The infinity particle

Select an Action

Title :

The infinity particle / Wendy Xu.

Title:

The infinity particle

Author:

Xu, Wendy

Format:

Books

Physical Description:

266 pages : color illustrations ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

ISBN:

9780062955760

9780062955777

Production / Publication Information:

New York, NY : Quill Tree Books, HarperAlley, imprints of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2023]

Summary:

"Clementine Chang moves from Earth to Mars for a new start and is lucky enough to land her dream job with Dr. Marcella Lin, an Artificial Intelligence pioneer. On her first day of work, Clem meets Dr. Lin's assistant, a humanoid AI named Kye. Clem is no stranger to robots--she built herself a cute moth-shaped companion named SENA. Still, there's something about Kye that feels almost too human. When Clem and Kye begin to collaborate, their chemistry sets off sparks. The only downside? Dr. Lin is enraged by Kye's growing independence and won't allow him more freedom. Plus, their relationship throws into question everything Clem thought she knew about AI. After all, if Kye is sentient enough to have feelings, shouldn't he be able to control his own actions? Where is the line between AI and human? As her past and Kye's future weigh down on her, Clem becomes determined to help him break free--even if it means risking everything she came to Mars for"--

Language:

English

Genre:

Science fiction comics.

Graphic novels.

Geographic Term:

Mars (Planet) -- Comic books, strips, etc.

Subject Term:

Robots -- Comic books, strips, etc.

Artificial intelligence -- Comic books, strips, etc.

Human-robot interaction -- Comic books, strips, etc.

Space colonies -- Comic books, strips, etc.

Love -- Comic books, strips, etc.

Graphic novels.

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Material Type	Library	Call Number	Item Barcode	Location
Book	Searching... Andover - Memorial Hall Library	TEEN GRAPHIC XU	31330009382460	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Amesbury Public Library	YA GRAPHIC NOVEL INFINITY	32114002785187	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Billerica Public Library	YA GRAPHIC/XU	33934004677416	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Burlington Public Library	YA XU GRAPHIC	32116004004988	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Chelmsford Public Library	Y/GRAPHIC/INFINITY	31480011715726	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Georgetown Peabody Library	YGN XU	32120001446408	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Groton Public Library	XX(1552041.25)	1552041-25001	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Groveland - Langley-Adams Library	YA COMIX XU	32121000909214	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Hamilton-Wenham Public Library	Y GRAPHIC XU	30470002127388	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Haverhill Public Library	YA/COMIX/XU W	31479007178691	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Ipswich Public Library	YA GN XU	32122003045451	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Lawrence Public Library	FIC XU YA GRAPHIC NOVEL	31549005050074	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Littleton - Reuben Hoar Library	YA GN F XU	39965002474814	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Methuen - Nevins Memorial Library	YA GRAPHIC XU	31548003500205	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Middleton - Flint Public Library	Y GN XU	32126001916324	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Newbury Town Library	YA XU GN	32127001366429	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... North Andover - Stevens Memorial Library	TEEN GRAPHIC XU	31478010238310	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... North Reading - Flint Memorial Library	YA GRAPHIC XU	31550002585708	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Rockport Public Library	YA GRAPHIC XU	32129002605466	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Rowley Public Library	YA GN XU	32130001079257	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Tewksbury Public Library	TEEN GRAPHIC INFINITY	32132003411454	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... West Newbury - G.A.R. Memorial Library	ADULT GRAPHIC XU	32135001609623	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Westford - J.V. Fletcher Library	YA F XU (GRAPHIC)	31990005288639	Searching... Unknown
Book	Searching... Wilmington Memorial Library	TEEN GRAPHIC XU	32136003589235	Searching... Unknown

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

In this gorgeous graphic novel by Wendy Xu, co-creator of the award-winning Mooncakes, a young inventor falls for a lifelike AI and confronts questions of freedom and autonomy.

Clementine Chang moves from Earth to Mars for a new start and is lucky enough to land her dream job with Dr. Marcella Lin, an Artificial Intelligence pioneer. On her first day of work, Clem meets Dr. Lin's assistant, a humanoid AI named Kye. Clem is no stranger to robots--she built herself a cute moth-shaped companion named SENA. Still, there's something about Kye that feels almost too human.

When Clem and Kye begin to collaborate, their chemistry sets off sparks. The only downside? Dr. Lin is enraged by Kye's growing independence and won't allow him more freedom. Plus, their relationship throws into question everything Clem thought she knew about AI. After all, if Kye is sentient enough to have feelings, shouldn't he be able to control his own actions? Where is the line between AI and human?

As her past and Kye's future weigh down on her, Clem becomes determined to help him break free--even if it means risking everything she came to Mars for.

Reviews (4)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 8 Up--Clementine leaves Earth to study robotics and engineering at a university on Mars where the renowned Dr. Marcella Lin has her lab. Dr. Lin's premiere Artificial Intelligence build is Kye, who, unlike most robots on Mars, looks like a human man. He serves as her data processor and personal assistant. Clem has her own AI build, the bunny-like SENA (Sentient Empathic Neurobonded Animatronic). Creations like Kye and SENA should be able to communicate with each other, but Dr. Lin installed firewalls and encryption in Kye to keep him isolated. Clem and Kye connect over his interest in learning about Earth. Clem manages to transfer some images to Kye, which somehow changes him. He begins to experience emotions beyond his programming; he and Clem grow closer, infuriating Dr. Lin. As Clem and Kye learn more about Dr. Lin and the things she's hidden in Kye, they are shocked to realize they have surprisingly similar origin stories. Xu's narrative raises intriguing questions about AI consciousness and the effect of capitalism on the direction of AI development. The vibrant art, illustrated in blues and pinks, works well with the story, especially in conveying the characters' emotions. The infinity particle is a single electron whose actions can cause dramatic change. This graphic novel shows how small gestures can have powerful impacts. VERDICT With so much attention being paid to the rapid pace of advancement in AI, this graphic novel will attract readers interested in AI development as well as the broader ethical issues.--Carla Riemer

Publisher's Weekly Review

Teenage Clementine Chang is an engineer in a future society where robotic assistants and cuddly children's companions running on artificial intelligence are commonplace. After she creates her own personal pal, Clem is invited to travel from Earth to Mars to work for her idol, AI pioneer Dr. Marcella Lin. On Mars she meets Kye, Dr. Lin's humanoid robot assistant, with whom Clem is instantly fascinated. Soon, mysterious glitches begin emerging in Kye's programming, prompting a cold shift in Dr. Lin's personality that triggers memories of Clem's own traumatic past. As the glitches persist, and as Dr. Lin grows more agitated at Kye's burgeoning independence, Clem and Kye seek to understand the inconsistencies in his code as well as navigate their growing mutual attraction. Mooncakes cocreator Xu employs a subdued pastel pink and blue palette that subtly emphasizes the narrative's contemplative and romantic aspects, and balances the simultaneously uplifting and melancholic tone. While the supporting cast and the exploration of themes surrounding identity and humanity sometimes feel underutilized, the central romance develops in a natural and languorous fashion that culminates in a sweeping read that raises questions about what it means to be human. Characters read as East Asian. Ages 13--up. Agent: Linda Camacho, Gallt and Zacker Literary. (Aug.)

Kirkus Review

AI and human meet--and love blossoms. Clementine Chang has been working with her SENA, or Sentient Emphatic Neurobonded Animatronic, a small robot companion, since she was a child. Now, she has finally landed a job with the famed Dr. Lin and moved to Mars. It's a dream come true for Clementine, especially when she meets Kye, Dr. Lin's assistant, who was custom built in the shape of an attractive young human man. Clementine relishes the opportunity to work with this sort of technology and use it to help others. While Dr. Lin might not live up to all of Clementine's expectations, she can't help but be drawn to Kye, sensing a similarity between them. When Kye reveals that he needs her help, Clementine and SENA readily agree. A hopeful future incorporating both technology and heart is depicted through clean, simple panels in blue and pink that expressively impart not only Clementine's thoughts and emotions, but also a sense of warmth and undeniable cuteness inherent in Clementine's world. Some darker themes are threaded throughout the story, but ultimately, it seems, good will prevail. Clementine's surname implies Chinese descent, and Kye's dashing appearance is reminiscent of Chinese dramas. They live in a vibrant, clearly East Asian--influenced world. A delightful tale that brings optimism back to science fiction. (Graphic science fiction. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Booklist Review

Clementine "Clem" Chang has just arrived in the Martian city Tithonium. Clem's first day at University City Robotics Repair starts like any other, with friend SENA, a sentient, empathic neuro-bonded animatronic robot, by her side. Manager Nadiya is welcoming, displaying a compassionate link with her robotic patients, yet she's apprehensive of the great Dr. Lin, who has come to greet the new hire. Lin has not arrived solo; custom-built personal assistant Kye is by her side. Clem is taken with Kye, remarking on his stunning build, as if he were human. As the relationship between Clem and Kye develops, questions about what makes one human arise, as well as what is possible when one chooses to break free from their creator. Illustrator and comics artist Xu masterfully creates a timely sf tale with smart commentary on important ethical issues--artificial intelligence, (artificial) consciousness, human cloning, and privacy rights. Profoundly, Xu's indigo-and-soft-pink washes create a color palette calming enough to deliver on difficult topics beyond science, notably academic abuse and childhood trauma. The metaphysical problems Clem, Kye, and all those on Mars face are too real and incredibly close, and they're seamlessly integrated into an enticing romance grounded in hard sf. This thoughtful, genre-blending comic deserves a prominent spot on the shelves of libraries serving young adults.