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Artificial Wisdom
It’s 2050, a decade after a heatwave that killed four hundred million across the Persian Gulf, including journalist Marcus Tully’s wife. Now he must uncover the truth: was the disaster natural? Or is the weather now a weapon of genocide?
A whistleblower pulls Tully into a murder investigation at the centre of an election battle for a global dictator, with a mandate to prevent a climate apocalypse. A former US President campaigns against the first AI politician for the position, but someone is trying to sway the outcome.
Tully must convince the world to face the truth and make hard choices about the future of the species. But will humanity ultimately choose salvation over freedom, whatever the cost?
An enthralling murder mystery with a vividly realised future world, forcing readers to grapple with hard hitting questions about the climate crisis, our relationship with Artificial Intelligence and the price we'd be willing to pay, as a species, to be saved. Perfect for fans of Blake Crouch, Harlan Coben, Neal Stephenson, Philip K. Dick, Kim Stanley Robinson and RR Haywood.
A whistleblower pulls Tully into a murder investigation at the centre of an election battle for a global dictator, with a mandate to prevent a climate apocalypse. A former US President campaigns against the first AI politician for the position, but someone is trying to sway the outcome.
Tully must convince the world to face the truth and make hard choices about the future of the species. But will humanity ultimately choose salvation over freedom, whatever the cost?
An enthralling murder mystery with a vividly realised future world, forcing readers to grapple with hard hitting questions about the climate crisis, our relationship with Artificial Intelligence and the price we'd be willing to pay, as a species, to be saved. Perfect for fans of Blake Crouch, Harlan Coben, Neal Stephenson, Philip K. Dick, Kim Stanley Robinson and RR Haywood.
433 pages, Hardcover
First published May 10, 2023
692 people are currently reading
45949 people want to read
About the author
Thomas R. Weaver
2 books282 followersI write stories about tomorrow to help make sense of today. Artificial Wisdom, my debut, was published as an indie and has recently been picked up by Penguin Random House. It will be re-released with some extra content by Del Rey in the US, and Bantam in the UK/Commonwealth, in 2025, with the sequel coming 2026.
Aside from writing, I’m a tech entrepreneur. My last startup was acquired by Just Eat Takeaway; my new one is still in stealth but backed by a major Silicon Valley tech accelerator. I also invest in multiple early-stage startups.
Despite all that, I never thought I’d use my degree in Computer Science. I left university to run the UK branch of one of the world’s largest student organisations before spending many years working on and building expertise in the evolution of physical environments, and in particular how tech could change the kind of experiences we have in schools, shops, theatres, council service centres and other places.
This all led directly to his tech startup in the restaurant hospitality space, transforming payment and ordering experiences, before pivoting to a platform to enable other technology to interface with the restaurant. I exited in 2018-2019 and realised I had no more excuses not to do what I always wanted to do: write fiction.
It’s Roald Dahl’s fault. When I was seven, I read the BFG. Remember the scene where Sophie reads the description of a dream of writing a book so exciting that no-one can put it down? Airline pilots are getting lost. Drivers are crashing.
I wanted to write that book. I want to write page-turners. If I achieve nothing more than giving one person the experience within the BFG’s dream, I’ll have succeeded. Hopefully without the car crashes, though. Despite swearing to friends and family (none of whom apparently believed me) that I’d never run another startup again, I recently started a new one focussed on bringing some of the ideas in Artificial Wisdom, my debut, to life, specifically around communicated in augmented reality.
In my spare time, I’m an avid father, husband and cook, and have a bunch of hobbies my wife claims makes me sound like I’m 80, including drawing, painting and chess. I collect more books than I have time to read, especially if they have beautiful covers, like Folio editions. I’m a sucker for great covers.
Aside from writing, I’m a tech entrepreneur. My last startup was acquired by Just Eat Takeaway; my new one is still in stealth but backed by a major Silicon Valley tech accelerator. I also invest in multiple early-stage startups.
Despite all that, I never thought I’d use my degree in Computer Science. I left university to run the UK branch of one of the world’s largest student organisations before spending many years working on and building expertise in the evolution of physical environments, and in particular how tech could change the kind of experiences we have in schools, shops, theatres, council service centres and other places.
This all led directly to his tech startup in the restaurant hospitality space, transforming payment and ordering experiences, before pivoting to a platform to enable other technology to interface with the restaurant. I exited in 2018-2019 and realised I had no more excuses not to do what I always wanted to do: write fiction.
It’s Roald Dahl’s fault. When I was seven, I read the BFG. Remember the scene where Sophie reads the description of a dream of writing a book so exciting that no-one can put it down? Airline pilots are getting lost. Drivers are crashing.
I wanted to write that book. I want to write page-turners. If I achieve nothing more than giving one person the experience within the BFG’s dream, I’ll have succeeded. Hopefully without the car crashes, though. Despite swearing to friends and family (none of whom apparently believed me) that I’d never run another startup again, I recently started a new one focussed on bringing some of the ideas in Artificial Wisdom, my debut, to life, specifically around communicated in augmented reality.
In my spare time, I’m an avid father, husband and cook, and have a bunch of hobbies my wife claims makes me sound like I’m 80, including drawing, painting and chess. I collect more books than I have time to read, especially if they have beautiful covers, like Folio editions. I’m a sucker for great covers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,484 reviews
June 29, 2024
How can I review a book that transcended all of my expectations? I deeply appreciate a thick plot that takes you to unexpected places. Throughout Artificial Wisdom I was completely immersed in story. There are so many opportunities to put yourself in the position of a character and ask yourself “what would I do?” It is WILD to imagine what our world will look like in such a short amount of time. I wish I could rate this book more than 5 stars because I believe Thomas Weaver has written a classic that will be talked about centuries from now!
May 23, 2024
This debut Sci-fi novel came with the absolute gassssss! But it was more than a sci-fi, a murder mystery, a political showdown, an emotional roller coaster. Almost every element of literature was present in this story. I loved it from beginning to end and my only ask is that there is a book 2 and a book to tv adaptation.
Easy 5 stars.
Easy 5 stars.
December 21, 2024
RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 5⭐️
Themes: 4⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 4.5 ⭐️
This sci-fi thriller crosses over with speculative fiction, in a style reminiscent of the greats in the genre, while being totally fresh. Weaver achieves technical excellence and precision here, which grounds this futuristic narrative. I felt truly alarmed by the believable climate crisis, unsettled by the political consequences of the disinformation era, and simultaneously intrigued and terrified of the technology that is just within our current reach. This is set in 2050, and every aspect seems plausible. Thrilling. Unsettling. Fucking scary.
In a not-too-distant future, the idea that we could have AI in a governing capacity makes for fascinating subject material. Couple this political race for a global dictator with an investigative journalist on the trail of a climate crisis coverup, and a murder within a closed circle of the elite and powerful, and you've got an endlessly intriguing plot, I couldn't predict. With so much going on, the narrative pacing was consistent, and the character development evolved naturally.
I appreciate the ambiguity, moral dilemmas, and the rawness of the relationships in Artifical Wisdom. I also liked that there was a minor investigation and representation of alcoholism, homelessness, grief, paranoia, surveillance, and propaganda. These characters are flawed and relatable, individual, and likable.
As a fantasy reader who loves thorough magic systems, I think the sci-fi equivalent is grounded tech that feels fully developed and possible. Weaver totally nails that aspect. The surveillance/security tech was genius, and so fun to read and imagine. The floating states, pod transportation system, neural reality, ego spaces, and virtual public events were all cool, believable, and seamlessly integrated with the plot.
This is a story about loss and the family you find and choose. It's a story about integrity and truth, and the grey lines you cross due to bias. It investigates the cost of survival. It asks questions about our mandates and challenges the reader's own bias. It exposes how our pain and our fear left unchecked, become the levers by which we can be manipulated. In the information/disinformation age, trust becomes the most valuable resource, and everyone is keeping secrets.
This is speculative fiction at its finest. Technically and emotionally executed with thought and care. The plot provides unexpected twists and reveals that left me with questions and so much to think about. While satisfying, the end is also unsettling. Knowing more than our characters do, left me worried for them, and desperate to find out how it will all turn out. I hope we get future installments with these characters and this current crisis situation. There's so much more to explore.
Thomas Weaver is a debut author, and I can't wait to read his next five books, so here's hoping he's planning to write them! I highly recommend Artificial Wisdom to readers who enjoy Blake Crouch and Andy Weir, with a sprinkle of Ready Player One.
Note: This book was sent to me for a review on another platform. I've written this review of my own volition without compensation.
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 5⭐️
Themes: 4⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 4.5 ⭐️
This sci-fi thriller crosses over with speculative fiction, in a style reminiscent of the greats in the genre, while being totally fresh. Weaver achieves technical excellence and precision here, which grounds this futuristic narrative. I felt truly alarmed by the believable climate crisis, unsettled by the political consequences of the disinformation era, and simultaneously intrigued and terrified of the technology that is just within our current reach. This is set in 2050, and every aspect seems plausible. Thrilling. Unsettling. Fucking scary.
In a not-too-distant future, the idea that we could have AI in a governing capacity makes for fascinating subject material. Couple this political race for a global dictator with an investigative journalist on the trail of a climate crisis coverup, and a murder within a closed circle of the elite and powerful, and you've got an endlessly intriguing plot, I couldn't predict. With so much going on, the narrative pacing was consistent, and the character development evolved naturally.
I appreciate the ambiguity, moral dilemmas, and the rawness of the relationships in Artifical Wisdom. I also liked that there was a minor investigation and representation of alcoholism, homelessness, grief, paranoia, surveillance, and propaganda. These characters are flawed and relatable, individual, and likable.
As a fantasy reader who loves thorough magic systems, I think the sci-fi equivalent is grounded tech that feels fully developed and possible. Weaver totally nails that aspect. The surveillance/security tech was genius, and so fun to read and imagine. The floating states, pod transportation system, neural reality, ego spaces, and virtual public events were all cool, believable, and seamlessly integrated with the plot.
This is a story about loss and the family you find and choose. It's a story about integrity and truth, and the grey lines you cross due to bias. It investigates the cost of survival. It asks questions about our mandates and challenges the reader's own bias. It exposes how our pain and our fear left unchecked, become the levers by which we can be manipulated. In the information/disinformation age, trust becomes the most valuable resource, and everyone is keeping secrets.
This is speculative fiction at its finest. Technically and emotionally executed with thought and care. The plot provides unexpected twists and reveals that left me with questions and so much to think about. While satisfying, the end is also unsettling. Knowing more than our characters do, left me worried for them, and desperate to find out how it will all turn out. I hope we get future installments with these characters and this current crisis situation. There's so much more to explore.
Thomas Weaver is a debut author, and I can't wait to read his next five books, so here's hoping he's planning to write them! I highly recommend Artificial Wisdom to readers who enjoy Blake Crouch and Andy Weir, with a sprinkle of Ready Player One.
Note: This book was sent to me for a review on another platform. I've written this review of my own volition without compensation.
April 1, 2025
The future is scary😭
4.5 stars
For a debut, this was fantastic! As a reader, I would say I have a pretty eclectic taste; I will read pretty much anything, but speculative fiction/sci-fi has become one of my favorite sub-genres and it's mainly due to how these topics are mirroring life right now. AI has truly become an integral part of our lives, and we constantly joke about the robot uprising but what if that possibility is not that far off?
This book was not as action-packed as I first thought; it is more of a slow-burn murder mystery with sci-fi elements. The premise is basically the US president vying for world dictatorship against an AI in order to solve the climate crisis in the world with a top-notch journalist- whose wife tragically died due to a climate event- tasked with exposing the truth behind the corruption in the government.
This touched on topics of politics, climate change, grief and loss, the rise of technology and corruption. I did find some parts predictable but it was still enjoyable! I'm guessing this should have a sequel because of the way this book ends? I sure hope so🙌
4.5 stars
For a debut, this was fantastic! As a reader, I would say I have a pretty eclectic taste; I will read pretty much anything, but speculative fiction/sci-fi has become one of my favorite sub-genres and it's mainly due to how these topics are mirroring life right now. AI has truly become an integral part of our lives, and we constantly joke about the robot uprising but what if that possibility is not that far off?
This book was not as action-packed as I first thought; it is more of a slow-burn murder mystery with sci-fi elements. The premise is basically the US president vying for world dictatorship against an AI in order to solve the climate crisis in the world with a top-notch journalist- whose wife tragically died due to a climate event- tasked with exposing the truth behind the corruption in the government.
This touched on topics of politics, climate change, grief and loss, the rise of technology and corruption. I did find some parts predictable but it was still enjoyable! I'm guessing this should have a sequel because of the way this book ends? I sure hope so🙌
September 4, 2025
Holy heck was this one brilliant novel. A powerful exposé on the dangers of journalism, climate change, politics, technology, and society in general, Artificial Wisdom also sported an addictive murder mystery and thought-provoking conspiracy all rolled up into one. To be frank, it had everything I could want in a story and more. From romance and drama to some very real modern-day fears of what the future may hold, this speculative fiction/sci-fi thriller has so far beaten out every other novel that I’ve read so far this year. In all honesty, it was like an epic movie in written form. Action-packed, immersive, and poignant, I got so swept up in this should-be blockbuster that I finished reading it in under forty-eight hours. Bravo, Mr. Weaver, you’ve got yourself a brand-spanking-new fan.
So what else did I love? Well, part of what won me over so completely was down to the likable, true-to-life characters. Almost from page one, though, I didn’t know who or what to trust. Thanks to my bouncing allegiances throughout the novel, the shifting sands of who was the hero and who was the villain made the suspense level ratchet higher and higher. After all, as the murder mystery transformed into a potential conspiracy, it was all I could do to hold on for dear life. And then I hit the twists. Spinning me around like a just-released top, I couldn’t do anything but smile with glee. I mean, there were even a few right there at the end. Taking moral dilemmas and making them into a heart-pounding game of chess, I was absolutely flabbergasted that this unputdownable book was a debut.
All said and done, even the conclusion (which I loved) couldn’t sway my opinion. Ending in what I’m sure is quite a polarizing way, I’m simply going to cross every finger and toe that it means there’s a sequel coming out someday soon. After all, there could be so much more to this story. Timely, thoughtful, and quite possibly prophetic, it’s one of the first novels I’ve read that could easily become a classic. You see, not only were the topics memorable in the extreme, but the realistically relatable characters, onion-like plot, and unsettling premise left me holding my breath long after I finished the last damning page. Perfect for fans of Andy Weir and Blake Crouch, if you’re looking for a gut-punch of a read, you absolutely need this book in your life. Rating of 5+++ stars.
