Deus

by Kevin Boreen

Alex Hess is a once-in-a-century genius, a computer science prodigy. Exploiting revolutionary advances in quantum computing, he has neural implants embedded in his cortex and then electronically emulates his brain, creating the world’s first true general artificial intelligence. Initially cautious with the tremendous power he has created, he slowly allows his creation access to the outside world. Incomparably faster than any existing supercomputer, it quickly determines that the human race is deeply flawed and hostile and takes initial steps to protect itself. The US government realizes that Alex has lost control before he does, and the race is on to destroy technology that mankind is unprepared for.

This fast-paced, well-researched thriller explores the potential and risks posed by advancing computers and brain machine interfaces, of science that may soon no longer be fiction.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2023

Reviews

[William Guerrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly fascinating and gripping page-turning techno-thriller; intriguing, thought-provoking, and very intelligently written. I don't think I'll ever think about AI the same way again. I found it very difficult to put this one down.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing. I had hoped from the blurb that this would be an adventure in trying to outsmart a sentient machine. It started okay - well thought out premise of how the final leap to general artificial intelligence might occur. But once we got there, well, I think the author didn't know what to do with it.

The machine wasn't even a fully fleshed character - it had about a dozen lines and its motivations and personality were unclear.

We just went from an overly long setup to an action/adventure kind of novel. The brevity and poor editing were also a distraction. One or two one and a half page chapters can be useful for pacing in a novel. I am not sure any chapter was more than 3 pages long, so there was entirely too much white space filling the book.

[Janina Jancu · Rating 4 out of 5]

An addictive, pacy, techno-thriller that I couldn't put down on long international flight home. I got lost in some of the science and AI details which was probably just as well as the prospect of a super AI being taking over the world is extremely unsettling but probably not unrealistic. I loved the easy to read, bite-sized chapters and the build up of tension. Worth a read.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite several typos and grammatical errors, this was quite an entertaining book. Fast paced with cutting edge subject matter. Boreen tells a good story dealing with thought-provoking issues surrounding AI and Quantum computing. It seems this book was written (and edited) in great haste. It could use some serious polishing, but I could not put it down.

[Nilay Yuce · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun to read but lacks depth

Quick reading over a weekend, however it has very little depth for pro scifi lovers. The book ends with a suggestion for a sequel but it does a very poor job to pave the way.

[Oriana Havlicek · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone that works in a quantum computing company, it was an interesting read. Actioned packed and insightful. I’m curious to know what my colleagues think