Synapse

Starred review from August 12, 2019
James (The Bishop) builds an intricate world grounded in robotic technology in this stimulating tale. Thirty years in the future, advanced technology has created “Artificials”—robots so closely resembling humans it is difficult to distinguish them from human beings (called “Naturals”). After suffering multiple tragedies, Kestrel Hathaway, a Methodist minister, questions her belief that God is a loving, all-powerful entity. Trevor, Kestrel’s brother and a security executive at Terabyne, the corporation that builds Artificials, gives her Jordan, the most lifelike version created to date. Despite a strong aversion to Artificials, Kestrel begins to warm to Jordan. After witnessing a terrorist attack, Kestrel becomes a primary witness and is introduced to special agent Nick Vernon, from the National Counterterrorism Bureau. When Nick reveals the possibility of a corporate conspiracy at Terabyne, Kestrel and Jordan investigate. Combined with Trevor’s insider knowledge of Terabyne and the involvement of special agent Vernon, Kestrel and Jordan duo follow twists and turns that keep suspense high to the end. While the moral components grow organically from the plot, inspirational readers should be warned that there is some intense, violent imagery. Animated by themes of hope, love, and belief in the afterlife, James’s thrilling thrilling story of greed and corruption will win over readers. Agent: Dan Conaway, Writers House

Starred review from October 1, 2019

After suffering a tragic loss and witnessing a Purist terror attack within a few days of each other, minister Kestrel Hathaway experiences a crisis of faith. Then her brother sends her an Artificial, a robot named Jordan. At one time, Kestrel wrote a Purist-leaning blog questioning the existence of Artificials. Now she has one in her home. He looks real. He acts real. And he's asking questions about belief and the afterlife. When Kestrel is questioned about her presence at the terror attack by federal agent Nick Vernon, she is stunned to realize she's a suspect. And the more Nick learns about her, the more he believes she's innocent, but circumstances are conspiring against her and drawing her deeper into a world where the Purists will stop at nothing to achieve an Artificial-free life. VERDICT James (Every Wicked Man) delivers a thought-provoking look at the definitions of humanity, belief, and faith in this timely near-future sf thriller.--Melanie C. Duncan, Washington Memorial Lib., Macon, GA

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