Let the Earth Open

“Let the Earth Open” by Oren Shved offers a compelling vision of a future where artificial intelligence plays a central role in shaping human society. The novel’s use of a GPT-3 engine to create the AI character adds a striking layer of realism, effectively blurring the line between human and machine. While this innovative approach is intriguing, it occasionally overshadows the human characters, making them feel secondary to the broader narrative.

The story is fast-paced and explores complex themes like war, religion, and the future of humanity. Although some plot twists may be predictable, the pacing intensifies in the second half, delivering a thrilling experience that compensates for a slower start. Readers with a basic understanding of AI and technological terminology will find it easier to connect with the narrative, as the story assumes a level of familiarity with these concepts.

Shved’s character development is solid, particularly in the interactions between the AI and the human cast. However, the focus on AI sometimes leaves the human characters less fully explored, creating a slight imbalance where the philosophical and technological questions take precedence over the emotional depth of the characters.

Despite these minor issues, “Let the Earth Open” is a thought-provoking and imaginative read that successfully tackles big ideas about technology and its impact on the future. It’s a strong entry in the dystopian genre, especially for readers interested in the possibilities and challenges posed by advanced AI. Shved’s work offers much to enjoy, even if it leans more heavily on its themes than on character development.