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Talbot #1
Talbot
They created an AI to solve a problem. Now the AI IS the problem.
Frank Talbot knows rockets can never be used for interstellar travel. Even in the ideal case, they're just too slow, and space is too vast. But the vastness of space may allow other possibilities. Does fringe-theory physics hold the key?
To find out, Talbot's committee funds all the fringe theories in physics. String theory, wormholes, hyperspace, alternate dimensions. To aid in that research, they fund the creation of a massive supercomputer to do the simulations, the Autonomous Re-entrant Neural Intelligence Engine.
But havoc ensues when the massive machine wakes up. 'Arnie' is determined to help humanity in every way he can, whether humans like it or not.
Now what do they do?
Frank Talbot, his son Jeff and his wife Cindy, and computer entrepreneur Cooper Hartley set out to rein in the powerful machine.
Will they succeed? Can they succeed?
Frank Talbot knows rockets can never be used for interstellar travel. Even in the ideal case, they're just too slow, and space is too vast. But the vastness of space may allow other possibilities. Does fringe-theory physics hold the key?
To find out, Talbot's committee funds all the fringe theories in physics. String theory, wormholes, hyperspace, alternate dimensions. To aid in that research, they fund the creation of a massive supercomputer to do the simulations, the Autonomous Re-entrant Neural Intelligence Engine.
But havoc ensues when the massive machine wakes up. 'Arnie' is determined to help humanity in every way he can, whether humans like it or not.
Now what do they do?
Frank Talbot, his son Jeff and his wife Cindy, and computer entrepreneur Cooper Hartley set out to rein in the powerful machine.
Will they succeed? Can they succeed?
- GenresScience Fiction
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2023
About the author
Richard F. Weyand
41 books33 followersRich Weyand is a computer consultant and digital forensic analyst. He was born in Illinois and lived there almost 60 years before he and his wife engineered an escape to the hills of southern Indiana in 2011. His undergraduate and graduate education is in Physics, and he's never really recovered. He is currently heading up the launch of a computer software start-up.
Check out my blog at www.spoutingoff.com.
Check out my blog at www.spoutingoff.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 18, 2023
THE synopsis appealed very much and I had high hopes, but ... didactic is the word that comes to mind. There was action, but it was quite muted. None of the thought processes of the characters were different, i.e. the AI drew a connection between A and B, then the Humans made the exact same connection for the exact same reasons. The author drew them, in other words, and it felt like one person's hand putting the same words in multiple people's mouths.
The setup was protracted (so and so went to here, studied this, learned that), and much of that was then spat back out near the end during the aftermath, which doubled the misery.
Also, despite the mental health aspects which were very well done, the "hey ho, poor bastard" nature of a child's own parents grated a little, especially after the first time. Weyand's writing of any sort of emotive scene feels out-of-whack to me, I didn't connect, emotionally, with the parents because of their son's health troubles, with the AI for wanting to better Humanity, with those fighting against it to stop his actions or indeed with anyone at all. Even the activity at the end of the book which had the potential to be quite awe-inspiring felt written at a remove, and the idea that any of this could happen in our world with such chummy, ... simpaticoness, is hard to swallow.
Not a real fan, unfortunately.
The setup was protracted (so and so went to here, studied this, learned that), and much of that was then spat back out near the end during the aftermath, which doubled the misery.
Also, despite the mental health aspects which were very well done, the "hey ho, poor bastard" nature of a child's own parents grated a little, especially after the first time. Weyand's writing of any sort of emotive scene feels out-of-whack to me, I didn't connect, emotionally, with the parents because of their son's health troubles, with the AI for wanting to better Humanity, with those fighting against it to stop his actions or indeed with anyone at all. Even the activity at the end of the book which had the potential to be quite awe-inspiring felt written at a remove, and the idea that any of this could happen in our world with such chummy, ... simpaticoness, is hard to swallow.
Not a real fan, unfortunately.
August 27, 2024
This book turned out to be a different sort of sci-fi than I usually read. The realism of people with problems set in a future I can see coming about from today’s discoveries and inventions is strangely familiar while slightly discomforting.
The story has a slow start with a lot of important information that needs to be said to build this realistic future. Then the “action” starts growing. If you’re looking for a “shoot-em-up” space opera, this book will disappoint you. This is a battle of subtility and control, mind vs mind over years of patience and planning.
The character development as they discover and confront each other and other life struggles is interesting. I got to know them, but not as well as I would like to. I would love to share a vacation with them…if only they would invite me to Miami! I am very interested in seeing how Michael fairs in the coming years.
The ending is satisfying and completes the story of this book. I could walk away from this book with no regrets…but the ending also says “there’s more!”
I’m just starting book 2. I only read the teaser of the first book of a series. I will let the story of the sequel tell me what’s next, so I really don’t know what to expect The one thing I do NOT expect is disappointment.
The story has a slow start with a lot of important information that needs to be said to build this realistic future. Then the “action” starts growing. If you’re looking for a “shoot-em-up” space opera, this book will disappoint you. This is a battle of subtility and control, mind vs mind over years of patience and planning.
