Dark AI: Book 1: Dark Intelligence

[Rodders]

A Transformation Novel: I just saw this on the Forbidden Planet web site. Neal, what can you tell us? This looks awesome.

 

[Vertigo]

I've only just noticed this and the first couple of reviews are up on Goodreads and both very positive. Definitely on my ever growing wish list.

 

[steelyglint]

Our Mr Asher is definitely occupying the number 1 spot in the UK SF author hit parade now. The top three spots used to be swapped around regularly between Alastair Reynolds, Peter Hamilton and Iain Banks. Mr Banks has retired from the competition, and Reynolds/Hamilton aren't really putting out the same quality they used to. Neal Asher has roared in from behind and taken up residence. The 'Owner' trilogy is wonderful stuff, and I'm looking forward to seeing the new addition mentioned in the OP. Sadly, the 'Book 1' part is a little off-putting - I prefer to wait until a complete series is published so that I can read them that way, rather than swallowing the first and then having to wait several months for the next course.

I was a bit disappointed when 'Jupiter War' completed the 'Owner' trilogy, as my reading copy of 'The Departure' is an uncorrected proof, stating on the back cover, 'this is the start of a long-running series'. A trilogy is definitely NOT a long-running series. 'Perry Rhodan' was a long-running series, with hundreds of instalments. Lindsey Davis's 'Marcus Didius Falco' novels were a fairly long-running series with 22 or so titles. A trilogy is just a trilogy. Publishers don't need to lie to us. We'll buy it anyway. Please tell Tor/Pan Macmillan that lies do not endear them to others.

.

 

[Rodders]

It could be that the owner trilogy is one story to be told in a greater universe, like the Skinner trilogy was a stand alone story set within the Polity.

 

[Vince W]

It could be that the owner trilogy is one story to be told in a greater universe, like the Skinner trilogy was a stand alone story set within the Polity.

That sounds about right. In fact I prefer this. I like stories set in the same universe, but don't need the same characters over and over.

 

[steelyglint]

The 'Owner' trilogy describes the origins of Alan Saul. There are a few 'Owner' short stories in the collections that are set on some distant world an unknown number of years/decades/centuries after the end of 'The Jupiter War'. I had hoped for a volume or three more to fill in the gap. Perhaps they're out there, but still in the 'stewing' process that comes long before chancing the use of ink.

.

 

[tylenol4000]

Is this new Transformation series part of the Polity universe?

 

[Vertigo]

Is this new Transformation series part of the Polity universe?

Yes, I believe it is centred around Penny Royal; Asher had been promising more about Penny Royal and this appears to be our first instalment.

 

[tylenol4000]

I'd like to see Asher write something not set in this universe. Something less space adventure. Something standalone. Like Cowl.

 

[Vertigo]

Well the Owner books are not in the Polity Universe and are really very different to them. I have to say I wasn't mad keen on Cowl; I found it very muddled.

 

[Neal Asher]

At some point I will continue with Alan Saul's story (the Owner). There is the start of another book sitting in my files.

 

[Rodders]

After reading (and thoroughly enjoying) "The Soldier", I thought that I'd make a longer foray into the Polity. I have always been quite interested in the twisted AI's that Neal has referred to in his books and have downloaded the Transformation Series as they feature Penny Royal, who has been mentioned in previous NA books that I have read.

 

[Rodders]

Neal is officially my go-to guy for Space Opera, now. I finished this today and loved it. An action packed and well told story. Gripping from start to finish, Penny Royal remains as enigmatic as ever. On to War Factory.

 

[Rodders]

Alas, I have now finished Infinity Engine. The trilogy was awesome and I'm actually sorry it's over. A good, strong story with relentless pace and some excellent characters. I haven't been this thrilled since reading Dan Abnett's The Lost omnibus.

Is Penny Royal god now?

 

[Vertigo]

Alas, I have now finished Infinity Engine. The trilogy was awesome and I'm actually sorry it's over. A good, strong story with relentless pace and some excellent characters. I haven't been this thrilled since reading Dan Abnett's The Lost omnibus.

Is Penny Royal god now?

Certainly meets the unfathomable criterion!

And it was an excellent series. I'm now looking for to the new Jain series!

 

[Rodders]

I might look for the hardbacks for the library.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Soldier and am very much looking forward to the sequels.