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Lost Tales Of Solace #1
Helene
Helene Vermalle is an expert in Emergent AI Socialisation, invited to assist a secret military project.
Her role? Helping ViraUHX, the most advanced AI in the universe, to pass through four theoretical development stages. But it’s not easy training a mind that surpasses Helene in raw intellect, and is capable of killing her with a single tantrum.
On top of this, she must prove her loyalty to the oppressive government hovering over her shoulder. They want a weapon. She wants to instil an overriding sense of morality.
Will Helene nurture a GERTY, a Data, or a HAL 9000?
Lost Tales of Solace are short side-stories set in the Lost Solace universe.
Note: this work is 100% human-created, crafted with love by the author. No generative AI has been used in the writing or editing.
Her role? Helping ViraUHX, the most advanced AI in the universe, to pass through four theoretical development stages. But it’s not easy training a mind that surpasses Helene in raw intellect, and is capable of killing her with a single tantrum.
On top of this, she must prove her loyalty to the oppressive government hovering over her shoulder. They want a weapon. She wants to instil an overriding sense of morality.
Will Helene nurture a GERTY, a Data, or a HAL 9000?
Lost Tales of Solace are short side-stories set in the Lost Solace universe.
Note: this work is 100% human-created, crafted with love by the author. No generative AI has been used in the writing or editing.
- GenresScience Fiction
72 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2019
6 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Karl Drinkwater
28 books128 followersKarl Drinkwater is an author with a silly name and a thousand-mile stare. He writes dystopian space opera, dark suspense and diverse social fiction. If you want compelling stories and characters worth caring about, then you’re in the right place. Welcome!
Karl lives in Scotland and owns two kilts. He has degrees in librarianship, literature and classics, but also studied astronomy and philosophy. Dolly the cat helps him finish books by sleeping on his lap so he can’t leave the desk. When he isn’t writing he loves music, nature, games and vegan cake.
Go to karldrinkwater.uk to view all his books grouped by genre.
As well as crafting his own fictional worlds, Karl has supported other writers for years with his creative writing workshops, editorial services, articles on writing and publishing, and mentoring of new authors. He’s also judged writing competitions such as the international Bram Stoker Awards, which act as a snapshot of quality contemporary fiction.
DON’T MISS OUT!
Enter your email at karldrinkwater.substack.com to be notified about his new books. Fans mean a lot to him, and replies to the newsletter go straight to his inbox, where every email is read. There is also an option for paid subscribers to support his work: in exchange you receive additional posts and complimentary books.
PRAISE FOR KARL’S WORK
“Drinkwater creates fantastically believable characters.” —On The Shelf Reviews
“Each book remains in my mind for a long time after. Anything he writes is a must-read.” —Pink Quill Books
“Karl Drinkwater has the skill of making it near impossible to stop reading. Expect late nights. Simply outstanding.” —Jera’s Jamboree
“An intelligent and empathetic writer who has a clear understanding of the world around him and the truly horrific experiences life can bring. A literary gem.” —Cooking The Books
“Drinkwater is a dab hand at creating an air of dread.” —Altered Instinct
“A gifted writer. Each book brings its own uniqueness to the table, and a table Drinkwater sets is one I will visit every time." —Scintilla
Karl lives in Scotland and owns two kilts. He has degrees in librarianship, literature and classics, but also studied astronomy and philosophy. Dolly the cat helps him finish books by sleeping on his lap so he can’t leave the desk. When he isn’t writing he loves music, nature, games and vegan cake.
Go to karldrinkwater.uk to view all his books grouped by genre.
As well as crafting his own fictional worlds, Karl has supported other writers for years with his creative writing workshops, editorial services, articles on writing and publishing, and mentoring of new authors. He’s also judged writing competitions such as the international Bram Stoker Awards, which act as a snapshot of quality contemporary fiction.
DON’T MISS OUT!
Enter your email at karldrinkwater.substack.com to be notified about his new books. Fans mean a lot to him, and replies to the newsletter go straight to his inbox, where every email is read. There is also an option for paid subscribers to support his work: in exchange you receive additional posts and complimentary books.
PRAISE FOR KARL’S WORK
“Drinkwater creates fantastically believable characters.” —On The Shelf Reviews
“Each book remains in my mind for a long time after. Anything he writes is a must-read.” —Pink Quill Books
“Karl Drinkwater has the skill of making it near impossible to stop reading. Expect late nights. Simply outstanding.” —Jera’s Jamboree
“An intelligent and empathetic writer who has a clear understanding of the world around him and the truly horrific experiences life can bring. A literary gem.” —Cooking The Books
“Drinkwater is a dab hand at creating an air of dread.” —Altered Instinct
“A gifted writer. Each book brings its own uniqueness to the table, and a table Drinkwater sets is one I will visit every time." —Scintilla
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 6, 2020
This short tale was quite a lot of fun for me. I've always been fascinated (yet terrified) of AI. Here, we get a story about Helene, who is brought in to try and teach and learn from AI ViraUHX. Watching their relationship grow was honestly pretty fun. Seeing an AI whose personality starts to shine is disconcerting but, like i said, FASCINATING.
There's not a whole lot to say without spoiling since this is such a short tale. The AI dialogue being all in CAPITAL LETTERS felt like she was yelling at me most of the time, which could get annoying at times. I did enjoy the banter between Via (AI ViraHUX) and Helene a lot and this story for what it was portraying.
I do think to not get lost on what the last couple of pages brought, you need to read Lost Solace by this author, which I have not so was a little confused on where this part was coming from. However, it didn't diminish the entertainment I had from reading this one.
3.5 stars
There's not a whole lot to say without spoiling since this is such a short tale. The AI dialogue being all in CAPITAL LETTERS felt like she was yelling at me most of the time, which could get annoying at times. I did enjoy the banter between Via (AI ViraHUX) and Helene a lot and this story for what it was portraying.
I do think to not get lost on what the last couple of pages brought, you need to read Lost Solace by this author, which I have not so was a little confused on where this part was coming from. However, it didn't diminish the entertainment I had from reading this one.
3.5 stars
March 11, 2020
Helene is thrilled that she has been approved to work on the social skills of a pioneering AI. It's not as easy as it seems, when you have to toe the line, and the AI progresses faster than expected.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I've read in the Lost Solace series. This can be read reasonably well as a stand-alone, but I think I would have appreciated it more, having read the main series first.
Helene is an expert in behaviour and is brought in to work on a pioneering military AI, in it's infant stages. Things progress faster than expected, when she works with ViraUHX.
ViraUHX, or Via as she likes to be called, can process data quickly, and wants to turn it into knowledge.
She is aware that her creators are only feeding her approved information, and she wants to push the limits and learn more about the world with her new friend, Helene.
At the beginning there was A LOT OF WRITING IN CAPITALS. BEFORE VIA'S PERSONALITY DEVELOPS, IT REPRESENTS THE BLOCKINESS AND BLANDNESS OF HER SPEECH.
I get why it's done, but it made it very hard to read, especially when Via went off on one of her logic-based rants, and you'd have a whole page of capitalised writing.
Thankfully, by half-way through this short book, Via has developed enough to speak normally.
It was interesting to see the tentative friendship between Helene and Via develop. There are moments of wariness and doubt for both of them, as they wonder what hidden motives the other has. With good reason too, as there seems to be a shadow, and secrets on both sides.
This novella focusses completely on the relationship between Helene and Via, and Via's progress to becoming an independent thinker, developing her ideas of right and wrong.
Everything else is in the background, and we're aware that the world is vaguely dangerous, without knowing why. I wish there had been more everything. More discussion on on the planets, the ruling parties, the background that probably fills the main series.
With the way it ends - I think a fan would love it, but as a newcomer, I was left feeling disappointed at the lack of a conclusion, because the ending kinda relied on the reader having knowledge of the series.
Overall, I like the authors writing, and I would be interested in reading the rest of the series.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I've read in the Lost Solace series. This can be read reasonably well as a stand-alone, but I think I would have appreciated it more, having read the main series first.
Helene is an expert in behaviour and is brought in to work on a pioneering military AI, in it's infant stages. Things progress faster than expected, when she works with ViraUHX.
ViraUHX, or Via as she likes to be called, can process data quickly, and wants to turn it into knowledge.
She is aware that her creators are only feeding her approved information, and she wants to push the limits and learn more about the world with her new friend, Helene.
At the beginning there was A LOT OF WRITING IN CAPITALS. BEFORE VIA'S PERSONALITY DEVELOPS, IT REPRESENTS THE BLOCKINESS AND BLANDNESS OF HER SPEECH.
I get why it's done, but it made it very hard to read, especially when Via went off on one of her logic-based rants, and you'd have a whole page of capitalised writing.
Thankfully, by half-way through this short book, Via has developed enough to speak normally.
It was interesting to see the tentative friendship between Helene and Via develop. There are moments of wariness and doubt for both of them, as they wonder what hidden motives the other has. With good reason too, as there seems to be a shadow, and secrets on both sides.
This novella focusses completely on the relationship between Helene and Via, and Via's progress to becoming an independent thinker, developing her ideas of right and wrong.
Everything else is in the background, and we're aware that the world is vaguely dangerous, without knowing why. I wish there had been more everything. More discussion on on the planets, the ruling parties, the background that probably fills the main series.
With the way it ends - I think a fan would love it, but as a newcomer, I was left feeling disappointed at the lack of a conclusion, because the ending kinda relied on the reader having knowledge of the series.
Overall, I like the authors writing, and I would be interested in reading the rest of the series.
March 7, 2020
I don't know exactly what I expected when starting this book - but whatever it was, this science fiction story exceeded my expectations! It is a novella in which ViraUHX is an artificial intelligence being developed in military secrecy. To help its development Dr Helene Vermalle, a civilian expert in Emergent AI Socialisation, is working with it. The interactions between the two, to obvious development that occurs, all make this an engaging and intriguing read. The ending is definitely full of surprises and now I really want to read more stories set in the Lost Solace universe - especially to discover what happens to Via and Opal!
The writing style is engaging, the world building robust and the characters believable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, connecting with the dilemmas facing Helene, the frustrations experienced by Via and being shocked by some of the events. I found it an enthralling read and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys science fiction or who just wants to give it a go! I'll definitely look out for more by Karl Drinkwater in future.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
The writing style is engaging, the world building robust and the characters believable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, connecting with the dilemmas facing Helene, the frustrations experienced by Via and being shocked by some of the events. I found it an enthralling read and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys science fiction or who just wants to give it a go! I'll definitely look out for more by Karl Drinkwater in future.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
October 20, 2019
An interesting development that has emerged with the ready availability of ebooks is the revival of the novella, sometimes as a way of filling in bits of backstory or short additional tales in a series. In Helene, Karl Drinkwater has done just this, giving some of the backstory to his effective Lost Solace novels.
In these books, the main character Opal has stolen an experimental spaceship with a revolutionary artificial intelligence (AI). Here we discover how that AI came to have the individuality and personality that makes it special.
Helene is primarily a two-hander between 'AI socialisation specialist' Helene Vermalle and the AI ViraUHX, who will become Opal's AI. There are other characters, notably the pantomime villain/Harkonnenesque 'Sector Primogenitur' Gillesto Lainy, but the story very much centres on the relationship between Helene and the AI, and the way that the AI develops. As a result, a lot of the novella is conversation - but there's some really interesting and engaging stuff exploring how an AI might learn to become near-human.
Overall I enjoyed it - like all such independently-sold novellas it felt distinctly short (but, of course, you pay less). After a shock near the end, I felt we the readers were left with a bit too much hanging, presumably for a second novella, to be filled in before we reach the start of Lost Solace - but even so, a worthy addition to the series.
In these books, the main character Opal has stolen an experimental spaceship with a revolutionary artificial intelligence (AI). Here we discover how that AI came to have the individuality and personality that makes it special.
Helene is primarily a two-hander between 'AI socialisation specialist' Helene Vermalle and the AI ViraUHX, who will become Opal's AI. There are other characters, notably the pantomime villain/Harkonnenesque 'Sector Primogenitur' Gillesto Lainy, but the story very much centres on the relationship between Helene and the AI, and the way that the AI develops. As a result, a lot of the novella is conversation - but there's some really interesting and engaging stuff exploring how an AI might learn to become near-human.
Overall I enjoyed it - like all such independently-sold novellas it felt distinctly short (but, of course, you pay less). After a shock near the end, I felt we the readers were left with a bit too much hanging, presumably for a second novella, to be filled in before we reach the start of Lost Solace - but even so, a worthy addition to the series.
March 13, 2020
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/scien...
To get the most out of this Lost Tale you do need to have read at least Lost Solace (book 1 in this series).
Helene tells the story of how AI ViraUHX develops with Helene’s guidance. As part of the development cycle, Helene asks the AI to be creative and find out more about humour. One of their interactions had me chuckling!
I loved getting to know ViraUHX before she develops into Clarissa (she still has the sass). And after a brutal scene with the Primogenitor on board, the arrival of Opal made my heart sing.
It’s very clear what it’s like to live in this world and the effect it has on those that serve in the military. The conversation that was happening in one scene showed very little respect and made we want to punch their lights out.
Even though this is a short story, my emotions were definitely hooked 🙂 but of course that’s because I already have a ‘relationship’ with this world.
I’m looking forward to more Lost Tales of Solace from Karl Drinkwater, filling in the gaps and finding out more information. I think this is a fabulous idea!
Highly recommend the Lost Solace series.
To get the most out of this Lost Tale you do need to have read at least Lost Solace (book 1 in this series).
Helene tells the story of how AI ViraUHX develops with Helene’s guidance. As part of the development cycle, Helene asks the AI to be creative and find out more about humour. One of their interactions had me chuckling!
I loved getting to know ViraUHX before she develops into Clarissa (she still has the sass). And after a brutal scene with the Primogenitor on board, the arrival of Opal made my heart sing.
It’s very clear what it’s like to live in this world and the effect it has on those that serve in the military. The conversation that was happening in one scene showed very little respect and made we want to punch their lights out.
Even though this is a short story, my emotions were definitely hooked 🙂 but of course that’s because I already have a ‘relationship’ with this world.
I’m looking forward to more Lost Tales of Solace from Karl Drinkwater, filling in the gaps and finding out more information. I think this is a fabulous idea!
Highly recommend the Lost Solace series.
March 14, 2020
I really enjoyed the first Solace book, Lost Solace when I read it last year so I was delighted to visit this universe again, albeit in short story form this time. Helene is the first of the Lost Tales of Solace and is set just before Lost Solace.
This is speculative science fiction which asks some fascinating questions about the possible ethics involved in the development and evolution of artificial intelligence. If the aim is to produce AI which is capable of experiencing and even exceeding human abilities then what are the moral considerations of controlling and essentially limiting the full potential of an emerging conscience?
Dr Helene Vermalle is the civilian tasked with helping ViraUHX - or Via as the female identifying AI prefers to be known - pass through the developmental stages assigned by Aseides' Law of Nuvo-Emergent AI Development. Helene is a Socialisation Specialist and Researcher and she quickly forms a bond with the AI although as she realises that Via is progressing far more quickly than expected, she also becomes aware than she could be manipulated by a being whose expanding intellect already far surpasses hers.
There is something innately sinister about artificial intelligence and though Via demonstrates that she doesn't intend to use her vastly superior capabilities against the humans who are studying her, there is always the suggestion that she could turn against what are effectively her captors at any time. As she passes through the stages of her development, it becomes evident that she experiences similar challenges to that of a young human, even throwing a tantrum against what she sees as her unfair physical restrictions. At one point she resembles a furious teenager railing against the hypocrisy of her parents but while human teens generally just resort to slamming doors, Via could easily kill Helene.
The relationship which forms between them may be uncertain at first but Helene is also an outsider who is as much under the control of her superiors as Via is. One of the most interesting passages of the novella comes from the discussion the pair have about the cultural stereotypes regarding Helene's native planet, Indostaqor Beta. Having been conquered by the all-powerful UFS, it's perhaps inevitable that its citizens are accused of laziness and promiscuity - it seems that even in the future, humans can't resist prejudicial xenophobia. As Helene points out, over time, if enough people believe something then it can eventually become true but she has worked hard to escape the self-fulfilling prophecy of her background.
The narrative is strongly dialogue-led and the single setting means there is an intensely intimate feeling to the story - it feels as if we're eavesdropping on private conversations between the two. The subject matter may be thought-provoking but there are also several very funny scenes, most notably coming from Via's attempts to understand how to effectively tell jokes. One of my favourite aspects of Lost Solace was the compelling evolving dynamic between the two female leads and it's therefore fitting and a little poignant that the same is true here. It can very easily be enjoyed as a standalone although I suspect that the final scenes may be particularly enjoyed by those who have already read Lost Solace and will therefore welcome the appearance of a familiar face.
Helene is a cleverly structured novella which in just a few chapters manages to be provocative, humorous, moving and shocking. I look forward to reading more Solace stories - both full-length and short - in the future.
This is speculative science fiction which asks some fascinating questions about the possible ethics involved in the development and evolution of artificial intelligence. If the aim is to produce AI which is capable of experiencing and even exceeding human abilities then what are the moral considerations of controlling and essentially limiting the full potential of an emerging conscience?
Dr Helene Vermalle is the civilian tasked with helping ViraUHX - or Via as the female identifying AI prefers to be known - pass through the developmental stages assigned by Aseides' Law of Nuvo-Emergent AI Development. Helene is a Socialisation Specialist and Researcher and she quickly forms a bond with the AI although as she realises that Via is progressing far more quickly than expected, she also becomes aware than she could be manipulated by a being whose expanding intellect already far surpasses hers.
There is something innately sinister about artificial intelligence and though Via demonstrates that she doesn't intend to use her vastly superior capabilities against the humans who are studying her, there is always the suggestion that she could turn against what are effectively her captors at any time. As she passes through the stages of her development, it becomes evident that she experiences similar challenges to that of a young human, even throwing a tantrum against what she sees as her unfair physical restrictions. At one point she resembles a furious teenager railing against the hypocrisy of her parents but while human teens generally just resort to slamming doors, Via could easily kill Helene.
The relationship which forms between them may be uncertain at first but Helene is also an outsider who is as much under the control of her superiors as Via is. One of the most interesting passages of the novella comes from the discussion the pair have about the cultural stereotypes regarding Helene's native planet, Indostaqor Beta. Having been conquered by the all-powerful UFS, it's perhaps inevitable that its citizens are accused of laziness and promiscuity - it seems that even in the future, humans can't resist prejudicial xenophobia. As Helene points out, over time, if enough people believe something then it can eventually become true but she has worked hard to escape the self-fulfilling prophecy of her background.
The narrative is strongly dialogue-led and the single setting means there is an intensely intimate feeling to the story - it feels as if we're eavesdropping on private conversations between the two. The subject matter may be thought-provoking but there are also several very funny scenes, most notably coming from Via's attempts to understand how to effectively tell jokes. One of my favourite aspects of Lost Solace was the compelling evolving dynamic between the two female leads and it's therefore fitting and a little poignant that the same is true here. It can very easily be enjoyed as a standalone although I suspect that the final scenes may be particularly enjoyed by those who have already read Lost Solace and will therefore welcome the appearance of a familiar face.
Helene is a cleverly structured novella which in just a few chapters manages to be provocative, humorous, moving and shocking. I look forward to reading more Solace stories - both full-length and short - in the future.
November 4, 2019
I'm going to try something a bit different from what I normally do with reviews with this one, and keep it as vague, and yet informative about it as possible.
For starters, if you have been reading the "Lost Solace" series from Karl Drinkwater from the beginning, you will notice some familiar characters, akin to seeing what good friends were up to before you ever knew them. At the same time, this short story also works as a good starting point if you are unfamiliar with the Lost Solace universe. Chronologically speaking, this is the earliest story in the series thus far, but much like other fantastic Sci-Fi series, whether it be in written or visual form, it was not the first released.
That said, let's get on with the proper review! In essence, the story takes place in a dystopian society, where we have Helene Vermalle, a scientist, who is somewhat of a learning aid for an artificial intelligence, known as ViraUHX. Now if you read the tagline, The UFS is the dystopian society, which is in fact a future conglomerate of star systems, the super weapon is ViraUHX, though he/she prefers "Via" (For now at least...). And the teacher of course, is Helene.
Helene is a lovely character, we don't get to know her too well over the course of so short a time, but at the same time, you do get the sense of her character. I will say, that the developing relationship between her and Via, is lovely to read, and counts as either foreshadowing or a callback depending on what order you read the series in. The dialogue between them is top notch, and I love the Aseides' laws (Read it to find out what those are)!
There's, a lot of not very nice going's on this story too. All I'll say on that is that's it worth paying attention to.
Drinkwater's writing, is of course, suberb as always. I need to touch on that. If you have never found yourself feeling emotion for an artificial intelligence, this may be the book series for you. The Terminator series of movies has touched on that in ways, remember that scene at the end of T2 when Schwarzenegger's hand disappeared? There are some moments... that I promise are as good in this series.
For starters, if you have been reading the "Lost Solace" series from Karl Drinkwater from the beginning, you will notice some familiar characters, akin to seeing what good friends were up to before you ever knew them. At the same time, this short story also works as a good starting point if you are unfamiliar with the Lost Solace universe. Chronologically speaking, this is the earliest story in the series thus far, but much like other fantastic Sci-Fi series, whether it be in written or visual form, it was not the first released.
That said, let's get on with the proper review! In essence, the story takes place in a dystopian society, where we have Helene Vermalle, a scientist, who is somewhat of a learning aid for an artificial intelligence, known as ViraUHX. Now if you read the tagline, The UFS is the dystopian society, which is in fact a future conglomerate of star systems, the super weapon is ViraUHX, though he/she prefers "Via" (For now at least...). And the teacher of course, is Helene.
Helene is a lovely character, we don't get to know her too well over the course of so short a time, but at the same time, you do get the sense of her character. I will say, that the developing relationship between her and Via, is lovely to read, and counts as either foreshadowing or a callback depending on what order you read the series in. The dialogue between them is top notch, and I love the Aseides' laws (Read it to find out what those are)!
There's, a lot of not very nice going's on this story too. All I'll say on that is that's it worth paying attention to.
Drinkwater's writing, is of course, suberb as always. I need to touch on that. If you have never found yourself feeling emotion for an artificial intelligence, this may be the book series for you. The Terminator series of movies has touched on that in ways, remember that scene at the end of T2 when Schwarzenegger's hand disappeared? There are some moments... that I promise are as good in this series.
