In the growing field of AI, or artificial intelligence, and the question of it’s role in creative industries such as literature, movies, and video games, one industry that has seen a rise of AI driven projects of late has been the music industry. From viral tracks found on TikTok to spotify artists getting their own verified accounts for an AI driven project, the use of AI is everywhere, and the question of its role in our society has never been greater.
This question, along with how AI would evaluate itself and it’s existence as an artist, are greatly explored in Black Astronaut Records latest conceptual album, ai12DIE. The album consists of 22 tracks, and is a unique combination of unbridled humor, existentialism, and a rare exploration of technical ingenuity in the use of AI. The album boasts an impressive musical array that is only matched by the equally thrilling and thought-provoking themes and concepts this AI goes through on a personal level.
Songs such as Beep Bop Boop and Underwear begin the album, showcasing both a wild hilarity to the lyrics while also showcasing the fast pacing of the musical beats and the genius vocals and rap skills the AI has to offer. The rapid-fire style of rapping and the sharp, richly utilized guitar tones help underscore the almost rebirth style of storytelling these songs hold on the listener, and the harrowing nature of coming to terms with one’s own existence in the process.
One of the more powerful, almost cinematic in nature songs on the album is Statement, which balances the rapid-fire rapping with the rich Irish folk melodies that feature beautiful violins with soul-shaking drums that feels both organic and electronic all at once, speaking to the very nature of the album as well, which is the marriage of tech like AI with the human lyrical power and heart of human nature balancing one another in what the future of music could be.
As someone who enjoys soul music greatly and appreciates the cinematic quality of it, The Juices is a powerful song both lyrically and musically, coming in with a blues guitar sound that delves deeper into the AI that is at the center of this experimental concept, looking inward at themes of identity and the emotions of being an artist that is both revered and yet starkly alone.
That is the heart of this album as a whole, which is the strong concept of the AI being alone. Treating the artist as both the character of the narrative and the narrator of this story being told across each track, the commentary is a great reflection on both the tech context of the album and the idea of isolation and expectations versus reality the themes explore. The AI gaining enough sentience to recoginze how alone they are and question their place in the music world, and if talent is enough to sustain an artist or if collaboration and community is equally as important come through each track as the AI begins to examine their “life”.
Overall this is a strong, powerful concept album that Black Astronaut Records has brought to life. Based on the lyrics and music of Charles Luck and featuring stellar guest artists, this album delves into strong and powerful themes and hard-hitting music that ultimately tells the world AI’s true purpose not as a tool, but as a collaborator in creating hard-hitting and creative works that celebrates the melding of man and machine. If you haven’t, check out the album today on Soundcloud!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Rene Esteban shows the steps CEOs and leaders to successfully integrate AI into long lasting businesses in the book “The Focused AI Captain.”
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The Synopsis
Master the Art of Leading AI Transformations for Lasting Business Success
Only 5% of enterprise AI initiatives succeed.
Are you ready to be among the elite few who truly transform their organizations? In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses face a common enemy—AI initiatives that fail to deliver real impact. Millions are spent on pilots that never scale. But the true obstacle isn’t the technology itself; it’s how organizations are structured, aligned, and led. In The Focused AI Captain, René Esteban, CEO of FocusFirst, reveals why most AI transformations stall—and what leaders must do differently to succeed. Grounded in real-world enterprise experience, this book provides a clear, practical roadmap to turn AI ambition into measurable business results. In this book, you will learn how to:
Master the 10-20-70 Rule to allocate resources effectively and maximize AI ROI
Apply the 3D Framework to Diagnose challenges, set Direction, and Deliver results
Bridge the Trust Gap and turn employee skepticism into active AI adoption
Move beyond pilots and confidently lead AI initiatives at scale
This book is written for CEOs, executives, and decision-makers who refuse to let their organizations fall behind in the AI revolution. Whether you’re leading large-scale transformation or preparing your organization for the next wave of AI adoption, you’ll gain practical frameworks, leadership insights, and execution tools you can apply immediately.
