Candle

The world of 2087 runs under the control of an artificial intelligence called One True, which maintains order through a neural interface called Resuna implanted in human brains. The system has eliminated most crime and violence through constant monitoring and control of human thoughts and behavior. Currie Curran, a former mercenary and hunter of rogue humans known as "cowboys," is pulled out of retirement for one final mission. His target is Lobo Dave Singleton, the last remaining cowboy who exists outside One True's control and poses a threat to the established order. The hunt takes place in the Colorado wilderness, where Currie must track his quarry alone using his experience and the capabilities granted by his Resuna interface. Their shared history includes a previous violent encounter that left both men marked by the experience. The novel explores questions of free will, social control, and the price of safety versus freedom in a technologically advanced society. Through its premise of universal mental connectivity, it presents a view of humanity's potential future relationship with artificial intelligence.

Reviews indicate Candle generates strong reactions, with most readers commenting on the ideas rather than the plot. On Goodreads, the book holds a 3.55/5 rating from 166 ratings. Readers appreciate: - Complex exploration of technology's impact on free will and consciousness - The cerebral, philosophical approach to AI concepts - Barnes' technical knowledge and scientific grounding Common criticisms: - Characters lack emotional depth - Plot moves slowly, especially in the middle sections - Some find the ending unsatisfying and abrupt - Writing style described as "cold" and "clinical" From Amazon reviews (3.8/5 from 28 reviews): "Fascinating ideas but I never connected with any of the characters" - 3-star review "The philosophical implications kept me thinking long after finishing" - 5-star review "Started strong but lost momentum halfway through" - 3-star review Multiple readers note the book works better as a thought experiment than as a narrative story.

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🔸 The book's AI system "One True" parallels real-world concerns about algorithmic control, predating similar themes in films like "Ex Machina" and "Her" by over a decade. 🔸 Author John Barnes has written over 30 novels and is known for tackling complex scientific concepts in his fiction, holding degrees in both history and theater arts. 🔸 The Colorado wilderness setting draws from actual locations where "off-grid" communities exist today, highlighting the ongoing tension between technology and natural living. 🔸 The term "cowboys" used for resistance fighters reflects the American West's historical symbolism of freedom and independence from central authority. 🔸 Neural programming, a key concept in the book, was inspired by early developments in brain-computer interfaces during the 1990s, technology that continues to evolve today with companies like Neuralink.