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Loyalty Net
Mumbai. 2150 AD. India is the world's biggest economic powerhouse, a global supplier of robots. At the seat of all development in the country is the IIR, the Indian Institute of Robotics. Its word is gospel. Its status is unmatched.
Then Anil Srinivasan, one of the Institute's premier roboticists, gets murdered at a public function. Poisoned by his own robot.
The case falls into the lap of Dhaval Malik at the CBI. With his dismal case record, not solving this will mean demotion, even suspension. But the people in power counter him at every step. As the investigation leads him deeper and deeper into the maze-like edifice on which the country is built, Dhaval finds himself cornered. Desperate. Helpless.
Aid arrives, though, from an unlikely source: the robots themselves.
The journey takes Dhaval into the dark locked rooms of the IIR, where old, musty secrets linger. It takes him into the robot's mind, and it is here that he must find his answers. In silicon perceptrons. In flashes of electric signals that create emotion and thought in the machines. In the holes of the Loyalty Net, a neural network that prevents a robot from ever hurting a human being. In his grandfather's memory. In himself.
Science fiction and mystery combine seamlessly in this futuristic novel. Read it today.
Then Anil Srinivasan, one of the Institute's premier roboticists, gets murdered at a public function. Poisoned by his own robot.
The case falls into the lap of Dhaval Malik at the CBI. With his dismal case record, not solving this will mean demotion, even suspension. But the people in power counter him at every step. As the investigation leads him deeper and deeper into the maze-like edifice on which the country is built, Dhaval finds himself cornered. Desperate. Helpless.
Aid arrives, though, from an unlikely source: the robots themselves.
The journey takes Dhaval into the dark locked rooms of the IIR, where old, musty secrets linger. It takes him into the robot's mind, and it is here that he must find his answers. In silicon perceptrons. In flashes of electric signals that create emotion and thought in the machines. In the holes of the Loyalty Net, a neural network that prevents a robot from ever hurting a human being. In his grandfather's memory. In himself.
Science fiction and mystery combine seamlessly in this futuristic novel. Read it today.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2016
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Sharath Komarraju
134 books214 followersSharath Komarraju is an author of fiction and nonfiction based in Bangalore, India. Once a software engineer, now he writes for a living, and on lazy days he watches cricket and talks to his wife (often at the same time).
His most popular work to date is the Hastinapur series, in which he speaks into the silences of the Mahabharata story through the epic's many women characters.
His most popular work to date is the Hastinapur series, in which he speaks into the silences of the Mahabharata story through the epic's many women characters.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 16, 2016
The book begins with a note from the writer as to what inspired him to write such a story. Undoubtedly his inspiration is Isaac Asimov. One can’t possibly write a book about Robots and not involve Asimov.
It is the year 2150, thanks advancement and monopoly in robot manufacturing, India has become a super power. Indian Institute of Robotics is the powerhouse behind this status of the country. In an unfortunate turn of events, a senior IIR scientist – Anil Srinivasan is murdered, poisoned by his own robot, but then a robot just cannot kill a human thanks to the loyalty network in place in its system. Our protagonist Dhaval Malik of CBI is tasked to solving this murder. Dhaval embarks on a wild goose chase filled which ends up shaking up the very foundation of IIR and robotics.
It wasn’t surprising to the use of Isaac Asimov’s laws for robotics incorporated in the name of Loyalty Net. For a reader who isn’t acquainted with Asimov’s laws, the very concept of Loyalty net – the program which is responsible for a robot not to harm a human under any circumstance – might seem a bit vague. I felt the writer could have credited Asimov for that. The story starts off with a bang only to slack of mid-way. However, the writer was quick to correct that and ended the story with a rather dramatic climax. Arguments and introspection on the Traditionalist vs. modernist debate could have been toned down a bit. I do agree that the writer needed to elaborate on that topic in order to justify the motive for murder; nevertheless, this had an impact on the pacing. The part of the story about IIR seems to eerily resemble the Robotics organization projected in the Enthiran movie (Robot movie starring Rajinikant). The characterization was flawless. In spite of the story being set far in the future, the writer has kept the core characterization of humans and the general Indian societal set up intact. This simply ends up adding a dose of reality to a work of fiction. The writing and the story pacing seems to have been inspired by RK Narayan and Agatha Christie novels. Of course, there was enough uniqueness to the quality of writing which prevented it from looking like a mere copy of phrasing et al.