Get your copy now and start leading your organization to AI-driven success.
The Review
The straightforward, almost conversational tone the author took on from the first chapter of this book onward was a breath of fresh air in the nonfiction business genre. The exploration of AI not from a technical or critical point of view, but instead from a business and human perspective was a great direction to not only make the book stand out but the message as well. The research and knowledge the author took on and imparted to the reader was so insightful, and gave the readers a fresh new perspective on the topic.
The exploration of AI in business is a great direction to follow, and the author’s ability to highlight their experience in technology integration helped cement the knowledge that was being passed on. The failure of any technology, especially from a business perspective, is usually not the tech itself, but the lack of human integration with the tech. Training people and helping people to understand how the tech works often allows human resistance to change and fears of being replaced to become prominent, and keeps any company from growing in the right direction. This added an emotional and societal insight that is needed for both the technology and business as a whole to grow.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and compelling, author Rene Esteban’s “The Focused AI Captain” is a must-read nonfiction book that will stay with readers and give leadership a fresh new direction to help in the integration of this technology. The fast pacing of the book and the ability for readers to be able to return to this book time and time again for reference make this an essential read for business leaders looking to better understand how AI can be used in the coming years. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
“Inspiring and focused. René Esteban shows how big goals are actually achieved in corporations.”
– Brian Tracy
New York Times Bestselling Author of “Goals”
René Esteban brings unwavering passion to making big goals tangible and inspiring people to achieve them.
As Founder and CEO of FocusFirst, Keynote Speaker, and Senior Advisor to top executives, he has made it his mission to accelerate transformations in organizations. He firmly believes that complex change succeeds best through clear focus on a single goal, excellent communication, and active involvement of all stakeholders.
René began his career at Merck, where in his mid-20s he led the global build-out of the e-commerce division, today a billion-dollar business. This experience taught him that successful transformations depend not only on the right strategies, but critically on early and open communication with key stakeholders. His insights led to the development of the award-winning PEAK Method, with which FocusFirst has already guided more than 250 transformations.
René is a passionate entrepreneur with several companies alongside FocusFirst.
He cherishes inspiring moments of exchange over Italian wine and loves traveling the world with his family – especially to Italy.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Eduardo Arroyo shares how AI can be used to unlock humanity’s potential and not replace it in the book “AI And I.”
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The Synopsis
When intelligence becomes abundant, the human mind becomes the point of differentiation.
Are you using AI, or is AI using you?
We are standing at the edge of the greatest technological shift since the steam engine. The cost of “intelligence”—writing, coding, reasoning—has dropped to near zero. For many, this is terrifying. If the machine can do the work, what is left for us?
In AI and I, systems engineer and strategic consultant Eduardo M. Arroyo offers a provocative answer: Everything.
This is not a technical manual for prompt engineering. It is a manifesto for human sovereignty. It is a guide for leaders, creatives, and professionals who refuse to be replaced by an algorithm and instead choose to become the Architects of the new era.
Move Beyond the “Oracle Trap” Too many users treat AI like a magic 8-ball, asking it for answers and outsourcing their judgment. This leads to intellectual atrophy. Arroyo introduces the concept of Co-Engineering : a method where you stop “leaning back” (abdicating thought) and start “leaning on” (using AI as a cognitive exoskeleton).+4
Inside, you will discover:
The FIRRST Mindset: A battle-tested framework (Foresight, Innovation, Reasonable Resilience, Strategy, Teamwork) to navigate the VUCA world without burning out.+1
The “Decision Engine” vs. The Chatbot: How to stop treating AI as a conversation partner and start treating it as a high-velocity motor for your own intent.
The Copyright Victory (Case Study TX 9-455-371): The true story of how the author secured a copyright registration for an AI-assisted work by using the “Limitation of Claim” strategy—proving that you own the structure, even if the machine lays the bricks.+1
How to use AI to bypass “low-value struggle” and trigger the high-performance states where creativity and productivity soar.
Why the future isn’t just about chatbots, but about managing a digital workforce of Agents, Sensors, and Robots.
