NIRVANA - J.R. Stewart

Larissa Kenders lives in a dystopian future where the real world and the AI world co-mingle in such as way that it's often difficult to know what is real and what isn't. When her partner ("husband" is such an archaic term) disappears, Larissa escapes her depression into an AI world called Nirvana where she can continue to connect with him and live a fulfilling life.

But it is here that she learns some dark secrets about Hexagon - the agency that controls Nirvana. Andrew - Larissa's partner - was apparently onto something that could hurt Hexagon. Now, with the help of some friends and unexpected allies, Larissa will fight a battle with this mega corporation - her greatest challenge will be in trying to determine what is real and what is generated by the corporation.

I do admit that I was, in part, suckered into this book by the gorgeous cover. The ethereal, brooding nature of the cover suggested the story that this does attempt to be (don't get me started on the "you can't judge a book by its cover" theory). Unfortunately the writing and story don't live up to the fascination that this cover invokes.

Our central characters are the biggest flaw here. Larissa is our main protagonist who's going to take on a mega corporation (with some help) and yet her personality is such that she'd rather retreat into a fantasy world than face reality. I understand the concept of a reluctant hero, but we need to see some facet of heroic behavior in the character to make this challenge believable. I didn't see anything to make me want to follow, join, or cheer her on.

There are sacrifices made by others that don't feel true to character or reasons (I don't want to give anything away for anyone interested in reading this).

The book is more than a decade old now and I am a bit impressed by the author's vision. AI was nothing at all ten years ago like it is today.  Who hasn't watched a video on social media only to find out later it was AI?  Ten years ago it seemed so much easier to note the problems with AI.

I should also note that this is billed as the first book in a trilogy. The ending definitely leaves something to be desired which I suspect was to be addressed in subsequent volumes.  But as of this review, this is the only book available and the only book by this author. Interested readers may want to wait and see if any more of this story is available before venturing into the AI.

Looking for a good book? Nirvana by R.J. Stewart is a dystopian sci-fi book set in an all too real world where it's hard to tell what's AI generated and what's not. The first in a (to date) unfinished trilogy, the book is more concept than craft.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

2 stars

* * * * * *

Nirvana

author: R.J. Stewart

series:  Nirvana #1

publisher: Blue Moon Publishers

ISBN:  9780993639760

paperback, 216 pages 

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