Book Review: Parting Shadows by Kate Sheeran Swed
Media Type: ebook (ARC)
Title: Parting Shadows
* Series: Toccata System #1
Author: Kate Sheeran Swed
Publisher: Spells and Spaceships Press
Pages: Paperback; 150
Release Date: July 9, 2019
Source: Author
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Content Screening: Mild Violence
HDB Rating: 4 Keys to My Heart
Recommended to: Readers who enjoy sci-fi and the intrigue of artificial intelligence’s understanding of human emotions
Add it on: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Raised by a heartsick AI, she’s programmed to kill. And desperate to flee.
After growing up on an isolated space station, Astra dreams of solid ground. But with an AI guardian plugged into her head–and her nervous system–it’s not like she’s flush with choices. In fact, she’s got just one: use her training to carry out the rogue AI’s revenge. Her first mission? Assassination.
When her target flashes a jamming device that would guarantee her escape from the AI’s grasp, Astra sets out to steal it. But the AI’s plans are more dangerous than she suspected. Corrupted by heartbreak, the wayward computer is determined to infect the star system with a new order of digital tyranny.
Astra’s been raised to care for no one but herself. Now she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to trade the star system’s freedom for her own.
Parting Shadows is a far-future take on Estella Havisham’s journey in Great Expectations, and the first installment in Kate Sheeran Swed’s Toccata System novella trilogy.
I’ll admit that I haven’t read a ton of science fiction books, but I do enjoy the genre as a whole especially movies. I’m so glad I got the chance to jump in on this series at the beginning because I have a feeling it’s going to be very popular.
The story is told from varying perspectives and we jump right in to the AI “brain” as it’s betrayed by the human it trusted. It was easy to sympathize with the computer, even if you don’t believe in AI emotions. There’s a human element that the author does a great job combining with the logic of computer systems.
Astra was “raised” for revenge. She only knows one thing, and that’s never to trust anyone. Desperate for a moment of peace in her own head when the opportunity to be free of the computer’s constant monitoring presents itself, Astra will do almost anything to get it.
This is a beautifully intense story about heartache, revenge, independence, and then self sacrifice. No spoilers, but the epilogue will leave you wanting more ASAP.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy the idea of AI capable of emotions and great science fiction storytelling.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.