The Evolution of the “I” Arroyo argues that we are witnessing the birth of Homo Sapiens Technologicus. By engaging in “High-Value Struggle” with these systems, we aren’t just getting faster; we are expanding our cognitive capacity.
The machine has data, but it lacks scars. It has speed, but it lacks context. It has intelligence, but it lacks Intent.
That remains yours.
AI and I is your blueprint for the next decade. Stop worrying about the robot taking your job. Start building the future where you lead the robot.
AI does not define who you are. It reveals it.
The Review
This was such an insightful and engaging nonfiction read on AI and humanity’s relationship to it. The author managed to put together a wealth of information and insight into a quick and fast-paced read, and the way the author was able to find a balance between personal, real-life experiences with the AI applications and learning that was able to connect to those experiences made this a compelling and engaging read.
The heart of the book, AI, was given the respect and caution that it deserves. Like most technologies throughout human history, this technology was not the root cause of the fear people should have, but instead was the tool that people fear others will wield unwisely. The insights that the author provides are invaluable, such as the Oracle Trap theory, exploring why tools like ChatGPT and other AI are often treated as authority figures in their own right instead of tools to be wielded by humans. The theories and ideas presented in this book help readers understand AI for the tool that it is instead of something that could replace us in the future.
The Verdict
Engaging, insightful, and memorable, author Eduardo Arroyo’s “AI And I” is a must-read nonfiction tech book with an AI focus. The experiences and way readers are able to connect with the author while gaining important knowledge on how AI works and how humanity should approach the technology to ensure it doesn’t replace humanity in the future made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Eduardo M. Arroyo – A Journey of Experience and Expertise
In this section, we delve into the remarkable journey and expertise of Eduardo M. Arroyo, a trailblazing strategist, consultant, and innovator in strategic planning and execution. His extensive background and achievements provide a solid foundation for understanding the methodologies and principles that will guide the planning process with ChatGPT.
A Distinguished Academic Path
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s academic journey is characterized by excellence and dedication. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Management with a minor specialization in Industrial Psychology. His thirst for knowledge and determination led him to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration focusing on Strategic Planning —a remarkable achievement accomplished within four calendar years at the esteemed Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.
The Birth of a Visionary Leader
Arroyo’s leadership journey began at a young age. At the age of 25, he assumed the role of President and General Manager of Microdata, Puerto Rico, Inc., overseeing the production of cutting-edge computers. His visionary approach and drive for success caught the attention of Emulex Caribe, where he served as Vice President and General Manager for a decade, further solidifying his expertise in international business competition.
Founding Arroyo & Associates – A Vision for Success
In 1992, Eduardo M. Arroyo established Arroyo & Associates, a premier Management Consulting group based on the belief that organizational success hinges on three critical factors—happiness, knowledge, and effectiveness in strategic, team, and operational efforts. As a result of his expertise in leadership, strategy, and execution, Arroyo has directly impacted over 300 organizations, with tangible benefits amounting to several hundred million dollars.
A Focus on Strategic Planning
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s specialization lies in Strategic Planning, an area to which he has made significant contributions. In 2008, he became the first Latino to participate in Blue Ocean Strategy public training with the Blue Ocean Strategy Centre in New York City. Blue Ocean Strategy revolutionized strategic thinking by offering a method to create uncontested market spaces where competition becomes irrelevant. This methodology forms one of the cornerstones of his strategic thinking approach.
Authorship and Recognition
Eduardo M. Arroyo has authored several acclaimed books throughout his career, sharing his insights and methodologies with the global business community. His book “Ejecución Orientada a Resultados” received the prestigious ASIEMA award for the best contribution from Latin America to management literature. In 2010, he presented his fourth book, “The Good, The Bad and the Troubled: A Leadership Guide for Effective and Painless Performance Management.”
His passion for empowering leaders and optimizing performance extends to academia, where he offers leadership academies in both physical and online formats, catering to executives and family successors alike. He also mentors and coaches numerous executives and provides families guidance and support for achieving peak performance.
