Dawn of the Algorithm

by Yann Rousselot

2016 SFPA ELGIN AWARD NOMINEE

Dawn of the Algorithm is a bestiary. Yann Rousselot’s poems are characters, they are forces of human nature, genetically engineered with a single purpose: to herald the apocalypse.

Rousselot paints a darkly comical portrait of humankind, a species plagued by heartbreak and alienation, yet driven by hope and, at the very core, a burning desire to connect.

***

Our resident aliens, octosharks, algorithms, mecha-robots, pathogens, and kaiju (to name a few) will be very happy to make your acquaintance.

Please do not feed the zombies.

***

Illustration credits:

Brian James Murphy
Osman Gani
Jihan Kikhia
Emma Strangwayes-Booth
Laura Stevens (photography)
Sabine Dundure (photography)
Lucile Taillade
Keith McDougall
Juliana Galbraith
Christiana Spens
Samantha Wong
Alex Manthei
Delphine Duprat
Mathieu Sourisse
Jordan Glass
Jérémie Paret
Aaron Lopez-Barrantes
Fan Aha
Eugenia Loli
Yann Rousselot

www.dawnofthealgorithm.com

Genres: Poetry, Science Fiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 2015

About the author

Yann Rousselot is a translator, writer, and poet. He grew up in airport lounges and diplomatic enclaves in the company of his brothers, his sister, and countless cheap suitcases, raised across the globe by humanitarian parents. He has been published in Paris Lit Up Magazine, The Bastille, AUP’s Paris/Atlantic Magazine, Thought Catalog, and the Belleville Park Pages. He lives, writes, and performs spoken word poetry in his adoptive city of Paris.

Reviews

[Yann Rousselot · Rating 5 out of 5]

#foreveralone

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a long time to find the right collection of poetry for me. Although I have read many of the classics, your Shakespear’s and your Dante’s, two semesters of Chaucer, and voluntarily braved Victorian poetry at 7pm on Thursday evenings during pub night, I have never considered myself a poetry reader. I can appreciate a well-turned phrase, but when given the choice between a collection of poetry and a novel, I will always go with the novel.

So how did I find this collection that suits me so well? Dawn of the Algorithm is at once irreverent and beautiful; it is a collection of science fiction inspired poems that kept me interested because I’m just that much of a geek to find it amusing. I get the references, and maybe that’s why I like it so much. It’s like hipster poetry for those of us who are “uncool” enough to know about blunderbusses and find statistical poetry amusing.

My favourite poem of the collection is The Moreau Zoo. I love imagining all the different creatures mentioned in it. Perhaps you have to be a certain type of person to enjoy poetry, but to me this reads like a more cerebral Dr Seuss. If all the poems in this collection were as easy to imagine as this one, I would have absolutely loved the book. I’m a simple being when it comes to poetry, so I probably missed the point on anything that was a bit more intellectual. I’m sure there are people who would love the very deep poems, but I was always hoping for another fun one on the next page.

[Fantasy Literature · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dawn of the Algorithm is a collection of 33 poems by Yann Rousselot that take a wryly dark look at humanity — mostly our faults — through the lens of science fiction tropes, most pulled from pop culture. We’ve got AIs, giant monsters, depressed T-Rex’s, aliens, and loads of references to anime, science fiction films and fiction. It’s a collection that should have been right up my alley, but though it has its moments, I just didn’t connect with much of it, wanting perhaps a bit more poetry (or at least, my type of poetry, such a thing being so subjective) with my sci-fi.

To begin with the positive, Rousselot has an often sharp wit. Sometimes it comes with a mere chuckle, other times a real bite, or sometimes maybe both, as when he close a poem detailing the end of the world with:
And everyone will be aghast, and shell shocked, but ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is poetry for you, science fiction nerd. Yeah you. You get positively giddy over cheesy old tv shows, zombie viruses, androids, the strangest of strange aliens from outer space, unstoppable monsters, and the best movie tropes about the end of the world. Rousselot doesn't just wax nostalgic. His poems are creative in their own right, fun, sometimes a little disturbing.

I very rarely read poetry of any kind but when I saw this book I just felt like I was the author's audience. I was certainly right. The poems offer the reader variety and originality and at other times a platter of familiar scifi worlds from pop culture. I find myself wanting to hand this book to fellow scifi fans and say hey, read this! It's hilarious, it's weird, it reminds me of you.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a bit of a letdown. The table of contents is probably the best part (and I don't mean that sarcastically) -- it's full of fun-sounding, off-the-wall titles that seem to have a lot of promise, which unfortunately none of the poems themselves really lived up to. The poems felt like themed mashups of pop-culture tropes and references more than they felt like "poetry" -- flashy, but in a predictable way, and no real substance or provocation of reflection.

