A compelling story that revolves around a small community’s fight to stay alive and free. Humans lose the fight against artificial intelligence (AI) in this vivid tale that spans three generations. Humanity quickly becomes enslaved in a system that demands order and unwavering obedience. People attempt to flee, cities fall, but a small Scottish community fights against all odds to remain free and slowly work together to rebuild what they’ve lost. Their odds of survival decrease as AI grows smarter, deadlier, and more determined to force humans to live by its rule. The survivors in the community band together, preserve memories, share stories, and eventually come up with a plan to take down AI. It’s up to the survivors to push forward and find a way to lead the lost back to freedom.

This book felt like coming across a stack of old handwritten letters and journals written by people determined to share their story. It was a beautifully written piece that brought together different characters, their aching sadness, and hope into one thoughtful tale. The author did a superb job immersing the reader into a world that has lost its sense of autonomy. The book is rich with descriptive scenes, warm characters, and enough detail to make the reader care about the community’s survival. Although split into three generational stories, it feels complete and cohesive. The threat of AI’s power and presence lingers in the background and draws inspiration from real-world concerns. Issues like privacy invasion from surveillance, overreliance on AI, and loss of control make AI the most terrifying threat humanity could face in the future.

This compelling story is great for fans who enjoy enduring themes surrounding humanity’s resilience. It’s great for fans who enjoy slower-paced plots that focus on characters and their journey throughout the story. Readers who enjoy reading about AI and its impact on society will enjoy this story. It has dystopian elements and post-apocalyptic vibes that readers will appreciate. It would be a great companion book for long trips, but it requires the reader’s full attention due to its detailed scenes. Overall, this book is a satisfying read and provides readers with moments of deep reflective thought and emotional connection.

For fans who feel the looming threat of AI and wonder what might happen if AI takes over.

This book was extremely interesting to read. Loved the take on the topics of AI and human endurance. It read more like a conversation than a book, which was a new and interesting way of reading. Completely enjoyed everything about it. 10/10.

Thank you to Netgalley for the e-ARC.

When I saw Dystopian, Literary and Scifi, I thought I’d hit the combination jackpot. Glendarragh Code is a dystopian novel that starts in 2032 after the UK has been technologically overthrown through AI and total surveillance of the population. The book primarily takes place in a small community in Glendarragh, following a cast of characters trying to resist the new reality and hold on to their humanity and autonomy.

I thought the writing was great and descriptive, particularly regarding the landscape, I could really feel the seasons through the pages. I will say that the rapid point of view shifts can be a little disorientating; however I felt that each point of view did bring something unique to the book.

This work feels very poignant in the current climate. With the rise of AI and how impossible it is to have no digital footprint, whether that be personal or professional, we do completely rely on technology and have to trust the creators of the platforms to an extent. This book explores how we are heading into a time where it is impossible to live a life outside of being tracked in some capacity. It’s definitely a book that leaves you contemplating your own life.

Very glad I picked this one up.