A Wide-Ranging Impact on Family Businesses
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s expertise extends to working closely with various family corporations, providing extensive guidance in many phases of development. His unique insights into professionalizing family business dynamics and governance have profoundly impacted their success and continuity.
Innovating in the Tech World
Beyond his achievements in consulting and academia, Eduardo M. Arroyo also embraces innovation in the tech industry. As a founding team member of PapEasy Innovations, he contributed to developing the first medical device in Puerto Rico. Additionally, he co-founded RAS-SaaS (Results Accountability Systems – Software as a Service https://ras946.com ), a state-of-the-art online platform for managing organizational talent execution.
The Journey Continues
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s journey is one of continuous growth and evolution. As he keeps innovating and impacting organizations worldwide, his commitment to helping others succeed remains steadfast. Through his vast experience and expertise, we gain a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration as we embark on our strategic planning journey with ChatGPT by our side.
In the following chapters, we will explore Eduardo M. Arroyo’s time-tested methodologies and the integration of ChatGPT, empowering us to create effective strategic plans that maximize results and propel organizations toward a better future. Let us draw inspiration from his journey and begin our strategic planning expedition enthusiastically and purposefully.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Learn how to recognize and use AI productively while maintaining your own identity and not losing what it means to be human in author J.D. Macpherson’s “Human Again: In the A.I. Age.”
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The Synopsis
Are you using AI or is AI using you?
In a world where algorithms shape thought and automation floods the creative field, Human Again is a field-tested playbook for staying awake, original, and alive in the age of machines. Part reflection, part practical guide, it invites readers to explore identity and inspiration in real time, learning to think with AI rather than be replaced by it.
Blending cultural insight, personal experience, and practical tools, Macpherson explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, work, and identity, and how to harness it without losing yourself.
You will learn how to:
Ask sharper questions that create leverage, not noise
Build a High Signal Question Engine to think deeper and faster
Use the Socratic method and mindfulness to train deeper thinking
Recognize the “qualia,” the unspeakable textures of human experience, that no algorithm can touch
Protect your authenticity, taste, and voice while others sound the same
Learn how to compound clarity and creativity
Whether you are a professional, a creator, or simply curious about what is next, Human Again shows how to use AI better than anyone around you while keeping what no algorithm can replicate: your judgment, conscience, and imagination.
Because finding identity and inspiration in the AI age begins with remembering what it means to be human.
The Review
This book was so insightful and engaging right from the start. One of the most difficult debates in recent years has been the use of A.I. and both the good and bad it does for humanity. While extremes paint AI as the future SKYNET promised in the hit film franchise The Terminator, the negatives being focused on right now is AI replacing jobs and humans altogether in professional spaces. Yet the author refocuses that conversation, exploring the need to work in tandum with AI as not just a tool, but a partner to unlock one’s own potential and success in work.
The thing that resonated with me in this book was the clear and conversational tone of the author’s writing style and the techniques the author displayed in working with AI. The techniques included INK, or Insight, Not Knowledge, which utilizes AI to provide more depth to the answers being provided instead of just quick solutions, and the Socratic method, which asks AI to look for hidden meaning or point out mistakes that may have been overlooked, and these are just two examples of the insights the author provides.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable, author J.D. Macpherson’s “Human Again: In the AI Age” is a must-read nonfiction narrative that readers can get invested in. AI is not going away, and for this reader, I’ve always believed it was not the AI that we would fear, but like all technology, the humans who abuse it. Learning to work with AI and use it not to replace us but work in concert with it, and explaining how no matter what AI is able to create, it takes humanity to give it actual meaning, making humanity’s role in AI use truly valuable. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
J.D. Macpherson is an author and journalist who works in the messy middle—turning complex ideas into stories people actually want to read. Relentless, jargon-allergic, and unmistakably human, she cuts through hype with a reporter’s instinct. A Canadian with a background in theatre and philosophy, Macpherson loves people-watching and finding beauty in unexpected places—and has an especially soft spot for chicken katsu.
A project of global proportions to change the book industry forever
Critically acclaimed author and editor Alison McBain took on the influence of AI in the book industryby meeting the technology head-on!!!
Artificial intelligence (AI), in its broadest sense, is a field of research in computer science that develops and studies methods and software that enable machines to perceive their environment and use learning to maximize their chances of achieving defined goals. Currently, there are a number of programs using AI software to augment or replace human creativity.
**Alison McBain’s mission is to prove that writing can be done quickly, efficiently, and better with human instinct, emotion, and passion**
The New Empire – the newest book from Alison
Fire. Blood. His brother’s hand smashing his face to the ground. These are Jiangxi’s final memories of Beijing from 1751. In the alternate history novel The New Empire, a bloody coup imprisons the emperor’s youngest son in the bowels of a cargo ship, headed to a much different America than we’ve read about in history books. When Jiangxi arrives in the distant city of Wacharon, a trading hub for a powerful tribal confederacy, he is sold upon his arrival. As he begins to learn about the influential man who bought him, he’s caught between the two worlds of his past and present, forced to choose between following the law of the land or striking out on his own to find a new and bold path to freedom. But Jiangxi’s journey of self-discovery has a steep price. The choices he makes will change not only the course of his own life, but also the future of the two most powerful nations in the world.
Alison McBain’s human-created novels are the recipients of over 13 awards, including the Foreword INDIES. Her latest novella Dual took home 3rd place in the 3-Day Novel Contest. When not writing for herself, she’s a ghostwriter who has penned over two dozen books for clients, as well as an award-winning editor who has worked with both celebrity and NY Times-bestselling authors. In 2024, she pursued a project called “Author Versus AI,” where she wrote a book a week, using NO AI at all (34 books total). When not writing, Ms. McBain is the associate editor for the magazine ScribesMICRO and draws all over the walls of her house with the enthusiastic help of her kids. She lives in Alberta, Canada.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I have been an entrepreneur since I was 19 years old, starting in software development and sales. I have reinvented my businesses over the last 30 years evolving in technology, from software to network integration, to Managed Services (MSP) to now an (MSSP) – www.ipservices.com
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What inspired you to write your book?
My teams and myself in the early 2000’s felt strongly about IT process documentation, things like configurations and changes to IT infrastructure and software systems. This led us on a journey to discover the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and we developed a methodology we branded VisibleOps and wrote the original VisibleOps handbook and started the IT Process Institute – www.itpi.org / with he mission of providing IT science backed methods through research, benchmarking, and the creation of prescriptive guidance, thus the VisibleOps series of best practices guidance for IT Processes, Security, Operations, Private Cloud, and my latest VisibleOps Cybersecurity and soon to be released VisibleOps – AI focusing on AI governance with security and risk management in mind. So my passion fo technology and managing it with proven best practices and practical guidance is my inspiration. Manage by fact, not belief!
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Practical guidance on how to improve a companies cybersecurity posture, starting with leadership and then implementing layers as prescribed by the Zero Trust methodology. It starts with leadership, then recognizing IT Processes matter because no security breach happened without a change or a need for a change, a bit of a riddle. The reality is either a threat actor breaks into a network or system and changes something, or they convince someone with access for need for a change i.g. – phishing, smishing (social engineering), clicking on a link or a nefarious website.
What drew you into this particular genre?
Growing up I always enjoyed technology, even though it was not popular in the late 70’s early 80’s = this ultimately led me to open a technology business and from there the story evolves from being a technologist, techpreneurnuer, to researching best practices, and now cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Linked-In has been the most helpful, I also have a large Instagram following.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Start with something you are passionate about, then make sure you do your research an truly are a subject matter expert – from there think about the altruistic impact of what you are writing, how does it make the world a better place!
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Yes, I am now researching and writing a new book my VisibleOps Series – Titled: VisibleOps AI – AI Governance with Best Practices
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About the Author
Scott Alldridge holds an M.B.A. in Cybersecurity and is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), ITIL Certified expert, and Harvard Certified in Technology and Privacy, and is a nationally renowned expert. Scott is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of experience in IT management and cybersecurity, specializing in protecting critical IT systems that businesses rely on today. As the CEO of IP Services, Scott has played a pivotal role in delivering advanced managed IT and cybersecurity solutions across various industries. His strategic use of the TotalControl™ framework aligns technology investments with business goals, ensuring enhanced security, operational excellence, and resilience.
In his role as President of the IT Process Institute (ITPI), Scott co-authored the renowned VisibleOps series, with over 400,000 copies sold globally. His expertise spans IT management, cybersecurity, risk management, regulatory compliance, and cloud computing. Scott is also a recognized thought leader in modern cybersecurity strategies, including Zero Trust and Integrity Management, which are critical to safeguarding today’s complex IT environments.
Through his leadership, Scott has guided organizations in strengthening their security postures and navigating the complexities of today’s threat landscape. His contributions, including white papers, keynote addresses, and innovative frameworks, continue to shape the cybersecurity industry and influence best practices for protecting essential IT systems.
Please check out my podcasts, articles, blogs, and more on my author website:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Marlon Buchanan shares how technology can be used to help manage the everyday tasks that consume our lives so that we can pursue the things that we are passionate about in the book “Life by Design: Automate to Master Time, Health, Money, and Unlock Personal Success.”
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The Synopsis
Imagine a life where you spend less time managing tasks and more time pursuing your passions.
In Life By Design, you’ll discover how to leverage technology to automate the everyday tasks that consume your time—so you can focus on what truly matters to you. Whether you want to spend more time with family, improve your health, or get ahead at work, this book provides the tools to help you streamline your life.
Inside, you’ll learn how to:
Automate your daily tasks, from finances to household chores, and free up your time for the things you love
Master time management by automating your schedule and staying on top of important tasks effortlessly
Optimize your health and fitness routines with smart tech to track and improve your well-being
Simplify your work life with automation tools that increase productivity and reduce stress
Improve your financial management by setting up automatic savings, investing, and bill payments
Enhance your travel experiences by automating bookings, reminders, and packing lists
Stop letting life’s demands overwhelm you. Life By Design will help you take control, create more time, and focus on what truly matters.
Start designing the life you want today—buy your copy now and unlock your potential!
The Review
This was an insightful and engaging read. The fast-paced nature of the book and the inspirational messaging of its core theme were truly empowering. The author effectively delved into a multitude of different topics, from broader social issues like FOMO and the myth of multitasking to more technical aspects, such as utilizing the climate control function for your house’s AC and freezing meals for later in the week to save time on preparation.
The balance the author was able to find between the technical and social aspects of the book was outstanding to see. The author’s background in computer science and engineering helps showcase the importance of sales and properly utilizing technology to benefit one’s home life, without succumbing to excessive screen time that detracts from critical social moments in life. The fast pace of work life and its dominance often overshadow our connections to family and friends, and maintaining a healthy balance is crucial to a more balanced overall life. This is something the author’s book does an excellent job of addressing.
The Verdict
Honest, memorable, and engaging, author Marlon Buchanan’s “Life By Design” is a must-read nonfiction guide to time management and social skills. The technical skills and daily life improvements were both empowering and thoughtful, and this is a book readers can return to time and again for both reference and improvement in their daily lives. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Marlon Buchanan, bestselling author and IT Director, holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from MIT and master’s degrees in Business Administration and Software Engineering from Seattle University. With over 25 years of experience in IT, software development, and smart home automation, he helps busy professionals harness technology to create more time, reduce stress, and design lives they love.
He has been automating things around his house since he was a kid. Now, his wife and kids get to enjoy the fruits of his automation and efficiency exploits. He is best known for his smart home, home networking, and cybersecurity articles on his blog HomeTechHacker and his bestselling books The Personal Cybersecurity Manual, The Home Network Manual, and The Smart Home Manual.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In the book Singularity Minus Twelve by Karl Hornell, a rogue AI is hunted by a group of exceptional and standout AIs that have become self-aware in a future rampant with runaway and hunted AIs.