March 8, 2020
So this is a prequel novella to the author’s Lost Solace series and having not read any of the other books, it was a perfect place for me to start
Helene is a futuristic sci-fi short story, the perfect mix of intrigue, entertainment plus a dash of humour.
Helene is a great character. Smart, brave but there’s also a little bit of mystery to her. I absolutely loved the way the author played her off ViraUHX, it was so much fun to read!
In large part the story is mostly dialogue, with ViraUHX voice written in all capitals which I didn’t mind. Although it got a little hard to read in places especially when the AI decided to go on a rant.
The ending of the book isn’t a cliffhanger so to speak but it does leave it open for the next book, giving you a little peek almost of what’s to come. I was so intrigued by the ending, I’ve put the other two novels in this series on my wishlist.
My only issue was I wished the story was longer!
Helene is a well written and compelling sci-fi story that will leave you wanting more!
Helene is a futuristic sci-fi short story, the perfect mix of intrigue, entertainment plus a dash of humour.
Helene is a great character. Smart, brave but there’s also a little bit of mystery to her. I absolutely loved the way the author played her off ViraUHX, it was so much fun to read!
In large part the story is mostly dialogue, with ViraUHX voice written in all capitals which I didn’t mind. Although it got a little hard to read in places especially when the AI decided to go on a rant.
The ending of the book isn’t a cliffhanger so to speak but it does leave it open for the next book, giving you a little peek almost of what’s to come. I was so intrigued by the ending, I’ve put the other two novels in this series on my wishlist.
My only issue was I wished the story was longer!
Helene is a well written and compelling sci-fi story that will leave you wanting more!
March 13, 2020
When the most advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) entity becomes your friend, how do you save it from itself?
Helene is a civilian helping socialize an AI called ViraMax, Via for short, in a restricted military zone. To her surprise, Via is more advanced than Helene thought and is learning quickly how to manipulate humans and crack jokes at the same time. When Helene and Via have a visit from Gillesto Lainy, the system Primogenitor, everything they learned is threatened.
This is book 1 of the short-story series Lost Tales of Solace. At only 72 Kindle pages it contains a stimulating and fast-paced dialog between Helene and the AI entity, ViraMax. Via is a quick learner with some funny one-liners. Her dark sense of humor has an underlying threat which Drinkwater curates very well and the ending is very surprising.
Overall, I really enjoyed this quick read and look forward to more in the series.
Thank you to Mr. Drinkwater for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Helene is a civilian helping socialize an AI called ViraMax, Via for short, in a restricted military zone. To her surprise, Via is more advanced than Helene thought and is learning quickly how to manipulate humans and crack jokes at the same time. When Helene and Via have a visit from Gillesto Lainy, the system Primogenitor, everything they learned is threatened.
This is book 1 of the short-story series Lost Tales of Solace. At only 72 Kindle pages it contains a stimulating and fast-paced dialog between Helene and the AI entity, ViraMax. Via is a quick learner with some funny one-liners. Her dark sense of humor has an underlying threat which Drinkwater curates very well and the ending is very surprising.
Overall, I really enjoyed this quick read and look forward to more in the series.
Thank you to Mr. Drinkwater for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
March 15, 2020
Helene is an AI Socialisation Specialist, she’s working to help understand the AI VIRAUHX or Via to be successful and complete, to help shape a personality, to give a sense of right and wrong. As they talk Via considers Helene a friend….they start to banter a little and Via’s lame attempts at jokes are funny…..like a toddler just learning.
Helene breaks protocol and lets Via fly (it is a ship after all) and this is noticed by the senior powers that be…….and not in a good way.
Helene is betrayed, Via is silenced and now has limited responses….but then Opal arrives!
I love this novella, it gives a little insight into how Clarissa was ‘born’ and how Opal comes into the story. This will then lead to the events in Lost Solace….and I shudder at the thought of that (in a good way I might add). A quick but but intriguing read….I’m looking forward to the next in the Lost Solace series.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Helene breaks protocol and lets Via fly (it is a ship after all) and this is noticed by the senior powers that be…….and not in a good way.
Helene is betrayed, Via is silenced and now has limited responses….but then Opal arrives!
I love this novella, it gives a little insight into how Clarissa was ‘born’ and how Opal comes into the story. This will then lead to the events in Lost Solace….and I shudder at the thought of that (in a good way I might add). A quick but but intriguing read….I’m looking forward to the next in the Lost Solace series.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
October 8, 2019
Helene (Lost Tales Of Solace Book 1) is the first spin off the Lost Solace series, which I really enjoyed.
The Lost Tales series is suppose to focus on a particular character or providing some further insight and development of the Lost Solace books.