MY SAY: A bounty for Sci-Fi lovers
It is the year 2150, thanks advancement and monopoly in robot manufacturing, India has become a super power. Indian Institute of Robotics is the powerhouse behind this status of the country. In an unfortunate turn of events, a senior IIR scientist – Anil Srinivasan is murdered, poisoned by his own robot, but then a robot just cannot kill a human thanks to the loyalty network in place in its system. Our protagonist Dhaval Malik of CBI is tasked to solving this murder. Dhaval embarks on a wild goose chase filled which ends up shaking up the very foundation of IIR and robotics.
It wasn’t surprising to the use of Isaac Asimov’s laws for robotics incorporated in the name of Loyalty Net. For a reader who isn’t acquainted with Asimov’s laws, the very concept of Loyalty net – the program which is responsible for a robot not to harm a human under any circumstance – might seem a bit vague. I felt the writer could have credited Asimov for that. The story starts off with a bang only to slack of mid-way. However, the writer was quick to correct that and ended the story with a rather dramatic climax. Arguments and introspection on the Traditionalist vs. modernist debate could have been toned down a bit. I do agree that the writer needed to elaborate on that topic in order to justify the motive for murder; nevertheless, this had an impact on the pacing. The part of the story about IIR seems to eerily resemble the Robotics organization projected in the Enthiran movie (Robot movie starring Rajinikant). The characterization was flawless. In spite of the story being set far in the future, the writer has kept the core characterization of humans and the general Indian societal set up intact. This simply ends up adding a dose of reality to a work of fiction. The writing and the story pacing seems to have been inspired by RK Narayan and Agatha Christie novels. Of course, there was enough uniqueness to the quality of writing which prevented it from looking like a mere copy of phrasing et al.
MY SAY: A bounty for Sci-Fi lovers
April 1, 2016
This is futuristic murder mystery. Set in the future when India is a superpower and dominates the world with its control over Robotics. The story, the theme and the background are well conceived. Very plausible scenes of the future, living conditions, lifestyles and working conditions.
A robot is suspected of murder, so the story goes, and detective Dhaval Mallik is given charge of the case. Very interesting way the story progresses. The writing is good, clear and simple, but I did notice a few minor errors. The author has made the scenes very realistic and even offered scientific explanations to futuristic ideas and developments.
There is a little confusion as to whether Traditionalists are the good guys, or the Modernists. It seems both are the bad guys in the story, both sides are unwelcome. This part needs some attention. Maybe introducing half-modernist (this word is used once but in a casual way) would provide some answer to the confusion. Another drawback is that the story moves very slow. When we are reading a futuristic story full of robots and also a murder mystery, the reader expects faster face and action.
A robot is suspected of murder, so the story goes, and detective Dhaval Mallik is given charge of the case. Very interesting way the story progresses. The writing is good, clear and simple, but I did notice a few minor errors. The author has made the scenes very realistic and even offered scientific explanations to futuristic ideas and developments.
There is a little confusion as to whether Traditionalists are the good guys, or the Modernists. It seems both are the bad guys in the story, both sides are unwelcome. This part needs some attention. Maybe introducing half-modernist (this word is used once but in a casual way) would provide some answer to the confusion. Another drawback is that the story moves very slow. When we are reading a futuristic story full of robots and also a murder mystery, the reader expects faster face and action.
June 27, 2016
The author wrote this inspired by Asimov and when you start reading the book and realise that a Robot is the prime suspect of the murder of his master who is a scientist at the Robotic institute / company manufacturing them; it is easy to feel that the author ripped the story off 'I, Robot' and simply Indianised it. Its easy to cry foul / plagiarism.
If I had not been exposed to the author's other works (which I must say are damn impressive); i might have had the same opinion. I might have abandoned reading the book beyond the first 2 chapters. Thankfully i did not. Bcos thankfully, in spite of this being the author's first novel, he did manage to write a decent novel which had many facets to the story.
The detective, our protagonist, reaches his conclusions and solves the case in a matter of few chapters and you are suddenly wondering what will happen to the story now. And then he re-opens the case. And you are taken on a journey which does not even look like a murder investigations. Several things are happening which seem unimportant and irrelevant to the storyline. You also get a feeling that the author has digressed from the story and turned a bit philosophical or patriotic.
And then the story closes with the characteristic big reveal of the real story behind the death of the scientist (roboticist) and all the different pieces of the puzzle fit in almost perfectly. And you realize that every piece had its place in the puzzle.
It was interesting to read the pragmatic discussions taking place in the story about knowledge hoarding and its impact on economy as well as economic repercussions of knowledge sharing.
I would rate it as 3.5 here - something between 'liked it' and 'really liked it' ...
The author could have made the story a little more faster and tighter. There is a distinct feeling of story going haywire at certain points and maybe the author could make those parts shorter. Will make me give it 4 star that way :)
If I had not been exposed to the author's other works (which I must say are damn impressive); i might have had the same opinion. I might have abandoned reading the book beyond the first 2 chapters. Thankfully i did not. Bcos thankfully, in spite of this being the author's first novel, he did manage to write a decent novel which had many facets to the story.
The detective, our protagonist, reaches his conclusions and solves the case in a matter of few chapters and you are suddenly wondering what will happen to the story now. And then he re-opens the case. And you are taken on a journey which does not even look like a murder investigations. Several things are happening which seem unimportant and irrelevant to the storyline. You also get a feeling that the author has digressed from the story and turned a bit philosophical or patriotic.
And then the story closes with the characteristic big reveal of the real story behind the death of the scientist (roboticist) and all the different pieces of the puzzle fit in almost perfectly. And you realize that every piece had its place in the puzzle.
It was interesting to read the pragmatic discussions taking place in the story about knowledge hoarding and its impact on economy as well as economic repercussions of knowledge sharing.
I would rate it as 3.5 here - something between 'liked it' and 'really liked it' ...
The author could have made the story a little more faster and tighter. There is a distinct feeling of story going haywire at certain points and maybe the author could make those parts shorter. Will make me give it 4 star that way :)
July 25, 2016
To be frank, I have never read Isaac Asimov, though I had seen I, Robot on television. So this way my first book in this genre.
This was the first book written by the author, Sharath, though this was published very late by him.
I feel, as an author starts writing novels, his/her style and finesse improve over time and by the time he/she reaches his/her 3rd or 4th novel, his/her writing style develop beautifully and the novel become an amazing read.
But in his first novel itself, Sharath's writing style and the clarity of thoughts with which he writes become evident.
A beautiful book, a wonderful read, which makes the story a delightful experience.
The novel starts very similar to I, Robot, but very quickly, the story takes a different turn.
Its a story in 2150 AD Mumbai. It is a story of detective Dhaval Malik, who is investigating a murder/suicide of a very high level scientist of IIR, an organisation that has turned a third world country into a superpower of the world.
It's a thoroughly nice read, and a book I would recommend.
Would really like if Sharath writes a sequel to it, that will dive deep into the politics of IIR; or even a story that would lead Dhaval on a journey to understand the real reasons of Aja's death.
This was the first book written by the author, Sharath, though this was published very late by him.
I feel, as an author starts writing novels, his/her style and finesse improve over time and by the time he/she reaches his/her 3rd or 4th novel, his/her writing style develop beautifully and the novel become an amazing read.
But in his first novel itself, Sharath's writing style and the clarity of thoughts with which he writes become evident.
A beautiful book, a wonderful read, which makes the story a delightful experience.
The novel starts very similar to I, Robot, but very quickly, the story takes a different turn.
Its a story in 2150 AD Mumbai. It is a story of detective Dhaval Malik, who is investigating a murder/suicide of a very high level scientist of IIR, an organisation that has turned a third world country into a superpower of the world.
It's a thoroughly nice read, and a book I would recommend.
Would really like if Sharath writes a sequel to it, that will dive deep into the politics of IIR; or even a story that would lead Dhaval on a journey to understand the real reasons of Aja's death.
June 10, 2016
This is my first sci-fi novel ever. To be frank I read it for Sharath...otherwise wouldn't even go near the genre. I personally don't prefer sci-fi because the terminology and technology used in these kind of books are Greek and Latin to me. But to my surprise i quite enjoyed the book. Mostly because of the choice of words and technological references used by Sharath are quite familiar to everyone. More than sci-fi I would consider this book to be an investigative thriller on robots, robotics and roboticists. Sharat's idea of India becoming the economic leader in future is quite appealing. Realistic temperament in the novel is found in the ethical struggle between the Modernists, Roboticists and the Traditionalists. The fight by traditionalists to save the culture and ethics of India in the era Robots truly pictured the spirit of India. I was really impressed with the concept of "Loyalty Net", a network installed in the robots to be loyal and faithful to humans. This being his first ever novel written, Sharath proved to be a prodigy in mysteries and he has a knack for the sci-fi disposition.
