I’ve heard good things about James’s books for years, but I’ve never read any besides this one, which I did enjoy, even though it was quite different from anything I’ve ever read.

The main focus is on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and their place in the world alongside humans. It seems a bit far-fetched, until you think about how things are today with technology, virtual reality, etc. In the story, Jordan, an AI, is able to experience many of the same things as the person he’s with, Kestrel.

There are some potentially controversial topics discussed, including religion and AI’s, as well as with what they should or shouldn’t be allowed to do. This leaves the reader with some things to think about long after they finish this complex story. The pace was a bit uneven at times, but it balanced out by the end.

NOTE: There are some scenes/references to murder and terrorism.

He gives you a lot to think about- spiritually, ethically, philosophically and technologically.

Though not the main plot of the book, it started off with Kestrel's baby dying, which, having experienced miscarriage, struck a chord with me. I was not expecting that start to the book and was a little worried about continuing to read. But James does a fantastic job incorporating and talking about such a hard topic. The thoughts and feelings his character has about it were exactly how I felt going through the same thing. And I love how he doesn't try to give trite or cliché answers. He handles it tenderly, offering hope without dismissing the pain.

The main plot focuses on Artificial Intelligence in a world where AI is more human-like than ever before. It's not far-fetched to think about it becoming our reality as technology continues to advance. Self-driving cars are already on the verge of being marketed today. These 'Artificials', as they are identified in the book, have settings to increase or decrease their emotion, memory, pain, curiosity, and meaning. These regulate how much they feel, question, find purpose, and find hope.

Kestrel's Aritificial, named Jordan, poses for us, as readers, questions regarding his soul, and his capability to forgive, to worship, or to believe. His settings allow him to believe in and be in awe of God, desire forgiveness, and desire to live on- to have hope in something greater than self. However, if he doesn't have a soul, is his 'worship' genuine? And does that mean he cannot receive salvation?

Further, if we are trying to make AI 'better' than humans, who have such a tendency or capability toward deception and violence, who gets to decide what is ethical? Religions (atheism included) wouldn't agree on what is moral to instill in the robots: "How do you teach a machine to act in a moral manner when you can't even agree on what morality is? Should robots assist with abortions and suicides? Should they carry out death sentences? Should they be taught to break laws or use purposeful deception when there's a greater good to be obtained by doing so? And how will they be programmed to know the difference?"

Other topics he breaches include: Can you prove beauty exists? How does justice fit into evolutionary theory? Which is more important truth or hope- would you choose truth with despair or hope built on a lie? What makes us human? Where does 'making something up' come from?

As is typical for a Steven James' book, he goes beyond a mere suspense novel and forces the reader to contemplate some of life's big questions while still maintaining a compelling, suspenseful story with natural and realistic characters. I love his books and his boldness in writing about controversial or hard to talk about topics.

Synapse will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you think, and will have you second-guessing the benefits of Artificial Intelligence.

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

Synapse by Steven James, 384 pages.
Thomas Nelson, 2019. $17.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Kestrel and her brother, Trevor, haven’t spoken in a very long time, but the tragic events unfolding lead them to start reaching out again. Jordan is an Artificial—a machine with AI capabilities—who just wants to experience being human. Nick, tracking down the perpetrators of the most recent terrorist attack, isn’t sure if he wants to let himself love another woman after his last wife left him. All thrown together by unpredictable circumstances, these people will find they need each other through the difficult week ahead of them.
Honestly, reading this book was kind of an odd experience because of all the issues and contradictions of different points of view brought up. If you want a book to make you think, this one is for you. I had to put the book down several times to ponder my own views on questions about technology and emotions, belief in God, the origin of justice, hope and lies, ethics and integrity dedicated to various forms of belief, and more. I can’t imagine the time and skill it took James to craft so many varying viewpoints and beliefs for his various characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed each new perspective and how the perspectives complemented and contradicted the others. The story itself, too, kept building and becoming more complex until I was sure it couldn’t all be resolved together. Reading this book was mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting—and it was worth every page. The violence rating is for terrorism, murder, and gore.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

A fast-paced story with a disturbing background. What happens to humanity when technology runs amok? Many thanks to the publisher Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this excellent book!

