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Upload
In 2055, researchers Luke and Kiera are employed by AI guru Logan Williamson to help develop his upload program. When their developing relationship is threatened, Kiera retaliates by investigating Williamson's company, Sentioid Inc, with the help of an old friend, Jack. It proves a dangerous course of action, and what they discover will alter all of their lives, forever.
In part two, in 2221, aboard the starship Serenity, Luke and Jack are awoken by an emergency in the ship's cryo-hibernation system. Subsequently, an intriguing message propels them through an inner adventure of complex interactions to a sensational and surprising conclusion.
In part two, in 2221, aboard the starship Serenity, Luke and Jack are awoken by an emergency in the ship's cryo-hibernation system. Subsequently, an intriguing message propels them through an inner adventure of complex interactions to a sensational and surprising conclusion.
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Published November 20, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 25, 2018
‘We upload your consciousness, from your brain to the empty chip, giving us two copies.’
Australian author Chris Gladstone earned a science degree from the University of Western Australia, majoring in botany makes a writing debut with a book that could not be more contemporary – the gradual invasion and pervasion of Artificial Intelligence and its adjuncts. Chris writes speculative fiction/science fiction I short stories for online magazines and now a novel UPLOAD. Chris writes using speech recognition software because of an old injury to the neck and arms.
New science fiction literature is always welcome as it seems to grow more pertinent with the advancing years of the influence of Artificial Intelligence and IT. Introducing new concepts that at the present are fantasy can be a bit daunting for new readers but Chris’s management of character development offers enough reality-focused individuals that accompanying them on the journey in the pages ahead is inviting.
An example of how we may be in the opening year of 2055 is suggested in Chris’ opening paragraphs – ‘For some reason, the opening lines of an ancient Charles Dickens novel kept running through Kiera's head: something about 'the best of times' and 'the worst of times'. If she'd known her future, she would have realised how prophetic they were. She sat on the white plastic chair and fiddled with her rucksack; she needed something, anything, to take her mind off the waiting. She dumped her bag on the floor and stared down the right-hand corridor. Bluish light bounced off its surfaces, giving it an icy glow. Kiera shivered, wrinkled her nose and sniffed, catching the faint odour of robot lubricant. There had been no sign of life during the half-hour she had been waiting. Just as she turned away, movement caught her eye. A swisper-bot zipped around the nearest corner and zigzagged from one wall to the other while moving rapidly towards her. God, she'd never seen one travel so fast. She froze as the little cleaning robot swept past, buzzing like a swarm of angry bees and avoiding her legs by millimetres. It vanished around the next corner, and its sound faded leaving her immersed in silence. She picked up her small rucksack again, rummaged around, and pulled out her V-pad. She started to scroll through her diary to distract herself from an urgent need to go to the toilet. As the minutes ticked by, Kiera became mesmerised by her watch. Her impatience and edginess crept up a notch with each flick of its second hand. Just as she made the decision to leap up and dash for the toilet, the door sprang open. The previous candidate, a dark, plump woman in her forties stalked past without a sideways glance and disappeared down the hallway, muttering. Logan Williamson's voice boomed from inside the open door. Kiera sniffed, stood up, and slipped her V-pad back inside her bag. She hoisted the bag onto her shoulder and strode through the door. "Please sit down, Ms Proud." Logan Williamson smiled warmly as he indicated the chair in front of his desk. Kiera had seen him in numerous newsfeeds.,,,’
Chris offers a succinct plot summary – ‘Follow AI researchers and soulmates, Luke and Kiera through an intriguing journey. Luke and Kiera first meet on earth in 2055, when they are employed by AI guru, Logan Williamson at his company Sentiod Inc. When their developing relationship is threatened, Kiera retaliates by investigating the company with the help of an old friend, Jack. What they discover will alter all of their lives forever. In part two, in 2221, aboard the starship Serenity, Luke and Jack awaken to an emergency in the ship’s cryo-hibernation system. They are propelled by an intriguing message through an inner adventure of complex interactions to a sensational and surprising conclusion. This is an inspiring tale of courage and belief, and what defines us as human — love, family and friendship.’
New ideas and a rich imagination fill this initial novel by Chris Gladstone.
Australian author Chris Gladstone earned a science degree from the University of Western Australia, majoring in botany makes a writing debut with a book that could not be more contemporary – the gradual invasion and pervasion of Artificial Intelligence and its adjuncts. Chris writes speculative fiction/science fiction I short stories for online magazines and now a novel UPLOAD. Chris writes using speech recognition software because of an old injury to the neck and arms.
New science fiction literature is always welcome as it seems to grow more pertinent with the advancing years of the influence of Artificial Intelligence and IT. Introducing new concepts that at the present are fantasy can be a bit daunting for new readers but Chris’s management of character development offers enough reality-focused individuals that accompanying them on the journey in the pages ahead is inviting.