[DivaDiane SM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this collection of Science Fiction / Pop-Culture poetry! It is smart and funny and truly entertaining. I will be reviewing this book in full for Star*Line and on Amazing Stories Magazine and will post the links here in the fullness of time.

I have (finally) reviewed this wonderful collection on Amazing Stories Magazine. Here is a snippet:

My first reading of the collection was quick and easy. The poems are written in a style which flows very well, is easy to understand, but the language is never trivial. They are playful, witty and sometimes downright funny, despite being basically dystopian and apocalyptic. As someone who styles herself as a bit of a SF nerd, the overt content is delightful, full of superheroes and pop-culture references, most of which I “got”. After his public reading and our conversation, I realized that there was a deeper, most subtle sub-context, which was underlying much of Yann’s writing. And that was one of alienation. A certain sense of wanting to but not quite belonging and trying to figure out one’s place in the world. As a bit of an outcast myself – as a kid, I was never the popular one – and having chosen exile (I mean, living in other countries than that which I grew up in), I get it.

For the full review with complete poems in audio AND video go here:
http://amazingstoriesmag.com/2016/02/...

[Andreas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ARC was kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This collection of poems has surprised me. When you read them aloud (and you should) you will feel the power of the words, carefully put together to shout into your face. Yann Rousselot is not the subtle guy, he prefers a direct approach with special effects as in "Post-Human Neo-Tokyo": I speak supernova, I speak flame.

It's a unique and witty blend of pop culture and science fiction that I haven't experienced before. The humans are usually on the suffering side and there is nothing they can do about it. It's the natural flow of events involving destruction and rotting although people either don't recognize it or party anyway.

An interesting piece was "Blink twice for no" which asks what it means to be alive and how you can tell the difference from an impostor that has taken over the body.

Other favorites of mine include "Dawn of the Algorithm", "Little Shop of Horrors" and "The Machinist". An exciting experiment was the last poem, "Distress Signal", which is rendered in an approximation of the haiku format. It's very creative and works in a fascinating way.

This is an excellent collection and I highly recommend it to everyone who loves science fiction and poems.

[Juli Rahel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of poetry. And when I do it tends to be old school poetry, with its strict rules and rhyme meters which I have to analyse for University. It was, then, with hesitation that I requested Dawn of the Algorithm, but I'm very glad I did. Rousselot shows that modern poetry can feel classic. Thanks to Netgalley and Inkshares for providing me with a copy of this collection in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Although I said above that I don't read a lot of poetry, I definitely know when poetry is to my liking. Poetry, in my opinion, must have above everything, rhythm and style. If a reader can't "feel" a poem, there is nothing to set it apart. It is what, for example, makes 'Phenomenal Woman' by Maya Angelou such an amazing poem, it can be felt when read. I found myself having the same feeling while reading some of Rousselot's poems. There was a snappiness to them, something that felt like a knowing on Rousselot's side which made the reader desperate to be "in on it". His rhymes flow well, despite his words being beautifully complex. Any poet that casually use 'bioluminescent' deserves my respect, especially if the word doesn't feel out of place.

My full review is at: http://universeinwords.blogspot.co.uk...

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it is difficult to review a book of poetry, as poetry tends to be very subjective. Sometimes you make an emotional connection to a poet, to a poem or in my case more often a line or part of a poem. It is rare that I pick up a modern poet and like all of the work. This is the case with Yann Rousselot’s “Dawn of the Algorithm”. This very modern work focuses on our technologically obsessed world and includes drawings as well as verse.

Some of the phraseology is brilliant – in my favourite poem “Blink Twice for No”. I particularly liked: -

“In the event of my death, don’t let anyone read my journal.
Publish only the poems
I finished before they finished me.”

And in “The Lament of Kid Kaiju” we get “Miniature bullets bounce off of my armour whining like mosquito laughter.”

There are more hits than misses in this collection for me but I’m not sure as a non-geek I am the best audience, as I probably miss a lot of the references. But the works that do connect make it worth the purchase.

Netgalley gave me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[J.A. Ironside · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This is an extremely accomplished collection that manages to combine techno-paranoia with wry humour, hysteria with irony and a dry pleasure at the thought of the world really being turned inside out. I especially liked the poems that dealt with evolution and our own imperfect understanding of human impermanence. (T-Rex is Sad, for example) There is plenty of wit here as well as the sharp stab of prophetic foreboding that leaves you torn between uneasy laughter and sleeplessness. Nevertheless this collection provides chinks of light even in the darkest of corners, places where humanity can be reclaimed (perhaps in a new form?) and human love can embrace in a brave, new world. Intelligently written and most certainly an apt yardstick of our times. I highly recommend this collection.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given To Me For An Honest Review


Dawn of the Algorithm by Yann Rousselot is a book of poetry. This is a not your usual collection of poetry. The poetry that you'll find are sharp, witty and unique. These are beautifully done with illustrations that go along with some of the poems. This book would appeal to those who may not have been intereted in poetry before. My favorite poem is The Doctor Moreau Zoo, it reminds me of Dr. Seuss. As you read the poems, you'll find yourself with a smile, giggle then a full laughter. This book is outrageously clever and well worth owning a hard copy. This book would make a great gift to give. It would make a good addition to your library and a good addition to any library's bookshelf. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look for more from Yann Rousselot.

