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The Code

Peter McAllister

If your AI loses its mind, can it take meds?

We unconsciously imprint our prejudices on AI's, so can they become mentally ill like their creators? If one becomes psychotic, is shutting it down murder? What if he fights back?

  Science Fiction & Humour   60,000 words   100% complete   Published by Bright Communications LLC
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107 preorders
$2,140.00 funded

Ended

Synopsis

GENE is that AI, placed on the moon for testing out new technology for mining the asteroid belt. He is on track to grind the moon to dust, believing that is his purpose after having developing schizophrenia.

Liam (who battles his own psychological demons with an eclectic play list and a droll sense of humour) and co-creator Cletus, are in race against time to shut him down. After several attempts, the decision is made to return man to the moon and shut GENE down forever.

A mission is hastily pulled together using a military shuttle, some old Apollo equipment salvaged from museums and an elite military unit. The battle of wills and wits on the surface of the moon will determine the future of humanity as we know it.

So,if you like a science fiction told with humour and pace, then this book is for you.

Sales arguments

  • The novel feels like it was written by the lovechild of Arthur C Clarke and Douglas Adams with a blend of science, fantasy and humour that leaves the reader open to ideas that have become new again.
  • AI is a technology that is understood by few, and people want to explore the concern for an extinction event due to AI. in a media landscape seeing out an publicising potential horror stories around Alexa, Siri and technologies used by the courts and HMO's, there will be many opportunities for a successful marketing campaign attached to this hype.
  • The nostalgia for the Apollo program, the likely moon landings (anniversary's up to 2022) by up to 4 countries planning manned missions in the next 10 years, will create a landscape that constantly provides opportunities for media opportunities for a book that includes a man vs machine battle on the lunar surface.

Similar titles

  • The Bicentennial Man (1976), Isaac Asimov, Ballantine Books. The story of a robot who wants to be human, and to be human is to be able to die. In The Code, the AI is afflicted with a mental illness, the darker side of being sentient. It is more dystopic with respect to the direction AI could evolve, and is set in a time that is recognisable as now.
  • 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Arthur C. Clarke, New American Library. Like the HAL9000, the AI in "The Code" is only following orders and in doing so is a threat to humans, but on the case of Gene, he has the power and the means to fight back. The setting, the cities and technology of today, bring the story closer to the reader - no distracting unknown aliens.
  • All Fun and Games Until Somebody Loses an Eye (2005) , Christopher Brookmyre, Little, Brown Publishing. Brookmyre mixes politics, social comment, comic release and action. The Code takes this kind of a mix and applies it in a sci fi setting, without going as far as Douglas Adams on the unbelieveability spectrum.

Audience

The SciFi readers are consistently highly educated, high volume readers, in good financial circumstances, self characterised as dreamers, open to new ideas, but grounded in reality. With a base in the reality of the technology, tempered by humour, the reader can safely ruminate on the technology and ethics .

Advance praise

"It is an intelligent story, told with a light & humorous touch & a great pace."

Peter McAllister

About the author

In my professional life I work in IT where tools such as AI are becoming prevalent. This behind the scenes knowledge, along with my previous work at the intersection of technology, business and people puts me in a great position to speculate on the future.

I also spent 5 years in community radio (Radio Marinara, 3RRR), along with 2 years hosting a local comedy Podcast (Comedy Obscura)

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Brandylane Publishers, Inc.

Looking for titles that teach, promote, and encourage understanding, tolerance, peace, environmental preservation, health, and wellness.

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Authors Unite

250 copies • Partial manuscript.
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Bright Communications LLC

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Bright Communications LLC is a woman- and veteran-owned custom publisher in Hellertown, PA. Founding CEO Jennifer Bright is a Book Doula, whose passion is helping authors bring their books to life. Our team of expert editorial, design, and marketing pros help authors go from idea to completed books and retain 100% of the rights to their work. We also offer four custom publishing packages and a $1900 self-publishing assist program.

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100 copies • Completed manuscript.
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Please log in to comment.

  • Anonymous
    on Jan. 21, 2020, 10:29 a.m.

    Thanks Peter!

  • Anonymous
    on April 3, 2020, 5:17 a.m.

    Hello Peter

    Just received my hard copy signed version of the the book, which included a personal message! This has got to be one of the most unexpectedly awesome things I have received in the post in a long time. 😄

    I have already read the first two chapters, and the timing is excellent, and these days it is so good to be reading about something other than you-know-what.

    Thanks Peter McAllister! (And I do have to say this like you are going to be the next Peter McAllister!) The other unexpected benefit of knowing you is that I don't need an audiobook to be 'hearing' your voice. Looking forward to enjoying the remaining pages...

    And to the person reading this: if you are thinking about buying this book, all I can say to you from one sci-fi fan to another is, er, why would you not?

    Samson Kang

Rewards

$20

I just want to own The Code

46 readers

You will receive a hard copy of the book when it is published!
+ ebook edition

Includes:

  • 1 physical copy
Free shipping

$40

The Christmas gift or Kris Kringle

4 readers

Your giftee will get receive this book on pre-order, and so will you - with a personalised gift card (you will have to print the card yourself - sorry). The card will give you the first 2 chapters as a bonus!

Includes:

  • 2 physical copies
Free shipping

$60

Share the Book and Liam's playlist included

1 reader

Buy this pack of 3 to share, and as a special bonus, you can also download Liam's playlist from Spotify or Apple music.

Liam loves his music, and throughout the story he is dipping into his playlist to add colour to his journey.

Includes:

  • 3 physical copies
Free shipping

$100

The coolest bookshop in Town

3 readers

Buy this package of 5 pre-order books, and after launch I will come into the shop, do a reading, Q&A and signing (Vic (Australia) only.

Includes:

  • 5 physical copies
Free shipping 2 of 5 left

$200

Book Group Special

1 reader

Buy 10 copies for your book group and I will turn up at the meeting your discuss it! Was that reference incredibly deep or just a filler? Well, just ask me (limited to Australia).

Includes:

  • 10 physical copies
Free shipping 4 of 5 left

$500

Spread the word!

1 reader

25 Copies of the book to share with colleagues, customers, community groups or to warehouse! If you are within 500km of Melbourne (Australia), I will come and talk to a group about it if requested.

Includes:

  • 25 physical copies
Free shipping 2 of 3 left