Steven James tells a story of our future, a future that does not involve Jetson-like advancements. Rather than large infrastructure changes, James sees changes in the form of technology having the greatest impact on society. In Synapse, life-like machines, data walls, embedded chips and prosthesis reminiscent of the Six Million Dollar Man are some of what drive society forward, or not,depending on one's point of view. The Purists see technological advancement as a danger to mankind, and work to rein it in. In the meantime Artificials seek to become like Naturals, even seeking an afterlife and forgiveness, while most Naturals have worked to busy their minds in order to forget those very things.

Those of us who have lived to see the changes technology has brought in the past three decades can easily believe in the possibility of the future James describes along with the moral questions it brings. Synapse gives us the chance to consider those implications before finding ourselves in the middle of them. Sci-fi fan or not, I believe you will enjoy the way this book is written and the way it engages your mind in thoughtful consideration. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and I received no monetary compensation.

Synapse is Steven James at his best! In his first futuristic thriller, he shows readers what an absolutely outstanding writer he truly is and why his books are a must read!

Kestrel Hathaway has just experienced a horrible tragedy when her baby is born without taking a breath. As she leaves the hospital mourning her baby, she witnesses a terrorist attack that sends her world into a tailspin. In a world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing faster than ever before, Kestrel has never wanted to be a part it, especially after her parents were killed by an AI. Her brother has never held her views against AI’s and has spent the last few years working to advanced Artificial Intelligence higher than ever before. As she mourns the loss of her baby, she receives a gift from her brother, her own Artificial, Jordan. There is another terrorist attack looming and Kestrel begins working with Federal Counterterrorism agent Nick Vernon to figure out who is being targeted and how they can stop the attack. Jordan is not your normal Artificial, he starts asking questions normal Artificials have never asked before. With technology advancing so quickly along with the questions they raise, the world we once knew is not what we live in and we will never be the same because of it.

Anyone who has ever read a Steven James book knows he is one of the very best! Tthe way he crafts a story is unlike any other. It doesn’t matter if you are reading a Patrick Bowers novel or any of his others, the story you get will be exceptional. Synapse is no different. I normally don’t go for science fiction, too much world building that never pulls me into the story. Even though this is only set thirty years in the future, enough must be set up to make the AI’s believable and relatable. I had no trouble following along with this world and picturing myself right there with the characters. What was written in a little under 400 pages could have been pushed to multiple novels and I would have gladly sat and devoured them all. Steven James does an incredible job of pulling readers into the story and that is why he doesn’t need the extra pages other authors might in order to give readers more information. And just like with every other novel he has written, readers will find plot twists at every turn and tension driving the story each step of the way. There is an element of faith throughout and leaves me with a few questions, especially with AI’s and faith.

With multiple viewpoints, readers will also get a full scope of what is happening without feeling lost. For someone who is not a fan of science fiction, I would happily read many more futuristic novels written by James and recommend them to anyone and everyone. I truly hope he will write a follow up (or 10!) for Synapse and keep these characters and their story going for a very long time. I highly recommend this to everyone, I’m not going to even classify a certain group of readers. If this is not your normal genre to read in, please do not let that stop you. This is worth the read and just might open your eyes to things you never thought about. I say this after every single Steven James book I read, but there are not nearly enough people reading his books and that needs to change. If you want a fabulous story, no matter the genre, pick up a Steven James book and enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Synapse, by Steven James, is an intriguing book set in the not too distant future that deals with Artificial Intelligence. Never having read any books by this author, I had no idea what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by this futuristic story. It is a book that makes the reader think about how the future just might enfold, with Naturals, Artificials, and Plussers too. With characters that are vibrant and have emotions and reactions that resonate well with readers and a plot full of twists and turns and edge-of-the-seat action, Synapse easily kept my attention. The author not only writes a good story but gives the reader things to think about regarding ethics and morality as well as spiritual issues. I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it to readers who enjoy suspense and futuristic fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

A story ripped from tomorrow’s headlines . . . or at least it could be.
Set just thirty years in the future, advances in technology and AI have created a world where the lines between humans and robots—Naturals and Artificials—are increasingly blurred. Kestral Hathaway is still reeling from her own losses when she finds herself thrown into a world of terrorism and conspiracies stretching to the highest levels. Together with Agent Nick Vernon and her Artificial Jordan, she must try to stop an attack that will change the world as they know it.
Synapse deftly explores issues of faith and the relationship between the Creator and created, as well as our own responsibilities as creators for that which we create.
James’ depiction of an all-too-plausible future will leave you grappling with the dilemmas posed by unrestrained technological progress, while turning the pages as fast as you can.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have read a number of James' books, especially the Bowers Files. They were generally action packed.

