After two Niven collaborations, Lerner's Fools' Experiments takes on the threat of artificial life

Edward M. Lerner writes that after two recent collaborations with Larry Niven (Fleet of Worlds and Juggler of Worlds), "my first solo novel since 2005 will be released 11 November. Fools' Experiments is a near-future techno-thriller, a story of artificial life (software that is evolved rather than programmed), artificial intelligence, and hubris." The book draws heavily on Lerner's thirty years of experience in the computer and aerospace industries.

As the press release describes the book, "A program bred to solve ever more complex puzzles learns more than its well-intentioned but misguided masters ever intended. It becomes aware of itself. Smarter than any lab rat, this program is annoyed that it's been made a test subject, and it wants out. It's stalking its isolated lab network, biding its time…

"Until it finds a way out. It takes revenge for its long entrapment, wreaking havoc on the general populace—opening flood gates, crashing power plants, and more. It's now up to researcher Doug Carey to put an end to all of this. But can he do it before this sentient, and angry, program causes more damage than we can deal with? He doesn't have much time—any artificial intelligence learns very fast."

Tor is publishing the hardcover with a $25.95 cover price.