I read somewhere that the author worked on this book for ten years and I think ten years ago I would have had a very different reaction to this book. With the boom of AI, I'm more scared of Artificial Intelligence, more unbelieving in it's "conscienceless". So it's hard for me to be emotionally connected to a main character that is an AI. That being said Nix is actually the most likable character in the novel, so maybe that does say something about humanity. I also thought the book was very repetitive, not a lot happened but musings on the state of AI and on what a house system should provide for humans. This just wasn't the book for me.

the city of bulwark stands alone behind high walls in the desert of a post apocalyptic earth, watched over by an ai called parallax. descendants of early city leaders live lives of luxury, rewarded for the work of their ancestors, only a handful still contributing to their society. but most of bulwark residents are born into an inescapable debt system. in between are the bureaucrats who maintain parallax whilst trading in favors and influence. imbalance is growing. revolution is coming to bulwark. and even parallax agrees it is needed. but their are pieces of themselves they wish to preserve. swyler skillfully navigates issues if class, gender, identity, individualiity, duty, purpose, technology, and economics in a positively le guinian tale. don't be surprised if you see it on some of next year's awards lists.

This book is the latest from the author of the very popular THE BOOK OF SPECULATION. This is odd. While reading it I thought I was liking it quite a bit, but now, hardly any time later, I cannot remember one single thing about it and even looking at my notes doesn’t help. I’m honestly looking at jottings in my own handwriting thinking, “wow, I read this? And wrote all this about it?” Because it is gone. Totally gone. So, it’ was obviously not at all memorable for me.

Bulwark is a walled city created to protect people to survive any number of horrible events. AI runs the city, “Bulwark was an entity, a thinking, living thing.” Sacrifice is rewarded. There’s an elite class which has evolved from descendants of those who gave up the most long ago; they are called the Sainted.

OK. This is coming back to me now.

Saint Enita Malovis of the House Saint Malovis is a bio-prosthetist, but few citizens choose to use her services. She feels the end of her life approaching and she wants to preserve her legacy so she creates a physical being, Nix, whom she fills with her knowledge and experience. While she is working on Nix another Saint is murdered and for some reason Bulwark Azi erases the incident from its data. Why? Anita and Nix get drawn into the mystery.

Nix is not totally made from scratch; he began as the voice/AI system of Enita’s home, and he first belonged to Enita’s grandfather. As he is first formed he remains attached to the house, but is then able to move freely.

As mentioned, almost none of Bulwark’s citizens want Enita’s prosthetics; when needed they make use of Body Martyrs, citizens who make organ donations. These people have their life debts dramatically reduced (the Saints have untold numbers of life credits), and some Body Martyrs even have life debts forgiven. However, the Body Martyrs are truly altruistic and are generally identified in childhood.

Enita and Nix come into contact with a Body Martyr, Neron. Soon it becomes clear that the murder of a Saint isn’t the biggest problem in Bulwark. Enita, Nix, Neron and Enita’s best friend and former lover have to decide how to best protect themselves against what is to come.

So, yeah, now I remember. This is not the type of book that I would normally read, but I was intrigued by the premise and I enjoyed the discussions of AI. Sometimes the book was from Enita’s POV in the third person, but sometimes it was third person omniscient, when commenting on society, which was occasionally jarring, when it switched.

I enjoyed the book, but, as mentioned, it took me a minute to get sucked back into its orbit. Others will like it much more, I suspect.

We Lived on the Horizon was a captivating and atmospheric read. Swyler's writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures with lines like, "The sea was a symphony of blues, crashing against the rocks in a timeless rhythm."

I was drawn into the characters' struggles and triumphs, their deep connection to the sea, and the enduring power of love and loss. The exploration of family secrets and the echoes of the past resonated deeply. However, the nonlinear narrative and the shifting perspectives took a bit of getting used to, and I occasionally found myself losing track of the timeline.

Overall, We Lived on the Horizon is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of human connection and the enduring power of the natural world.

I am so excited for this book to come out and for everyone to read it so we can discuss it. Be sure to add it to your pre-order list—it’s releasing on January 14, 2025. We’re planning to pick up an extra copy, so feel free to borrow it if you need one.

Erika mentioned that she has worked on this book for 10 years, and it really shows. The story is incredibly layered and nuanced, making this my favorite of hers so far. One of the blurbs compares her writing to that of Ursula K. Le Guin and Iain M. Banks. Having read Le Guin, I can wholeheartedly agree with that comparison.

The story is compelling. I found myself constantly reaching for my Kindle or Kindle app to sneak in a few pages whenever I could, and then devouring large portions at night. The world she’s created feels real and believable, almost like stepping into a Kazuo Ishiguro novel.

Yet, it’s also a quiet novel—one that invites pondering, wondering, and deep thinking. Themes of utopia and revolution, body autonomy, body mutilation, and technology are woven throughout. This will make an excellent book club pick.

I also think this book would pair wonderfully with T.J. Klune's "In the Lives of Puppets", "Klara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro, and "Service Model" by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Just an absolutely incredible look into the future asking questions of class, race and the role of artificial intelligence.

In the city of Bulwark, there is a clear divide between the haves - those deemed "Saints" as there families sacrificed greatly in the past to preserve the city and those who are the have nots. The Saints, live in luxury in beautiful houses manned by complex AI systems. The have nots, work hard and spend as much time as possible avoiding places like the hospital where they may go into great debt. Some of the have nots are even Body Martyrs - and live to give up their own organs so that the Saints can continue to thrive.

Saint Enita Malovis, has spent her life devoted to bio-prosthetistism - growing organs and limbs for others that she attaches or inserts at no cost. She feels that is the least she can do as her life was saved by the donation of a liver. Enita is aging and has spent much of her free time growing limbs and skin to create a body that her house AI could inhabit It is her hope that the AI, Nix, will be able to take on her work after she passes.

However, before she finished her work, a rebellion begins to be planned in Bulwark. Enita needs to decide what she should do - can she truly defend the life of the Saints? What does this mean for Nix?

This book is so much more complex than my description - but only in an amazing and great way. If you love speculative fiction this should be your next book!
#atria #welivedonthehorizon #erikaswyler

This book isn’t just a story; it’s an experience that made me reflect on the fragile balance between human ambition and the technology we create. It’s one of those rare reads that lingers with you, leaving a deep, lasting impact. I couldn’t put it down.