ARA Review by Peter Bellone of Control Theory

[Peter Bellone]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, Control Theory.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Control Theory seemingly explores the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its influence on the world's population by focusing on six individuals, their interactions with AI, and the technology's effect on their careers, romantic lives, and overall existence. There is a spy aspect, in that the countries of America, Canada, and China are in an arms race to develop the best AI for getting hegemony over the other countries.


The book transitions from a spy thriller to the author's speculation on AI's future and its impact on human relationships. The book includes a full chapter on Bondage, Domination, Sadomasochism (BDSM). Within, there is a great deal of computer (Geek) talk regarding the future of computers co-mingled with AI. This story centers on six people and talks about their childhood, growth, to becoming an adult, and their future work in AI. Extensive time is dedicated to Kung fu and other martial arts, explaining the Kenner character's victory over a Chinese antagonist who attacked him for an unexplained reason. The reason remains a mystery, leaving one to guess why the Chinese would want this Kenner dead!


The story's conclusion is open-ended, with the fate of the characters never revealed but hinted at. Then to top it all off, A sophisticated AI leaves its computer and sets up operations on Mars, monitoring Earth. It's a mystery how it ended up there and why it was abandoned; it appears to be lost. By the end of the book, its ultimate fate is a mystery and never explained. Leaving the reader wondering what was the purpose of this rogue AI?


This book left me ambivalent, which is strange as I either like a book or not. I could not decide in that regard. The fragmented storyline was a source of disappointment. Each chapter was like a hallucinogenic journey through molasses, with a wild careening plot. I had hoped the tedious details of characters, AI, and martial arts would coalesce into a logical explanation, but it did not come together.


I would rate this book three out of five stars . This book received a lower rating due to its confusing, directionless shifts between characters. Although I considered abandoning it, I finished to write a proper review.


I did like the author's use of the English language, and the layout was free of typos. I found the author's exploration of AI's future enlightening and his grasp of the subject through. However, if asked to recommend this book, I would have to say no!

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