Title: Helene by Karl Drinkwater
Date Published: 3rd October 2019
Genre: Sci-fi/short story
Description:
Dr Helene Vermalle is shaping the conscience of a goddess-level AI.
As a leading civilian expert in Emergent AI Socialisation, she has been invited to assist in a secret military project.
Her role? Helping ViraUHX, the most advanced AI in the universe, to pass through four theoretical development stages. But it’s not easy training a mind that surpasses her in raw intellect. And the developing AI is capable of killing her with a single tantrum.
On top of this, she must prove her loyalty to the oppressive government hovering over her shoulder. They want a weapon. She wants to instil an overriding sense of morality.
Can she teach the AI right and wrong without being categorised as disloyal?
Lost Tales of Solace are short side-stories set in the Lost Solace universe.
You can buy your copy here – https://books2read.com/b/Helene
Review:
I want to thank Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me on this tour and providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
So this is a prequel novella to the author’s Lost Solace series and having not read any of the other books, it was a perfect place for me to start
Helene is a futuristic sci-fi short story, the perfect mix of intrigue, entertainment plus a dash of humour.
Helene is a great character. Smart, brave but there’s also a little bit of mystery to her. I absolutely loved the way the author played her off ViraUHX, it was so much fun to read!
In large part the story is mostly dialogue, with ViraUHX voice written in all capitals which I didn’t mind. Although it got a little hard to read in places especially when the AI decided to go on a rant.
The ending of the book isn’t a cliffhanger so to speak but it does leave it open for the next book, giving you a little peek almost of what’s to come. I was so intrigued by the ending, I’ve put the other two novels in this series on my wishlist.
My only issue was I wished the story was longer!
Helene is a well written and compelling sci-fi story that will leave you wanting more!
About The Author:
Karl Drinkwater is originally from Manchester but lived in Wales for twenty years, and now calls Scotland his home. He’s a full-time author, edits fiction for other writers, and
was a professional librarian for over twenty-five years. He has degrees in English, Classics, and Information Science.
He writes in multiple genres: his aim is always just to tell a good story. Among his books you’ll find elements of literary and contemporary fiction, gritty urban, horror, suspense, paranormal, thriller, sci-fi, romance, social commentary, and more. The end result is interesting and authentic characters, clever and compelling plots, and believable worlds.
When he isn’t writing he loves exercise, guitars, computer and board games, the natural environment, animals, social justice, cake, and zombies. Not necessarily in that order.
Social Media Links –
https://www.facebook.com/karlzdrinkwater/
https://twitter.com/karldrinkwater
https://www.instagram.com/authorkdrinkwater/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5766025.Karl_Drinkwater
On The Shelf Reviews 
Thank you! Good comment about Via’s extended digital rant, it makes me wonder if there are ways to change from the caps whilst still keeping the big contrast with her later persona?
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I think the capitals worked well but it was just during that rant…maybe you could break it up a little with some inner dialogue from Helene? Or maybe some distraction from outside? That way it’s a bit of a break for your eyes 😀
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Your wish is my command! A few other people had issue with the caps so I changed those sections. It switches much earlier in the book now, prior to the rant! 🙂 I’ve uploaded a new version for sale. New text:
—
“We’re affected by what we’re born with. But we can also change many things if we wish. Including names.”
“I PREFER VIA TO VIRA.”
“Then Via it is. And, while we’re on the subject of change … could you soften your voice slightly? Your default tone makes me think you are shouting at me.”
“Is this better?”
It was the same sexless voice, but at a lower volume, and that somehow broke up the artificiality. Via was probably capable of fully human cadences but they weren’t necessary for communication. This seemed like a good compromise.
“That is perfect. Thank you, Via.”
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