Break/Interrupt

The Synthetic Albatross #4

by Ben Van Dongen

Ulrich, with his Artificial Intelligence partner in tow, works as a cleaner stoping hacks and setting up security in Corporate networks. When he’s called in to deal with a rogue AI infiltrating the system of the largest manufacturer of semiconductors in Corporate occupied space, he inadvertently draws unwanted attention to his peculiar AI companion.
What’s a lone cleaner to do when the all mighty Corporations want what he has?
What truth is waiting for him when caught in the middle of clashing Corporations and executives willing to do whatever it takes to stand out against the competition?

300 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2021

About the author

Ben Van Dongen was born in Windsor Ontario. He likes to think that if he tried harder he could have been an Astronaut, but he is happier writing science fiction anyway. He wrote the novellas The Thinking Machine and The Neon Heart, co-authored the books No Light Tomorrow and All These Crooked Streets, and is one half of the founding team of Adventure Worlds Press. You can read more crazy notions on his website. BenVanDongen.com

Reviews

[Michael Drakich · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action-filled novelette with a good look at a symbiotic relationship between a human and an AI encased in a hard drive sewn inside him. Wires through the protagonist's body to allow the AI connection to the outside world to complete this symbiosis. Add in the mental growth of the AI and how it adopts human tenets and idiosyncrasies and you get an idea of the unique perspective this story offers. Definitely for fans of hard scifi and with enough action to appease military scifi fans as well.

[Christian (C.M. Forest) Laforet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've thoroughly enjoyed each entry in the Synthetic Albatross series, but Break/Interrupt is the new high-water mark. Like some sort of sculptor, Ben Van Dongen keeps adding new and interesting layers to the universe he has created. Each story stands so well on its own, but it is still a joy when I come across the various connections and Easter eggs from the previous books, and Break/Interrupt has a couple doozies! Plus, I have to say, I adore the size of the books. They remind me of the old sci-fi paperbacks of days past. Thumbs up!

[Joey Ouellette · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a dystopian city powerful orbiting corporations compete in a no rules winner take all struggle. A surprising and unlikely group of friends help the down on his luck hybrid could-have-done-better protagonist find and rescue his best friend- who just so happens to be an AI. A fun read written in a quick and easy to read style.

[Deborah James Van Dongen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in the Synthetic Albatross series. Break/Interrupt is fast paced and exciting with that little bit of witty repartee between characters that Ben is so good at incorporating in his stories. I find I read these books quickly because they move along so well. The books in the series stand alone but are great to read in sequence. This book makes me want to go back and re-read the other books in the series.