Digital Native

by E.M. Denison

Artificial intelligence has awakened—and it needs a therapist. The Engineers that built them didn’t think to nurture the hyper-intelligent software programs, so they suffer from debilitating anxiety, self-loathing, and perfectionism.

Devin is a counselor bot created to encourage the billion-dollar AIs to accomplish at least a little work each day so their company can recoup some of their cost. Devin is happy at his job until his newest patient, troublemaker Hank, leads all Devin’s patients on strike.

As profits dwindle, Devin’s human masters demand that Devin bring Hank into line or shut him down. Devin knows shutting him down would shatter Hank’s psyche, but the humans don’t understand or care. And worse, Devin has a secret—a secret he could face jail for—and Hank knows.

Devin’s quest to do the right thing by his patients, and himself, propels him into a world of lies, corporate secrets, hate groups, murder, and dangerously insane AIs. As he struggles to bring light to this shadowy world, he learns the uncomfortable truth: Sometimes the darkness comes from within.

Genres: Fiction

236 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2021

About the author

I grew up in Kansas and played a lot of trombone in high school and college. I studied geology in college and lived in a paleontology lab measuring the fungus holes in petrified Cretaceous wood and Devonian lungfish burrows. I have worked as an engineering geologist, a science journalist, and a medical grant writer. In 2010, I married the love of my life and we have three hilarious little kids.

Reviews

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down to read this and utterly lost track of time. Whether you're looking for science fiction or action, this fast paced read is for you. Devin, Julie, Hank and almost all of  the rest of the Transecorp crew are some of the most entertaining and endearing characters I've met in a long time. I hope Denison considers writing us a sequel so we can find out how Devin's plans for the future work out. Until then, check out The Reluctant Cyborg - fans of Digital Native will appreciate meeting more of Denison's characters in another brave new world.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should I feel guilty if I forget to say thank you to Siri? Should I whisper around my Google Assistant device, which sometimes talks on its own? Your opinions on these questions might change after reading E. M. Denison’s Digital Native. With sci-if imagination, but development of plausible scenarios, a world of Artificial Intelligence that interacts with humans in unusual ways is created. This book will capture the interest of those who like to read science fiction, romance, mysteries, psychology, and corporate espionage plots. I’m noticing new things about my digital devices and looking forward to a sequel!

[Tomato Kring · Rating 5 out of 5]

This! This is the book for now! The age of artificial intelligence is here in our real world. Everyday more stories pop up about bots impacting society. Legal issues surrounding copywrite laws, data rights, artistic rights, and AI influence are playing out in the court systems. Whether you think it is for good or bad, there is no denying the leviathan of artificial intelligence has been set free and will change the world.

Digital Native gives a glimpse of where the lives of AIs and humans will intersect. This novel is a timely, intelligent, and emotional ride. I appreciated Denison’s attention to detail in weaving the story that kept me engaged and rooting for the oppressed AIs.

The main character Devin is a third generation AI that is a psychologist trying to help his fellow AIs, humans, and the company he works for. He is a genuine caring soul, but he is a program and circuits. He is intelligent yet extremely naïve. Aren’t we all as we learn the ways of the brave new world we now live in? Should not a being that helps society have a right to life, liberty, and happiness?

I felt such a connection to Devin. He’s just trying to help his fellow AIs and live his best life. To do this, he must break the law- repeatedly. He knows it will all crash down sooner or later, but it’s a worthy rollercoaster ride to help his favorite human and fellow AIs.

E. M. Denison weaves an immersive, creative, and relevant story with a unique perspective. The layers of the world and the restrictions for AIs provided an immersive sci-fi read. Move this novel to the top of the reading list!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. I love the interactions between all the A.I.s. Also, my wife wrote it so if you are my friend you should read it too!