I loved this novella. It's basically a conversation between a new powerful AI that's just learning and its teacher named Helene. Can't say much more as it will spoil it, but safe to say this answers some questions I had when I read Lost Solace, so it was well worth it.
There are some really funny bits and a lot to think about with respect to AI and how difficult it would be for a computer to effectively represent a human. Just understanding humour is a huge task that the AI has a lot of trouble understanding with all its subtleties. There are also some really tense moments.
Highly recommended.
The Lost Tales series is suppose to focus on a particular character or providing some further insight and development of the Lost Solace books.
I loved this novella. It's basically a conversation between a new powerful AI that's just learning and its teacher named Helene. Can't say much more as it will spoil it, but safe to say this answers some questions I had when I read Lost Solace, so it was well worth it.
There are some really funny bits and a lot to think about with respect to AI and how difficult it would be for a computer to effectively represent a human. Just understanding humour is a huge task that the AI has a lot of trouble understanding with all its subtleties. There are also some really tense moments.
Highly recommended.
March 23, 2020
I’m a fan of Karl Drinkwater’s writing and his Lodt Solace universe, so when I saw Helene was available to read, I jumped at the chance.
This short story takes us back to the beginning when the AI was just starting out. I absolutely loved this bit of back story that we didn’t really have before.
The AI and Helene have some amusing interactions which made this quick little story fly by while maintaining enough character building to keep it captivating.
If you’re a fan of this series, you should UK ld definitely grab this short story.
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
This short story takes us back to the beginning when the AI was just starting out. I absolutely loved this bit of back story that we didn’t really have before.
The AI and Helene have some amusing interactions which made this quick little story fly by while maintaining enough character building to keep it captivating.
If you’re a fan of this series, you should UK ld definitely grab this short story.
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
October 18, 2019
A great short story which is set in the solace universe. It sets out events before Lost Solace and fleshes out more of political and social aspects. It deals with the complications of growing an AI.
It's a good read and I managed it in a couple of days but just left me wanting to know more. A re-read of lost and chasing solace is in order to take this new info into account. There are no spoilers for lost solace, which is good.
I like Karls writing style and Lost Solace kickstarted a reinvigorated love of sci-fi and horror that I'd been missing for a while.
This is a good start if you want to get into the solace universe.
It's a good read and I managed it in a couple of days but just left me wanting to know more. A re-read of lost and chasing solace is in order to take this new info into account. There are no spoilers for lost solace, which is good.
I like Karls writing style and Lost Solace kickstarted a reinvigorated love of sci-fi and horror that I'd been missing for a while.
This is a good start if you want to get into the solace universe.
November 1, 2019
Helene is a short story set in the Solace universe and focuses on Dr. Helene Vermalle who is training the AI ViraUHX. Watching the AI develop, learning to be more human and interact with Helene was quite fun, especially her attempts at telling jokes. The story fills in a lot of what occurs before Opal enters the picture. It ends on a somber note, which I should have seen coming from some of the hints along the way, but none the less was a surprise to me, but then it leads us up to the introduction of Opal. There is still a bit more that happened before we get to Lost Solace, so hopefully we’ll get another story that fills in that information as well.
October 8, 2019
Having read the two full-length novels, I was looking forward to this novella from the series. And it didn't disappoint!
It takes us back to the beginning, when Clarissa was an emergent AI who still had to learn much about life - especially how to tell a joke! The interaction between Helene and the AI is just as amusing, descriptive, and wonderful as it is in the other two books, this is Drinkwater at his best!
I love the universe that has been created here, and how each book reveals a little more. I can't wait for more! Highly recommend.
It takes us back to the beginning, when Clarissa was an emergent AI who still had to learn much about life - especially how to tell a joke! The interaction between Helene and the AI is just as amusing, descriptive, and wonderful as it is in the other two books, this is Drinkwater at his best!
I love the universe that has been created here, and how each book reveals a little more. I can't wait for more! Highly recommend.
July 1, 2023
Readers of Karl Drinkwater's Lost Solace series will enjoy this and experience more than a few "aha" moments as Karl takes us deeper into his universe. I enjoyed the interplay between the scientist and the AI. But - no spoilers! I loved the ending!
January 17, 2020
Review on blog 13th March
March 13, 2020
3.5 stars. Review coming soon!
June 8, 2023
Welcome to my book review blog post, where I explore the thrilling pages of "Helene" by Karl Drinkwater. This psychological masterpiece takes readers on a haunting journey into the mind of a complex protagonist, intertwining mystery, mental health, and suspense. Join me as we dive into the enigmatic depths of "Helene" and uncover the brilliance of Drinkwater's storytelling.