I was not sure I wanted to read another book about robots taking over the world. But I knew I wanted to read a Steven James book. I am very glad I did read this book. It is so much more than just a robot book. It does have the mystery/intrigue James is known for and yet it has the element to it that makes you wrestle with important issues. Human rights vs just about anything else. What makes us human and can we create something that will then have a soul .
Flat out just an interesting book to read.

Before I can even review this, I must say something. If the book is a Christian book where every other word or paragraph is one of proselytizing, the reader should be made aware. I had not one idea of this in the intro. I was led to believe it was a futuristic novel about humans (naturals) and robots (artificial ) creatures. It was that but I couldn’t get past the ongoing, constant, and after a short while, annoying religious references. I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions are mine alone.

Synapse by Steven James

Steven James has created a future world where naturals (humans), artificials (robots) and plussers (humans with artificial enhancements) exist together. In this setting he has staged a suspense. Kestrel Hathaway, a Methodist minister, is grieving from the loss of her baby daughter and stumbles upon the bombing of the plant where the artificials are manufactured. Next, she discovers that she is now targeted to be killed. Nick Vernon, special agent, steps in to investigate Kestrel’s involvement in the bombing. Once he knows she is innocent, together they try to figure out where the next attack will be and which organization is behind it. The plot gets more complex and Kestrel and Nick end up in the center of the next attack. The question for readers is, can the attack be thwarted and who will survive?

I found this book to be a departure from Steven James’ original series about Patrick Bowers. Although I liked his original books, this one seemed less taut and less adrenalin-laced. It was, however, much more thought-provoking asking questions such as “What does it mean to be a human? And what is faith and who can exercise it?”

The plot kept me guessing and near the end I found myself siding with the “bad guys”. If this scenario would play out in real life, I might find myself on the other side of the debate from the main characters.
I am not sure of the plausibility of this story, but it makes for an interesting read and wasn’t too technical for the average reader.

The author left many questions unanswered, so I am wondering if there might be a sequel in the works. If so, I would read it.

In summary, I enjoy Steven James’ writing and stories and recommend this one to those readers who enjoy suspense with a different setting. I received a copy of this from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Steven James is my go-to writer when it comes to Psychological Thrillers. He captures my attention and throws in so many twists and turns that I usually don't figure out who the villain is before the end of the novel. James has written a new novel entitled Synapse. This tale is a little dystopian meets I, Robot. Can a machine worship God? That seems to be an important question that the robot in the story asks. As for the plot, I felt quite bored. There really wasn't that much action until the last ten percent of the novel. The main character lost a baby in the opening chapters, and it changes her and sticks with her throughout the novel. But instead of that, she really doesn't change that much. The idea of a minister having a kid without being married is a little odd even though she does talk about God and doubting her faith at times. It just didn't sit with me too well. Overall, Synapse by Steven James is a complete 180 from what he normally writes, and I wasn't that thrilled with the novel. Fans of science fiction and dystopian novels might devour this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Synapse by Steven James from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

4.5 stars

Synapse was a very good read. I've read all of Steven James fiction books and while this one is different from his previous works, I still found it to be a fascinating read and it held my attention.

The book had suspense and intense action. I found the characters endearing and the whole Artificial aspect was intriguing -- definitely made you think about things and how they could go.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Synapse and recommend it. I can't wait for this author's next release.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review. This story is the perfect continuation of the ideas Asimov put forward with his Three Laws of Robotics. Questions are asked throughout the book that ask if a thinking android could believe in God and could be forgiven by Him. The android Jordan expresses his confusion as he interacts with a female pastor who just lost her child in the delivery room. They both end up questioning their relationship with each other and with God. Very thought provoking with plenty of action.

