Glitches of Gods is an ambitious work of fiction that blends philosophy, mythology, and physics with laugh-out-loud humor and brilliant character development to create an unforgettable sci-fi ride.
Table of Contents
Review
Join Julien, an uninspired AI developer, his eccentric team, his snarky virtual assistant, his two mischievous sons, a witch moonlighting as an au pair, and a series of capricious gods in an exploration of tech gone wild, multiple realities, and the power of choice.
Julien is stuck in an unfulfilling life. Coping with the dark consequences of his latest AI project, he’s working on the shadows, unenthusiastic about the new project named Tweeki. His love life is nothing more than a series of one-night stands, and he hasn’t forgiven himself for the death of his father. His wife, Lizzy, left him, and his snarky virtual assistant, Orec, is his only company. Things get even worse when a series of escalating technical malfunctions rob him of the few pleasures of his life —a piping hot double espresso macchiato and a shower. Machines going crazy and the sudden appearance of an eerie cat are only the beginning.
Julien will jump through different timelines that face him with multiple challenges, such as two unstoppable little sons and a new role as a team leader in the development of Tweeki. But nobody can remember the previous timeline except for him, and each time the timeline changes, some things are lost, among them, their sons and their foul-mouthed but endearing improvised au pair. Will Julien and his team develop the first class 4 AI on time for the tech expo? Should they? What role does he play in what appears to be a battle of the gods? Will he get his family back?
Glitches of Gods is a unique journey that delves into the depths of String Theory, mythology, and philosophy while maintaining a quirky sense of humor, making it one of the most peculiar and funny reads I’ve come across.
Of course, the question of the dangers of a truly evolved AI (no offense, Chat GPT) is pressing and current: should we reject AI or work from within to make it safe? However, this book is not only about tech running amok. Jurgen Appelo also raises other relevant subjects, such as the struggles of transgender people, the fluidity of gender, the human need for control, the power of information and misinformation, our need for connection, and the different forms a family can take. From these subjects, I especially enjoyed Julien’s relentless fostering of his kids’ individuality and curiosity.
Three major assets of the book are the author’s ability to bring to life and give a unique voice to even virtual presences, the diversity of the cast of characters, and the author’s talent to seamlessly weave such a convoluted plot. The book also presents a nice balance between heavy and grim questions, witty humor, and even a subtle romance subplot.
It’s understandable to feel hesitant about a novel that spans nearly 600 pages and delves into complex scientific subjects. The book’s crass, profanity-riddled humor might not be to everyone’s liking. Finally, the author’s constant switch of narrative voice—going from a third to a first person in the same paragraph——can be confusing.
Jurgen ‘Jojo’ Appelo has made this a truly accessible, one-of-a-kind adventure that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. Behind the books lies a heavy layer of research, but the author keeps terminology to a minimum and creates an engrossing enough experience for the reader to forget. Secondly, not all of the book’s humor is vulgar. The author relies on neologisms (i.e., “nerdsplaining”), sarcasm, absurdism, alliteration, homophones, similes (i.e., “the patience of a corpse on ketamine”), and other literary devices to create an amusing and immersive reading experience. The author’s mastery of language, for example, their brilliant use of adjectives, more than make up for their penchant for switching voices.
The author’s opening note poses an interesting question: “The only thing that matters is: after finishing this book, will you want to read the next?” My answer is a resounding yes.
About the Author
Jurgen Appelo roams the globe, spreading tales of inspiration from unconventional individuals and institutions. With his slightly anarchic, autistic, and eccentric nature, he joyfully adopted the moniker “Jojo” bestowed upon him in his teens. Renowned for his bestselling nonfiction works, he recently ventured into science fiction. The proud donor-father to five remarkable teens, he resides in Rotterdam, Netherlands, alongside his husband. Jurgen finds solace in coffee, books, games, and uninterrupted creative pursuits. He thrives when left to his own devices as he crafts imaginative worlds and characters.
Book Details
- Title: Glitches of Gods
- Author: Jurgen “Jojo” Appelo
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Theme: AI, Multiple Timelines, Technology, Family, Self-discovery, Romance
- Publication Date: June 7, 2024
- ISBN or ASIN: B0D5NPZY8Y
- Number of Pages: 584
- Minimum Audience Age: 18
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 2
- Religious themes: 0
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 2
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 2
- Other adult themes: 2
Rating
- Content: 5 stars
- Writing Style: 5 stars
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5 stars
- Uniqueness: 5 stars
- Editing: 4 stars
- Other factors: 5 stars
- Overall: 4.8 out of 5
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