SF/FANTASY/HORROR
The Adnronaut’s Journey Daryl L. Scott | Zaylen Press 260p, hardcover, $16.99, ISBN 979-8-218-31183-4
In this provocative SF adventure, humans and advanced AI must work together to save Earth from the catastrophic damage of climate change. State-of-the-art Andronaut Zaylen is the first autonomous android designed for deep space exploration. With a human crew at the helm, Zaylen and his team must traverse a volatile alien planet and secure Tridisiom, an isotope with the ability to restore Earth. Tensions rise over the crew’s divided attitude toward dependance on AI, all as Zaylen wrestles with his growing need for acceptance from his human colleagues. Meanwhile, Earth’s fate rests in the ability of man and machine bridging a partnership, but embracing new complex technology proves more challenging than anticipated.
Scott creates fast-paced action that volleys between efforts to save Earth, protect the lives of the crew from various unforeseen perils, and, for Zalen, understand an android’s place within human society. Scott employs this repetitive pattern to build empathy between readers and the Andronaut by providing Zaylen ample nail-biting opportunities to prove his importance to humanity. Shocking twists keep readers engaged while Scott quickly escalates the tension between humans and AI. On the page, a palpable divide grows with some characters embracing the impressive tech abilities presented by Zaylen and others expressing their fearful and suspicious concerns of the Andronaut’s enhanced skills. Zaylen serves as a compelling catalyst to incisive and in-depth debates revolving around the complexities of machines’ integration into civilization.
Scott’s passion regarding innovative technological advancements shines through the narrative and sparks meaningful questions readers will feel compelled to investigate long after the final page. Several intriguing topics are explored, such as will humanity eventually be replaced by androids and what if androids develop the ability to reject their code and go rogue? Readers interested in exploring the role of AI integrating with humanity will enjoy this compelling story.
Cover: B+ | Design & typography: A | Illustrations: – Editing: A- | Marketing copy: A