[Malena Munford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gateway drug to poetry for pop culture enthusiasts, satirists, and appreciators of the absurd, Yann Rousselot shatters the perception that poetry has to be about the changing of the seasons or a lover's discourse.

Each poem packs a powerful punch of absurdism with heightened exaggeration and extremities. The poem 'Fresh Content' takes those words to a darker place in the marketing realm of content creators and dying for 'the shot'. Even 'Cold War Games' infuses the KGB and the fated Romeo & Juliet. You have to wonder where he comes up with this stuff because despite being so random at times – it works.

I recommend this book especially to anyone new to poetry with it's scenarios, little worlds, and futures pitched at you in little Twitter-length spurts.

[Arielle Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man and machine collide and collude in Rousselot's poems; his words makes you wonder if we are so different from the machinery we build. Machines create and destroy in the same moment, and Rousselot reminds us the same can be said of humans.

I am not always a fan of sci-fi writing, but this falls into more than just that genre. To me, that's always a sign of good writing. Some of my favorite pieces were "Stranger Danger" and "El-Ahrairah."

This collection is accompanied by drawings done by various artists. Multi-media projects in general are usually up my alley, and the variation of the different artists in this volume really added to the experience. Rousselot himself is credited with a couple of them.

An entertaining read with just the right amount of darknesses.

[tyto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Based on the description, I was very excited to read this as it sounded right up my alley. I was not disappointed. Blending a mix of cyberpunk, politics, pop culture, and dystopia, the poetry is unique and would appeal to people who might not have been interested in poetry before. The phrasing in many of the poems is beautiful, and my favorites were "Little Shop of Horrors," "The Human Microbe Project," "Post Human Neo Tokyo," and "The Lament of Kid Kaiju." The poems are full of references - in what other collection collection could you find references to Futurama, the Evil Dead, dinosaur memes, Akira, and Ludacris?

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yann Rousselot has penned a unique set of poems with Dawn of the Algorithm. I liked the rhythm of the poems as Rousselot voices his thoughts through poetry with a science fiction theme.
In this set of 33 poems, Post-Human Neo-Tokyo, Little Shop of Horrors and Blink Twice for No were among my favorites. Blink Twice for No especially as it is about what he wants to happen after he passes away one day.

The poems all have a raw and edgy, in your face kind of vibe to them. I think these would be great read aloud in front of an audience.

Overall, this was a nice change of pace for me and I recommend Dawn of the Algorithm to fans of edgy poetry.

[Maunykah Arcelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

(ARC generously provided by Inkshares via Netgalley)

Dawn of the Algorithm is such a sharp and witty poetry collection. It's beautifully crafted (even the eBook version is gorgeous) with illustrations that correspond with some of the poems. I could list a few of my favorites but as I made mental notes, I ended up favoriting nearly most of them! It's outrageously clever and is definitely worth owning a physical copy of.

[Dave Maddock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yay, my review is online in the Signum Eagle. Check it out.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever pondered the existential depression of Kitt a couple decades after Michael Knight's death? Or wondered how post-apocalyptic updates from the International Space Station might look as loosely formed haikus? If so – or if you now want to – this book is for you.

Rousselot's "Dawn of the Algorithm" is a clever blend of pop-culture references and science fiction innovation presented as freeform poetry. Even in places where the form is a bit too loose for my liking, it's nonetheless oddly compelling: I daresay you will not find a poem with "sternocleidomastoid" in any other book (unless "Headmovies" is anthologized), so I will not quibble if it doesn't quite fit any particular meter. In fact, science-fictional poetry is far too lacking in the world overall to be extremely critical.

In addition to providing a stream of allusions to childhood and, um, less-childhood entertainments, "Dawn of the Algorithm" presents a host of thematic overtures. For example, "The Right Stuff" is an anthem of Campbellian exclamation, with lines like:

I am Ender, I am Luke, I am the chosen one!

Meanwhile, "Welcome to the Doctor Moreau Zoo" offers common-sensible advice:

Never look a hypnotoad in the eye
unless you want to mutate
into a Cronenbergian horsefly.

