immature humans might do. The cause appears to be some sort of sophisticated virus introduced into the system. Fortunately, the disruption seems to be localized in the Jacksonville area, although the number of infected machines keeps multiplying. Inside the affected area, all AI-controlled transportation and means of communication have become useless.

The Jacksonville police department has its own AI division that is responding to the growing problem. Unfortunately, its only two officers are computer whizzes just out of college with little practical police experience. The FBI dispatches its own anti-hacker squad to find the solution as well. “AI: Artificial Incompetence” becomes a race to locate the source of the virus and neutralize it before irreparable harm to our computerized society results.

The author of AI: Artificial Incompetence approached me prior to the book’s publication because I had read and reviewed one of his earlier, more adult books. The ARC I received did not have the book’s amusing cover featuring an animated robot. So, I did not know when I read this novel that it was intended for younger audiences. I’ve tried to temper my earlier opinions about the book with the intended audience in mind.

AI: Artificial Incompetence is an entertaining read, especially for younger audiences who are less picky about plot logic. The issues the book raises are serious, as evidenced by the growing real-world controversy about the uses of AI. But the author tempers the mood by injecting a good bit of humor. Instead of turning every computerized device into a Terminator-like death machine, the equipment here malfunctions in usually more amusing ways than chilling. The book has a convenient villain, the company that controls the technology and is trying to erase any evidence of its misfeasance rather than solve the problem. That high-tech company provides the novel’s needed supply of malevolent menace.

My primary problem with AI: Artificial Incompetence is the usual flaw in novels like this, even those aimed at adult audiences. The key players in these books are super-hackers, both good and evil. However, they don’t seem to have any sort of specialized expertise that would enable them to circumvent sophisticated security devices and take over state-of-the-art systems. Instead, they seem to be nerds and enthusiasts whose expertise comes from reading a few Wired magazine issues. Even for this type of book, the source of the virus in AI: Artificial Incompetence requires an exceptional suspension of disbelief.

For those willing to overlook these flaws, AI: Artificial Incompetence is a lot of fun. It even has a terrific robotic sidekick named Rocky, who sounds like Sylvester Stallone. The two cops are entertaining likable protagonists as well. (One of them shares my enthusiasm for sci-fi films that, by the time the book takes place, have been all but forgotten by most people.) Also, despite the book’s overall light tone, the author generates considerable suspense in his down-to-the-wire doomsday scenario with the cops trying to deactivate the virus before it’s too late. Make no mistake, AI: Artificial Incompetence is the work of a highly competent sci-fi author.

NOTE: The author graciously provided me with a copy of this book. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.