**Note: I just found out from the author that this will indeed be book one in a duology! So stay tuned everyone, there’s more to come from this bunch of dynamite characters and their terrifying yet feasible dystopian situation!
SYNOPSIS:
I highly, HIGHLY recommend going into this book blind. All you need to know is the following: It’s the year 2050 and the world has been devastated by climate change—and it’s only getting worse. Still reeling after a devastating personal loss, investigative journalist Marcus Tully gets swept up in the election for the first global leader, who the world hopes will be able to turn the damage around before it’s too late. The two candidates running for the first-ever role are former U.S. President Lockwood and an AI politician named Solomon. But after Marcus gets an inside scoop from a whistleblower, he begins to look into some well-hidden secrets. What he discovers with the help of his motley crew of researchers, tech gurus, and writers, however, is a dark, nefarious scheme that reaches farther than he ever expected. More importantly, it could either destroy all of humanity—or save it.
Thank you to Thomas R. Weaver and Del Rey Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 12, 2025
Content warning: death of a loved one, fire, violence, poisoning, grief, knife violence, homelessness, asylum seeking, alcoholism, mention of: suicide, addiction
So what else did I love? Well, part of what won me over so completely was down to the likable, true-to-life characters. Almost from page one, though, I didn’t know who or what to trust. Thanks to my bouncing allegiances throughout the novel, the shifting sands of who was the hero and who was the villain made the suspense level ratchet higher and higher. After all, as the murder mystery transformed into a potential conspiracy, it was all I could do to hold on for dear life. And then I hit the twists. Spinning me around like a just-released top, I couldn’t do anything but smile with glee. I mean, there were even a few right there at the end. Taking moral dilemmas and making them into a heart-pounding game of chess, I was absolutely flabbergasted that this unputdownable book was a debut.
All said and done, even the conclusion (which I loved) couldn’t sway my opinion. Ending in what I’m sure is quite a polarizing way, I’m simply going to cross every finger and toe that it means there’s a sequel coming out someday soon. After all, there could be so much more to this story. Timely, thoughtful, and quite possibly prophetic, it’s one of the first novels I’ve read that could easily become a classic. You see, not only were the topics memorable in the extreme, but the realistically relatable characters, onion-like plot, and unsettling premise left me holding my breath long after I finished the last damning page. Perfect for fans of Andy Weir and Blake Crouch, if you’re looking for a gut-punch of a read, you absolutely need this book in your life. Rating of 5+++ stars.
**Note: I just found out from the author that this will indeed be book one in a duology! So stay tuned everyone, there’s more to come from this bunch of dynamite characters and their terrifying yet feasible dystopian situation!
SYNOPSIS:
I highly, HIGHLY recommend going into this book blind. All you need to know is the following: It’s the year 2050 and the world has been devastated by climate change—and it’s only getting worse. Still reeling after a devastating personal loss, investigative journalist Marcus Tully gets swept up in the election for the first global leader, who the world hopes will be able to turn the damage around before it’s too late. The two candidates running for the first-ever role are former U.S. President Lockwood and an AI politician named Solomon. But after Marcus gets an inside scoop from a whistleblower, he begins to look into some well-hidden secrets. What he discovers with the help of his motley crew of researchers, tech gurus, and writers, however, is a dark, nefarious scheme that reaches farther than he ever expected. More importantly, it could either destroy all of humanity—or save it.
Thank you to Thomas R. Weaver and Del Rey Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 12, 2025
Content warning: death of a loved one, fire, violence, poisoning, grief, knife violence, homelessness, asylum seeking, alcoholism, mention of: suicide, addiction
June 12, 2025
If I could force the world to read this, I would.🌟
Part dystopian, sci-fi, thriller, mystery, and climate fiction, this debut will blow your world off its axis.
Still grieving, journalist Marcus investigates a whistleblower’s account that the death of 400 million people, his pregnant wife being one, was the result of geo-engineering failure which the American government is covering up.
This could have huge repercussions as the race for world dictatorship is counting down between the American president and an Artificial Intelligence.
That was the thing about the truth. Sometimes, you were judged more harshly for revealing it than for concealing it.
“The responsibility lies with those who did the deed and those who prop them up, not the ones exposing it."
It is scarily realistic. It is 2050. The world is suffering from extreme climate change. The crisis is real. The people are rioting.
This story explores the idea of the cost of knowledge, of sharing truth, and who should be held responsible for those consequences, especially in a fiery world already fuelled with rage and fear.
”We should be putting the resources into turning around the current situation instead of creating safe bubbles from which the rich can watch the poor die."
I know this will be appealing to a lot of readers - short chapters! This kept me on my toes and the story absolutely gripping!
Like every other reviewer, I don’t want to give too much away. If anything, I would say go in completely blind. Don’t even read reviews. Obviously, you’re reading this, so sorry! But this was one of the best reading experiences I have had.
"You've thrived by adapting your environment, while other animals adapt to the environment. But now you must do both, as the very fabric of the planet tears, as the continents rise up to shake you loose.”
Thank you to the author for sending me the physical copy in exchange for a review!
It’s gorgeous!
>>REREAD June 2025 for traditionally published version.<<
I still stand by my review - there is something in the book for everyone.
If you have read the indie version, there are extra scenes (even a new pov) to look forward to!
Go pre-order and buy it for your friends and families and book clubs!
Physical arc gifted by Transworld and Del Rey.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Part dystopian, sci-fi, thriller, mystery, and climate fiction, this debut will blow your world off its axis.
Still grieving, journalist Marcus investigates a whistleblower’s account that the death of 400 million people, his pregnant wife being one, was the result of geo-engineering failure which the American government is covering up.
This could have huge repercussions as the race for world dictatorship is counting down between the American president and an Artificial Intelligence.
That was the thing about the truth. Sometimes, you were judged more harshly for revealing it than for concealing it.
“The responsibility lies with those who did the deed and those who prop them up, not the ones exposing it."
It is scarily realistic. It is 2050. The world is suffering from extreme climate change. The crisis is real. The people are rioting.
This story explores the idea of the cost of knowledge, of sharing truth, and who should be held responsible for those consequences, especially in a fiery world already fuelled with rage and fear.
”We should be putting the resources into turning around the current situation instead of creating safe bubbles from which the rich can watch the poor die."
I know this will be appealing to a lot of readers - short chapters! This kept me on my toes and the story absolutely gripping!
Like every other reviewer, I don’t want to give too much away. If anything, I would say go in completely blind. Don’t even read reviews. Obviously, you’re reading this, so sorry! But this was one of the best reading experiences I have had.
"You've thrived by adapting your environment, while other animals adapt to the environment. But now you must do both, as the very fabric of the planet tears, as the continents rise up to shake you loose.”
Thank you to the author for sending me the physical copy in exchange for a review!
It’s gorgeous!
>>REREAD June 2025 for traditionally published version.<<
I still stand by my review - there is something in the book for everyone.
If you have read the indie version, there are extra scenes (even a new pov) to look forward to!
Go pre-order and buy it for your friends and families and book clubs!