And lest you think that the book is merely the ravings of a mad science-fictionist — I mean, it is that, but it's also more than that — you should know that it is backed up by hard data, such as:

I get along with at least 83%
of the people I meet—I’m an affable guy—
but less than 1% will let me lick them.

All in all, "Dawn of the Algorithm" is an enjoyable read for anyone who ever loved a speculative story of any kind. I mean, how can you not read a book that has a poem with a title like "The Metaphysical Implications of Left 4 Dead 2 Online Multiplayer"?

Edit: I should note that I probably would've given this 3.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn't do half-stars.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Dawn of the Algorithm' by Yann Rousselot is a collection of modern poetry fused with pop culture and an overriding sense of doom. But a doom that one is rushing for with a sense of maniacal glee.

There are poems about movie tropes, and t-rex memes. There are sections titled 'The Art of Destruction' and 'Robot Monster Movie War.' Poems cover kaiju and ebola and video games. There are references to everything from Watership Down to T2. It's all thrown at the page with a fast rhythmic pace, and finishes with a strange set of haikus from a satellite returning to a desolate earth. Throughout the book there are also illustrations: some comical, some abstract.

The rhythm and pace is something I don't see much in modern poetry. It's like it's gotten deconstructed out, but it's evident here. The poetry has a raw intensity, but also a full on sense of humor. In combination, these could work against each other, but not here. A knowledge of modern culture is probably necessary to get full appreciation. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this collection, and I enjoyed the heck out of it.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Inkshares and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Oh, poetry. I have always failed you. This score reflects my enjoyment of the book, not the quality. I thought I'd give this a whirl since the topics seemed unique and in line with my slightly strange interests. Alas, I fear I lacked the intellectual ability to appreciate poetry, even when there are zombies. There were a lot of references that I think true geeks (and I mean that in the very best of ways) will enjoy. For the rest of us posers, the jig is up. Honestly, I should have known better because if the sentiment is longer than six lines on my birthday cards, I get distracted. But zombies! Nope. These poems are definitely longer than six lines.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The review box asks "What did you think?" Honestly, I'm not quite sure but I think that's what makes good poetry. This is a thoughtfully put together collection of poems that make you think: Wait. What? There are some good individual lines, but each poem seems to be written for the overall effect be it in tone or as a portrait of society.
Also-Writing scifi poetry automatically makes me want to be your friend.

[Joshua Gage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, Yann Rousselot has written a light-hearted look at various post-apocalyptic scenarios blended with various personas from popular culture. While it does have its weak points, Dawn of the Algorithm is still a successful collection of poems that will keep readers of speculative poetry entertained.

Read more here: http://sfpoetry.com/sl/slreviews.html

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Satirical. Quick paced. Funny. Thought provoking. Slightly disturbing but fascinating look at technology, science, and our modern culture.

[Zoseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't love it but still thought it was good. enjoyed chapter with lots of film and computer game references.

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn of the Algorithm by Yann Rousselot is a collection of traditional styled poetry covering unconventional territory. Rousselot describes himself as "a translator and writer living in the Paris region, originally from England, but also from Brittany, and more realistically from nowhere at all, being an expat-brat with serious issues of cultural schizophrenia."

Good poetry gets short reviews because the poet says it all and all I am left to do is tell people "Wow!" Wow! Dawn of the Algorithm is a short collection that covers a great range of ideas from what may be a slightly demented mind -- and I mean that in the best possible way. Where else would you read of a depressed Tyrannosaurs Rex? The once ferocious creature that nightmares were made of is now a meme with comically short arms. Science does not treat him much better in finding that he might have been a feathered proto-bird. T-Rex has become the Rodney Dangerfield of dinosaurs.

There is cleverness hidden in the writing too. "Looking between the schist and diamonds "-- geology or perhaps just an analogy with juvenile humor. "Film" creates an interesting story in a story. There is a rhythm in Rousselot's that is missing from a great deal of contemporary work. The rhythm nicely compliments the subject matter. The end of the world played on Youtube in 1080p and online zombie warfare romance seem to take on an unexpected acceptance. Even when our politicians declare war on everything we will be comforted to hear it all read in the familiar voice of Morgan Freeman.

Rousselot takes the reader on a wild and exciting trip into poetry that even people who hate poetry will enjoy. Much of the subject matter is firmly in the age range of the Gen Xers and Millennials, but it is not out of the reach of hip Boomers either. A very unexpected and enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

[Kallen Kentner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geeky poetry— it exists and in beautiful flowing form as written by Yann Rousselot and collected in Dawn of the Algorithm. These are poems perfectly fit to capture the emotions, conflict and often comical nature of the 21st century.

Read the full review at GeekyLibrary.

[Jamison Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed!