Title: Host

Author: Peter James

Publisher: Villard

Place: New York

Date: 1995

Reviewed by: Shayne Knapp

Date: July 1998

The book Host was written by Peter James, and was published in 1995. He is a computer expert who has done extensive research in not only the field of artificial intelligence but also cryonics in order to write Host. In the foreword of the book he starts of by giving the reader information concerning the setting of the book and where we are in terms of technology. James decided to have the book take place in the present time even though he states that the computer technology and cryonics science that occurs in the book are more advanced than they are at present. He states that he decided to keep it in the present to give it a more authentic feel. Despite the advance ideas and technologies in these novel, James states that he and many other experts believe it is only a matter of time before reality matches the fiction of Host. Not only does James talk about artificial intelligence, but also goes on to give the readers ideas of what some of the ramifications and consequences of such technology might be. I believe a major goal of James is to get people to not take technology for granted and to critic how powerful the impact of technology really is on each of our lives, both in the present and what it might be in the future.

James was very successful in developing the computer and the technology that resulted in a very strong artificial intelligence position. Anyone who has studied AI will find that much of the book parallels the ideas and theories that exist in the AI field. The book only enters the realm of science fiction once ARCHIVE, the computer, passes the current state of technology and becomes fully conscious and intelligent. At the same time James creates a realist way, and in my opinion, the only probable way computers may become intelligent. At the same time he also makes us ask ourselves the following questions: "Do we really want a computer that reaches such a high level of intelligence as ARCHIVE does in Host?"; "What would be some of the consequences or ramifications of such a computer?"; and "Would we ever fully understand what we created if we were ever successful?"

Although this is a sci-fi book many parts seemed very realistic. Much of the technological used to in Host does not seem that far away. This book would interest a wide variety of readers from those individuals unfamiliar with artificial intelligence to experts in the field. Much of the artificial intelligence themes followed many of the issues and content that one would learn by studying in this area. This book is for anyone who has any interest in computers and technology and especially those with a strong interest in artificial intelligence.