Every year, we seem to get one step closer to a world where artificial intelligence will be able to carry out sophisticated knowledge work, produce our art, and even fulfill human needs like connection and love. If you’ve ever wondered where that will leave humanity and how we can structure society around a world increasingly reliant on AI, “Ava’s New World: A Dystopian Sci-Fi Odyssey” could be the novel for you.
The book explores hard-hitting topics like the ethics of AI and societal division. And thanks to author Ashish K. Saxena’s experience as an engineer and researcher in computer science, it goes beyond mere speculation. By drawing on his own background, Saxena was able to pen a thought-provoking tale that reflects his own knowledge and experience in the field.
Introducing Ava
“Ava’s New World” tells the tale of protagonist Ava, a young woman living in a dystopian future where technology has created a stark societal divide. Ava lives in the West End, a poor area with close state control, minimal freedoms, and harsh conditions. Meanwhile, the New Eden area has benefitted from the fruits of technological advancement and reflects modernity and human potential.
Ava is a talented engineer with a mind for technology, through which she discovers a secret that could change the very nature of her existence. She hopes to restore harmony in the world. But as with every hero’s journey, the road is never smooth, and her life is put at risk as she strives to achieve her mission. Another character, Leo, is included as a representation of modern-day man.
The author says of his work: “Ava and Leo are designed to reflect the human-AI coexistence. Ava, with her roots in robotics and a transformative discovery, represents the potential of human ingenuity harmonized with technology. Leo provides a contrasting human perspective, grounding the narrative in relatable human experiences.”
Reception of the book
The book was published on the 18th of January, 2024, and it has already become an Amazon bestseller in both the US and the UK. “ I am humbled and encouraged by the positive reception of the book. It validates my effort to create a narrative that is not only engaging but also thought-provoking, sparking discussions about AI’s role in our future,” says Saxena.
Dystopian futures and technology have been hot topics for authors for a long time now, with classic novels like “Brave New World” and “The Time Machine” being some of the earliest examples. In recent years, writers have explored the increasing reality of AI. The TV series “Black Mirror” explores where to draw the line between human and machine in many episodes, while “I, Robot” touches on moral questions of integrating AI into everyday life. These are just two examples of many.
Saxena chose to focus on an AI-dominated dystopian future due to the debates people are having today over the use of AI, the increasing dominance of technology, and his own concerns over the future of society. He says: “The inspiration for “Ava’s New World” stemmed from observing the growing influence of AI in our lives. I chose a dystopian setting as it offers a stark canvas to explore the extremes of where our current technological path could lead, particularly in terms of societal division and ethical challenges.”
The person behind the words
Many authors study literature or humanities at university, and few come from a scientific background. However, Saxena is the exception to the rule. The author has a computer science and ethical AI background and has worked as an engineer, giving him significant insight into the issues covered in his book. This gives him a unique opportunity to bring diverse experiences together.
“My technical background provides a solid foundation for the technological aspects of the novel, while my experience in ethical AI shapes the moral dilemmas and societal issues explored in the story,” says Saxena.
The writer was able to build on this experience during the creative process involved in writing, ensuring his world-building was as accurate as possible and reflected scientific realities. He notes: “I integrated my knowledge of AI and societal structures to create a believable yet imaginative world. The contrasting environments of the West End and New Eden in the novel symbolize the disparities and potential of AI in society.”
He advises budding writers to take a similar approach by using their own knowledge and experiences to craft a unique story they can tell better than anyone else.
Saxena also has a broader mission, hoping to make discussions about artificial intelligence more accessible and inclusive. He has made a conscious effort to avoid excessive technical jargon in his writing and details to focus on the human aspects of the story and keep the tale engaging, all while retaining scientific accuracy.
“Ava’s New World” serves as a catalyst for broader dialogue, making complex AI concepts relatable through storytelling,” the technologist explains.
A dark tale for critical times
On one hand, “Ava’s New World” is a thrilling tale about one character’s mission to find the truth and create a more just world. But it’s also a salient and thought-provoking exploration of artificial intelligence, which is one of the most significant we face today. If society continues down its current path, will we end up in a world like that of Ava? What can we do to course-correct and ensure we end up in a better future? “Ava’s New World” explores these questions and many more.
“The novel mirrors my views on AI’s societal impacts. It illustrates the potential and perils of AI, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in its development and implementation, much like the discussions I’ve contributed to in my academic and professional life,” explains the author.
Yet the story doesn’t end here. Saxena plans to turn “Ava’s New World” into a saga to explore AI and its ethical quandaries further.
The book is currently available to buy from Amazon and Barnes and Noble, alongside other retailers. You can also visit Ashish Saxena’s website mindbytesai.com and follow him on Instagram @mindbytesai_. Here, the writer shares his perspectives on AI and related topics on these sites, as well as posting updates related to “Ava’s New World” and future books.
