WWW: Watch (original 2010; edition 2011)

Although I did not like the first one so much, I'm so very happy that I gave this book a chance, because I had a very tough time putting it down. Sawyer is back in full form with this book with many ethical dilemmas to ponder in a very eminently readable story as usual. And the real world references to articles, other sci-fi authors, scientists, etc... add so much relevance to this book. Having so many insightful and delightful Canadian references thrown in is just icing on the cake! ( )

In the second book of this trilogy, Webmind continues his development even as the American government becomes aware of his existence. Middle books are usually tricky and unsatisfying but I actually found it more thought-provoking than the first volume because it gets into more of what the rights of an artificial intelligence should be as well as what is an appropriate role for a being who is nearly omnipotent within the confines of the Internet. ( )

Watch is the second book in Sawyer's WWW trilogy about an sentient entity emerging from the Web. This is an excellent idea driven SF novel exploring the realm of artificial intelligence while exploring deeper into the evolutionary consciousness as well. The second book in a trilogy is usually the bum read or mere transition fluff, but Sawyer creates a second book that is more idea engaging than the first in the series. My only critiques so far are as follows: characters are sometimes too simplistic, characters are a bit too PC, the teen philosophy conversations come across as preachy diatribes, and did I mention weak characters. The critiques are what drove it from a 4 to a 3; otherwise, the idea driven SF gets a 4. ( )

WWW: Watch is the second novel in Robert J. Sawyers WWW trilogy (Wake, Watch and Wonder). The second book focuses on the continued emergence of Webmind and his utilization of the infrastructure of the WWW as its consciousness. However, a branch of the NSA known as WATCH is on to the emergent AI and has begun making plans to eradicate this potential intelligence threat. Webmind must figure out a way to survive in a world where his very existence is considered a risk to national security.

Rarely is the second book in a series better than its predecessor, but in the case of Watch this is definitely the case. The characters become more believable and the author presents some very viable arguments and considerations on the future of Artificial Intelligence. Another unique perspective that I enjoyed is that Sawyer presents an AI that does not mean to harm the human race, but rather wants to help and save as many as he can. One element of this book I could have done without, is the teen angst that comes with a 16 year old protagonist. Caitlin is a great character... until she goes on and on and on about boys. If I could strike these sections this book has 4-5 star potential. If you are interested in reading accessible science fiction I would recommend the WWW series (or at least the first two books). ( )

Spannend vervolg op Wake. Een echte page-turner. Jammer van het laatste hoofdstuk waarin Canadezen net zo moralistisch blijken als Amerikanen.
Nodigt zeker uit tot het lezen van het derde deel. ( )