This is a wonderful book for middle school aged children.

It is set in a future post apocalyptic society that has turned all meaningful decisions to an artificial intelligence system because that never goes wrong, right?

The point of view character is a splintered off version of that AI, which all children receive shortly after birth. That character has an enormous amount of personal growth during this book.

The other two main characters are both neurodivergent. Kaira is probably on the autism spectrum, but not too far, she can overcome the issues she has. Jalon states that he has ADHD, and it plays out a few times during the story….and he’s quite a hacker, too.

Jalon and Kaira get separated from the group on a school overnight field trip, in an area, like most of the planet, so ravaged by climate change that humans cannot be outside during the day, its just too hot for more than a few minutes.

Their journey of transformation would be engrossing to a young reader, especially girls, which is nice. There are far more books with male main characters.

Note: I received an advance copy of this book to read and review, which I am very grateful for.

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Deep Calls by Julia Kurnia takes place in a futuristic world where society is governed by artificial intelligence. From a young age, children are given their own jibty, an AI device they wear on their wrist whose purpose is to maximize their well-being and happiness. In this society, money doesn’t exist and people are no longer required to work. Many diseases have been eradicated, allowing people to live much longer lives. They spend their days watching videos or playing games that have been specifically tailored for their enjoyment. They eat any food they want at any time, such as pop tarts and chocolate milk (the main character’s favorite lunch).

The story follows Kaira, a thirteen-year-old girl who doesn’t quite fit in. She has little interest in interactive games, preferring to read books from the Long Past, such as Julie of the Wolves, and longing to go on a real adventure. She gets her wish when her learning pod (school class) goes on a field trip to a research center in New York, and she and her classmate, Jalon, are left behind.

Deep Calls is a fun adventure that would probably be most enjoyed by a pre-teen audience. A society where AI has taken over doesn’t seem too far-fetched, and this book raises a lot of relevant questions about what the world would be like in that scenario. The most interesting aspect of this book to me is that it is told from the point of view of Kaira’s jibty, who begins to experience real human emotions as the story progresses. The writing style felt a little formal at first, but overall, it’s an enjoyable story with a strong message for its intended audience.

Very interesting premise. I enjoyed reading this book. Much of what happens in this book aligns with what I believe humans would do if AI controlled much of the world. The book was a little too short though. I would have liked more detail while they trained & also on their journey back. The ending wrapped up very quickly.