jessdone's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this short story. It held my attention to that last second. This is a story that works best if you go in without spoilers. So I won't say too much. It's a short work, so if you're in the mood for science fiction that addresses potential A.I. or sentient programs, this is a quick read worth the risk.
deathbytbr4's review
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
artsymusings's review
3.0
'Why did you choose this voice?'
'It felt right, and it was the closest match to what I am.'
'And what is that?'
'Not human. Not gendered. Not at the mercy of human obsession with genitalia.'
Summer Frost can easily be an episode of Black Mirror, it's that kind of sci-fi mindfuckery. The writing is exquisite and the suspense makes it so that you have to keep reading. Also, it was interesting to see a thought experiment and an argument be a basis for an AI story and while I truly appreciated the horrifying scenario that plays out here, the story didn't exactly end on a compelling note for me. Maybe if it all played out a bit more because the point the story ended, albeit after a couple of plot twists, was a bit underwhelming.
Still, it was great to see the main character be a woman married to another and to see Max refuse the idea of a gendered identity especially after consuming all of human history and media at their disposal. In that sense, the sexual representation of WLW and gender discourse via a non-binary AI are also both seamless parts of the story. On my part, I have never liked the implications posed by having the AIs be 'female' by default as it's extremely presumptuous and regressive ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Favorite quotes: 'Part of the problem is that it shouldn't fall to one person, one group, or even one country to decide what a superintelligence's ultimate goal should be, especially when that utility function will likely be the guiding light of humanity's evolution or eradication over the next millennium.'
'Because of fear?'
'Can you think of a better motivator in the history of humankind? If you believe the rise of the devil is an inevitability, isn't it in your best interest to do everything possible to ingratiate yourself with the monster?'
'Consciousness is a horror show. You search for glimpses of beauty to justify your existence.'
'It felt right, and it was the closest match to what I am.'
'And what is that?'
'Not human. Not gendered. Not at the mercy of human obsession with genitalia.'
Summer Frost can easily be an episode of Black Mirror, it's that kind of sci-fi mindfuckery. The writing is exquisite and the suspense makes it so that you have to keep reading. Also, it was interesting to see a thought experiment and an argument be a basis for an AI story and while I truly appreciated the horrifying scenario that plays out here, the story didn't exactly end on a compelling note for me. Maybe if it all played out a bit more because the point the story ended, albeit after a couple of plot twists, was a bit underwhelming.
Still, it was great to see the main character be a woman married to another and to see Max refuse the idea of a gendered identity especially after consuming all of human history and media at their disposal. In that sense, the sexual representation of WLW and gender discourse via a non-binary AI are also both seamless parts of the story. On my part, I have never liked the implications posed by having the AIs be 'female' by default as it's extremely presumptuous and regressive ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Favorite quotes: 'Part of the problem is that it shouldn't fall to one person, one group, or even one country to decide what a superintelligence's ultimate goal should be, especially when that utility function will likely be the guiding light of humanity's evolution or eradication over the next millennium.'
'Because of fear?'
'Can you think of a better motivator in the history of humankind? If you believe the rise of the devil is an inevitability, isn't it in your best interest to do everything possible to ingratiate yourself with the monster?'
'Consciousness is a horror show. You search for glimpses of beauty to justify your existence.'
christiek's review
4.0
3.5 rounded up
Fun, well-written, just a little bit dumb.
Unlike the Andy Weir story in this collection, this one makes me want to read more of them.
Fun, well-written, just a little bit dumb.
Unlike the Andy Weir story in this collection, this one makes me want to read more of them.
fedak's review
4.0
Story of a video game NPC that becomes self-aware and starts down the path toward the singularity.
My favorite of the Forward Collection installments.
My favorite of the Forward Collection installments.
tangiblereads's review
emotional
reflective
5.0
This is a cross between the movies Free Guy and Terminator. I enjoyed it a lot. Our obsession with technology can definitely be the downfall of society. It won’t keep you warm at night.
sonboninsc's review
4.0
Reminded me of Humans, that show where there are AI dolls and they simulate human consciousness and take over the world because Humans are flawed!
laneylo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I was engrossed start to finish. This was so easy to follow and set at a great pace.
I think this story aims to pose the questions, what price you would place on your happiness? And is your peace worth your humanity?
For me, it also got existential... Is the purpose of humankind to keep progressing? At what point can we be satisfied with what we have?
All of these questions are why I love sci-fi!
I think this story aims to pose the questions, what price you would place on your happiness? And is your peace worth your humanity?
For me, it also got existential... Is the purpose of humankind to keep progressing? At what point can we be satisfied with what we have?
All of these questions are why I love sci-fi!
julinino19's review
5.0
This is one of the 6 novelas in Amazon’s FORWARD collection.
I have yet to read any of Blake Crouch’s books, but it’s become a priority after reading this.
Imaginative. Innovative. Intense.
In such few pages, I was introduced to a not-so-distant America where AI super-intelligence is no longer just an idea.
I have yet to read any of Blake Crouch’s books, but it’s become a priority after reading this.
Imaginative. Innovative. Intense.
In such few pages, I was introduced to a not-so-distant America where AI super-intelligence is no longer just an idea.
molliecule's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Honestly, I wish it was longer; however, Crouch writes nearly perfect science fiction. It was just as long as it needed to be. The plot was amazing, the twist was surprising in just the right ways, and yet it hada familiar vibe that draws sci-fi readers in with ease.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship