A word about the length of a book. While components such as the amount of descriptive detail help to determine how many words a book should have, the main factor is the complexity of the ideas and actions to be covered. In Sci-Fi especially, the key element is the sophistication of the science. If the action hinges on one simple hi-tech concept such as a new device that has specific powers, you may only need a novella to work out the problems it causes. If you are dealing with a complex concept with multiple scientific permutations across a wide cross-section of society, you need a longer book in order to couch the science in actions and dialogue.

This novella attacks the complex topic of artificial intelligence, takes the added risk of mixing hard Sci-Fi with Paranormal and compresses it all into 86 pages.

Which leads to the necessity of rather clumsy narrator “tells” to put us in the picture. It also leaves less room for character development, which is essential, considering the story deals with the development of two different AI personalities.

The lack of liberty to develop scenes also creates timeline problems. I got the distinct impression that the author was using the need to recharge the android’s batteries as a device to end scenes, regardless of how recently the trick had been used.

Having discussed these challenges, I must say that the characters, though briefly laid out, were realistic and sympathetic, especially the hero and his two AI subjects. The hi-tech story arc, while complicated, hangs together plausibly: scientific realities are clearly laid out, problems develop because of the rules, and the conflicts are solved within the scope of the science. The themes are necessarily simplistic, but in line with current Sci-Fi writing on the subject. Except, of course, the paranormal twist, which is quite original.

The ideas in this book have been carefully thought out and deserve a more thorough discussion in a longer novel. Recommended for fans of AI and other hard Sci-Fi.

Four stars.

This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery.