Hello Readers,
Thank you to Adren and Farrow PR for providing an eBook copy
of Private I by Ashlei E Watson, Jill Fain Lehman and Paul Pangaro in
exchange for an honest review. The copy I received didn’t include a cover, so
I’m using an image found through Google (Fair use for review purposes).
Title: Private I
Author: Ashlei E Watson, Jill Fain Lehman, Paul Pangaro
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 211
Cover Image:
Synopsis: She was almost out, her life of enforced seclusion nearly over. She’d go to college at MITI, make a name for herself in Machine Intelligence (MI), and develop personal MIs to solve the world’s problems by building on the technology her grandfather had secretly invented.
But the house was on fire when Paloma arrived home. Her grandfather, beaten and tortured, lay dead on the floor. Someone knew about Marlowe, Paloma’s MI, and would clearly kill to acquire it. They’d come for her next. They’d come for Marlowe.
Paloma has no choice but to run, at least until she can figure out who is after them. A tech corporation? The government? Anti-tech terrorists? As she encounters each, her grandfather’s arguments about the dangers of a Marlowe-like MI in the wrong hands begin to make sense. But after 15 years together, Marlowe has become both her best friend and, for better or worse, part of who she is.
A new take on classic noir themes, Private I is a mystery thriller rooted in today's headlines and driven by characters with distinct answers to the questions those articles what do we mean by machine consciousness? Would we recognize it if we saw it? Would we want it if we could have it? It is the story of a dead body, a society in decay, and the internal monologue of a voice that is still young enough to care and naive enough to stumble. Of course, in our case, that internal monologue has two voices.
Miniature Review
Set in 2040, Private I blends a futuristic world with the gritty charm of classic detective fiction. As someone new to these authors, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. From the very first scene, I was hooked by its gripping story and the way it combines noir mystery with some interesting questions about AI and consciousness.
The novel does an amazing job of mixing the old and the new, bringing that nostalgic detective noir feel while introducing cool, futuristic technology. The characters are well developed, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I couldn’t put it down.
At the heart of the story is Paloma, a tough, determined young woman who unexpectedly finds herself in the role of detective, trying to solve her grandfather’s murder. Alongside her is Marlow, an AI embedded in her ear cuffs, offering both insights and a bit of tension throughout her journey. Their dynamic is fascinating and sparks some thought-provoking conversations about AI and its place in our lives.
I found myself completely drawn into the world and hooked by the mystery. I really enjoyed the detective elements too, piecing together the clues with Paloma as the story unfolded. Whether you’re into classic mysteries, speculative fiction, or both, Private I offers a fresh and exciting twist on the genre.
L x
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