actually enjoy the legalese that gets thrown in. I feel I’m learning about the law as I read, which is a wonderful fringe benefit to being highly entertained. Keep up the good work, I’m looking forward to Book 10!
Another great book in what is easily my favorite series in the KGU. Despite the author’s concerns, I actually enjoy the legalese that gets thrown in. I feel I’m learning about the law as I read, which is a wonderful fringe benefit to being highly entertained. Keep up the good work, I’m looking forward to Book 10!
July 3, 2020
Too good, too interesting, don’t start reading late at night
This was too good to put down....I should have gone to bed, made the mistake of starting it, and now it is 2am. I can’t recommend this series enough, just remember to sleep. And don’t start the books late in the evening.
This was too good to put down....I should have gone to bed, made the mistake of starting it, and now it is 2am. I can’t recommend this series enough, just remember to sleep. And don’t start the books late in the evening.
June 11, 2021
One of my favorite Martelle pieces
This book was fun and fascinating, a rolling romp through the universe with the intellectually scintillating issue of AI’s as legit citizens and how to support an emergent group into society with full rights and responsibilities. Plus (spoiler), Grainger needs rescuing so that was fun. :-)
This book was fun and fascinating, a rolling romp through the universe with the intellectually scintillating issue of AI’s as legit citizens and how to support an emergent group into society with full rights and responsibilities. Plus (spoiler), Grainger needs rescuing so that was fun. :-)
April 30, 2020
Can't stop, won't stop!
Rivka et al hold a special place in my heart. I drop everything when she shows up in KU. I can't imagine not having her cases to enjoy! So, please please keep them coming!
Rivka et al hold a special place in my heart. I drop everything when she shows up in KU. I can't imagine not having her cases to enjoy! So, please please keep them coming!
May 1, 2020
Another Grand Slam!!
I just completely adore this series! The plot twists, character development, creation of the planets all work to present one hell of a read. This series MUST continue! It is too good to stop now!!
I just completely adore this series! The plot twists, character development, creation of the planets all work to present one hell of a read. This series MUST continue! It is too good to stop now!!
May 1, 2020
Excellent
This is a great book any it present a look into Craig’s legal mind
Which is excellent. Fantastic story wonderful characters in space. Rivka jumps from case to case duetting all her ducks in a row and letting people know you don’t mess with Magistrates.
This is a great book any it present a look into Craig’s legal mind
Which is excellent. Fantastic story wonderful characters in space. Rivka jumps from case to case duetting all her ducks in a row and letting people know you don’t mess with Magistrates.
May 1, 2020
Exceptional story
Another great Executioner story, Rivka and hang are always a great joy to read. Always full of excitement, adventure and danger. You even added another magistrate to this one. Loved it!!!!
Another great Executioner story, Rivka and hang are always a great joy to read. Always full of excitement, adventure and danger. You even added another magistrate to this one. Loved it!!!!
May 4, 2020
A particularly good read..
This entire series is eminently readable but this is one of the best. If you’re this far into the series chances are that my thoughts won’t effect anything.
This entire series is eminently readable but this is one of the best. If you’re this far into the series chances are that my thoughts won’t effect anything.
May 5, 2020
Oh dang!
Rivka and her group of miscreants crack me up!
All the Kurtherian stories are such a perfect blend of snark and seriousness and compassion and courage!
AMAZING!!
Howard S (the S stands for super fan)
Rivka and her group of miscreants crack me up!
All the Kurtherian stories are such a perfect blend of snark and seriousness and compassion and courage!
AMAZING!!
Howard S (the S stands for super fan)
May 7, 2020
Excellent new adventure
Rivka and her team face an almost impossible mission. SHe's are being accused of crimes and tensions between the citizens of the Federation are almost st the war stage. Rivka needs to Susan it and is no easy task.
Rivka and her team face an almost impossible mission. SHe's are being accused of crimes and tensions between the citizens of the Federation are almost st the war stage. Rivka needs to Susan it and is no easy task.
May 7, 2020
Good Read
A little heavier in the Law this one but quite realistic in how things would go with the advent of AI realsing their rights and the stripe that would ensue. I enjoyed the change of pace but perhaps more action for the next book
A little heavier in the Law this one but quite realistic in how things would go with the advent of AI realsing their rights and the stripe that would ensue. I enjoyed the change of pace but perhaps more action for the next book
May 8, 2020
Upholding justice instantly
Reading Rivka Anoa (I still can't get over the bovine surname..) story is always left a high speed car chase feeling to it: anything that can go wrong will go wrong in high speed.
Reading Rivka Anoa (I still can't get over the bovine surname..) story is always left a high speed car chase feeling to it: anything that can go wrong will go wrong in high speed.
May 21, 2020
I absolutely LOVE this series! Each and every book in it has been excellent, and this book was no exception. The main characters are strong and very likeable, the antagonists very unlikable, and the plot smooth flowing and easy to follow. I highly recommend this book.
May 27, 2020
One of my favorite series!
This series is one that always stands out in my mind in the KGU. I love the appearances of familiar and loved characters from other series. Looking forward to the next one!!
This series is one that always stands out in my mind in the KGU. I love the appearances of familiar and loved characters from other series. Looking forward to the next one!!
June 2, 2020
Great series
I continue to look forward to the next book in this series. They keep me entertained. I’m not good at reviews. I either like them or I don’t. I recommend this series.
I continue to look forward to the next book in this series. They keep me entertained. I’m not good at reviews. I either like them or I don’t. I recommend this series.
August 27, 2020
Very good series, where was Adam.
I really adore the series and I love these characters. The only thing I did not understand in the book was where was Adam The father of all of these AI ‘s. Why didn’t he make an appearance in the book.
I really adore the series and I love these characters. The only thing I did not understand in the book was where was Adam The father of all of these AI ‘s. Why didn’t he make an appearance in the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews