Exploring the Science Fiction Novel “Exadelic” by Jon Evans

Introduction

The world of science fiction is vast and diverse, encompassing a wide range of themes and ideas. One recent addition to this genre is the sci-fi novel “Exadelic” written by Jon Evans. Released to critical acclaim, this book combines elements of the Bay Area tech community, artificial intelligence, and deep-tech conspiracy to create an engaging and thought-provoking story. In this article, we will delve deeper into the plot, characters, and themes of “Exadelic,” exploring its strengths and weaknesses.

A Unique Perspective on the Bay Area Tech Community

Jon Evans, a long-time contributor to TechCrunch, brings his insider knowledge of the Bay Area tech community to “Exadelic.” The novel presents a deeply layered portrayal of this ecosystem, capturing its essence in a way that resonates with readers familiar with the industry. However, it also goes beyond the conventional Silicon Valley narrative, taking readers on a thrilling journey that expands the scope of the story.

The plot revolves around a group of friends who find themselves at the center of an AI-powered deep-tech conspiracy that could have dire consequences for the entire planet. While this premise may seem familiar, Evans manages to inject new life into it by introducing unexpected twists and turns. The initial reliance on internal references and nostalgia gives way to a plot that constantly evolves, allowing the author’s imagination to shine.

A Potboiler Techno-Thriller with a Twist

The first few chapters of “Exadelic” read like a potboiler techno-thriller, with a tech executive fighting for survival against a rogue AI. While this may seem like a predictable storyline, Evans takes the plot in surprising directions early on, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The author’s ability to craft a compelling narrative is evident as the story unfolds, with each chapter building upon the last.

One particular aspect worth mentioning is Evans’s skillful blending of real-world concepts with imaginative elements. The book touches on runaway AI, unscrupulous venture capitalists, and existential questions about the nature of reality, mirroring the topics covered in the day-to-day reporting of TechCrunch. This infusion of current technological and ethical issues adds depth to the story, making it relevant and relatable to readers.

Exploring the Limitations of the Bay Area Zeitgeist

While “Exadelic” is undoubtedly a captivating read, it does have its limitations. One critique is its over-reliance on the zeitgeist of the Bay Area’s technological heyday. The story draws heavily from Evans’s extensive knowledge of startups, technology, and investing, creating a nuanced portrayal of turn-of-the-century San Francisco. While this familiarity is a strength, it also limits the book’s vision and may feel out of sync with today’s technology and attitudes.

Comparing the book to science fiction from the 1960s, it becomes apparent that “Exadelic” is a product of its time, projecting a future that is extrapolated from contemporary technology. While this approach has its merits, there is a certain solipsism in basing such an expansive story on a single moment and perspective. The book’s reliance on nostalgia and its protagonist’s limitations may not resonate with all readers, but it still offers an enjoyable and twisted journey.

An Engaging and Nostalgic Journey

Despite its potential flaws, “Exadelic” manages to captivate readers with its engaging plot, well-crafted characters, and skillful blending of real-world concepts with imaginative elements. The novel’s twisted and imaginative plot, coupled with its connection to the tech community, creates a unique reading experience.

Summary

“Exadelic” by Jon Evans is a science fiction novel that weaves together elements of the Bay Area tech community, AI conspiracy, and deep-tech themes. While the book’s reliance on nostalgia and the limitations of its protagonist may not resonate with all readers, it offers an engaging and thought-provoking journey. Evans’s insider knowledge of the tech industry shines through in his portrayal of the Bay Area, providing readers with a captivating reading experience. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction or looking for a thrilling adventure, “Exadelic” is a book that should not be missed.

We don’t often review books on TechCrunch, much less fiction, but sometimes a work comes along that’s so carefully tailored to the ecosystem we cover that it warrants a quick post. And here we have “Exadelic” a sci-fi novel by long-time TC contributor Jon Evans, who does his best to match the baseline density of “Ready Player One” in the Bay Area tech community, but thankfully also sets his sights a little further afield of that.

Now, let’s first admit that this is not an entirely complimentary comparison. Ernest Cline’s great success was rich in references but deficient in other respects, although perhaps its greatest problem was its most ardent defenders, who could not perceive how closely the book suited their life experience and how that could make the experience was hollow for others.

So if “Ready Player One but Silicon Valley” sounds like a layering of horror on top of horror, it’s understandable and, in some ways, accurate. But while “Exadelic” is certainly liberal with its names and nostalgia well beyond the point of setting the scene, the plot quickly overcomes its initial reliance on internal winks and nods.

At the risk of spoiling a little more than you’d find on the dust jacket, imagine if you and your group of friends found yourself at the center of an AI-powered deep-tech conspiracy that could define the fate of the planet. It’s not the most original premise, but believe me when I say that the scope continually and unexpectedly expands.

The first few chapters play out like a potboiler techno-thriller (a tech executive has to survive on his limited wits after being attacked by a rogue AI) and, frankly, I was afraid it would continue that way. Fortunately, the plot starts taking turns early and never lets up, allowing Evans to exercise his imagination much more effectively.

To say much more would deprive the potential reader of the pleasures of a twisted book deeply rooted in the current technological and ethical zeitgeist. Runaway AI, unscrupulous venture capitalists, and questioning the nature of reality drive the plot; In other words, the same concepts you’d find in any week of reporting here at TechCrunch. There’s even a touch of the occult!

(It should be mentioned that some kind of sexual assault is central to one part of the book, something that in retrospect I feel didn’t have to be, even if it is some kind of reference to an ecstatic philosophy.)

And while I think Exadelic is a great book to take on a flight or to the beach, I think its failure is its over-reliance on the zeitgeist of the Bay Area’s technological heyday. This, too, is a credit: It builds on Evans’s obvious familiarity with the worlds of startups, technology, and investing, not to mention turn-of-the-century San Francisco, all things many readers will recognize and appreciate.

But there is a certain solipsism inherent in the process of extrapolating such a vast story from what amounts to a single moment and perspective. As a work of 1960s science fiction that imagines a future extrapolated from tube televisions and analog computing, the vision seems limited by today’s technology and attitudes. Imagine having a computer in the year 3000 that relies on a mouse and keyboard – it seems out of sync with the imagination shown elsewhere.

Of course, many classic works of science fiction transcend this, but “Exadelic” seems content to be a product of its time, finding value in imaginatively mixing and matching these concepts to form an original. permutationif it is not original combination. If you can tolerate a little nostalgia and a cipher of a main character (his companions are much more interesting), Exadelic is a fun ride.