Artificial Artifacts by John Fennec
Read along: 1st February – 1st March
Genre: Short story anthology/ SciFi/ Dystopian/ 18+
Pages: 295
Publisher: Whitefox Publishing Ltd
BACK OF THE BOOK:
A visionary debut collection exploring the rise of artificial intelligence and adapted technologies and their ethical and social impacts on the human experience.
From a small rural American town subjected to horrors brought by an elaborate deep-fake hoax, to Black Mirror-esque fables about technology dependency, age extension, and psychological invasions, Artificial Artifacts invites readers on a journey where the boundaries between human and machine blur, and the consequences of our creations become chillingly profound.
As enigmatic tech mogul Peter Byrell’s story unfolds, so does the tapestry of our digital age, leaving us to ponder: in a world where truth ismalleable and consciousness is encoded, what does it truly mean to be human?
REVIEW:
Artificial Artifacts by John Fennec explores a world where artificial intelligence exists, with each story offering a fictional glimpse into its potential impact on humanity.
From deepfakes to technological addiction, the collection examines both the promises and perils of an AI-driven future. While some stories highlight the benefits of innovation, others delve into its darker consequences. Does AI have a hidden agenda? Could it bring about humanity’s downfall?
The stories are all intricately linked through Peter Byrell, a visionary whose technological advancements pave the way for AI. Each tale unfolds as a direct consequence of his creations, prompting readers to reflect on the far-reaching implications long after turning the final page.
As a whole, I found this book utterly compelling. Each story stands strong on its own, showcasing how AI affects individual characters, some who embrace it, others who resist. It was an easy five-star read for me, but the final story, Unremarkable Man, was the moment I had been waiting for throughout the entire book. Not only did it provide the depth I craved about Peter, but it completely blew my mind. In my opinion, this one story could expand into an entire universe, and I’d savour every page.
That said, don’t let this overshadow the rest of the book. It’s a five-star read from start to finish, but Unremarkable Man is in a class of its own.
Dunfermline Reads 