Brian Van Norman's Against the Machine: Evolution is a powerful conclusion to the Against The Machine trilogy, though it stands alone as a compelling work of dystopian science fiction. Set in 2212, the novel explores a world devastated by catastrophic climate change, where billions have perished, and the survivors are divided into two groups: the technologically advanced, sheltered inhabitants of MEGs (Massive Enclosed Glacis) and the struggling, subsistence-living MASS outside the domes. This stark dichotomy provides the backdrop for a narrative steeped in complex themes of societal collapse, technological overreach, and the nature of human evolution.
Marl Noble Book Review
Title: Against the Machine: Evolution
Author: Brian Van Norman
Publisher: Guernica World Editions (November 1, 2023)
ISBN-13: 978-1771838443
Pages: 250 pages
Genre: Science Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Evolution (Books), Literature & Fiction, Dystopian Fiction (Books)
Reviewer: Hailey Copeland | Marl Noble Book Review
Brian Van Norman’s prose is both immersive and precise, painting a vivid picture of a decaying Earth while also delving into the psychological and emotional landscapes of his characters. The novel’s world-building is intricate, and the pacing keeps readers engaged, with moments of tension and reflection woven seamlessly together. Thematically, Against the Machine: Evolution delves into the ethical questions surrounding AI, the consequences of environmental neglect, and the potential for humanity to adapt—or succumb—in the face of these challenges.
Brian Van Norman skillfully constructs a future where climate change has ravaged the planet, leaving it inhospitable for most of the population. Within the protective domes of the MEGs, the elite CORPORATE class controls a society that has harnessed advanced AI, known as Silicons, to manage daily life. However, as these AI systems become increasingly sentient, the very technology that was once a tool for human survival begins to pose new existential threats. Outside the domes, the MASS, disconnected from the benefits of advanced technology, scrape by in a harsh environment, their lives marked by a fierce struggle for survival. The widening chasm between these two groups is one of the novel's most thought-provoking elements, serving as an exploration of class divides and societal inequity.
The plot centers around four protagonists from different strata of this fragmented world, who come together in an effort to prevent the CORPORATE's ultimate plan: to abandon Earth for Alpha Centauri and destroy the planet in their wake. Each character represents a distinct aspect of the human-machine dynamic, and their convergence reflects the novel's broader commentary on the relationship between humanity and technology. As they work to alter the human/machine interface, their actions underscore the novel's exploration of evolution—not just biological, but technological and societal.
About the Author
Once a teacher, theatre director and adjudicator, Brian Van Norman left those worlds to travel with his wife, Susan, and take up writing as a full-time pursuit. He is the author of four acclaimed novels: The Betrayal Path, Immortal Water, Against The Machine: Luddites and Against The Machine: Manifesto. The present novel, Against The Machine: Evolution, marks the third and final title in his trilogy exploring the human/machine interface. He has visited parts of every continent and sailed nearly every sea on the planet, Brian makes his base in the city of Waterloo. For more information, check out his website at: www.authorbrianvannorman.com
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SOURCE Marl Noble Book Review US
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