I have read two or three other bestselling novels about AI "life" and this is the one that made the most sense and told the best story. The back story of how AI came into being is believable and the "artificial" is a very well-developed character that I really felt for. I hope for more books in this series!

“Technology is a clock you cannot turn backward.”

“As a race, we’re capable of magnificent good and terrifying evil. We have noble desires that mirror those of the divine, and base ones that only the devil himself would approve of.”

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Heart, soul, and mind. Devotion to God that’s emotional, spiritual, and rational.”

Mind. Blown. Wow. What can I say? First off, I’ll be totally honest...didn’t realize this was going to be a futuristic novel that dealt with AI. I often avoid reading blurbs and the cover gave me no indication. So while that’s not usually a genre I prefer, Steven James unsurprising handles it masterfully. He gives us his usual stellar storytelling along with his usual profound Christian message where he asks a lot of great spiritual and theological questions. Unlike some of his other books where the questions are asked and left to the reader to answer or ponder, James does a great job answering. In fact, this is Steven James’ most Christian book to date, and I loved it. The constant theme of how humans are capable of so much good and so much evil, and why we are in need of a Savior is a message everyone needs to hear. And he does it in such a natural and wonderful way with such a beauty of words.

I found myself drawn to all the main characters: Kestral, a Christian female minister who loses a child at birth and is starting to question her faith; Special Agent Nick Vernon, the next best thing to Patrick Bowers, who focuses on the job because he was hurt by his ex-wife; Jordan, an awesome Artificial who shows he can love and care and ask hard questions; and Trevor, Kestral’s atheist brother who has a fractured relationship with his sister. Great characters and a great storyline.

In a world where we see technological advances all the time, this was a very timely read. With promises of AI, robotics, and automation just around the corner, what kind of moral and ethical dilemmas will we face? What does this mean for future job markets? How will this technology draw us closer or further away from God? All great questions, and ultimately, a great book that even throws in some great twists at the end. Read this as soon as you can!

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

The synapse, rather, is that small pocket of space between two cells, where they can pass messages to communicate. A single neuron may contain thousands of synapses. https://www.dana.org/uploadedFiles/BAW/Brain%20Brief_Synapse_Final.pdf
Imagine a world where AI’s look like humans, but they have superior strength and intelligence. Humans use AI’s to do the work they do not want to do and to safeguard precious or unsafe things.
Kestrel has lost her newborn baby, Naiobi, even though she had prayed desperately that God would spare her life. She was told that she could get an AI of Naiobi, but she refused. Then her brother sent her a very human - looking AI named Jordan.
Kestrel’s parents had been violently killed by AI’s while Kestrel was visiting with them in the airport, so she had a hard time getting used to Jordan.
Kestrel was a minister, and Jordan asked her if AI’s had souls and could believe in God.
You will have to read the book for yourself to see the answer to this question, and how Kestrel and Jordan’s actions changed their world!
"I received a complimentary copy of Synapse. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

SYNAPSE by STEVEN JAMES is a thriller with a difference. The story takes place thirty years from now, complete with Artificials, Plussers, Purists and other humans; and technology having reached unbelievable levels. It is fast paced and hard to put down.
It is an exciting book in which things are not always as they seem, making it difficult to know whom to trust. There are interesting characters - Jordan, an Artificial that is really close to being human, Kestrel Hathaway, a preacher who is pretty disillusioned in her relationship with God after her baby daughter is stillborn, and NCB agent Nick Vernon - to name a few.
I particularly enjoyed the conversations between Kestrel and Jordan, where, amongst other topics, he asks questions about God and the afterlife, and during which she slowly comes back to her faith in the Lord.
One could say that the plot is far-fetched, but with the way things are moving nowadays one never knows what the future holds!
I enjoyed the book for the exciting story and the excellent Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.