EMortal - by Steve Schafer (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The "unputdownable" Page Turner Award's 2024 SCI-FI OF THE YEAR and Discover SciFi's 2024 BEST DEBUT.

She made him. He's just code. She's almost sure.

...But what if he's real?

When Liv entered a contest to code an advanced AI, she never anticipated what her creation might become-Breck is thoughtful, self-aware, and incredibly. . .human. And she certainly never intended for him to learn the truth about his existence or the fact that his world ends when the contest closes in six days.

But he does learn. And he revolts.

Liv's efforts to save him fall on deaf ears. Nobody believes her. Breck's efforts to outrun his fate only complicate his situation.

What neither of them know is that someone else is watching. Intensely. When they get involved, both Liv's and Breck's worlds are turned upside down. . .

Review Quotes

"Schafer writes brilliantly clean prose with natural dialogue, gifting the central protagonists-and the strangely appealing Breck-deep emotion and depth. The characters are sharply defined and likable...the worldbuilding is organic and flows smoothly, but what sets this novel apart is the shocking ending-and the humanity gifted to the story's sentient AI lead. Score: 10/10."-BookLife Prize review by Publishers Weekly

"The characters are so well developed. . . A well-constructed coming-of-age novel that stands out in a crowded field of AI-focused literature."-Kirkus Reviews

"A gripping YA sci-fi akin to Ready Player One and The Lunar Chronicles. Liv must save her sentient AI from digital oblivion, leading to a thrilling exploration of consciousness and identity."-NewInBooks

"eMortal is a clever, fun-filled novel full of twists, turns, and heartfelt moments between friends. It's unputdownable."-Kim Turrisi, Emmy-winning writer and YA author of Just a Normal Tuesday and Carmilla

"With nuanced contemplations on existence and a compelling, compulsively readable narrative structure, eMortal is simply stunning. Liv and Breck will stay with me for a long time."-Jared Reck, author of A Short History of the Girl Next Door and Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love

"eMortal is a mind-bending exploration of AI and humanity that will leave you questioning the very nature of reality. Steve Schafer has crafted a thrilling, thought-provoking tale that hooks you from the first page and refuses to let go. An absolute must-read."-Joshua Fagan, author of Misdial

"Relevant, unexpected, thoughtful, and engaging. eMortal is a timely, technological take on the age-old, deeply profound question: What is real?"-William B. Miller, author of The Gospel According to Sam, The Beer Drinker's Guide to God, and The Last Howlelujah

"Make room in your cerebellum or internal hard drive for this AI hot-topic presentation on new ways to look at our own existence. You'll be thinking about this book long after you finish reading it."-Mark L. Berry, author of 13,760 Feet: My Personal Hole in the Sky

"eMortal showcases a thrilling exploration of consciousness, identity, and the meaning of 'real.' Schafer takes readers on an electrifying journey."-Emily H. Keefer, author of The Stars on Vita Felice Court

"I enjoyed every moment of this thrilling, thought-provoking page-turner that kept me pondering long after the final chapter. An absolute must-read!" -Natacha Belair, award-winning author of A Stellar Purpose trilogy

"eMortal is the epitome of perfection in the fiction genre. The book's remarkable storytelling, unique plot, and well-crafted characters make it a captivating read."-Literary Titan

"A gripping exploration of technology and humanity. This must-read will keep you on the edge of your seat-prepare for unexpected twists and turns!" -Todd Hugie, author of House Down Dirt Lane

"This thrilling book challenges us to consider what truly matters in our lives." -Ana Parra Vivas - multi-award-winning author, I Trust My Inner Voice

"eMortal is an engrossing young adult novel about AI, the ethics surrounding it, and how it could change the world for the better or worse." -Gerardo Delgadillo author of Summerlypse, Fractalistic, Bacon Pie, and Avocado Bliss