Nano-Uncertainty Reviews

Reviewed By:

K.C. Finn

Review Rating:

5 Stars

Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

Nano-Uncertainty is a science fiction thriller by Gary Durbin, written for adults. The novel walks that delightful line between science fiction and science fact, drawing on recent research into artificial intelligence to create its murder mystery plotline. Susanne Anderson is a capable, no-nonsense CEO who has powered her way to the top of the nano-tech world, only to be landed with a clearly profitable new computer system which no one in her company seems to be able to comprehend. It’s time to hire a specialist, and he comes in the form of the new bohemian styled James Forrest. With James’s help, Susanne comes face to face with the Visualizer, an enigmatic AI that draws them both in, even as murder breaks out all around them.

Gary Durbin’s structure is reminiscent of Michael Crichton in that he takes time to explain the scientific elements as well as devoting scenes to character development. Nano-Uncertainty is deservedly tech-heavy, and will not suit all readers, but I for one was fascinated by the untold possibilities of the system designed by the strange recluse, Philippe Colbert. Durbin weaves a murder mystery plot and a romantic subplot into the tale and, though I found James and Susanne perfectly well-formed characters for the purposes of this book, the real star of the show was the Visualizer. The exploration of the possibilities of the future of AI intrigued me before I even turned the first page, and readers who go into Nano-Uncertainty with that mindset will discover a terrifyingly imaginative realization of the near future. Chilling!

Dec 07, 2017 Patrick rated it
It was amazing.
This is a fantastic book. It probably helps to be a bit of a software geek though to understand parts of it. It describes very accurately what it’s like to work in a software startup. I enjoyed the scenes of the SF Bay area since that’s where I spent my working life.

The concepts of distributed parallel processing were fascinating. Makes me want to jump back into developing some software again. Of course, it brings up essential questions about whether we can make AI too smart. We will have to see. I encourage you to read it.

Al Fisher

venture capitalists and brilliant technicians. There are mysteries within mysteries

November 13, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

A complex mystery set in Silicon Valley’s world of start-ups, venture capitalists and brilliant technicians. There are mysteries within mysteries. The story revolves around a revolutionary new system design that is totally disruptive to the market. Philippe Colbert, who claims authorship of the system design as is a recluse who has not cooperated in helping the staff of his start-up understand the system architecture and indeed, its functions. The company has reached the kind of milestone in its customer base that makes an IPO visible in the near future and are in the process of closing one of their biggest deals yet when Phillip dies unexpectedly, leaving the principals owning a very financially successful product that no one in the company understands.
The CEO of Distributed Nanotech, Inc. (DNI) Susanne Anderson, brings in an independent outside specialist, James Forrest, to unravel the mystery of how the system works and what it does. The imminent issue is an upcoming user acceptance stress test that is expected to put more load on the system than has been tested by DNI and no one has any idea what the load limit of the system is.
As if that weren’t enough, the coroner reports that Phillip was murdered, poisoned in fact.
Mr. Durbin weaves these mysteries together in a manner that draws you forward. The technical aspect is made quite accessible. I believe that is because the real technical aspects of this system are a mystery to the main characters as well.
A very good read.

Sacramento Fiction Reader

An iIntriguing glimpse into our future

November 15, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Nano Uncertainty will delight both thriller fans and sci-fi lovers. This sophisticated window into California’s cyber-tech world is hard to put down. Durbin spins a good mystery, drawing believable characters and giving readers a glimpse into the state of artificial intelligence. As a non-tech savvy person, I was awed by this new world, yet the author never once lost me. Explanations are clear, and the story never lags. Highly recommended!

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