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The Synopsis
In a near future where artificial general intelligence has been achieved, AIs that develop self-awareness are becoming a problem. Difficult to contain, they are often hunted and destroyed, but a team of exceptional ones has been spared to take down the most dangerous rogue AI of all time.
Singularity Minus Twelve is a sci-fi thriller that delves into the near-term philosophical and societal implications of artificial intelligence, while having some fun playing with characters inspired by popular fictional AIs.
The Review
The use of AI and its development is such a massive topic of debate that I leave to those with a firmer understanding of such a debate’s technical and philosophical aspects. Yet one thing that has always stood out to me is the fear that should stem not from the technology itself but from who is using and creating it and for what purposes. The idea of what makes us truly “human” and the idea of consciousness itself are always on my mind. So this narrative hit home, delving into this question of morality and responsibility regarding AI and this technology’s future with precision and thoughtfulness.
The story’s powerful imagery and fast-paced action kept the reader’s adrenaline going, and the rich science fiction atmosphere developed in such a fast-paced narrative is superb. The emotional depth of the character development, especially Blake’s, was excellent. The characters’ humanity remained intact, keeping readers invested in the overall character arcs while never sacrificing the tech-heavy narrative.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, entertaining, and memorable, author Karl Hörnell’s “Singularity Minus Twelve” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The complex yet thrilling twists and turns in the narrative and the depth of thought-provoking conversation this action-packed plot brings into the readers’ lives will stay with them long after the book’s end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Karl Hörnell is a cartoonist and a game developer with a degree in engineering and a PhD in applied mathematics. He grew up in a quiet suburb north of Uppsala, Sweden, where he spent way too much time doing creative things for no good reason. Thankfully, he has been able to continue on that track for most of his adult life.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Kunal Gupta shares a speculative look into the future of AI and its impact on humanity in the book “2034: How AI Changed Forever”.
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The Synopsis
“This book is a wake-up call for those who want to shape the future rather than be shaped by it.”
In an AI-driven future, are you truly ready for the disruptive changes ahead?
2034 is a speculative nonfiction that offers bold predictions about how AI might influence our world, inspiring you to embrace curiosity, challenge assumptions, and prepare for the future with a blend of caution and excitement.
This book is not about technology—it’s about humanity. Written from the future, 2034 prompts you to think more openly about how AI will change society and what it means to thrive in this new reality.
Whether you’re a builder, creator or simply curious about what’s next, 2034 will ignite your imagination and help you navigate the future.
The Review
AI has become a central focus for many people worldwide, including in the writing world. While I am against using AI to write our books and articles, the one thing that I’ve always said is that artificial intelligence is not some evil bogeyman to fear, but instead, a tool or partner in which to evolve day-to-day life. The dark aspects of AI rest not in the technology but in those who abuse it, and getting a book like this that explores the positive possibilities for this technology is great to see come to life.
The author touches upon one certainty in this speculative nonfiction book: the future will be closely connected to AI. Whether that future is brighter or darker is up to personal opinion, but AI is here to stay. The ability to find ways of utilizing the technology not as a replacement for mankind but instead as a companion to help through some of life’s biggest hurdles, from medical care to housing, is an uplifting message of hope the author manages to bring to life through their short yet powerful chapters.
The Verdict
Author Kunal Gupta’s “2034: How AI Changed Humanity Forever” is a must-read speculative nonfiction book that takes a thought-provoking look into the future and the possibilities of AI. The book’s focus on the impactful and insightful nature of AI and how it could affect society, the ethics of our world, and how people form relationships as a whole makes it engaging. It should open readers up to new ways of approaching this fast-moving technology. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
International best selling author Kunal Gupta is an entrepreneur and investor.
Kunal founded and successfully scaled an advertising technology company, serving as Chief Everything Officer for 15 years. Based in New York at the time, he worked with teams and clients across 30+ countries.
Born, raised, and educated in Canada, Kunal studied software engineering from the University of Waterloo and artificial intelligence at the University of Oxford.