July 10, 2016
An epic I must say. Though the writer says that this is his first novel, written long time ago and it might have some faults, but let me tell you it was a breath of fresh air for me. Lately I have read the mystery novels which were not able to get the spark up, but this novel has a different tinge to it. This one talks about a murder allegedly done a by a robot. How the story unfolds is unbelievable, that you cannot guess it till the end. Now this was a mystery well written. Especially the modern views of the author that he has set the novel in an era which is 2 centuries ahead of us. How he talks India about the pioneer of robotics in a worldview and how it is important for India to share the knowledge with the world for a better tomorrow. The reasons, the methods, the insights, the confusion; eveything worth reading. An amazing read and I recommend it to all.
June 19, 2016
a beautiful science fiction from one who wrote the winds of hastinapur. I am really wondering how one can write in various genres. Apart from the brilliant knot, i like the manner in which the story is moved. More or less the story is moved on conversation. And the conversation often move to a philosophical plane, which is the high light of this novel.Merely telling some scientific concepts or bringing some robots as character will not make a superb scifi. It is often the conversation on your heritage, values. emotions and the impact of the new technology on them will make it a brilliant one. In this aspect Sharath has done full justice.
July 2, 2016
As the author claims it is Asimov fan fiction.
There is definitely an originality in execution.
I read few pages on day one and when I picked it again in second day it was simply unputdownable. I finished reading the rest in one sitting.
There is always a curiosity about what happens next. Although it's sci-fi primarily, it is also a detective novel at se time.
I love both the genre so this was a treat for me.
I was conservative in rating the book since although the journey was aweosme, when I looked back it didn't seem as thrilling a detective novel could have been.
The sci-fi part is real amazing though with Indianised touch to it.
There is definitely an originality in execution.
I read few pages on day one and when I picked it again in second day it was simply unputdownable. I finished reading the rest in one sitting.
There is always a curiosity about what happens next. Although it's sci-fi primarily, it is also a detective novel at se time.
I love both the genre so this was a treat for me.
I was conservative in rating the book since although the journey was aweosme, when I looked back it didn't seem as thrilling a detective novel could have been.
The sci-fi part is real amazing though with Indianised touch to it.
June 20, 2016
On more than one occasion in this book, Sharath makes us readers wonder about this situation and question ourselves about the merits and demerits of such knowledge hoarding. And to his credit he doesn’t patronize us readers with an answer to these questions as they are inherently personal and each reader is surely bound to have his or her own correct answers to them. And that is where the author scores more than a few brownie points.
Detailed review put up at https://mahabore.wordpress.com/2016/0...
Detailed review put up at https://mahabore.wordpress.com/2016/0...
June 30, 2016
Loyalty Net is a murder mystery set in far future where robots are like family members and India is superpower for 2 centuries. I like the concept, the story and the characters. Suspense is maintained till the end and leaves the reader guessing. But i felt that it lacked the fast paced nature of a murder mystery. It is draggy at some places especially when the traditionalists/modernists views are repeated.
Given all, it is a good one time read. People who have technological mind bend will relate to it more.
Given all, it is a good one time read. People who have technological mind bend will relate to it more.
November 3, 2016
Nice book to see how the system can be compromised. Shows the feeling and emotions of many people who feel that we are losing our culture in the barb of westernization. Though not the kind of mystery novels, I would like to read, it is a good book nevertheless. Hope a day comes when India does become the richest country of the world.
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July 4, 2016Nicely written. A different brand of a suspense thriller. The futuristic approach could have been more practical and better, in terms of the technology and the applications of the technology. But otherwise, very well written by a budding writer. Would love to read more from this writer, would also refer this book to my other friends. Keep it up!
June 20, 2016
This is a very absorbing thriller set in the year 2150. The life in the background of great strides made by India in the field of robotics is very vividly described. The underlying human touch makes it a compelling reading!!
June 28, 2016
I love a good mystery and intrigue and this offering of author Sharath Komarraju is a well written suspense! It keeps you guessing as the understated protagonist winds his way through solving the conundrum of this whodunit.. enjoyed it thoroughly
March 29, 2016
Awesome book. Excellent use of science coupled with a detective mystery. Sci-fi at its best. I just love robots, by the way. Go for it!
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June 28, 2016Good to read book. Makes think of how anybody and everybody can be fooled. AI and its evolution has been properly used in the book.
June 30, 2016
The book is a good futuristic murder mystery combining humans and robots. Had fun visualising futuristic India with robots and robotics. Overall a great effort by the author. 3 cheers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews