Alexandria, VA – Review: The Forever Game: Life Saving Technology Can Be Deadly
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Author: Jeffrey James Higgins
Reviewed by: Ralph Peluso, Literary Editor
Zebra Rating: 5 Stripes
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has been around for 75 years and refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks historically relegated to tasks once thought only possible by humans. Some examples are reasoning, making decisions, and problem-solving. Today the term AI applies to a wide range of technologies that power many things used in our day-to-day lives. You know when you ask Siri or Alexa a question? As evidenced by other annoyances, like when you mention a sweater, and before too long, you’re receiving dozens of advertisements on your phone or in your emails. AI also provides recommended lists from music to TV shows to where to dine. Is this the AI we envision and call invasive? Or is this one of our worst fears coming true? How much more is AI capable of? Much more. In ways that may seem either life-saving or sinister.
In a recent interview with Jeffrey James Higgins, I asked why he tackled this topic for his new book.
About five years ago, the CEO of an AI company in Silicon Valley asked a friend of mine to join a beta program that downloaded brains. The program sought to create digital versions of people as insurance against the unforeseen death. As AI improves our understanding of the brain, we may be able to create digital backups of the mind so people can exist after their biological substrate dies. The concept behind this fascinated me because it brings up many questions about the nature of consciousness and what it means to be human. This was the genesis of “The Forever Game. ”
In “The Forever Game,” a dynamic work, the main character, Adam Locke, finds out that the love of his life, Effie, has terminal brain cancer. Forever Technology’s secret AI project is his only chance to save her. The possible uses of the company’s powerful AI tools are central to this gripping thriller. Whether or not it is feasible to download a person’s consciousness and thought processes, thereby preserving that person, or some bizarre version of that person, is scary. This brings the idea of playing God to a new level.
How close is AI to playing God? I asked the author about AI, the human conscience, and the ability to predict the emotional development of the human personality. Jeffrey commented, “Philosophers have debated the nature of consciousness for thousands of years and related theories and solutions, from physics to religion. Many believe consciousness exists outside the body, and if so, what does it mean to be human?”
New technology sometimes works like magic. When technologies like AI advance at a frenetic pace, fundamental and unpredictable changes occur in society. Scientific discoveries also create tremendous wealth opportunities.
Higgins assembled an array of characters with different and conflicting motives, ideals, morals, and rationales that drive the direction of Forever Technologies’ AI project. He adeptly blends good and evil, maintaining the tension in the story. Readers are faced with the age-old question, Does the end justify the means? “The Forever Game” not only pushes the potential of AI but how people may react.
Higgins, according to his website, has worked as a reporter and retired from the FBI as a Supervisory Special Agent. He writes thriller novels, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays. He is the recipient of the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. His literary awards include the PenCraft Award for Book of the Year in fiction and a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal.
At the forefront of “The Forever Game” is the possible use of evolving technology and the very relatable characters, both good and bad. The novel tackles moral and ethical issues associated with AI and gets readers thinking about a world with AI. Evil will still exist, and the prospect of unimaginable wealth will drive extreme behavior. In the end, hopefully, doing the right thing always defeats it. A thrilling Zebra rating: 5 Stripes.
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