This book was certainly different. Not only is it 30 years in the future but it is centered mostly on Kestrel and her experiences. There are some good discussions revolving around the issue of a good and powerful God allowing Kestrel's baby to die. There is also a good exploration of artificial intelligence, such as whether a robot could have a soul, believe in God, etc. Part of the plot development also questions advances in technology in general, whether they are good for mankind or not. The build to any suspense was very slow in coming.

I found the change in point of view disconcerting. Some of the book is from the universal viewpoint but much is from the first person. Kestrel's experiences are in the first person. There is often a change after a few paragraphs, perhaps several within one chapter. Also disconcerting was the change in action tense. Most of the novel was in the past tense. The exceptions were passages from Jordan's viewpoint and the opening scene.

Speaking of the opening scene, it is of Kestrel experiencing a still birth. It is a very emotional scene, written so that you feel you are experiencing the tragedy right along with Kestrel. Potential readers, particularly women, should know this. A woman who has had a similar experience might find reading that section very painful.

I found this novel to be the rather preachy in style. There are many discussions of God and salvation and heaven. I almost felt James designed the plot to revolve around what he wanted to communicate about Christian faith. This is a good novel for readers interested in exploring Christian faith with respect to artificial intelligence.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Wow. Just wow. Steven James managed to pack so much into these pages: so much tension, so much science, so much truth, while keeping the plot so interesting and swiftly paced, that I could not stop reading.
The characters are deftly crafted and beautifully flawed, the kinds of characters that we can all relate to in some way or other. I loved the juxtaposition of Jordan’s innocent and childlike faith against Kestrel’s broken and jaded outlook. And the story is equal parts heart-pounding and thought-provoking.
This is a novel I think everyone should read. Why? James managed to capture so much truth, and to both ask and give insightful answers to some sincerely deep questions, within these pages, that reading this awesome story about the inherent dangers of overwhelming technology gave me much more than a fascinating diversion from boredom. Reading Synapse gave me chills, made me think, and changed the way I look at the world around me. That is what makes this a novel everyone should read.
Steven James’ Synapse releases tomorrow, so grab your own copy as soon as possible, then hang on for a ride that will leave you breathless.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this novel for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own! 🙂

If you enjoy reading intense thrillers and futuristic novels, you’ll love Steven James newest release Synapse. Steven James did a fabulous job establishing his cast and keeping the reader’s attention. This novel will take you into the future where humans and human-like robots exist. These robots called Artificials can think and reason. One Artificial, Jordan, questions Kestrel Hathaway, a Methodist pastor, about whether he has a soul, and can he be forgiven.
Kestrel, struggling with a personal loss, doesn’t know how to answer Jordan and doesn’t want to be bothered with an Artificial, especially after what happened to her parents. She witnesses an explosion on her way home from the hospital and discovers it was a terrorist attack. Her compassion toward the hurting forced her to stop and assist an injured man. This act of kindness causes authorities to question her involvement in the terrorist attack. Special Agent Nick Vernon comes on the scene and begins his investigation, which involves questioning Kestrel.
The action and suspense in this novel will keep readers turning the page. About the time you settle into a scene, something goes wrong that puts Kestrel in danger. Who are the terrorists? Why are they after her? Are the attacks coming from the Artificials, the Plussers, or from Humans?
Can a robot find forgiveness and salvation? Synapse offers thought-provoking scenes that will challenge your faith and open your eyes to the true gift we have as humans.
I give this book four stars.
I was given a complimentary copy of this novel by NetGalley in return for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

When I received the email from NetGalley approving my request to read Synapse, I did a little happy dance in the order line at Subway. (My daughters were mortified.) I have read several of James' thrillers and was excited to have been approved for this one.

To me, this book was a bit different from his Patrick Bowers novels. While Bowers does think and talk about his Christian faith, he's a FBI agent on the bloody trail of various devious killers: he doesn't have much leisure time for debates about God's existence or goodness.

Kestrel, on the other hand, is a minister. Dealing with questions about God and spiritual matters comes with the job description. However, in this case, Kestrel struggles with her own questions, not just other people's. 

The novel opens in second person point of view ("you") as Kestrel delivers a stillborn baby girl. It is a compelling, emotional scene that broke my heart. I teared up. Soon we learn that she's a single woman, a minister, who decided to have a child on her own (presumably by artificial means). Now she faces a crisis of faith: her own faith. 

