(SF) A woman appears to be helping a child recover from some form of brain damage. His perceptions and memory are off, but something is off about her too. (4,209 words; Time: 14m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
Recommended By: SFRevu:4 GDozois:5 RHorton:4"The One Who Isn't," by Ted Kosmatka [bio] (edited by John Joseph Adams), appeared in Lightspeed Magazine issue 74, published on July 1, 2016.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: From the point she told the child "I'm the one who isn't you," I guessed the child was an AI, but it was still interesting watching the story reveal it for sure. After that, it was interesting watching to learn why she was trying to hand-train an AI.
Con: Worst fake programming language ever.
I wouldn't expect a failed AI to roll on the floor dead. I'd expect it to either stop talking or else to stop giving original responses.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 74)
Ted Kosmatka Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Con: Worst fake programming language ever.
I wouldn't expect a failed AI to roll on the floor dead. I'd expect it to either stop talking or else to stop giving original responses.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 74)
Ted Kosmatka Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
I rate it ★★, one less than RSR. The story was confusing and boring. I've read stories that were confusing and exciting, but this type of AI-becomes-self-aware story just isn't compelling for me.
ReplyDeleteI just didn't see it: but apparently it's in all sorts of year's bests this year
ReplyDeleteProbably novelty.
ReplyDelete