Crystal Nights by Greg Egan

This is a guest post by Justin Macumber.

“Crystal Nights” is a 2008 science fiction novelette by Greg Egan. It is about a man of great wealth and ambition who wants to not only be the creator of artificial intelligence, but also its master.

AI can also mean Always Interesting

Artificial intelligence is a topic well known to science fiction readers, not to mention TV watchers, game players, and moviegoers. Not a year goes by that someone doesn’t take a stab at writing their own story about AI and what it will mean for humanity. Here Greg Egan not only takes his stab, but he follows that up with a roundhouse kick that will send you flying in a direction you didn’t expect. His use of jargon is well done, as is his exposition that didn’t read like exposition at all. Apart from a few minor technical quibbles – writing wise – this is an incredibly informative and engrossing tale of ambition, exploration, and revelation.

Non-spoiler Summary in a Nutshell

Daniel Cliff is a rich man, but wealth isn’t his primary motivator – innovation is. And, his desire to be at the front of the pack drives him to begin a project in creating the world’s first true Artificial Intelligence. But, in order to do that he not only needs the proper hardware, he also needs the right team of people to make it happen, as well as the wisdom to guide them through the potentially hazardous maze that stands between him and his dream. What happens, though, when results outstrip intentions is something you’ll have to discover for yourself as you read “Crystal Nights.” It is a mesmerizing story of worlds and ideals on a collision course that will change everything.

My Two Cents…

• I love science fiction, but I get tired with the author who feels like the science is more important than the fiction. Greg Egan walks that line deftly.
• In the beginning there were a few odd narrative moments where the view point changed between characters without warning, and it was a little jarring, but a third the way through it all evened out into a very smooth and satisfying read.
• The best stories are the ones that teach you something along the way, that illuminate something you’d never known or thought of before, and “Crystal Nights” does that. Bravo.

Interesting Tidbits About This Story:

• Page Count: 36
• There’s a good reason why Mr. Egan’s techno jargon sounds so good – as well as being a writer he is also a computer programmer. You can learn more about him at his web site.
• Special thanks to Rusty for recommending this story.

Where You Can Find Crystal Nights:

• This story was originally published in Interzone #215 (April 2008.)
• It was also published in 2009 by Subterranean Press in a collection entitled Crystal Nights and Other Stories.
• You can download a free PDF version of this story from TTA Press – you know, the people who publish Interzone Magazine.

Craving More Stories?

If you liked “Crystal Nights” then you’ll probably also enjoy Galactic Stress by David Levine.

Thanks to Justin for this awesome review! Be sure to check out my review of his story: Pirates of the Crimson Sands by Justin Macumber

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