I thought the use of near-future Singapore worked well in this universe. It had the element perfectly with what I was hoping for from a story with AI. Simon Chesterman writes a strong story and characters and I'm glad I got to read this. The cover was fascinating and I'm so glad I was able to read this. I hope to read more in this world and from Simon Chesterman.

"Artifice" explored themes of humanity, simulation & simulacra, and what the future could mean for us with ease. I loved the setting and concept for this book, and I felt enthralled by the Sinaporean envronments Archie (the main protagonist) adventures through. I found the story to flow fairly well and be easily understandable especially for such large topics. I do feel like it only really dabbled on the surface and could have addressed a lot more if it were longer, but for a short novel I was satisfied. Some portions of the novel flet quite disconnected and poorly portrayed, like they had only been added in at the last minute to clarify something. The reader is never made to feel alientated thanks to these, but it did have an effect on the overall pace of the narrative. I think I would recommend this novel for slightly younger but still adult readers. Overall it was a short and enjoyable read!

I was enticed by the beautiful cover and interesting premise, but for some reason, I couldn't connect with Archie or Mel. I wasn't a fan of the pacing and the amount of religious 'big questions' incorporated. It felt a bit preachy. Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me.

Glorious, absolutely brilliant. A quick read but one that has so much potential to actually happen, that it is altogether terrifying

Speculative fiction is a genre that I am beginning to really get behind, and Artifice read so well, with such a fast pace that pulled you along like a waterskier on lava

The main topics in this dystopina spectacular are a scorching climate in Singapore, a service sector of automatons and AI creeping closer and closer to taking over the wrold

Truly thought provoking and very enjoyable

Thank you NEtGalley for te eARC. The review is left voluntarily

paced beautifully and in a dynamic style, artifice took my attention with the first sentence and refused to let go to the end. the story feels grounded and is thought provoking.
very enjoyable, gripping read. i can't recommend it enough