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Neal Asher

Gridlinked (Agent Cormac #1, Polity Universe #3)

In "Gridlinked," the first book in the Agent Cormac series and the third entry in the Polity Universe by Neal Asher, readers are transported to a future where humanity has expanded into the stars and artificial intelligence plays a significant role in everyday life. The protagonist, Agent Cormac, is a member of the Polity's Security Agency, tasked with solving some of the most dangerous crimes in the universe. Cormac is a unique character, as he is "gridlinked," meaning he is directly connected to the AI-controlled grid that runs the Polity. This connection gives him enhanced abilities, but also makes him vulnerable to outside attacks. When a series of seemingly unrelated murders occur, Cormac is called in to investigate. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a conspiracy that threatens the very foundation of the Polity. Asher's world-building is exceptional, with a richly detailed universe that is both fascinating and terrifying. The technology is advanced, but not so far-fetched that it is unrelatable. The AI characters are particularly well-developed, with distinct personalities and motivations. The pacing of the novel is fast, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers engaged. The plot is complex, but Asher does an excellent job of revealing information at a steady rate, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. One of the strengths of "Gridlinked" is its exploration of the relationship between humanity and AI. The Polity is run by AIs, but they are not infallible, and there are those who seek to exploit their weaknesses. Cormac, as a gridlinked human, is caught in the middle, forced to question his own loyalty and the true nature of the Polity. Overall, "Gridlinked" is a thrilling science fiction novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Its complex plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout addition to the Polity Universe...