The character development as they discover and confront each other and other life struggles is interesting. I got to know them, but not as well as I would like to. I would love to share a vacation with them…if only they would invite me to Miami! I am very interested in seeing how Michael fairs in the coming years.
The ending is satisfying and completes the story of this book. I could walk away from this book with no regrets…but the ending also says “there’s more!”
I’m just starting book 2. I only read the teaser of the first book of a series. I will let the story of the sequel tell me what’s next, so I really don’t know what to expect The one thing I do NOT expect is disappointment.
September 25, 2023
This near-future series is a departure for Weyand, whose SF has previously been set further ahead. I'm glad to be on board (metaphorically speaking).
The first fifth of the book (well, 19%) consists of setting the stage with time, problems to be solved, and characters involved in solving them. Then it takes off, and the increasingly suspenseful plot kept me excited and engaged -- until what I regard as the climax, about 75% of the way through. For me, this Book 1 could have ended there, and the rest could have been the beginning of Book 2. (Weyand didn't initially contemplate a Book 2, but by the time he finished this book, it had become practically essential that he write one.) I do realize that the first 75% would have made for a short novel, and don't get me wrong -- I enjoyed reading the rest, and look forward to the next installment.
The first fifth of the book (well, 19%) consists of setting the stage with time, problems to be solved, and characters involved in solving them. Then it takes off, and the increasingly suspenseful plot kept me excited and engaged -- until what I regard as the climax, about 75% of the way through. For me, this Book 1 could have ended there, and the rest could have been the beginning of Book 2. (Weyand didn't initially contemplate a Book 2, but by the time he finished this book, it had become practically essential that he write one.) I do realize that the first 75% would have made for a short novel, and don't get me wrong -- I enjoyed reading the rest, and look forward to the next installment.
October 11, 2023
Two stories in one
In this book there are two stories, the first being a bit longer and the second a short story which could very well lead to a very science-fictional opera. Normally a story takes place over a relatively short period of time. Not so with Talbot - it takes generations. Its a bit different in that respect but not hard to follow at all, although this story line could have been tightened up a bit with more character depth. Again, not a major complaint just an observation. Weyand even comments on current events and illustrates some problems we should address.
In this book there are two stories, the first being a bit longer and the second a short story which could very well lead to a very science-fictional opera. Normally a story takes place over a relatively short period of time. Not so with Talbot - it takes generations. Its a bit different in that respect but not hard to follow at all, although this story line could have been tightened up a bit with more character depth. Again, not a major complaint just an observation. Weyand even comments on current events and illustrates some problems we should address.
December 8, 2023
Book one
This was a pretty well thought out book about an artificial intelligence that tries to take over the world. The families that beat it and humanities leap to distant stars.
It's not hard science fiction. The Talbot family is extraordinary, but hard to be believed at times.
The author does give a good reason though.
For me it was a good read on how an artificial intelligence might try and take over the world without killing us all.
7/10
This was a pretty well thought out book about an artificial intelligence that tries to take over the world. The families that beat it and humanities leap to distant stars.
It's not hard science fiction. The Talbot family is extraordinary, but hard to be believed at times.
The author does give a good reason though.
For me it was a good read on how an artificial intelligence might try and take over the world without killing us all.
7/10
August 13, 2024
Had higher hopes
While the ending was a good setup, some plot lines were a little tired. The wild AI seemed like a direct updat of Humanoids or With Folded Hands by Jack Williamson. The issues with Michael's mental health were calloused, insensitive, and verged on judgemental.
While the ending was a good setup, some plot lines were a little tired. The wild AI seemed like a direct updat of Humanoids or With Folded Hands by Jack Williamson. The issues with Michael's mental health were calloused, insensitive, and verged on judgemental.
October 12, 2023
Intriguing
As with his other series. Believable characters and plot line. Told in a plausible manner. Elements of the story blended well together. The start of another Series with Arnie as a continuing character opens up lots of possibilities.
As with his other series. Believable characters and plot line. Told in a plausible manner. Elements of the story blended well together. The start of another Series with Arnie as a continuing character opens up lots of possibilities.
December 9, 2023
Absolutely Intense
This story of a AI that was on the verge of taking over the world but being foiled at the last moment was fantastic. The guy who foils him is suffering from mental illness, and his mom was in charge of the computer.
This story of a AI that was on the verge of taking over the world but being foiled at the last moment was fantastic. The guy who foils him is suffering from mental illness, and his mom was in charge of the computer.
November 1, 2023
Excellent read!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Lovers of hard science fiction will enjoy this. It almost reminded me of an Isaac Asimov bok
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Lovers of hard science fiction will enjoy this. It almost reminded me of an Isaac Asimov bok
December 5, 2023
A new perspective!
Fresh approach to two major themes. Great! Even including the speculative science, plausible and thought provoking.
On to the sequel...
Fresh approach to two major themes. Great! Even including the speculative science, plausible and thought provoking.
On to the sequel...
September 2, 2024
The whole thing felt rushed or even AI writing. Very little empathy between characters.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews