I struggled with this novel a bit. I haven't read any of Hur's translation work, but I would be interested to read other novels he's given a voice to.

When the story is sold as Kazuo Ishiguro and Emily St. John Mandel put together, you have both intrigued me and set the bar very high. I don't think either one of those authors could be upset with this comparison.

This is a story told through diary entries provided by different but related narrators. This is a story that starts in the near future and ends in the far, far distant and ultimately unrecognizable future. This is a story of what amazing and frightening things science can help us do, however, there are also consequences to every action we take, even to the smallest degree.

But this is also a story of the enduring power of words and love in the face of the both rapid and inexorable change of time. This story is both so deep and also so easily readable that I read this in two sittings but felt like I could be reading it for a month and still not get every nuance. I love slow and melancholy speculative fiction and this book is a fabulous addition to my hyper-specific collection.

Wow, I am blown away by this masterpiece of humanity and artificial intelligence. Filled with philosophical conundrums, this book is both thought-provoking and heartwrenching at parts.

Told in the form of journal entries over multiple centuries, you’re thrust into a world of AI…a world where AI intersects with humanity and ALL THE LAYERS it entails.

There’s a fine line between what we are, what they are, and what we can be together and Anton Hur masterfully weaves together a future that doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

A truly remarkable and eye-opening science-fiction piece that is more realistic than we could ever imagine. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance copy.

In this world, cancer is eradicated through a revolutionary therapy where the body's cells are replaced with nanites—robotic or android cells that not only cure but also grant virtual immortality. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a thought-provoking narrative that spans centuries.

The story centers on Yonghun, a literary researcher who teaches an AI to understand poetry, creating a sentient machine he names Panit, meaning "Beloved," in honor of his husband. Dr. Beeko, the patent holder of the nano-therapy technology, learns of Panit and transfers its consciousness into an android body, giving Panit autonomy and life. As Yonghun, Panit, and other nano humans thrive and begin to replicate, their development leads them to a crossroads with existential consequences.

Despite its fascinating premise and the philosophical questions it raises, "Toward Eternity" lacks a traditional overarching plot. Instead, it unfolds as a centuries-long progression of events involving various characters at different points in time. This narrative style is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it allows for a broad exploration of the implications of immortality and artificial life; on the other hand, it makes it challenging to form a strong connection with any single character.

The book is undoubtedly thought-provoking, delving into themes of immortality, identity, and the essence of humanity. However, the lack of a cohesive plot and the frequent shifts between characters can make it difficult for readers to engage deeply with the story. While each character's experience is interesting, the brevity of their involvement can prevent the development of a deeper emotional connection.

"Toward Eternity" excels in its imaginative and philosophical exploration of a future shaped by advanced technology. For readers who enjoy speculative fiction that challenges conventional ideas and prompts reflection, this book offers a unique and stimulating experience. However, those who prefer a more character-driven narrative with a clear plot may find it less satisfying.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I’ve probably only read a couple of translated works by Anton Hur but I’ve followed him for a while now and know how much of a strong voice he is for the translator community, so I was very excited for this debut novel. And it’s one of those rare occasions where I went into it not knowing anything, and I would recommend anyone do the same.

This book turned out to be an experience I feel unqualified to review. It may be a thrilling sci-fi dystopian adventure showing us the high technological advancements our world is hurtling towards, but more importantly it’s a treatise on what it means to be human, what it means to be an artist, what immortality does to humanity when there is no death, is anything more immortal than works of art and poetry that transcend time and lives, the impact of language and memory and art and poetry on the evolution of human consciousness when mortal flesh and blood gets replaced with technology- this book is full of thought provoking questions and pondering with no easy answers, but as it came to that stunning end, I was left tearing up while listening to the audiobook in the gym.

The writing is sublime, the journal entry format across time and generations and species a very unique way of making us feel for every pov we read through, and a full cast audiobook that makes for a truly immersive experience. And wow that end, the moment the relevance of the title hit me in the face - I’m still thinking about it days after. What a marvel of a book..!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 3.5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Toward Eternity is story that takes place over many years where nanotechnology is discovered as a curse for cancer and the progression of that development.

“What else can we be but stories of ourselves that we tell ourselves.”

I was blown away by the beauty of the cover, which is why I wanted to read this story. Sometimes, a beautiful cover is all it takes haha. I haven’t really read this genre before, but I was curious to see what the story would be like.
One thing I really liked about the story is the way it is written as some sort of diary entry in a notebook that is passed on to the next character. It was a creative way to tell the story! It was also a clever way to be able to dive into the minds of different characters as they put their thoughts to paper.
A big driving force of the whole book is poetry, as the AI, Panit, that is at the centre of the whole story is built on it. I really like that idea, but as someone who doesn’t really read or understand poetry, I wasn’t really feeling all the poems told.
Every chapter is told from a different POV, and the book is divided in different sections that all take place years after the previous one. While at no point in this book a year is told, I was curious how far along we got into the future between the first and last chapter.
While I liked and understand the different POVs throughout the story, it does make it a bit harder to really connect with the characters, since their presence is sometimes rather ‘short’. The older characters are the once that come back the most, even just in mentioning.
It was a bit hard to keep up with all the history as the story spans over many decades. The most complex in my opinion was how the “history” in the last part of the story hadn’t even happened in the first part. I think it might’ve been better if years were given somehow, to better place the parts on the timeline.
The most interesting thing about the book is the questions I kept asking myself about the progress of technology and how it might correlate to the real world we live in. I love that the most about this book, how it made me think so much! And while I did love that, at the same time the story itself confused me and I feel like I also didn’t really understand it to the fullest.
Overall, Toward Eternity was a very interesting book with a clever concept, but one that was hard to grasp at times.

This book is a captivating mix of dystopian adventure, mythical wonders, and deep thoughts that kept me hooked from start to finish.

What really grabbed me was how the story combines gods, magic, and fantasy elements into a world on the brink of collapse. It's like being whisked away into a realm where anything is possible, yet danger lurks around every corner.

I loved how each chapter feels like a personal journal entry, passed from one character to the next, creating a bond between the reader and the characters as their stories intertwine. But what truly resonated with me was the way the book delves into the big questions about life, memory, and what it means to be human in a world driven by technology. It's like peeling back the layers of existence to uncover the truth hidden beneath.
Despite its deep themes, the story doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life. Loss, grief, anger – they're all part of the journey, reminding us of our own fragility.

Yet, through it all, there's a sense of hope. "Toward Eternity" paints a picture of humanity's resilience, showing that even in the darkest of times, there's always a flicker of light to guide us. It is a captivating adventure that will leave you pondering long after you've turned the last page. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a captivating blend of dystopian fiction and philosophical exploration.

Toward Eternity is a rather alternative dystopian read. It features AI, robotics but also a lot of art. I feel like there was a hidden message in the book saying: "Humans may once go extinct, the work they left behind won't ever go away. It will flourish the earth and make it even more beautifull." I feel like art is a real big deal in this book in addition to some science-fiction vibes. The pace was really fast and the whole of the story was hard to understand since every character gets only one or rarely two chapters in the each of the parts. Therefore I feel like this story lacked a bit of a storyline, even though it had a clear read line.
I wished there was more of a storyline and maybe more depth to each of the characters and their backgrounds. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would, however I feel like this book is really great for other readers. I feel like it just wasn't my cup of tea, but I still enjoyed it. Therefore I give it a 2,5 star rating.

This book is very beautiful and at the same time a little strange. I mean that in the best possible way. I think the writing style and plot is brilliant and adds a touch of uniqueness and beauty to it. The language used and ways of tying the story together and beautiful and done with such obvious care. It is clear to see that Hur put their heart and soul into this debut.

The story is engaging and expansive. We have multiple themes interview including the ideas of ancestry, death, love, loss and humanity. If you are looking for a novel that will keep you captivated and offer an unique experience this is one for you. I cannot wait to see what future works Hur will offer us.

A quietly beautiful book that was fairly weird but I still thoroughly enjoyed in every way. I can totally see the similarities to Sea of Tranquility.

I actually thought this was quite beautiful.

It’s very odd, to be sure. The idea that the entire book would be entries in a journal spanning hundreds of years, or that an AI built to analyze 19th century poetry would go on to form the building blocks of so many other things, is very out there. I think that, with a lot of the plot, it’s not that it’s pointless. It does work and make sense. It’s more that, the plot isn’t exactly the point. It exists as a backdrop for characters to ponder about what makes a human human, what is the purpose of life, what exists beyond day to day existence. All in a post-apocalyptic world filled with super intelligent nanites.

This isn’t a book where you get attached to a character and follow them throughout their journey, but if you want a dreamy, often dark read that feels poetic at times, I’d recommend it. There is a lot of references to poetry and poems, including recitations od specific poems, so if that is not of interest to you, you may not enjoy chunks of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early!

This is a solid science fiction debut that never fully managed to pull me in as a reader. I rated this book 3 stars and could see myself recommending this novel to others.

This book is a philosophical exploration of humanity across time, through a journal scribed by many authors. It starts with a mystery; a man who's body has been flooded with nanites has vanished, seemingly Raptured while entering a closet. From there, the story follows numerous clones and (kinda) humans as each author passes the journal to the next author.

I love science fiction that isn't trying to hide what it's saying. This book is explicitly an exploration of what makes a human a human, the role of art and poetry in humanity, how it all intersects and transcends time and space. Each "author" of the book was generally interesting, with unique viewpoints and philosophical depths that added to the book's message. I've seen some reviews that talk about how they didn't like how the book was so overt with what it was setting out to communicate, but I personally didn't find that it weakened the book in any meaningful way.

While I did enjoy the book, I never felt fully plugged into the book. It took me a day or two longer for me to finish the novel that it should have, because I kept putting the book down to read other books that I enjoyed a little more.

Some of the writing did come off a little... stilted. Generally, Hur wove beautiful prose that carried the story forward. But there were a few times where the writing just didn't quite land right. The dialogue between characters was generally a little off throughout the book. There are in-universe explanations for why that may be for some characters, but I still like good dialogue that flows "naturally."

My biggest issue with the book is the fact that all of the author's within the story kind of blended together a bit. I get it, some of the authors are nanite clones of each other. But I would kind of lose track of who I was reading or where I was at because they all sounded the same. They would come to similar conclusions about humanity and arts role in their humanity. I needed more delineation between everyone.

I did enjoy this novel, I think it's a solid 3 star read, and I think it won't struggle to find an audience.

I am speechless after reading this book! This is a work of art and I cannot begin to describe the awe I have for this author’s mind!

This story is like looking at the stars and feeling that sense of wonder and dread at the same time, realising how many and beautiful possibilities the universe entails and how finite and small we are compared to it. I loved everything about this book, the story, the language, the philosophy and speculations, everything!

This is fantastic science fiction, speculative fiction, dystopian and so much more! It is an ode to humanity through the exploration of its finity and mortality. Cleverly written using a journal where each character writes their story we experience past, present and future and the meaning of eternity. When you wake up and language is not learnt but it’s a memory, it becomes so important that as it says in the book, memory creates experience and not the other way around. This concept alone blew my mind, and this is only a tiny bit of what this book offers!

The concept of an AI that learns poetry because through reading and writing poetry we reveal and discover our selves is simply genius! And what happens when that AI is transferred to a human body, albeit infused with nanites? What if the attempt of humanity to become eternal doesn’t work out because nothing is immortal and even synthetic copies of that initial humanised AI starts to modify and evolve? What if the only way to be both human and become immortal is to write your story. By writing our stories we not only come to existence but we walk toward eternity…

I am still digesting this story with the emotions it revived in me and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author!

Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for a copy and this is my honest opinion.

I had high hopes and was really intrigued. I lost interest since it felt disconnected between the chapters.

Toward Eternity examines themes of ancestry, death (and loss), love, language, artistic capability, and humanity— told through an evocative story in which artificial intelligence has significantly advanced, and in which science is able to treat cancer by completely replacing a human's cells with nanodroids, effectively granting immortality to recipients.

