EMERGENT PROPERTIES by Aimee Ogden

4 stars

Scorn, an AI raised by two human scientist Moms trying to advance AI abilities to think and feel for itself as well as seek out new experiences, has turned to investigative reporting as a career. The moms, now divorced, head up two competing and powerful corporations on Earth and the Moon respectively, and Scorn often finds itself got in the crossfire of their personal and corporate entanglements.

Hot on a story about possible corruption on the Moon and false corporate promises around both AI and Human autonomy, emancipation, and personhood on the Moon, Scorn wakes up to find the last couple weeks of memory erased. Scorn tries to recreate what wiped out all memory as it all had to involve a big story being chased. Scorn resolves to go back to the Moon to find clues, but hits a wall of both Moms opposed and someone out to kill Scorn.

The mystery and unfolding attacks on Scorn create suspence and a potential romance between Scorn and a black-box building back on Earth heats up.

An intriguing immersion in a future Earth where Ais have developed to the point of seeking equal status to humans.

I would definitely seek out a sequel to continue following along with Scorn’s evolution and hopeful citizenship.

Thanks to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.