AI: Opening, by George St. Georges, is an intricately woven tale that follows the journey of Walt Walls and his friends during their last two semesters at Credence University. Set on the enigmatic island of Ai, the narrative oscillates between reality and mystery, intertwining themes of ancient rituals, the power of language, and the strange forces that govern the island and its inhabitants. The book challenges readers to decide what genre it falls under—psychological thriller, mystery, or literary fiction—making the experience both unique and puzzling.

I found the writing style particularly unconventional yet magnetic. St. Georges plays with language and formatting in a way that could easily seem chaotic, but here it is intentional, adding layers to the narrative. While some sections felt almost poetically inspired, others bogged down with over-explanation or cryptic messages that left me scratching my head. The thematic exploration of secrets and suppressed memories struck a nerve with me. The atmosphere at Credence University is brilliantly captured—part idyllic, part sinister, particularly in scenes like the football game, where Walt’s mental struggle contrasts sharply with the celebration around him. The book’s pace often ebbs and flows unpredictably, which can be both exhilarating and frustrating.

Harmony Duncan’s arc resonates deeply. Her experience of being photographed in a compromising way and the subsequent fallout showcases the emotional damage inflicted by social scrutiny and betrayal. Her struggle between being academically focused and suddenly becoming a campus pariah is heart-wrenching. The open forum scene, where Walt defends Harmony and Dean Squires looms ominously, exposes the hidden power dynamics within the school. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel that some secondary characters, like Dean Rhodebeaver, existed more as narrative devices than fully realized people. Still, the core friendships and the gravity of trauma were well-handled, evoking genuine empathy.

The conclusion leaves a lasting impression. The themes of sacrifice, the power of ancient texts, and the battle between light and darkness take on new dimensions as the mysteries of Ai begin to unravel. The book’s climax, involving rituals at the Farm and the unsettling dual identities of the cult members, left me both shocked and contemplative. The juxtaposition of everyday college life with something far more ominous keeps the reader in a constant state of suspense.

I would recommend AI: Opening to readers who appreciate literary puzzles and are patient with narratives that don’t spoon-feed answers. If you enjoy books that make you think and stories where not everything is as it seems, this will be right up your alley. Just be prepared for an immersive, sometimes perplexing ride.