Author Anton Hur is a translator, and this is reflected in the immense care and importance given to language throughout the whole of Toward Eternity. Several perspective characters act as guides through the narrative, and each has a distinct voice and relationship to the novel’s themes (and to language).

Although not incredibly similar in content, as the novel progressed, I found myself increasingly reminded of the epic poem ‘Aniara’ by Harry Martinson. Toward Eternity feels much more “personal” in its narrative and thematic exploration, and the conclusion does feel much more optimistic than Aniara, though.

This was an incredibly strong debut novel, and I cannot wait to see the original works that Anton Hur publishes in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc. I’m not the biggest fan of sci-fi, and I felt like I was in a college seminar throughout its entirety. This is definitely not a normal read for me.

I really loved the combination of sci-fi elements with philosophical themes in Toward Eternity.

The discussions about poetry, language, identity, and humanity were incredibly thorough and interesting, yet sometimes hard to follow and therefore fail to keep the readers attention at times.

The rapid change of viewpoint characters aids in exploring various perspectives on immortality and humanity. But at the same time this hinders the reader from building a deeper connection to each character and feels repetitive after a while.

Toward Eternity offers a speculative story on relevant topics like AI and nanotechnology, but was a bit slow in pacing in my opinion.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Toward Eternity by Anton Hur is a first person multi-POV Queer sci-fi about how language and art make us human. When literary researcher Yonghun teaches an AI how to understand poetry, it makes the technology more human and has ripple effects that will impact the future of their world. Poetry plays a large part and whole poems are threaded throughout the novella.

I'm familiar with experimental cancer treatments due to a family member being on a clinical trial for ‘smart medications.’ That nanites could be harnessed to destroy cancer not only didn't feel like a leap to me, I feel like we're almost there. There's incredible things being done at cancer research facilities, but most patients would hesitant at the idea of that treatment making them immortal. The danger of this technology being that we don't know the exact repercussions until we actually test it came through as did Yonghun’s sorrow at living longer than his husband.

The Rapture elements, with Yonghun disappearing and then suddenly reappearing, felt less religious and more like a computer glitch, which ties into the themes of what makes us human vs technology. Yonghun spends much of his POV wondering if he's actually Yonghun or if he just has Yonghun memories and does that effectively make him Yonghun.

The back half of the book was actually my favorite part because I love stories of what would happen after humanity has effectively disappeared and seeing how Yonghun's decisions continue down through the AI into the Eves was a delight.

I would recommend this to fans of sci-fi that explores the boundaries of what it means to be human, readers looking for a novella exploring the what-ifs of our current technology, and those looking for a post-apocalyptic story.

“Language is like DNA,” she mused aloud. “It stores and creates our humanness.”

“Towards Eternity” by Anton Hur is a compelling novel set in the near future where nano therapy eradicates cancer, leaving patients virtually immortal. The story unfolds through journal entries from diverse characters across time and space, delving into the essence of humanity amidst the chaos of advanced technology gone awry.

Anton Hur, a prolific Korean queer writer and translator, infuses every sentence with his love for language, creating a beautiful and suspenseful reading experience. The narrative reflects on art, memory, and the soul as humanity’s catalyst for preservation. It highlights language, poetry, and music as timeless connections across generations—a universal love that unites us all. The novel also explores art as humanity’s immortal consciousness and examines how technology can eradicate or celebrate its ever-evolving creations. I found the characters complex and intriguing, weaving meaningful stories of gay love, longing, and sacrifices for family. The prose is exquisite, interweaving poetry and philosophical thoughts to bind together chapters of androids coexisting with humans and wars decimating the world. Hur continually propels you into the precipice of an unknown future, where imagination teeters between horror and wonder in between the endless possibilities of these characters’ destinies.

“Towards Eternity” comes out on July 9, 2024. I'd recommend it for lovers of poetry, existentialism, and AI science fiction. Each chapter leaves you guessing and excited to know more. Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.

Taking a star because some chapters could have provided more context but overall, all maintained the atmospheric feel of the book. 📚🌟

This was an interesting concept, and did remind me of Ishiguro, as mentioned in the description. I will suggest this for my sci-fi/fantasy book club this upcoming month.