Physical arc gifted by Transworld and Del Rey.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
June 5, 2024
Reading Artificial Wisdom went something like this:
oh ok? cool cool.
oH
OKKKK.
OH ??? OKaY??!
wut.
hmmmm
WAT
Anyway… This is god tier speculative fiction:
- disturbingly close to our current reality and with a terrifyingly plausible future
- posing lots of interesting & difficult questions, answering about half them, and leaving you somehow,,, with 3X more
- reads like one big conspiracy theory
- palatable language, relatable themes, painfully human characters, & a compulsively readable plot
- technological advancements that feel so grounded that someone reading this in a 100 years would be like what do you mean this is science fiction?
These are all vague statements. What’s this about? Imagine (in the ~not so distant future) if the world was going to such absolute shit (a la climate change / mass environmental disasters) that as a society we decide to just elect a temporary dictator to solve it all. You know, for efficiency and all that. The interesting part? One of the candidates in the running is an AI. Want another cherry on top: locked room MURDER MYSTERY.
I also just have to say, one of my favorite audiobook narrators (/maybe just my favorite) is my king Steven Pacey. He left no crumbs in this. 10000% elevated my reading experience.
If you want a nail biting cyber-thriller that will keep you up on a 7 hour red eye from Paris, this will do the trick.
oh ok? cool cool.
oH
OKKKK.
OH ??? OKaY??!
wut.
hmmmm
WAT
Anyway… This is god tier speculative fiction:
- disturbingly close to our current reality and with a terrifyingly plausible future
- posing lots of interesting & difficult questions, answering about half them, and leaving you somehow,,, with 3X more
- reads like one big conspiracy theory
- palatable language, relatable themes, painfully human characters, & a compulsively readable plot
- technological advancements that feel so grounded that someone reading this in a 100 years would be like what do you mean this is science fiction?
These are all vague statements. What’s this about? Imagine (in the ~not so distant future) if the world was going to such absolute shit (a la climate change / mass environmental disasters) that as a society we decide to just elect a temporary dictator to solve it all. You know, for efficiency and all that. The interesting part? One of the candidates in the running is an AI. Want another cherry on top: locked room MURDER MYSTERY.
I also just have to say, one of my favorite audiobook narrators (/maybe just my favorite) is my king Steven Pacey. He left no crumbs in this. 10000% elevated my reading experience.
If you want a nail biting cyber-thriller that will keep you up on a 7 hour red eye from Paris, this will do the trick.
August 22, 2025
HAPPY TRAD RELEASE DAY!! ✨✨✨
I went in blind, expecting some sort of dystopian setting as a take on artificial intelligence, so imagine my surprise when, at about 30%, I thought, "This is good, but I'm weirdly in the mood for some murder mystery," and someone gets killed in the book!
It felt like the book shifted to accommodate my own needs, when in fact it created the needs in me without me realising. It’s oddly appropriate for the topic if you think about it...
This said, I really loved it, but it’s weird to me that news of a second book seems so scarce and unconfirmed (I found only a couple of sources saying “Infinite Wisdom” is gonna be a thing in 2026), as the story feels like it’s at its exact mid point at the end of this one.
5 Things I loved about this book
1 The murder mystery
2 The constant twists and turns
3 How I should have expected some of the twists, but didn’t so it was never boring
4 The technology that was imagined
5 I think it made the artilect concept quite believable, compared to most books
I really really hope there is gonna be a book two, cause I loved it, but it doesn't feel done at all 👀👀👀
Pre-Review
Artificial Wisdom was picked by Del Rey, and it was the push I needed to finally add this to my TBR!
Thanks for the ARC copy!!
I went in blind, expecting some sort of dystopian setting as a take on artificial intelligence, so imagine my surprise when, at about 30%, I thought, "This is good, but I'm weirdly in the mood for some murder mystery," and someone gets killed in the book!
It felt like the book shifted to accommodate my own needs, when in fact it created the needs in me without me realising. It’s oddly appropriate for the topic if you think about it...
This said, I really loved it, but it’s weird to me that news of a second book seems so scarce and unconfirmed (I found only a couple of sources saying “Infinite Wisdom” is gonna be a thing in 2026), as the story feels like it’s at its exact mid point at the end of this one.
5 Things I loved about this book
1 The murder mystery
2 The constant twists and turns
3 How I should have expected some of the twists, but didn’t so it was never boring
4 The technology that was imagined
5 I think it made the artilect concept quite believable, compared to most books
I really really hope there is gonna be a book two, cause I loved it, but it doesn't feel done at all 👀👀👀
Pre-Review
Artificial Wisdom was picked by Del Rey, and it was the push I needed to finally add this to my TBR!
Thanks for the ARC copy!!
July 17, 2024
This book just wasn’t what I was expecting! I was expecting something a little more thrilling and more sci-fi based, and I’d say this is closer to a murder mystery and way more politic heavy.
I really enjoyed the beginning and end, but the middle lost me! It was a little eerie reading this, because I could see the future having a similar outcome.
I really went into this book with the wrong expectations, but I for sure would read more by this author!
I really enjoyed the beginning and end, but the middle lost me! It was a little eerie reading this, because I could see the future having a similar outcome.
I really went into this book with the wrong expectations, but I for sure would read more by this author!
August 14, 2024
Pros:
-Interesting premise.
-It was free via a GoodReads giveaway.
Cons:
-Like most sci-fi, the characters are cardboard cutouts. I didn't care a jot about a single one of them.
-Atrocious (and constant) dialogue. The characters of Fernando, Haymaker, and Randall were particularly insufferable. Additionally, everything is explained ad nauseam via extended bouts of dialogue. Some ideas are explained using almost the exact same words multiple times.
-Non-existent prose. It's really not a very well-written book.
-Pacing. The last 150ish pages dragged. By the last 100 pages, I noticed myself skimming over chunks.
-If I had to read "what in humid hell" one more time, I was going to light the book on fire. It's not clever enough to be repeated by multiple characters once every dozen pages.
-Interesting premise.
-It was free via a GoodReads giveaway.
Cons:
-Like most sci-fi, the characters are cardboard cutouts. I didn't care a jot about a single one of them.
-Atrocious (and constant) dialogue. The characters of Fernando, Haymaker, and Randall were particularly insufferable. Additionally, everything is explained ad nauseam via extended bouts of dialogue. Some ideas are explained using almost the exact same words multiple times.
-Non-existent prose. It's really not a very well-written book.
-Pacing. The last 150ish pages dragged. By the last 100 pages, I noticed myself skimming over chunks.
-If I had to read "what in humid hell" one more time, I was going to light the book on fire. It's not clever enough to be repeated by multiple characters once every dozen pages.
September 10, 2025
3.5 stars
The year is 2050 and climate change has devastated the Earth.
Droves of climate refugees have been fleeing their homes for more hospitable regions, and the immigrants are almost always unwelcome.
The refugee crisis isn't the planet's biggest problem however, because the entire human race is in danger of becoming extinct.
Dire straits require dire solutions, and all the nations on Earth have agreed to elect a 'dictator' with absolute power - an individual who will make the hard decisions to save the planet. A series of referendums have yielded two candidates for dictator: former U.S. President Lockwood and an Artificial Intelligence (artilect) called Solomon, who's currently governor of the Floating States (man-made landmasses that roam the seas to avoid bad weather).