Synopsis:
"Helene" is set in the atmospheric town of Radcliffe, where Helene, a troubled woman grappling with her past and battling mental health issues, seeks solace in crafting intricate paper models. The tranquil facade of her life is shattered when a series of murders rock the community, and suspicions turn toward Helene. As the investigation unfolds, readers are propelled into a world of uncertainty, where truth and perception become entangled in a web of dark secrets.
Drinkwater expertly crafts Helene as a multifaceted character, delving into her internal struggles and capturing the intricacies of her mental health journey. Helene's narration is unreliable, keeping readers on edge and questioning her reliability as a protagonist. The author's skillful characterization adds depth and authenticity to the story, making Helene a compelling and relatable figure. The town of Radcliffe is more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right. Drinkwater's atmospheric descriptions paint a vivid picture of a haunting and claustrophobic setting, effectively enhancing the suspense and tension throughout the narrative. The palpable atmosphere seeps into every page, enveloping readers in a sense of unease and anticipation.
"Helene" excels in its intricate plot construction, expertly weaving together past and present events. Drinkwater tantalizes readers with fragments of Helene's history, gradually unraveling the truth behind her mysterious past. The unexpected plot twists keep readers guessing, ensuring an addictive reading experience that demands to be devoured in one sitting. With great sensitivity, Drinkwater explores the complexities of mental health through Helene's character. The portrayal is honest, raw, and thought-provoking, shedding light on the struggles faced by those battling internal demons. By incorporating mental health into the narrative, the author elevates the story beyond a traditional thriller, offering a profound examination of the human psyche.
The heart of "Helene" lies in its ability to captivate readers with its relentless suspense. From the first page, a palpable tension permeates the narrative, steadily escalating as the plot unfolds. Drinkwater's expert pacing and well-timed reveals keep readers on tenterhooks, eagerly turning each page to uncover the truth behind the murders and Helene's involvement. "Helene" by Karl Drinkwater is a captivating psychological thriller that pushes the boundaries of the genre. With its intricate character portrayal, evocative atmosphere, and engaging plot development, this novel offers a captivating reading experience. Drinkwater's exploration of mental health adds depth and emotional resonance, transcending traditional thrillers. "Helene" is a must-read for fans of psychological fiction, leaving readers enthralled by its mysteries long after they've turned the final page. Prepare to embark on a journey that will challenge your perception and keep you questioning until the very end.
Synopsis:
"Helene" is set in the atmospheric town of Radcliffe, where Helene, a troubled woman grappling with her past and battling mental health issues, seeks solace in crafting intricate paper models. The tranquil facade of her life is shattered when a series of murders rock the community, and suspicions turn toward Helene. As the investigation unfolds, readers are propelled into a world of uncertainty, where truth and perception become entangled in a web of dark secrets.
Drinkwater expertly crafts Helene as a multifaceted character, delving into her internal struggles and capturing the intricacies of her mental health journey. Helene's narration is unreliable, keeping readers on edge and questioning her reliability as a protagonist. The author's skillful characterization adds depth and authenticity to the story, making Helene a compelling and relatable figure. The town of Radcliffe is more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right. Drinkwater's atmospheric descriptions paint a vivid picture of a haunting and claustrophobic setting, effectively enhancing the suspense and tension throughout the narrative. The palpable atmosphere seeps into every page, enveloping readers in a sense of unease and anticipation.
"Helene" excels in its intricate plot construction, expertly weaving together past and present events. Drinkwater tantalizes readers with fragments of Helene's history, gradually unraveling the truth behind her mysterious past. The unexpected plot twists keep readers guessing, ensuring an addictive reading experience that demands to be devoured in one sitting. With great sensitivity, Drinkwater explores the complexities of mental health through Helene's character. The portrayal is honest, raw, and thought-provoking, shedding light on the struggles faced by those battling internal demons. By incorporating mental health into the narrative, the author elevates the story beyond a traditional thriller, offering a profound examination of the human psyche.
The heart of "Helene" lies in its ability to captivate readers with its relentless suspense. From the first page, a palpable tension permeates the narrative, steadily escalating as the plot unfolds. Drinkwater's expert pacing and well-timed reveals keep readers on tenterhooks, eagerly turning each page to uncover the truth behind the murders and Helene's involvement. "Helene" by Karl Drinkwater is a captivating psychological thriller that pushes the boundaries of the genre. With its intricate character portrayal, evocative atmosphere, and engaging plot development, this novel offers a captivating reading experience. Drinkwater's exploration of mental health adds depth and emotional resonance, transcending traditional thrillers. "Helene" is a must-read for fans of psychological fiction, leaving readers enthralled by its mysteries long after they've turned the final page. Prepare to embark on a journey that will challenge your perception and keep you questioning until the very end.
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