In Rise of I-Adam by Mahmoud Aghiorly, humanity faces a crisis that prompts leaders to entrust the future of civilization to artificial intelligence. The book paints a stark contrast between a dystopian “outer world,” full of conflict and environmental ruin, and the AI-controlled “Safe Cities,” which promise order and stability. The story, centered on Adam and Nadine—two lovers caught between contrasting worlds—explores themes of freedom, control, and identity. The Safe Cities provide protection but sacrifice individual choice, while the outer world maintains freedom amidst chaos. As the story unfolds between 2040 and 2060, we witness how AI governance shapes human destiny, eroding traditional values and replacing them with a regulated society that challenges relationships, culture, and personal ambition. The story invites readers to reflect on what it means to be human in a future where technology, rather than people, decides what’s best for society.

I found Rise of I-Adam both thought-provoking and unsettling, especially in how it imagines a world where AI’s promise of “peace” demands the ultimate sacrifice: human autonomy. The plot is deeply layered, with characters like Lucas, a leader cloaked in democracy yet driven by power, adding complexity to the ethical dilemmas. The pacing is deliberate, allowing each theme to resonate without overwhelming the reader. Adam’s and Nadine’s struggles between love and loyalty versus safety and freedom feel real and relatable, pulling readers into a tense exploration of choices and consequences. Mahmoud Aghiorly’s use of characters to symbolize different aspects of human nature—such as Ingrid’s skepticism of blind acceptance—enriches the narrative, prompting us to question if AI governance could truly evolve humanity or merely enslave it under a new kind of dictatorship. Though dense at times, the writing is effective in weaving themes of cultural intolerance, ideological conflict, and personal sacrifice. Rise of I-Adam is a chilling reminder of the possible consequences when power falls into the hands of those who prioritize control over compassion.

Following unprecedented heat waves worldwide in 2035, world governments entered an agreement that split the world into two societies: the fortified cities, called Safe Cities, governed by a powerful AI, and the chaotic, wild lands outside the cities. Known for their comfort and stability, people kept streaming into the Safe Cities. However, some chose to stay in the bleak outside world. Nadine and her boyfriend, Adam, are among the many caught up in the split. After failing to convince Adam to tag along, Nadine moves to the Safe Cities alone. As she settles in, the lifestyle and rules of the fortified haven leave her with one big question: was the pre-split world better than the current AI-controlled one? And how will Adam embrace the outside world? Or is he too about to succumb to the allure of the Safe Cities? Find out in Mahmoud Aghiorly’s Rise of I-Adam.

Lovers of slow-burn science fiction novels with a dystopian touch will find Rise of I-Adam an enthralling read. Mahmoud Aghiorly forges an engaging plot teasing the idea of a post-boiling point age where artificial intelligence takes over the world. Switching between the designated characters’ perspectives, Aghiorly brings the scenes to life with vivid depictions. I was hurled into the cast’s contrasting worlds and entangled in adventure, drama, technology, loyalty, love, emotional turmoil, and so much more. The sentimental depth of the storyline allowed me to connect with the cast and appreciate their conflicts. Artificial intelligence may be the future of the world. But then, perhaps the human race may not be ready for the predictability and life-like imitation it offers. From Nadine’s predicament in the Safe Cities, it is clear that life’s uncertainty and nature’s raw beauty, often taken for granted, are something we can’t afford to live without.