Solomon (left) and Lockwood (right)
Floating State
Solomon was created 11 years ago by a tech genius called Martha Chandra, who imbued the artilect with an imperative to save the human race. Now, the election for dictator is weeks away, and the stakes are high.
A British investigative reporter named Marcus Tully finds himself in the middle of this drama.
Tully's pregnant wife Zainab died in a tabkhir (a deadly humid heat wave) in Kuwait City ten years ago, a climate disaster that killed half-a-billion people. Tully was devastated by the loss of his beloved wife and baby, and he continues to mourn a decade later.
Now, an anonymous informer called 'Whistle' tells Tully that one of Lockwood's political advisors badly mistreated climate immigrants; and that the tabkhir wasn't meant to hit the Persian Gulf a decade ago.
According to the tipster, then President Lockwood learned a tabkhir was approaching the United States. Fearing massive loss of life, Lockwood decided to use unproven technology to push the tabkhir into the ocean. Instead, the tabkhir made its way to the Persian Gulf and caused a catastrophe there.
Tully publishes a scathing article about Lockwood's associate harming immigrants, but the journalist needs more proof of the tabkhir story. In any case, Lockwood's followers stick up for him; scream FAKE NEWS; protest; make threats; and throw fire bombs.
When Tully's London office burns down, he and his team make their way to the floating state of New Carthage, where Martha Chandra resides and Governor Solomon has his headquarters. Here Tully tries to get confirmation about Lockwood re-directing the tabkhir, but getting verification is easier said than done.
Before long, a murder occurs in New Carthage, and the state's head of security, a woman called Commander October, asks Tully to her help track down the killer.
October and Tully make important discoveries, additional deaths occur, and there are plenty of surprises and plot twists. There's also philosophizing about whether an artilect should be dictator of the Earth.
The novel has an interesting array of characters, including Tully's team, comprised of his best friend, writing associate, research assistant, and bodyguard. Wealthy residents of New Carthage, like a business mogul, a fashion model, and a perfume manufacturer. Politicians looking to attain and retain power. Police and forensic specialists. And miscellaneous others.
The sci-fi elements of the book revolve around advanced technology. For example:
⦿ There are floating TV images instead of screens.
⦿ There are cleaning bots that tidy up 24/7.
⦿ There's neural-reality: virtual reality places where a person can project their avatar, either for personal reflection or to have meetings with others.
Tully's 'egospace' (just for himself) has the fragrance of orange blossoms, has a stone mosaic floor, contains an image of Zainab, and feels peaceful.
Tully's 'meeting place' (to speak with others) looks like the lobby of a five-star hotel, with a marble floor, sofa chairs, marble tables, and aquarium tanks.
⦿ There's a panopticon surveillance system into which people can project themselves and walk around to see past events. And more.
The book's finale is something of an enigma, but I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger. In any case, I look forward to the second book of the duology, Artificial Wisdom II: Attack Of The Drones....to see what happens next.
The novel addresses important issues about AIs and their abilities; would we want them controlling our lives? (Seems very iffy to me.)
I enjoyed the book but am bothered by the fact that the survival of ONLY ONE SPECIES is discussed - human beings. There's no mention of saving plants, animals, fungi, microbes, whatever. Surely a viable planet needs more than just people, right?
Still, I'm sure many readers would enjoy this novel.
Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas R. Weaver, and Del Ray for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
September 6, 2024
This book is a treasure, you never know what new genre will materialize within. It's a science fiction dystopian novel with political intrigue, climate change fiction, and a murder mystery. With a light seasoning of romance.
This would have been a five-star read and an instant recommendation to others if it hadn't been for the grammatical errors and the "That was the thing about the truth." repetitive insights (a whopping 18 times, validated through a Kindle). Nevertheless, this book is massively underrated, very twisty, and stands up to science fiction classics in the difficult topics it dissects while being extremely entertaining and unputdownable. The ending packs a punch...but is also slightly confusing and open-ended. Is there going to be a sequel? I will be first in line to read it for sure. Am I going to rate this one lower simply because it would have benefited from another round of editing? Sadly, I may be doing so.
But that's the thing about the truth...it's extremely subjective when wielded by book reviewers.
This would have been a five-star read and an instant recommendation to others if it hadn't been for the grammatical errors and the "That was the thing about the truth." repetitive insights (a whopping 18 times, validated through a Kindle). Nevertheless, this book is massively underrated, very twisty, and stands up to science fiction classics in the difficult topics it dissects while being extremely entertaining and unputdownable. The ending packs a punch...but is also slightly confusing and open-ended. Is there going to be a sequel? I will be first in line to read it for sure. Am I going to rate this one lower simply because it would have benefited from another round of editing? Sadly, I may be doing so.
But that's the thing about the truth...it's extremely subjective when wielded by book reviewers.
January 5, 2025
An intriguing and haunting premise of a climate crisis that wipes out millions of humans and a global election for a dictator between a former US president and an AI candidate.
This had a lot of reveals and a very fast pace. It felt a bit lacking on character development for our main character, however, and I'm the type of reader who needs to really connect with my character if the pace is going to be breakneck.
This had a lot of reveals and a very fast pace. It felt a bit lacking on character development for our main character, however, and I'm the type of reader who needs to really connect with my character if the pace is going to be breakneck.
July 3, 2024
I predicted every single twist that this book attempted to swing at me. I wanted a political, post-apocalyptic, sci-fi with depth. Instead I got a Nancy Drew who couldn’t solve the mystery if it were sitting on their lap.
Read
October 31, 2024That was unexpectedly brilliant.
Not because I thought it’d be shit or anything. It was so far from what I expected going into reading it.
I expected it to be deep-lore, pure sci fi, and it ended up being more of a thriller/drama/mystery with a splash of science fiction.
It felt like I was reading an Apple TV or Sky Atlantic original show. I would genuinely not be surprised if it ended up on screens at some point in the next few years.
For a debut novel, Thomas Weaver has knocked it out of the park. The story flowed well, the characters were enough for me to care about to a degree, and I was fully invested in the (albeit not too hard to guess) twists and turns.
Very much looking forward to the next instalment in the series, which I believe has already been green-lit.
If you enjoy a fiction/thriller and want a splash of sci fi without it being off the deep end in ridiculous scientific concepts and mad robot killer tanks in the year 3063927 then I’d highly recommend it.
4.0/5.0
Not because I thought it’d be shit or anything. It was so far from what I expected going into reading it.
I expected it to be deep-lore, pure sci fi, and it ended up being more of a thriller/drama/mystery with a splash of science fiction.
It felt like I was reading an Apple TV or Sky Atlantic original show. I would genuinely not be surprised if it ended up on screens at some point in the next few years.
For a debut novel, Thomas Weaver has knocked it out of the park. The story flowed well, the characters were enough for me to care about to a degree, and I was fully invested in the (albeit not too hard to guess) twists and turns.
Very much looking forward to the next instalment in the series, which I believe has already been green-lit.
If you enjoy a fiction/thriller and want a splash of sci fi without it being off the deep end in ridiculous scientific concepts and mad robot killer tanks in the year 3063927 then I’d highly recommend it.
4.0/5.0
August 14, 2025
This was such a fun and thrilling ride. There are so many layers! Just when you think you have everything figured out, something else is thrown into the mix. Such an interesting view of AI and its potential. It is filled with mystery, morality, political intrigue, friendship, and the battle for a better future. This book covers so many current social issues as well as some potential new ones our future could be faced with. Quite terrifying, really. There are so many moments where I stopped to contemplate what I would do in that situation. Not many decisions in life are truly just black and white. I couldn't put this book down; it reminds me of a mix of a who done it and Blake Crouch. I definitely recommend this one!
I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2024
This was such a fun sci-fi thriller/mystery, although I will say the ending felt rushed and too open ended. I want more answers. Will there be a book2????
June 10, 2024
3.5 stars
I think I've watched too many AI thrillers to be as enamored with this as a lot of people are, however I still think this book was fun enough to read even if you find it predictable. I definitely liked the aspect of the AI participating in an election. That was really interesting to think about. If you're looking for something fast-paced and entertaining, definitely pick this one up. The audiobook is great (except the horrible American accents 😂)
I think I've watched too many AI thrillers to be as enamored with this as a lot of people are, however I still think this book was fun enough to read even if you find it predictable. I definitely liked the aspect of the AI participating in an election. That was really interesting to think about. If you're looking for something fast-paced and entertaining, definitely pick this one up. The audiobook is great (except the horrible American accents 😂)
August 23, 2025
In Artificial Wisdom, Thomas R. Weaver imagines a terrifyingly realistic dystopian future of our world in 2050, post disastrous climate crisis. Part political sci-fi, part murder mystery, part techno thriller, this wild emotional rollercoaster of a story kept me in a chokehold from start to finish.
First of all, shame on past Esmay for ever thinking this book would be boring; in the past, I have bounced off the more fast-paced thriller sci-fi stories because of a lack of emotional investment in the characters, but the opposite couldn’t be more true here. Weaver takes a very intimate and emotionally-driven approach to the storytelling, putting you right in the shoes of the characters and making sure you feel all their inner turmoil right along with them, for better or worse; what would you do if you were in their shoes?
Weaver masterfully balances and interweaves the external conflicts of political unrest, climate crisis, and AI progression with the more internal conflicts of grief, loyalty, family and love, which is exactly why the stakes feel so high across the board. I really enjoyed seeing Tully take on a bit of an amateur sleuth role while hiding behind his journalist mask, and I was absolutely shocked and riveted by the crazy webs of schemes he gets pulled into. Moreover, I loved how the complex interpersonal relationships remained at the heart of this narrative, and I really appreciated seeing the supporting cast of (morally gray) characters get their own time to shine as well.
The way that themes of humanity, morality, propaganda, disinformation, conspiracy theories, and the cost/dangers of technological advancement are explored in Artificial Wisdom added so much nuance and depth to the narrative, which is exactly what gives this story such strong staying power. And even though some of the reveals in the unravelling mystery plot felt a bit predictable to me, there were plenty more twists and turns that made my stomach turn in the best way possible.
Now, all that said, please tell me this is not a standalone?! Weaver has crafted a brilliantly paced story that just builds and builds in tension to an absolutely pulse-pounding climax, and then it’s just… over? I mean, on the one hand I like the ominously ambiguous ending, but I truly can’t deny that I want more answers and resolution, please and thank you.
In any case, I would highly recommend Artificial Wisdom if you are looking for an exhilarating genre-blender of a story that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. And I cannot recommend the audiobook, narrated by the unrivalled Steven Pacey, highly enough because Weaver’s captivating storytelling combined with Pacey’s vibrant narration is just a match made in heaven; this story will stay with me for a very long time!
First of all, shame on past Esmay for ever thinking this book would be boring; in the past, I have bounced off the more fast-paced thriller sci-fi stories because of a lack of emotional investment in the characters, but the opposite couldn’t be more true here. Weaver takes a very intimate and emotionally-driven approach to the storytelling, putting you right in the shoes of the characters and making sure you feel all their inner turmoil right along with them, for better or worse; what would you do if you were in their shoes?
Weaver masterfully balances and interweaves the external conflicts of political unrest, climate crisis, and AI progression with the more internal conflicts of grief, loyalty, family and love, which is exactly why the stakes feel so high across the board. I really enjoyed seeing Tully take on a bit of an amateur sleuth role while hiding behind his journalist mask, and I was absolutely shocked and riveted by the crazy webs of schemes he gets pulled into. Moreover, I loved how the complex interpersonal relationships remained at the heart of this narrative, and I really appreciated seeing the supporting cast of (morally gray) characters get their own time to shine as well.
The way that themes of humanity, morality, propaganda, disinformation, conspiracy theories, and the cost/dangers of technological advancement are explored in Artificial Wisdom added so much nuance and depth to the narrative, which is exactly what gives this story such strong staying power. And even though some of the reveals in the unravelling mystery plot felt a bit predictable to me, there were plenty more twists and turns that made my stomach turn in the best way possible.
Now, all that said, please tell me this is not a standalone?! Weaver has crafted a brilliantly paced story that just builds and builds in tension to an absolutely pulse-pounding climax, and then it’s just… over? I mean, on the one hand I like the ominously ambiguous ending, but I truly can’t deny that I want more answers and resolution, please and thank you.
In any case, I would highly recommend Artificial Wisdom if you are looking for an exhilarating genre-blender of a story that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. And I cannot recommend the audiobook, narrated by the unrivalled Steven Pacey, highly enough because Weaver’s captivating storytelling combined with Pacey’s vibrant narration is just a match made in heaven; this story will stay with me for a very long time!
September 28, 2023
3.5
I'm truly in two minds about this book. Perhaps, for me, the story was just a little too convoluted. I don't mind a few twists but by the end there were so many volte face that I'd no clue what I was thinking.
The storyline is truly dystopian. Planet earth has destroyed itself to such an extent that the only solution is to appoint a world dictator who will take the hard decisions for the entire planet - no matter how hard they might be. There's a sticking point to this to begin with as the Middle Easter countries have formed The Caliphate and cut themselves off from the world. There is also the problem of who to vote for - or, as in this day and age, how do you know who is least corrupt? Throw into the mix that one of the candidates is Solomon, an artilect (AI) created by Martha Chandra, who is currently ruling the Floating States (where all the rich people live in biospheres away from the ravages of climate change.
Marcus Tully is the journalist whose tiny London-based operation is determined to get to the truth of who might be the least worst candidate, along with trying to find the perpetrator of a weather phenomenon that killed almost half a billion people including his wife.
If that's not enough for you there's a couple more murders, no one trusts anyone, all the characters are wildly unstable, the planet is dying and I got entirely lost in the science several times.
This book had its moments. I did finish it without getting a headache. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes dystopia because thus one really does take the biscuit so far as that's concerned. Anyone who likes a conspiracy theory will probably get to the end and say "I knew it!" I was just glad that my brain could get a rest.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Literally PR for the advance review copy.
I'm truly in two minds about this book. Perhaps, for me, the story was just a little too convoluted. I don't mind a few twists but by the end there were so many volte face that I'd no clue what I was thinking.
The storyline is truly dystopian. Planet earth has destroyed itself to such an extent that the only solution is to appoint a world dictator who will take the hard decisions for the entire planet - no matter how hard they might be. There's a sticking point to this to begin with as the Middle Easter countries have formed The Caliphate and cut themselves off from the world. There is also the problem of who to vote for - or, as in this day and age, how do you know who is least corrupt? Throw into the mix that one of the candidates is Solomon, an artilect (AI) created by Martha Chandra, who is currently ruling the Floating States (where all the rich people live in biospheres away from the ravages of climate change.
Marcus Tully is the journalist whose tiny London-based operation is determined to get to the truth of who might be the least worst candidate, along with trying to find the perpetrator of a weather phenomenon that killed almost half a billion people including his wife.
If that's not enough for you there's a couple more murders, no one trusts anyone, all the characters are wildly unstable, the planet is dying and I got entirely lost in the science several times.
This book had its moments. I did finish it without getting a headache. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes dystopia because thus one really does take the biscuit so far as that's concerned. Anyone who likes a conspiracy theory will probably get to the end and say "I knew it!" I was just glad that my brain could get a rest.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Literally PR for the advance review copy.
dnf
May 7, 2025I'm going to DNF, at least for now. I'm only on chapter 4 and there have already been a handful of editing things that have been distracting. Ex. "he took a few step forward" instead of steps. Just obvious things, Maybe I'll pick this one back up in the future (especially if it's re-edited) but for now, it's not for me.
October 6, 2023
What does climate change mean for the future of humanity?
Would you trust AI to save us?
Thomas Weaver, author of Artificial Wisdom has shared a magnificent techno thriller with us. Artificial Wisdom is about how far we’d go to use technology to solve the climate crisis, and at what cost, told through the story of a journalist determined to find the truth about a huge cover-up, no matter what the consequences.
Having just read this book myself, I must say I was captivated. As a huge fan of crime thrillers, this one came from a very different angle – and I loved it. Fast paced, absolutely packed with intrigue, and future technology, not to mention, an extremely important message. Political corruption, artificial intelligence and climate change are already such huge influences on our lives. This fictional future shot feels almost possible. And it’s a little scary.
When we talk about artificial intelligence and sentience we often think of Terminator, or Battlestar Galactica. The rise of the machine against humanity. I was enthralled by the author’s use of AI as humanity’s chance of salvation. This is of course, in a worst case future dystopian world.
What scares you more? Climate change or artificial intelligence. I’m on the fence. But as Thomas Weaver brings to light in his story and reflections in interviews, our climate is just so connected. We’re all affected by the climate changes that happen in each area of our planet. Then again, we could all be so easily affected by one decision from AI too. Regardless, the race to save humanity from climate change seems to fast be running away from us. Thomas Weaver manages to highlight this in a way which entertains the reader.
Artificial Wisdom is every bit as much an enjoyable read as it is a scary future shock. The fact that Weaver’s fictional 2050 could theoretically come to pass – complete with a safe Utopia for the rich – makes it all the more captivating.
Five stars.
Would you trust AI to save us?
Thomas Weaver, author of Artificial Wisdom has shared a magnificent techno thriller with us. Artificial Wisdom is about how far we’d go to use technology to solve the climate crisis, and at what cost, told through the story of a journalist determined to find the truth about a huge cover-up, no matter what the consequences.
Having just read this book myself, I must say I was captivated. As a huge fan of crime thrillers, this one came from a very different angle – and I loved it. Fast paced, absolutely packed with intrigue, and future technology, not to mention, an extremely important message. Political corruption, artificial intelligence and climate change are already such huge influences on our lives. This fictional future shot feels almost possible. And it’s a little scary.
When we talk about artificial intelligence and sentience we often think of Terminator, or Battlestar Galactica. The rise of the machine against humanity. I was enthralled by the author’s use of AI as humanity’s chance of salvation. This is of course, in a worst case future dystopian world.
What scares you more? Climate change or artificial intelligence. I’m on the fence. But as Thomas Weaver brings to light in his story and reflections in interviews, our climate is just so connected. We’re all affected by the climate changes that happen in each area of our planet. Then again, we could all be so easily affected by one decision from AI too. Regardless, the race to save humanity from climate change seems to fast be running away from us. Thomas Weaver manages to highlight this in a way which entertains the reader.
Artificial Wisdom is every bit as much an enjoyable read as it is a scary future shock. The fact that Weaver’s fictional 2050 could theoretically come to pass – complete with a safe Utopia for the rich – makes it all the more captivating.
Five stars.
August 22, 2023
If you know me you know my love for Dark Matter by Blake Crouch… and literally everything he writes.
He’s a drop everything immediately, auto-read for me.
Ever since I read Dark Matter in 2016 I have been searching for that high much like the ghostly remnants of a once-lived Scholastic Book Fair.
Well… FEAR NOT FELLOW SEEKERS
I think I found it…
Artificial Wisdom- Thomas R. Weaver
This book was eerily close to home. Set in the future in 2050, the world is facing a climate crisis. AI is a very real thing and all the countries are “nation states” about to elect their first dictator: a previous US President or an artilect.
A top-rated journalist and his team are faced with a huge responsibility of reporting the truth about a climate genocide that happened 10 years prior and took the life of millions in the Persian gulf, after a whistle-blower hands them some long hidden footage. Their decision determines the fate of humanity and whether or not they survive.
Is this our future?!
I can tell you I did not figure it out the way I thought I figured it out. You think you know where it’s going until you don’t.
The ending felt a bit rushed and had some unanswered plot holes. I wish there was a bit more of a conclusion. I feel a bit robbed of how quickly it came to a close.
It comes out in October so keep an eye out for this unputdownable, sci-fi, AI-technothriller murder-mystery.
But I just had to support this author and put it on the map.
No gatekeeping here 🩶
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas R. Weaver, and the publishing house for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
He’s a drop everything immediately, auto-read for me.
Ever since I read Dark Matter in 2016 I have been searching for that high much like the ghostly remnants of a once-lived Scholastic Book Fair.
Well… FEAR NOT FELLOW SEEKERS
I think I found it…
Artificial Wisdom- Thomas R. Weaver
This book was eerily close to home. Set in the future in 2050, the world is facing a climate crisis. AI is a very real thing and all the countries are “nation states” about to elect their first dictator: a previous US President or an artilect.
A top-rated journalist and his team are faced with a huge responsibility of reporting the truth about a climate genocide that happened 10 years prior and took the life of millions in the Persian gulf, after a whistle-blower hands them some long hidden footage. Their decision determines the fate of humanity and whether or not they survive.
Is this our future?!
I can tell you I did not figure it out the way I thought I figured it out. You think you know where it’s going until you don’t.
The ending felt a bit rushed and had some unanswered plot holes. I wish there was a bit more of a conclusion. I feel a bit robbed of how quickly it came to a close.
It comes out in October so keep an eye out for this unputdownable, sci-fi, AI-technothriller murder-mystery.
But I just had to support this author and put it on the map.
No gatekeeping here 🩶
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas R. Weaver, and the publishing house for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2025
Artificial Wisdom is a science fiction futuristic techno-thriller set in the year 2050. The story takes place during a global climate crisis, where humanity is electing a global single leader to solve the impending climate apocalypse. The final two candidates are a former U.S. president and the world's first AI politician, Governor Solomon. Because you know AI out here just taking over everybody’s job right now🤷🏾♀️ But honestly something like this happening is a scary thing to think about.
