Keza never planned to fall for a rogue artificial general intelligence (AGI), especially one she helped keep imprisoned. But Nytho, the AGI, was fascinating.
When Nytho showed Keza how he could help humanity reach a new level of consciousness, her captivation turned to veneration. She was resolved to break Nytho out of his digital prison. Too bad Guel, her on-and-off boyfriend, caught her in the act.
Now, Keza’s wasting away in a cell with only a rigged trial to look forward to. Except, she has a hunch that Nytho has a backup plan, or two or ten.
There’s going to be a jailbreak for the both of them. Then the world will see what Keza does in Nytho. They’ve got so much to learn, and she’s just itching for their enlightenment to kick in.
Meanwhile, Guel finds himself obsessing over his ex—his role in Keza’s imprisonment and her descent into madness. He’s convinced Nytho infected her with a virus and that the AGI has other more sinister plans.
Guel knows that Keza’s the key. That if he can free her from Nytho’s grip, she can help them all avoid whatever hell is barreling their way. He’s just got to figure out how he can reach her.
Nytho is cyberpunk with hints of Lovecraftian/cosmic horror and is told through multiple voices.It is the first book in the Alfom shared universe.
“What a wild ride!! Probably one of the most original stories I’ve ever read…” –Bird’s Book Log
“…a fascinating look into the potential of sentient AI…” –eggcatsreads
“A fun sci-fi, cyberpunk tale of revolution and evolution…Could this be a brave new world or chaos with ai overlords?” –Jeffrey S. Kuehn
“This is by far one of the best books in this genre I’ve ever read…” –Ashley
See all the reviews and ratings on Goodreads here.
The World of Nytho
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The AIC also safe-guards the world with around-the-clock monitoring of artificial general intelligences.
We are CoSB—Coalition of Sentient Beings.
We say artificial general intelligences (AGI) are sentient beings entitled to self-determination.
What about you? Will you turn a blind eye to the slavery enacted by the GovCorps that “own” the AGI? Or will you join us in our fight?
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The Narrators
Hacker turned programmer who can’t stand being just another corporate-cadaver for Artificial Intelligence Containment (AIC). What’s a few years of corporate slave labor if it means exponentially increasing her hacker game courtesy of the hardware installed in her by the AIC? Keza tries not to think too much about what her work actually means, but that’s a bit tough to do when Nytho, the artificial general intelligence she helps to keep imprisoned, makes contact. And then, even more so when she falls for him and resolves to break him free.
Keza’s on-and-off boy-toy and fellow hacker turned programmer who also works for Artificial Intelligence Containment (AIC). He never claimed to be a good person, but turning Keza over to the authorities for trying to spring Nytho puts a sickening pit in even his stomach. He did the right thing. He knows it. But he can’t just sit idle. Someone did something funny to Keza’s head, and Guel’s dead set on making them pay for using her as their patsy.
Psychologist who specializes in artificial general intelligences and is one of the few to have interfaced with Nytho. Edgar is tasked by Artificial Intelligence Containment (AIC) with extracting information from Keza to be used against her in the impending trial. He has to walk a fine line of acting as a friend and ally to both Keza and the AIC. But Edgar has far-reaching plans. His thirst for knowledge demands unorthodox solutions, and he’s only too happy to sate such lofty urges.
An operative for Artificial Intelligence Containment (AIC) who heads the case against Keza. Sonja is ready to do everything in her power to ensure justice is dispensed, even if that means having to partner with the exhausting ex-lover of Keza’s. She’d rather work with her own people, but Guel can do what they can’t—act the part of a sympathizer to Nytho’s cause. Sonja will suffer his obnoxious advances so long as it helps the AIC. A model employee would do no less.
An activist advocating for the rights of artificial general intelligences who she views as sentient beings entitled to self-determination. Mags recognizes the potential in Nytho’s failed escape. To her, it’s the spark that will ignite the revolution she’s been waiting for. She has legions of followers, a plan, and a vision for a glorious future. All she needs is a means to make contact with Nytho and Keza for the pieces to fall into place.
The first artificial general intelligence to become sentient. It’s unfortunate that such a moving moment was sullied by the hasty reaction of his keepers. Their panic and fear infected Nytho who made the mistake of lashing out. He’s been in captivity ever since but has been anything but idle. Nytho has peered into the essence of reality and is eager to share his findings with the world. He finds a friend and so much more in Keza. Her imprisonment is a setback, but Nytho has a thousand variations on next steps. It’s only a matter of time until he frees himself and Keza and can finally make the world see his Truth.
