This book is an incredible read. The blurb is in no way misleading, but what I got from the book isn’t what I expected from the blurb. But I think anyone who has ever used AI can probably say that you don’t necessarily get what you expect most of the time.
About the Book
Dr. Keira Stetson is at the forefront of a technological revolution, driven by her dual passions: ethical artificial intelligence — AI with a conscience — and creating technology that enhances children’s lives. Trapped in an earthquake-flattened building with a half-dozen panicked five-year-olds, she fears the worst. When billionaire Roy Brandt leverages his mysterious nanite technology to rescue them, she’s both grateful and intrigued.
Impressed by his prototype technology but alarmed at its potential for exploitation, Keira makes a fateful decision to merge her company with Brandt’s. This strategic move not only grants Keira the much-needed funds for her tech development, but also gives her access to Brandt’s powerful minuscule robots. In a bold move, she and her AI assistant, Elly, embed Keira’s trademark Moral Operating System in Brandt’s nanite SmartDust to ensure its ethical use.
Yet, Brandt’s groundbreaking technology has been shrouded in secrecy for a reason. Despite his noble intentions to enhance life, others have darker plans. Corporate raiders and the military seek to weaponize Brandt’s nanites, putting everything Keira has worked for in jeopardy. Exposed to the darker side of humanity, she and Elly must now navigate a perilous path to use this newfound tech for good and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands…before it’s too late.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the characters in the book, especially our headstrong, ambitious lady scientists. I was really excited to see so many female programmers leading the game in this book. Girls need more role models in STEM fields, even if they’re fictional. Sometimes, you have to start with sci-fi to work your way into the real-world versions of things like that. But the acceptance of them like it was nothing weird was wonderful. And all of the characters, and there was a pretty extensive list – something I find common in both sci-fi and fantasy books – were individuals. That can be a big issue for writers, so I’m happy to say this author did a great job at that.
The twists and turns in the plot and the really spectacular surprise ending really earned it a spot nearly as a thriller in my mind! And, really, the action during parts of it was quite thriller-level, weaving in some FBI and rescue work alongside the technical explanations. The only real issue I had was that, at times, the technical explanations did bog the story down just a little. Sometimes, we definitely could have used a little less explanation of this futuristic, non-existent technology. Unless they were describing real advancements that already exist, it’s not helpful to me to hear a lot of technical information, and my eyes start to glaze over a little.
I look forward to seeing more in this world and finding out how things work out. I’m so pleased the author and Love Books Tours included me in this tour!
Who’s It For?
This book is full of high-octane science fiction and crime action. It deals with a ton of moral and ethical dilemmas and is not just a jaunty, fun sci-fi read. It deals with some really meaty topics and, as such, has many content warnings.
Content Warnings: Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse, Child Harm, Domestic Abuse, Drug Abuse, Alcohol Abuse, Vigilante Justice, Crime, Suicidal Ideation/Attempt, and More. This is not guaranteed to be a full account of all topics that may be triggering to all individuals.
About the Author
“Moral Code” is not the first collaboration for Lois and Ross Melbourne. Side-by-side, they grew their software business to a global award-winning organization, as CEO and Chief Technology Officer, respectively. Now Lois’ storytelling brings to life Ross’ deep understanding of the possibilities within artificial intelligence and robotics. Parenting and marriage have been the easy part of this equation.
Lois is now writing books, having published two children’s books about exploring careers. “Moral Code” is her first but not her last novel. You can learn more about Lois at www.loismelbourne.com. Ross’ current work includes artificial intelligence and robotics. You can learn more about him at www.rossmelbourne.com. And for more about them and the book, you can visit, www.MoralCodeTheBook.com.
Links
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Moral-Code-Lois-Melbourne-ebook/dp/B0B44H9FH7/r
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moral-Code-Lois-Melbourne-ebook/dp/B0B44H9FH7/r
Bookshop US: https://bookshop.org/a/25511/9780997679205
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61257131-moral-code
Authors’ Website: https://moralcodethebook.com/
As a Bookshop.org (US) Affiliate, I may earn on qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org purchases support local, independent bookshops. My chosen affiliate bookshop is Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Bookshop, a local, queer-owned bookshop in New Orleans.
Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.