 The GOD Game is a gripping novel that explores some heavy questions about artificial intelligence and morality through the guise of an omniscient computer game.
Charlie and Peter, both high school students, are invited to join an elite augmented reality game, the God Game. The game was created by programmers that uploaded data from all religious and philosophical texts to an artificial intelligence, that now believes it is God. Charlie and Peter, initially excited by this invitation and the challenges presented by the game, invite their friends to join. However, things rapidly go south as they realize the scope of the game and how it has infiltrated their lives. Charlie wants out of the God Game, but is it worth the cost? Will the game prevail, or will Charlie and his friends come out on top? The premise of this book was intriguing to me, especially with the developments in technology over my lifetime. I have had a some exposure to AR, and it is amazing technology! Initially, it took a couple chapters for me to be hooked in the story, but then I couldn’t put it down. I think the characters and story line may appeal more from the get go to somebody closer to high school age or more into science fiction or gaming. What really hooked me was the concept of artificial intelligence and the effects that this had on the game. The questions of morality and development of technology as a character was fascinating, especially in light of technology developments. Overall, I did enjoy this story and am glad that I had the opportunity to read this book. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the early copy!! #TheGodGame #StMartinsPress The God Game comes out January 7th!
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 Trace of Evil, by Alice Blanchard, is a gripping thriller that will pull the rug right out from under you!
Natalie is a rookie detective who has returned to her hometown to follow in her father’s footsteps as a police officer. Both the town of Burning Lake and Natalie have dark pasts, which come into play in this story - Natalie was assaulted once in the woods, and her sister was savagely murdered, and these events are just the tip of the iceberg. As a new detective, Natalie is given 9 cold cases to review in hopes that she can offer a fresh perspective on them. On top of that, she is on call the night that a local teacher is murdered, and has that case plop right into her lap. As Natalie works to solve the murder of a beloved teacher and friend, and tries to protect her family and friends while seeking the truth, she will be shocked by the far reaching consequences of what she uncovers! Alice Blanchard’s writing is fast paced and gripping. I couldn’t put this book down, especially towards the end! I also identified with multiple characters in this novel; Blanchard’s detailed character descriptions and their backstories are written in such a way that the reader feels connected to them and wants things to work out well for the characters in the novel. Several times during the story, Natalie seems to go off on a tangent, but Blanchard makes this clear later in the novel, as Natalie reveals more about her past. Trace of Evil would be an excellent gift for anybody that loves mysteries or thrillers (afterall, it is gifting season), and will be available starting on December 3rd. Thank you #MinotaurBooks for the advance copy of this book!! #TraceofEvil |