Can she continue to love God? Where was he when her daughter died? Why has he stopped talking to her? And the central question that haunts the novel and minds of many people, fictional or not: Was any of it real?

What's real and what's artificial are central concerns in this story. 

In this futuristic society, Artificials have inalienable rights. They can exist. They have the right to die. They can have hope, too. The CoRA, tech company Terabyne's mainframe computer system's secure location, stores the essence of each Artificial after it suffers a "terminal event." (Translation: it dies.)

This last part worries Jordan, Kestrel's Artificial; his "mother" has died, and like many humans wanting assurance about their loved ones' afterlife, he wants assurance that she is safely in the CoRA. His concerns run parallel to Kestrel's and she grapples with what assurance she can give him. 

For me, Jordan is the highlight of the novel. When James takes us into his point of view, it's fascinating to see how Jordan describes things. It's like he is awakening to what it's like to be human: all those maddening, paradoxical aspects of our being that give us depth, if only we have the courage to examine them. Not everyone has that courage. But Jordan, an advanced Artificial, has both the courage and curiosity to explore them.  

I appreciate how James has Kestrel and others wrestle with some contradictory ideas that are difficult, if not impossible, to resolve. This is unusual in a thriller. The characters openly discuss many spiritual and philosophical and moral issues. I like characters who wrestle with difficult concepts. 

Unfortunately, that sometimes slows down the pace of the story. I'm not sure that all of the discussions were necessary, nor am I certain that they serve the story as well as they could.

The story feels like a paradox itself: is it a fast-paced thriller or is it a slower-paced science fiction novel that explores spiritual matters? In trying to be both, the story suffers. There are a lot of different point of view characters, which helps build suspense. However, this makes it less likely for us to care as much about Kestrel's crisis of faith, which is central to the emotional core of the story. 

Even so, I was on edge in anticipation of how things would work out between the terrorist Purists and tech company Terabyne. As always, James knows how to plot the action sequences in a thriller. Agendas collide, battle lines are drawn, tensions build--and build--and build until they explode in a catastrophic climax that leaves some dead and everyone else bruised, battered, and possibly wiser for the experience. (I hope!) 

James did a great job blurring the lines between good and bad. The Purists have legitimate concerns. The tech gurus aren't all on the up-and-up. Artificials and humans alike are devious (or not), helpful (or not), and morally complex. It's hard to know who or what to root for. 

Despite my reservations about the pacing, I enjoyed Synapse. I think James was trying to do something a little different than some of his previous fiction. (At least the books I've read.) There's a lot to enjoy here, and even more to ponder. And isn't that what great books are supposed to do? 

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Note: this will be published to my blog on October 4, 2019.

4.5 stars. Thirty years in the future, the world is filled with Naturals (humans with no enhancements), Plussers (humans with some enhancements such as robotic arms), and Artificials (robots with advanced AI that could almost pass as humans). Kestrel, a Christian minister grieving the death of her baby, has never wanted to own an Artificial, especially as a police model was responsible for murdering her parents due to a false positive. When her brother Trevor gifts her an Artificial called Jordan, she decides to humour him for a couple of days and then send Jordan back. However, Jordan is more than she expected. He seems to experience real emotions and free will.

Meanwhile, a terrorist group called the Purists, are blamed for a bombing at a plant that produces Artificials. Counter-terrorism agent Nick Vernon is sent to investigate and finds himself drawn to Kestrel. However, bigger plans are afoot. Will Kestrel and Nick be able to pursue their growing attraction? Will they be able to stop the terrorists from their ultimate plot? Can an Artificial receive forgiveness? Can AI be so advanced that it supercedes what it means to be human?

This is the first Steven James book I've read, and I really enjoyed it. The main characters of Kestrel and Nick are likable and the romance has a slow simmer rather than being front and centre. The terrorism plot had lots of twists and turns, with fast-paced action. However, the novel also provides a lot of food for thought about what it means to be human. Jordan, the Artificial, was one of the viewpoint characters so we were able to experience his thought processes as he tried to work out what he thought and felt. Faith themes are woven throughout the story, raising interesting questions about why God allows suffering, the meaning of salvation and forgiveness, and what makes humans different from other life forms.

My only reservation was the dizzying number of POV characters in the last third of the novel. As the tension builds, we're suddenly introduced to other secondary characters and their viewpoints. Although this helped the fast face and allowed us to see what was happening in different areas, I had to keep checking a few times to see whose viewpoint I was in, especially as some scenes were very short (just one or two paragraphs).

Overall I enjoyed this novel and will check out more of Steven James's work. If you like fast-paced sci-fi with suspense, a conscience, and a touch of romance, this book could be for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

(rating: 3.5 / 5)

Set at a time in the future when robots (or Artificials) have been taught to not only think for themselves, but to have emotions, and even the option of pain, there is still a lot that is unknown about how similar robots are to humans. Do they have souls? Can they believe in and worship God? Kestrel Hathaway doesn't know, and neither does her Artificial, Jordan. Amidst their discussions of these concepts, Kestrel is pulled into a plot to put an end to the advances in AI by people known as Purists. Working with federal agent Nick Vernon, Kestrel and Jordan do their part to help prevent a deadly attack.

This book was an interesting mash-up of theology exploration and sci-fi elements. For much of the book, Kestrel is simply trying to cope with a fresh tragedy, while being slowly dragged into a deadly cat-and-mouse game between federal agents and terrorists. Jordan was probably my favorite character, as he tried to figure out what hope there was for him, especially in eternity. And there were some twists near the end that I enjoyed. But overall, the book was mostly just okay.

The very beginning of the book shows Kestrel delivering a stillborn baby (that she didn't know was stillborn). It's told in 2nd-person perspective, so it's describing the events as if they happened to YOU. I think this is important to know for those who have gone through this or something similar. She is a pastor, and spends most of the rest of the book idly questioning her faith in God. I say idly, because it's as if she'd forget her questions now and then, and have to remind herself she was still uncertain about if God existed, or he was actually all-powerful, or if he cared about her. She also carries some PTSD from a tragedy 9 years old, and I was surprised by the way some of that played out as well. But I suppose PTSD is not a consistent syndrome (meaning it's not the same from person to person, and probably difficult to pin down and define). I would say that maybe the way she does respond shows her strength, but I didn't really get that characteristic from her otherwise.

I believe Jordan's role in the book was to parallel humanity's question of an afterlife. How can we ever know for sure if Heaven exists, if no one who has been there can return to tell us about it? Artificials are told that there is a manufactured afterlife where their consciousnesses will go when they "die." Jordan's mother "died," and he is desperate to know if she's in the afterlife. Where this parallel falls apart, though, is that Artificials are guaranteed this afterlife by a fallible man, while humans who follow Christ are guaranteed their afterlife by an infallible God. Some of the discussions that arise between Jordan and Kestrel about afterlife and the ability to believe in and worship God are interesting though. Except for the times that Kestrel is just mean to Jordan about his inhumanness.

As for the twists near the end, they did mostly catch me off guard. But there was a weird thing that happened that got my heart pumping about a possible twist coming, but instead, it turned out not to be true. It was a huge letdown, and I can think of a few ways that some dialog could have been written to avoid this letdown. I had some questions that were left unanswered--about Jordan's mom, about some of the Purists' involvements and questionable actions, and some other things that came out during the climax, but are never given any kind of explanation.

I think the sci-fi plot were simply a vehicle for the theology discussed in the book, which is why the plot was fairly weak. And for me, at least, some of the theology was weak too. Kestrel's brother, an atheist, asks her some very good questions about God, and her replies are the type I often see from the token "religious character" in TV or movies. She does go deeper than the stereotype sometimes, but I still found myself wishing for more. And very likely, this can all be chalked up to the author and me having different views on some theological aspects, which will certainly happen. I just found myself very sad about Kestrel's brother's view of God, and wished her responses had been more fulfilling.

In the end, I would recommend this book for those who are interested in the exploration of how humans approach God and the afterlife, and what it means to have a "soul," and understand that there is some sci-fi around that. I don't think I'd recommend this for readers of sci-fi, unless they are willing to wade through the theology.

One more thing that adds to my lower rating, which I almost forgot, was the way the story was told. As I mentioned above, it starts out in 2nd person ("you"), then switches to 1st person out of the blue ("I"), but is only 1st person when the perspective is on Kestrel. When it's on a plethora of other characters, it's 3rd person. And to make it even more confusing, when the perspective is on Jordan, it's 3rd person and present tense, when it's past tense the rest of the time. There's a reason jumping POVs, tenses, and even character perspectives is meant to be kept simple, and while it's not completely impossible to try something different...it was just confusing in this case, and made the reading disjointed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Okay, WOW! This book is amazing!! I got absolutely nothing done while I was reading this book. Couldn't put it down! I believe I highlighted 1/4 of the book!

First there was the suspense/drama/action playing out. Purists vs techies. Those who don't want humans to lose their place because AI can do everything faster and better. Vs those who think the next tech development, whatever it is, is progress.

(I empathize with the Purists, but think there's room for reasonable tech)

And then the 'sentient AI robot longing for something beyond this existence' thread. This was Awesome!!

As Jordan made his choices and searched for meaning and forgiveness, I fell in love. His story is powerful. The Bible says Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Now Robots don't breathe, but Jordan had a lot else going for him. He seemed more human than some people I've met.

What does it mean to be human? To Worship God? To believe there is life after our time on earth?

The questions most people ask at some point. Come on and see what Jordan discovers!!

The one part I had trouble with, was the shift in POV. They were sometimes confusing to me. I always knew who was sharing, but sometimes it was "YOU", and sometimes it was "I" if that makes sense.

I received a copy of this book from @NetGalley, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

Wow!
Though not my average type of read, this book sucked me in for a wild ride that was filled with deep thought provoking points.
The Sy-Fi angle was different, but I rolled with it and Jordan became my favorite character!
What I liked about this story the most was the way we got to explore what it means to be a human.
We explore topics of pain, eternity, free will and many more.
The one negative thing I will say is how the main character is a female head pastor. The Bible says women are not supposed to be Elders and Pastors, yet this character is "called" to be a pastor? Sorry, I had to take off a star for that. Maybe it was a type of reflection of the society of this futuristic world, I don't know.
Other than that I found myself fully engaged in this futuristic/dystopian world!
I was left with much to ponder and thank God that even though we experience pain and heartache, we have a Savior and a privilege to be able to spend eternity with Him.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synapse by Steven James Fast paced thriller with terrorist attacks, lies, and betrayals. Characters are very reliable and likeable. Jordan has many controversial questions on ethics, religion, life and death and how they relate to him as an AI. Thought provoking futuristic suspense with an unusual premise.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

This book would make a thought provoking discussion but unfortunately the book itself is a mess. The writing is all over the place and the plotting and pacing are all over the place. The novel begins with Kestral watching her newborn baby die and having to come to terms with her loss. As a minister she faces a crisis of faith over her loss and the added loss of her faith is too much to bear. Her brother happens to work for the most successful technological company and sends her an artificial. Kestral is resistant to the idea of an AI robot. I think the book was at its best when it was Kestral and her robot Jordan. This robot has thought provoking questions about his existence and whether or not robots can worship God. What happens when man creates robots with higher order thinking capacity like that? Again thought provoking questions.

Unfortunately the larger story is a convoluted mess. In this world there are people known as Purists who want to stop the constant evolution of technology encroaching on man. This will lead to attacks that will end up ensnaring Kestral. The writing as very repetitive with the constant mention of “the feeds” which is a more advanced internet and how everyone communicates and takes in information. While there is the contemplation of Christianity I cannot say for sure that the author is a believer or wants readers to be. I think the story is more about the act of considering our purpose and what it means for AI. At one point Kestral has a long conversation with a woman who had an abortion and I was horrified by the discussion as an abortion is in no way similar to Kestral’s grief over the death of her newborn. It was a very odd scene that seemed to have no purpose but is a great example of how convoluted the story was.

I think this book might be best for those who enjoy technology and the idea of where it could be taking us in the future. As a story it was such a mess that I almost put it down for good a lot. There is a lot of shifting character perspectives that can be jarring and not clearly explained. Ultimately this felt like a book that needed tighter editing and an outline of where it was supposed to be going.

In the book Synapse, author Steven James follows the life of Kestrel Hathaway, a minister whose baby has just died. As she is struggling with this lose, she witnesses a terrorist attack and is drawn into a web of deception and death. Who can she trust? And on top of it all her brother has given her an AI that is so close to being human that she is unsure if she likes Jordan or not. Federal counterterrorism agent Nick Vernon is investing the attack but can he be trusted or is he part of the terrorist group?
I would highly recommend this book. James really makes you think about ASI and how computers are changing us. Another great book by Steven James! I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.75 rounded down due to MY personal issue/conflict with this type of sci-fi; no reflection on the author.


“If you want detailed and unusual, thought-provoking literature, grab and devour a Steven James thriller.”
Synapse introduces dynamic characters and a suspenseful, interesting story arc. Of greater note, Synapse delves into thematic ideas of hope, love, and beliefs in the afterlife. The spiritual element in the writing was a pleasant surprise. Mr. James’s writing is deeply poignant on these themes and it caused me to reflect. Indeed, thought-provoking literature.

The plot:
Thirty years in the future, when AI is so advanced that humans live side by side with cognizant robots called Artificials, Kestrel Hathaway, a pastor in Cincinnati, must come to terms not just with what machines know, but what they believe. Is hope real for them, or merely an illusion? Kestral’s personal Ai, Jordan, begins asking questions that Arrificials were never meant to ask. The reader learns that these robots were designed to have a conscience and a sense of morality, feel pain, and make free will, ethical choices.....and that is where the script went south for me. While advanced AI technology is intriguing, having to suspend disbelief to this extent was too much; believing in the story of robots with this level of humankind traits of consciousness and self-awareness was too incredible for me to fully enjoy the story.

However, the interaction between Jordan and Kistrel discussing the meaning of life, God, and the afterlife provided the means for the deep, spiritually penetrating dialogue. Through the dialogue, Mr James excelled in exploring our belief system as we work out faith in our lives. I applaud Mr James’s skill and effort in delving into the issues of the heart, soul, and spirit.

Aside from my discomfort of “buying into” a plot that had a human-like robot, if and when I could suspend disbelief, the suspense was thrilling! I was thoroughly engaged throughout. The pacing was perfect. And, again, the characters were winsome (I’d love to read more about Kistrel and Nick)!
While the sci-fi genre is not one I usually read, Mr. James’s writing style is exceptional and I would read more from him!

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson publishing, and the author for the ARC of Synapse in exchange for an honest review.

For fans of sci-fi, suspense, and AI

Steven James brings the futuristic suspense with Synapse. Set thirty years into the future, the novel explores the concept of how much artificial intelligent will change (or should change) our lives. Human-like Artificials become members of society. Kestral Hathaway is a minster who grapples with AI and her Artifical, Jordan, who has feelings and thoughts of his own. Caught up in a terrorist plot, Kestral seeks justice not only for herself but for Jordan.

While speculative, this story makes you wonder about where we are headed as a society. The author draws a lot from modern times to portray a future where everyone gives up their lives to the “Feeds” and personal freedoms are exchanged for convenience as the Artificials take on mundane daily tasks, like raising children! The author delivers the action and suspense, but dives deep into spiritual element. Jordan questions whether he has a soul and whether he need a belief in God. Kestral and her brother come to grips with why God allows evil to reign free after their parents are senselessly murdered. The story is fast paced, intriguing, and delivers some powerful messages. Definitely worth the read!

I received a complementary ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

An intense by very realistic thriller involving the creation of cognizant artificial intelligent beings and the dangers and fears surrounding the intelligence of these machines. The book also deals with Christian beliefs about life and death and the question of this in relation to these machines. That said it is a beautiful book about relationships both human and with artificials. It is a nail-biting thriller to the end!!!

Right off the bat, I am not your typical sci-fi reader. What made me grab this book and dive in? The premise. And great things I’ve heard about the author.

Right from page one, the author hooked me. The writing style was so different from anything I’ve recently read that it kept me engaged. The opening scene was something that hit a bit too close to home being a mother myself, and yet I wanted to know why it happened (no spoilers here!).

It wasn’t so much the plot that kept me going, but more the questions that were being asked and answered as I journeyed along with Kestrel (human minister) and Jordan (her robot). Their world isn’t too far different from ours. Technology is so advanced that robots have replaced humans in the workplace and elsewhere, and are so far advanced that engineers are working to make them experience human emotion. Which begs questions on deeper levels – if they are able to experience human emotion, can they appreciate and worship the Creator?

Humans are Naturals, humans with robotic parts (i.e. prosthetics) are Plussers and both live in harmony with Artificials, but with each group there are inherent problems that society must deal with. The lines become blurred the further technology is pushed. Infrastructure is ignored due to the implementation of technological advances. Violence is still prevalent despite the ease of living technology provides.

In thinking of the opening scene, it brought another point to light. Even though technology is so advanced in this fictional world, human life is still fragile and the important potential advances technology could make, have been left by the wayside for the mighty dollar.

If you want a book that will make you think, this is it. If you wonder, how bad/good technology is, this is the fiction book for you.

If you want a light read, find another book.

Very good -- An interesting take on AIs that includes philosophical questions, some mystery, and ethics with solid characters and decent dialog. Mr James is very creative and a solid writer. Recommended.

I really appreciate the advanced copy for review!!