In this book journalist Marcus Tully and his team investigates a murder connected to the candidates. This books has dystopian elements, speculative science, a murder mystery, and it explores AI governance (which is scary), climate disaster, and manipulation involving people of power.
I actually soft DNFed this book last month because at the time I felt it was going to be heavy handed on the political end and I just wasn’t in the mood for that but of course I stopped when things got interesting. This book ended up way better than I expected. It had a few twist that just threw me off. The characters were interesting and everybody was suspect to me. I’m glad I picked it back up.
In this book journalist Marcus Tully and his team investigates a murder connected to the candidates. This books has dystopian elements, speculative science, a murder mystery, and it explores AI governance (which is scary), climate disaster, and manipulation involving people of power.
I actually soft DNFed this book last month because at the time I felt it was going to be heavy handed on the political end and I just wasn’t in the mood for that but of course I stopped when things got interesting. This book ended up way better than I expected. It had a few twist that just threw me off. The characters were interesting and everybody was suspect to me. I’m glad I picked it back up.
May 15, 2024
Read Completed 5/15/24 | 3.25 stars
Booktok, you've steered me wrong again.
Look, I know I won't agree with all the BookTok ratings, but I saw a handful of readers who loved so many of the same books that I do that I really hoped this would at least be a four star read for me. ARTIFICIAL WISDOM started out really interesting, and I loved the 2025 dystopian concept. Between AI, global warming, and an election for a dictatorship, we were really cooking up something plausibly scary.
I feel like the book got bogged down and could have been edited to be a bit smoother. The pacing wasn't bad, but there were parts of it that were more dystopian, parts that were murder mystery, and parts that were sci-fi thriller. Combined, those all make for an amazing book, but I felt like some of those parts didn't seem to talk to each other while the rest of the book was going on. There were sections that felt so chunky and and not quite interwoven with the rest of the vibe. Granted, it obviously all connected plot-wise but I felt like the feel was changing here and there while I was still trying to get a feel for the book.
I don't know if this was really a 4 star book during the middle for me, but the ending was really disappointing. I'm actually surprised more people weren't upset by it from all the 4 and 5 star reviews. We had a huge reveal and honestly, in the last chapter, I was getting upset thinking that this was the first in a series and I didn't know it because it did not feel like it was wrapping up at all. The very end felt very rushed and while we got some really interesting things, there wasn't time to do anything with them.
Sadly, I was just a little disappointed in this one. With all the five star ratings from people with similar tastes, I really hoped this would be an easy win for me, but I just didn't quite get it. There were so many good pieces and there was really good plotting, but something about it just never really connected for me, personally. It was like it was always on the way to breaking through and becoming great but it kept swelling up to that point and crashing, never really reaching star-level. Oh well! I had to try.
AUDIOBOOK THOUGHTS: I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Steven Pacey. I don't know if I've listened to him before, but his voice sounded familiar. The main characters are British and his accent was also British. I think he did a fine job narrating! It's not instant favorite status, but he was pleasant to listen to, and his voices were different enough that I had a decent time separating the characters. Some of his American accents were pretty terrible. Everyone was southern? I don't know if they were supposed to be, and it's difficult to get Louisiana Southern different from other accents, especially if you're not American. It wasn't horrible to move past, but it was apparent. I still enjoyed his narration well enough!
Booktok, you've steered me wrong again.
Look, I know I won't agree with all the BookTok ratings, but I saw a handful of readers who loved so many of the same books that I do that I really hoped this would at least be a four star read for me. ARTIFICIAL WISDOM started out really interesting, and I loved the 2025 dystopian concept. Between AI, global warming, and an election for a dictatorship, we were really cooking up something plausibly scary.
I feel like the book got bogged down and could have been edited to be a bit smoother. The pacing wasn't bad, but there were parts of it that were more dystopian, parts that were murder mystery, and parts that were sci-fi thriller. Combined, those all make for an amazing book, but I felt like some of those parts didn't seem to talk to each other while the rest of the book was going on. There were sections that felt so chunky and and not quite interwoven with the rest of the vibe. Granted, it obviously all connected plot-wise but I felt like the feel was changing here and there while I was still trying to get a feel for the book.
I don't know if this was really a 4 star book during the middle for me, but the ending was really disappointing. I'm actually surprised more people weren't upset by it from all the 4 and 5 star reviews. We had a huge reveal and honestly, in the last chapter, I was getting upset thinking that this was the first in a series and I didn't know it because it did not feel like it was wrapping up at all. The very end felt very rushed and while we got some really interesting things, there wasn't time to do anything with them.
Sadly, I was just a little disappointed in this one. With all the five star ratings from people with similar tastes, I really hoped this would be an easy win for me, but I just didn't quite get it. There were so many good pieces and there was really good plotting, but something about it just never really connected for me, personally. It was like it was always on the way to breaking through and becoming great but it kept swelling up to that point and crashing, never really reaching star-level. Oh well! I had to try.
AUDIOBOOK THOUGHTS: I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Steven Pacey. I don't know if I've listened to him before, but his voice sounded familiar. The main characters are British and his accent was also British. I think he did a fine job narrating! It's not instant favorite status, but he was pleasant to listen to, and his voices were different enough that I had a decent time separating the characters. Some of his American accents were pretty terrible. Everyone was southern? I don't know if they were supposed to be, and it's difficult to get Louisiana Southern different from other accents, especially if you're not American. It wasn't horrible to move past, but it was apparent. I still enjoyed his narration well enough!
October 4, 2024
Wow! When I started this book, I didn't think it would quite be this type of book. I'm not sure what exactly I expected, but I'm happy to find that it was a really fun and gripping read. At its core, it is a detective novel/ murder mystery, but it dives into tough topics like climate change and AI in a way that shows a keen understanding from the author. It may feel like it hits too close to home for some, but that might be a good thing. Overall, it is a compelling story and one I would certainly recommend to anyone looking for a new take on the murder mystery theme.
August 31, 2024
17. That’s the number of times the author used the phrase “That’s the thing about the truth […]” I repeat, 17. This fact alone literally docked an entire star out of my rating. Then there’s the issue of the ending… maybe it’s just me but I feel like the plot just climbed up and up and up towards the climax but never dropped down. There was just something missing in the last 5 chapters, too much unaddressed for me to call it a good ending. It started off so well but then everything got upturned and the - dare I say it - TRUTH was just thrown at us with no further explanation or commentary on how it might impact the future of this stupid world. I also feel like I should mention how flat every character except for Tully felt to me, which was frustrating given how frequently the POVs changed. Overall, I’m just really disappointed in this one.
August 22, 2025
unfortunately didn’t love this as much as i hoped to. it was a quick read with an intriguing premise and i was hooked from the beginning but i found this very predictable.
i still enjoyed myself, it just didn’t hit like i wanted it to :/
i still enjoyed myself, it just didn’t hit like i wanted it to :/
November 1, 2024
5/5 ⭐️
This sci-fi novel packs an incredible punch! It’s so much more than just a sci-fi story; it weaves together a murder mystery, politics and technology/artificial intelligence. I was captivated from beginning to end. Hopefully, there’s a second book in the near future!
This sci-fi novel packs an incredible punch! It’s so much more than just a sci-fi story; it weaves together a murder mystery, politics and technology/artificial intelligence. I was captivated from beginning to end. Hopefully, there’s a second book in the near future!
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