An example of how we may be in the opening year of 2055 is suggested in Chris’ opening paragraphs – ‘For some reason, the opening lines of an ancient Charles Dickens novel kept running through Kiera's head: something about 'the best of times' and 'the worst of times'. If she'd known her future, she would have realised how prophetic they were. She sat on the white plastic chair and fiddled with her rucksack; she needed something, anything, to take her mind off the waiting. She dumped her bag on the floor and stared down the right-hand corridor. Bluish light bounced off its surfaces, giving it an icy glow. Kiera shivered, wrinkled her nose and sniffed, catching the faint odour of robot lubricant. There had been no sign of life during the half-hour she had been waiting. Just as she turned away, movement caught her eye. A swisper-bot zipped around the nearest corner and zigzagged from one wall to the other while moving rapidly towards her. God, she'd never seen one travel so fast. She froze as the little cleaning robot swept past, buzzing like a swarm of angry bees and avoiding her legs by millimetres. It vanished around the next corner, and its sound faded leaving her immersed in silence. She picked up her small rucksack again, rummaged around, and pulled out her V-pad. She started to scroll through her diary to distract herself from an urgent need to go to the toilet. As the minutes ticked by, Kiera became mesmerised by her watch. Her impatience and edginess crept up a notch with each flick of its second hand. Just as she made the decision to leap up and dash for the toilet, the door sprang open. The previous candidate, a dark, plump woman in her forties stalked past without a sideways glance and disappeared down the hallway, muttering. Logan Williamson's voice boomed from inside the open door. Kiera sniffed, stood up, and slipped her V-pad back inside her bag. She hoisted the bag onto her shoulder and strode through the door. "Please sit down, Ms Proud." Logan Williamson smiled warmly as he indicated the chair in front of his desk. Kiera had seen him in numerous newsfeeds.,,,’
Chris offers a succinct plot summary – ‘Follow AI researchers and soulmates, Luke and Kiera through an intriguing journey. Luke and Kiera first meet on earth in 2055, when they are employed by AI guru, Logan Williamson at his company Sentiod Inc. When their developing relationship is threatened, Kiera retaliates by investigating the company with the help of an old friend, Jack. What they discover will alter all of their lives forever. In part two, in 2221, aboard the starship Serenity, Luke and Jack awaken to an emergency in the ship’s cryo-hibernation system. They are propelled by an intriguing message through an inner adventure of complex interactions to a sensational and surprising conclusion. This is an inspiring tale of courage and belief, and what defines us as human — love, family and friendship.’
New ideas and a rich imagination fill this initial novel by Chris Gladstone.
December 27, 2018
Upload by Chris Gladstone is a fascinating science fiction book that takes place in the future, and then in the further future, about 200 years out. This distinction between the two time frames can be a little difficult to follow, and seems to cut the story into two sections. However, even with this, the story line is intriguing and disquieting as the topic of AI or artificial intelligence permeates mankind and affects lives. Luke and Kiera are employed by a prominent AI company run by Logan Williamson. However, when their relationship falters, Kiera decides to do some investigating and opens up the proverbial can of worms. For anyone interested in artificial intelligence, and in particular those who like science fiction in general, this book is a win. With forces at work now, and technology advancing at a rapid pace, this is certainly a conceivable plot line and may in fact come to pass at some point. A solid plot, fast pace and good characters make this a must read for anyone who love science fiction, highly recommend.
December 24, 2018
Upload is a sci-fi book by Chris Gladstone that is divided into two parts, with almost 200 years in between.
The book deals with the highly complex topic of AI and how technology impacts humans. The plot is good and, although it centers in a subject that has been around for a while, the way it is brought to life is quite interesting. The author does a good job linking the two parts, but I found the story a bit flat, not very exciting. One of the main reasons for that could be the characters: don’t get me wrong, they are good, the story offers a nice outline of their personalities and the dialogues come out naturally. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, I wasn’t emotionally invested in them. I think that even though, the leap in time makes sense it makes the reader a little less invested in the story. Overall, it’s all written and will appeal to every AI aficionado.
The book deals with the highly complex topic of AI and how technology impacts humans. The plot is good and, although it centers in a subject that has been around for a while, the way it is brought to life is quite interesting. The author does a good job linking the two parts, but I found the story a bit flat, not very exciting. One of the main reasons for that could be the characters: don’t get me wrong, they are good, the story offers a nice outline of their personalities and the dialogues come out naturally. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, I wasn’t emotionally invested in them. I think that even though, the leap in time makes sense it makes the reader a little less invested in the story. Overall, it’s all written and will appeal to every AI aficionado.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews