Synapse / Steven James.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Thirty years in the future, when AI is so advanced that humans live side by side with cognizant humanoid robots called Artificials, Kestrel Hathaway must come to terms not just with what machinesknow,but with what theybelieve.

Soon after experiencing a personal tragedy, Kestrel witnesses a terrorist attack on a nearby artificial factory and is unknowingly drawn into a world of conspiracies and lies. Along with her own Artificial, Jordan, they attempt to untangle the web around them. With a second, more brutal attack looming on the horizon, their best chance of stopping it is teaming up with federal counterterrorism agent Nick Vernon. But the clock is ticking--and all the while, Jordan is asking questions Artificials were never meant to ask . . . questions that rock Kestrel to her very core.

Deftly weaving suspense and intrigue into a rich, resonant tale that explores faith and what it really means to be human, Steven James offers us a glimpse into the future--and into our own hearts.

Synapseis an unforgettable, gripping story of dreams shattered, truth revealed, and hope reborn.

Praise forSynapse:

"Perfectly timed and thought-provoking,Synapseis a smart, intense thriller that keeps the suspensebuilding until the final page. Steven James once again delivers a perfect amalgam of character andplot, totally immersing the reader in an irresistible narrative." --Simon Gervais, international bestselling author ofHunt Them Down

"Next-level suspense that keeps the pages turning, combined with next-level writing on parwith the great literary masters . . .Synapseis not merely a thriller you should read--as 5Gapproaches and advances in AI snowball, it is the thriller you can't affordnot to." --James R. Hannibal, award-winning author ofThe Gryphon Heist

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

After suffering a tragic loss and witnessing a Purist terror attack within a few days of each other, minister Kestrel Hathaway experiences a crisis of faith. Then her brother sends her an Artificial, a robot named Jordan. At one time, Kestrel wrote a Purist-leaning blog questioning the existence of Artificials. Now she has one in her home. He looks real. He acts real. And he's asking questions about belief and the afterlife. When Kestrel is questioned about her presence at the terror attack by federal agent Nick Vernon, she is stunned to realize she's a suspect. And the more Nick learns about her, the more he believes she's innocent, but circumstances are conspiring against her and drawing her deeper into a world where the Purists will stop at nothing to achieve an Artificial-free life. VERDICT James (Every Wicked Man) delivers a thought-provoking look at the definitions of humanity, belief, and faith in this timely near-future sf thriller.--Melanie C. Duncan, Washington Memorial Lib., Macon, GA

Publishers Weekly Review

James (The Bishop) builds an intricate world grounded in robotic technology in this stimulating tale. Thirty years in the future, advanced technology has created "Artificials"--robots so closely resembling humans it is difficult to distinguish them from human beings (called "Naturals"). After suffering multiple tragedies, Kestrel Hathaway, a Methodist minister, questions her belief that God is a loving, all-powerful entity. Trevor, Kestrel's brother and a security executive at Terabyne, the corporation that builds Artificials, gives her Jordan, the most lifelike version created to date. Despite a strong aversion to Artificials, Kestrel begins to warm to Jordan. After witnessing a terrorist attack, Kestrel becomes a primary witness and is introduced to special agent Nick Vernon, from the National Counterterrorism Bureau. When Nick reveals the possibility of a corporate conspiracy at Terabyne, Kestrel and Jordan investigate. Combined with Trevor's insider knowledge of Terabyne and the involvement of special agent Vernon, Kestrel and Jordan duo follow twists and turns that keep suspense high to the end. While the moral components grow organically from the plot, inspirational readers should be warned that there is some intense, violent imagery. Animated by themes of hope, love, and belief in the afterlife, James's thrilling thrilling story of greed and corruption will win over readers. Agent: Dan Conaway, Writers House (Oct.)