Stephanie Jane reviewed Helene by Karl Drinkwater (Lost Tales of Solace, #1)
Interesting concept
3 stars
At the time I wrote this review, I hadn't read any of the other Lost Solace universe universe novels so began reading Helene without any idea what happens outside the heavily guarded hanger in which the novella is set. We soon learn that the eponymous Helene, Doctor Helene Vermalle, has the difficult task of guiding a far superior Artificial Intelligence mind. I liked how Karl Drinkwater created such a claustrophobic atmosphere for this battle of wits. Helene can never be sure whether the AI, which names herself Via, is truly developing a friendship or if she is manipulating Helene for some reason. I enjoyed witnessing this uneasily developing relationship.
This novella ends with a lead into another storyline which I assume will become one of the Lost Solace full-length novels. Personally I would have preferred this not to have happened because I felt it upset Helene's overall balance (the novella, …
At the time I wrote this review, I hadn't read any of the other Lost Solace universe universe novels so began reading Helene without any idea what happens outside the heavily guarded hanger in which the novella is set. We soon learn that the eponymous Helene, Doctor Helene Vermalle, has the difficult task of guiding a far superior Artificial Intelligence mind. I liked how Karl Drinkwater created such a claustrophobic atmosphere for this battle of wits. Helene can never be sure whether the AI, which names herself Via, is truly developing a friendship or if she is manipulating Helene for some reason. I enjoyed witnessing this uneasily developing relationship.
This novella ends with a lead into another storyline which I assume will become one of the Lost Solace full-length novels. Personally I would have preferred this not to have happened because I felt it upset Helene's overall balance (the novella, not the Doctor!). I hadn't been aware of missing pertinent knowledge until this point, but now I shall need to read further to find out how Helene's story fits into the bigger picture!