Review: System Error: In Your Favor
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 09 21, 2013
The premise of artificial intelligence run amuck when an anthropomorphic computer develops a mind of its own has been done to death. That doesn't mean there isn't room for another story that treads similar ground (no story is ever completely original) and this one has potential. However, with most people having better understanding of computers and how they function, it is harder to for the reader to suspend disbelief and maintain that suspension to the end. I struggled with that some, but was mostly able. However, this wasn't my only concern with System Error ...My other issues were largely technical. Proofing issues such as using the wrong word ("David seemed monetarily put off by the question...") or outright typos ("`Typical of head office not to inform tell us' mused on the investigators."), to start.Then there was convoluted syntax, as in "Kate sat at her computer terminal late on Wednesday afternoon with the fading light of the sun shining through her half-lowered blinds on her floor." What were the blinds doing on her floor? Another example, "...he would have put money on betting that this application would be rejected," seemed a touch redundant ("would have bet" is much clearer although I guess technically he could have bet something other than money).Last, the ending cheapened the story and whatever impact it might have had. Explaining why would be a spoiler, so I won't say more, but the story would have been at least marginally stronger had it ended before the last chapter.**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **