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Androids and the Gods
------------------------------- FIRST LAW OF
158 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 18, 2020
People tend to read aspiring authors for a few reasons, after all they could be reading someone that is already well established. One reason is to read new ideas, while a new author might not have the same maturity often they are refreshing because they have not begun to run out of ideas like some mainstream authors. For example Stephen Baxter would give a predictable kind of scifi book.
Fucilla's books have this sense of fundamentally new ideas, for example he sometimes takes the viewpoint that androids will develop not only a consciousness but also a sense of religion. This was also seen in Battlestar Galactica so it is a rich area to write stories in. It could be argued something similar happened in the Dune prequels.
If androids became intelligent enough to do the jobs of humans they might resent us, try to rebel, Fucilla looks at the different scenarios in how this might play out. The stories each present a possible future, there are usually quite good and unexpected twists into what happens.
My main objection is the stories seem too short, the ideas seem good enough to expand into novels. If they were all filled out he might have 30 novels here instead of books of short stories. Of course it's easy to criticize, the reader doesn't know how to write a novel. But with his stories there is often the feeling of "and then what happened". This is a good experience in some ways, it shows the themes of the stories are rich enough. It also happens quite rarely, how many authors leave the impression that more could have been written.
This can happen with book 1 of a series for example, the feeling is more unusual when a short story has this feeling. It leaves one hoping a series of short stories or novels might follow and finish the story or at least answer some of the questions left unanswered. I don't think this is from a lack of writing ability, but more from having made a point and then moving onto another idea. His books are highly recommended but have more of the feeling of an entree than a main course, leaving the reader hungry. As an analogy imagine reading the first chapter of a popular novel then stopping, there would be a similar feeling of frustration.
But this is a good problem to have, the author will probably grow into longer stories. I do hope he revisits some of these themes and fleshes them out more though.
Fucilla's books have this sense of fundamentally new ideas, for example he sometimes takes the viewpoint that androids will develop not only a consciousness but also a sense of religion. This was also seen in Battlestar Galactica so it is a rich area to write stories in. It could be argued something similar happened in the Dune prequels.
If androids became intelligent enough to do the jobs of humans they might resent us, try to rebel, Fucilla looks at the different scenarios in how this might play out. The stories each present a possible future, there are usually quite good and unexpected twists into what happens.
My main objection is the stories seem too short, the ideas seem good enough to expand into novels. If they were all filled out he might have 30 novels here instead of books of short stories. Of course it's easy to criticize, the reader doesn't know how to write a novel. But with his stories there is often the feeling of "and then what happened". This is a good experience in some ways, it shows the themes of the stories are rich enough. It also happens quite rarely, how many authors leave the impression that more could have been written.
This can happen with book 1 of a series for example, the feeling is more unusual when a short story has this feeling. It leaves one hoping a series of short stories or novels might follow and finish the story or at least answer some of the questions left unanswered. I don't think this is from a lack of writing ability, but more from having made a point and then moving onto another idea. His books are highly recommended but have more of the feeling of an entree than a main course, leaving the reader hungry. As an analogy imagine reading the first chapter of a popular novel then stopping, there would be a similar feeling of frustration.
But this is a good problem to have, the author will probably grow into longer stories. I do hope he revisits some of these themes and fleshes them out more though.
March 1, 2023
Must Read.
Androids and the Gods by Anthony N. Fucilla is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the intersection of technology and spirituality. This book offers a fresh and unique perspective on how the development of artificial intelligence and robotics is challenging traditional religious beliefs.
Fucilla's writing is clear and concise, making complex concepts and ideas accessible to readers of all levels of technical and spiritual knowledge. The book is well-structured and organized, taking readers on a journey through different aspects of the topic, from the origins of religious beliefs to the latest advancements in robotics.
One of the most impressive aspects of Androids and the Gods is Fucilla's ability to provide a balanced and nuanced perspective. He acknowledges the potential benefits of advanced technology, while also recognizing the challenges and ethical concerns that arise from its development. He doesn't shy away from addressing difficult questions about the impact of AI on society, and presents multiple viewpoints on the topic.
Overall, Androids and the Gods is an inspiring and thought-provoking read. It challenges readers to think deeply about the role of technology in our lives, and how it may impact our spiritual beliefs and practices. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the future of technology and its impact on society.
Androids and the Gods by Anthony N. Fucilla is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the intersection of technology and spirituality. This book offers a fresh and unique perspective on how the development of artificial intelligence and robotics is challenging traditional religious beliefs.
Fucilla's writing is clear and concise, making complex concepts and ideas accessible to readers of all levels of technical and spiritual knowledge. The book is well-structured and organized, taking readers on a journey through different aspects of the topic, from the origins of religious beliefs to the latest advancements in robotics.
One of the most impressive aspects of Androids and the Gods is Fucilla's ability to provide a balanced and nuanced perspective. He acknowledges the potential benefits of advanced technology, while also recognizing the challenges and ethical concerns that arise from its development. He doesn't shy away from addressing difficult questions about the impact of AI on society, and presents multiple viewpoints on the topic.
Overall, Androids and the Gods is an inspiring and thought-provoking read. It challenges readers to think deeply about the role of technology in our lives, and how it may impact our spiritual beliefs and practices. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the future of technology and its impact on society.
March 3, 2026
It didn't take long to be transported back to the days of reading Asimov, Heinlein and Bradbury in the school library. The stories are tightly woven in an almost mystical fashion, teasing you with the antcipation of the next turn of the page, setting you up with immersive dialogue. The author dares you to lose yourself in a highly entertaining story of the boundaries between machine and spirit. Definitely a must-read.
December 21, 2020
Theosophical questions mixed with hard science is Anthony's forte. An occult group of stories in Sci Fi pushing the boundaries beyond human. From the quantum small to the cosmic massive Androids and the Gods is another of Anthony Fucilla's compilations.
February 10, 2021
I highly recommend you to read Android and the Gods is a thought-provoking book. He is an exceptional human being that is bringing awareness to people. He can write fiction that is turning into scientific facts.
October 27, 2020
Great book. Lots of awesome short stories. I love Anthony’s perspectives. So much to consider. Mind expanding.
September 10, 2022
Brought and saved this book to enjoy when on holiday. A great sci fi read!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews