The war against the sentient artificial intelligence has been simmering and erupting for two years. In their attempt to isolate the hardware hosting the AI's software, the armies of the world have embarked on a coordinated campaign to destroy silicon-based processor equipment across the planet.Unfortunately, it's not just TV's, laptops, and cellphones that have fallen in their crosshairs, but service robots and even the computer modules driving the prosthetic limbs used by some of the disabled. Trapped in Dallas, at the center of an assault, Madison has enlisted the help of a damaged robot to help her escape before she falls victim to the indiscriminate violence raging her way.Can she get away? Will she survive? All she knows is that she can't do it alone.
Just trying to imagine presenting the highlights of ME sets off alarm bells in my head. Why would anybody want to know anything about me? What about me is remarkable enough to tell?
When I think about these questions, I recall lying on my bed back in high school, headphones muffed over my ears, heavy metal blasting through my head. As with most teens, music’s power seduced me, and as I listened, I found myself admiring the albums' cover art (yeah, I’m old enough that I used to by LP’s) and I found myself reading about the singers and guitar players and drummers in the liner notes. Why? Because those musicians had created something that was deeply personal, passionate, and wonderfully emotional, and they’d shared it with the world. They’d shared it with me.
It made me want to know them through more than just their music. So, I read.
Through the years, I found myself reading about writers I’d enjoyed, historical figures I’d admired, politicians who weren’t dipshits, and business leaders who’d built great companies. Again, why? Who the hell knows? We’re all just people. I think we find each other interesting. We like to feel connected.
And that was my answer, at least as to the WHY.
On the WHAT I can say about me, for those who feel moved by my work: I’ll give it a quick go.
I was born an Air Force brat and lived in a dozen states before I graduated high school. I’ve worked my way through a wide variety of jobs, left most on a whim, owned businesses, lived through times when I had more money than I knew what to do with, and worried my way through times when I wondered how I’d pay the rent.
Life has been boring at times, and it’s been plenty exciting, too. So far.
I’ve traveled to India, stood atop the tallest mountains around, swam with sharks, smarted-off to cops, and been arrested. I’ve tried beer and weed, but never made a thing of either one. I’ve been brushed too close by death a few times. Thankfully, doctors, EMT’s, and nurses were kind enough to put all the pieces together again. I've ridden my bike so deep into the mountains it felt like I was alone on the edge of heaven, and I've watched the red sun sinking on an evening so clear it looked like it was falling off the edge of the world.
I’ve always had a hard time being where I am, wherever that is. My daydreams forever call from just over the horizon.
I’ve been asked by a dozen bosses where I see myself in five years, and I've lied every time, always telling them what they wanted to hear. Because the only thing I knew for sure, was that I wanted to be anywhere but there.
So Bob, can I call you Bob? I feel like I can call you that. So Bob, Simulant was an easy one click buy for me via Kindle… not Kindle unlimited, no offense to those who do the membership thing. Any who, I’m a huge fan via the Slow Burn series and you’ve become a must read for me. I like your writing style and your books are creative twist in well saturated genres so a book from you usually makes it to the top of my must read list. Again, I digress…
Simulant has a really unique story line and is creative in approaching the AI vs. Humans battle, but the story seems rushed. I didn’t have the opportunity to feel any true way about any of the characters because the interactions were so brief, this to me felt like you should have push this into a novel and not a novella. It’s a quick easy read, but lacked the humor I know your good for, the opposites attract friendship/camaraderie that you so well. This felt like a personal story while I liked, but would have liked to see go just a little more in depth.
To the readers. I hit four stars because it is an easy read that has the usually Bobby Adair twist. It’s a creative take on this genre and really is a story worth your time. If your looking for something akin to Slow Burn you won’t find it here, but if your looking for something that will keep you turning the pages and engaged all the way through then pick it up and give it a try.
The eternal struggle of mankind against what it perceives as a threat
Humanity struggles to accept anything that it can't understand, anything "smarter" than itself. Mankind mistrusts its creations based in the fear that our mechanical slaves will rise up and overthrow its masters. Why? Because that's what we would do if we were them. Charlie and Madison are terrific creations and better characters. They struggle between right and wrong, do and don't, why and why not. The characters are amazing, the story is contemporary and blessedly fictional. God help us if it becomes real!
This was a very well written story, with realistic characters, from the AI to cyborgs to humans. There are some very touching moments between the little girl and her protector and proudest creation, Charlie. The soldiers are brutal idiots and it seems like they are far worse than the AI and bots they are hunting. Great stuff!
I believe I’ve read all of Bobby’s books, not the collaborations. Slow Burn is an all time favorite of mine. This story is very different, to me, than the others. It is very creative and imaginative. There is disturbing scenarios, violence and heart. Bad guys and good guys and very good poetry. LOL
Slow Burn was the beginning of my addiction to any book with honor of having author Bobby Adair’s name on it. Please don’t expect Simulant to be anything like SB. That fact doesn’t keep it from being entertaining and stimulating, which it is. It’s also, action packed, lots of violence and a few gut wrenching surprises. I honestly hope there is a reason for a sequel and Mr. Adair grants us with it.
For starters, I consider a 3 a good rating. I liked this story. I’m glad I read it. I was engaged with the characters. I liked the plot line even though it felt like an abbreviated version of a bigger, better story. One of the reasons I’m not a fan of short stories is that I always feel that there is more to be told. This is the same. I wanted more.
I really enjoyed this book. I do wish it had been a bit longer and covered more ground for the price but I think it was a few bucks well spent anyway. I love Bobby Adair's writing and look forward to more. This subject really should be ripe for more exploration from him.
I love this story. How wonderful to think about artificial sentient life with morals and compassion. There is a haunting quality to this tale. I know I will think of this story for years to come.
Charlie and Madison are different from the humans and the sims. She’s going to attempt an escape but Charlie’s had enough. But will the drones scramble what’s left of Charlie’s brain? Will Madison meet the stars? Only the sim AI knows.
This novella was phenomenal and I was unable to put it down. It was a very honest representation of society in its darkest form. If you are looking for something fast-paced with deep meaning, this is the book for you.
Graphical laid out with progressively more intense action making it difficult to close the app. Won’t spoil the book for you but it has you wondering who to cheer for.
I’ve read a lot of Bobby’s works and have never been disappointed, and this was no exception. Lots of twists and turns and I never knew where it was going until it got there. Kudos Bobby.
A fascinating look at an ever more probable future. Intriguing characters, both flesh and metal. I did guess a secret early on but it made no difference to my enjoyment.
It surprised me, as I really enjoyed so many other books by Bobby Akart. Oh well. I am sure it will appeal to a lot of other readers. Humans vs. Simulants. Just sounds interesting. Sorry, B.A., I must be in a strange mood lately.
Interesting story, especially given the recent developments with technology and AI. Puts a little different spin on things. Typically well done story by Mr. Adair--the characters have interesting arcs and by the end it's not clear who to root for.
janetteonthebeach@gmail.com We all deserve a Charlie at some point in our lives. He has warmed my soul today Thank you for bringing him into the world .