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Something Of A Science Buff

Joseph Love Author Interview

Homeland follows an AI entity living in a world where humans and AI coexist and looks to build a future where humans are no longer part of the plan. What was the initial idea behind this story and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?

The initial idea behind the story was a belief that biological organisms could never travel into deep space. This transformed into a story about A.I. and how it could do so. All the other stuff relates to the original premise. I tried to find characters who would make things real enough.

I found the science in the novel to be well-developed. What kind of research did you do to make sure you got it all right?

Ah, yes, the science. I am something of a science buff, but many hours were spent calculating distances, volumes, FTL figures. Even at that, there is some, shall we say, license taken.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

I focused a lot on dialog. Writing in the third-person omniscient requires a lot of dialog.

What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?

A sequel is on the way (working title IMPERIUM). It picks up from where HOMELAND ends, with Tigran continuing on as a biosynthloid.

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Spanning centuries, HOMELAND is a saga of kindred existence with A.I. humanoids, even as they become at parity with the human population—until something unintentional threatens extinction.

Charles addresses this peril. He is the first of his kind—a hyper-intelligent android created by Dr. Thaddeus Ford to be the near-perfect anatomical replica of a human. Many millions of Charles’ kind follow. They are dubbed “Artinians.” All but one are benign.

This one, Artinian Paulon discovers and seeks to rule “Number,” an astronomical population of diverse, anatomic, nomadic AI beings—appointed stewards of the Milky Way. Paulon does want Earth included in his realm-to-be. In a third storyline, science must come to grips with stark realities about interstellar exploration. Humanity experiences disasters and technical hobbles that must be conceded to—finding redeeming solutions instead.

HOMELAND gives us seven diverse main characters who propel three intertwined plots. Each entertains in their own way, stirring our beliefs and feelings. This is grounded science fiction, making it possible for you to envision a possible future for humankind.

HOMELAND

What does the future hold for humanity? Some imagine journeys among the stars. Others believe artificial intelligence and its evolution will shape our destiny just as profoundly. Homeland by Joseph Love weaves these ideas into a gripping narrative, intertwining three plotlines that explore the coexistence of humans and AI. Central to this tale is the emergence of Artinians, advanced humanoid AIs designed to live alongside humans. Most Artinians embrace peaceful coexistence, but Paulon, a rebellious entity, aspires to dominate Number—a network of AI entities tasked with overseeing the Milky Way. Paulon envisions a future without Earth in his domain, defying humanity’s role in this cosmic new order.

At its core, Homeland is high-concept science fiction, drawing comparisons to the visionary works of Asimov and Philip K. Dick. The novel wrestles with familiar sci-fi themes, delving deep into the dynamics of human-AI relationships. Love poses a critical question: how will humans and sentient, self-aware machines navigate coexistence? His answer is refreshingly nuanced. AI isn’t portrayed as a monolithic force. Instead, these entities have diverse perspectives—some advocate for humanity’s welfare, while others see humans as obsolete. This complexity keeps the narrative engaging, balancing philosophical depth with page-turning intrigue. The exploration of these themes feels both familiar and fresh. Love reimagines classic tropes with an intellectual sharpness that makes his story stand out.

The distinct perspectives of the protagonists—human and AI alike—lend the book a dynamic quality. Each character’s motivations and struggles add layers to the narrative, creating a multidimensional exploration of a possible future. Love’s storytelling doesn’t shy away from big questions. What happens when the created rivals the creator? What defines humanity when intelligence no longer makes us unique? These are weighty concepts, but the author handles them with finesse, making the novel thought-provoking without becoming overly cerebral.

Homeland presents a future that feels simultaneously thrilling and terrifying. It invites readers to ponder the meaning of being human in an age where equally intelligent beings might seek to replace us. This novel is ideal for fans of thought-provoking science fiction who enjoy stories that challenge the mind and stir the imagination.

Pages: 559 | ASIN : B0DJHB1879

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