I've just finished reading this book, having pulled quotes from it and posting on my facebook, thinking about it and looking for discussions about it. Especially with the advent of Chatbots and the way 'AI' has progressed I see these next word engines and wonder if that's what we are really and what is consciousness and intelligence and where the point differentiating us from non conscious beings. And the alien talking to our human crew 'intelligently' via a 'chatbot'. So close to home. So many questions. So few answers. More questions.
It all depends on what consciousness is. I think that there are two levels of consciousness. Having a sense of self is the first, being able to recognize yourself is the second. I also think that both are closely linked with intelligence. So to me having a creature that is intelligent but have no consciousness is a fascinating concept.
@@MadFabe Also, thanks for the video explaining the story. It was actually a little difficult for me to understand the story when I read it. You could say I was kind of stumped, but in a good way.
He did not rule out writing a third book. He said that if he does write a third novel in the series, it will take place on Earth. From what I have read he may be having a bit of trouble with TOR books, so it may be a while before we see a third book.
@@MadFabe It's already been a while and TOR Books is a joke in itself. I know of his personal and legal problems. I was hoping he'd overcome them when I wasn't paying attention. Some people write for fun and not just to pay the rent. Oh well the first two books are worth a reread.
Maybe they did! The novel doesn't actually give us any details about how vampires live in human society. Since they are made by companies, I assumed they were fed by synthesised protein, or meat harvested from dead humans, whatever works really. Or companies fed them live humans, who knows loll. Of course by the end of the book we learn vampires are taking over, so by that point they probably hunted or bred humans for meat.
@@askani21 After reading Echopraxia I come to the conclusion that in that universe consciousness and a sense of self is a disease and the aliens using Portia are going to cure the human species.
Their sociopathic nature is so strong that they have no concept of regret or sympathy. Why would they formulate this protein when it can be easily harvested from humans with whom they have no connection or empathy?
@@MadFabe I just finished Echopraxia after the comment! The way I understand the story, consciousness is more akin to a side effect of the first steps in the evolution of intelligence. It naturally tends to occurs when intelligence emerges in a species, but it quickly becomes a hindrance. Consciousness is a bug, not a feature! But for a super-intelligence, consciousness is a HUGE computational sink and energy waste. So to reach a higher intelligence, a species must rid itself of any residual traces of consciousness left from its early evolution.
Neil Blomkamp mentioned the vampires in the Peter Watts series (blindsight) Neil is a science fiction director, writer who wants to take the vampire character from Peter Watts books (together they are working on this project) and make a movie - check out the podcast where he’s a guest on the Joe Rogan podcast
I finished this novel a few days ago. It now ranks in my top 20 of all time. I will be re-reading it every couple years. A masterpiece.
Thank you! This is the best summary out there. This book was terrific but there were a lot of parts that were beyond my comprehension.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great summary. I just finished this book yesterday and this helped me understand some parts I found a bit confusing. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I've just finished reading this book, having pulled quotes from it and posting on my facebook, thinking about it and looking for discussions about it. Especially with the advent of Chatbots and the way 'AI' has progressed I see these next word engines and wonder if that's what we are really and what is consciousness and intelligence and where the point differentiating us from non conscious beings. And the alien talking to our human crew 'intelligently' via a 'chatbot'. So close to home. So many questions. So few answers. More questions.
It all depends on what consciousness is. I think that there are two levels of consciousness. Having a sense of self is the first, being able to recognize yourself is the second. I also think that both are closely linked with intelligence. So to me having a creature that is intelligent but have no consciousness is a fascinating concept.
I enjoy brainy science fiction as well as cosmic horror, and this novel felt like a nice combination of both when I read it.
Yep. I liked the original look of the aliens and these vampires were unique as far as I could tell.
@@MadFabe Also, thanks for the video explaining the story. It was actually a little difficult for me to understand the story when I read it. You could say I was kind of stumped, but in a good way.
@@redmohawkguy1 Your welcome. I am glad you liked the vid.
Type Joe Rogan Neil Blomkamp Vampire - it’s the first video
I got kinda lost near the end of the book. Thanks for explaining the book so well ❗️
Great synopsis!! I read and understood most of it but this helped clarify a few points
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the summary. !!! Great job
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!
When will he publish Book #3?
He did not rule out writing a third book. He said that if he does write a third novel in the series, it will take place on Earth. From what I have read he may be having a bit of trouble with TOR books, so it may be a while before we see a third book.
@@MadFabe It's already been a while and TOR Books is a joke in itself. I know of his personal and legal problems. I was hoping he'd overcome them when I wasn't paying attention. Some people write for fun and not just to pay the rent. Oh well the first two books are worth a reread.
Why didn't the resurrected vampires just synthesize the missing protein and take it like a vitamin?
Good question. I think it has something to do with the fact that they can't work close together and research like that needs close collaboration.
Maybe they did!
The novel doesn't actually give us any details about how vampires live in human society. Since they are made by companies, I assumed they were fed by synthesised protein, or meat harvested from dead humans, whatever works really. Or companies fed them live humans, who knows loll.
Of course by the end of the book we learn vampires are taking over, so by that point they probably hunted or bred humans for meat.
@@askani21 After reading Echopraxia I come to the conclusion that in that universe consciousness and a sense of self is a disease and the aliens using Portia are going to cure the human species.
Their sociopathic nature is so strong that they have no concept of regret or sympathy. Why would they formulate this protein when it can be easily harvested from humans with whom they have no connection or empathy?
@@MadFabe I just finished Echopraxia after the comment!
The way I understand the story, consciousness is more akin to a side effect of the first steps in the evolution of intelligence. It naturally tends to occurs when intelligence emerges in a species, but it quickly becomes a hindrance. Consciousness is a bug, not a feature!
But for a super-intelligence, consciousness is a HUGE computational sink and energy waste. So to reach a higher intelligence, a species must rid itself of any residual traces of consciousness left from its early evolution.
Thank you for the summary! Very detailed 👍
Thank you.
Thank you, I liked this.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you, it was great!
Glad you enjoyed it!
awesome summary my man, appreciate it
Thank you.
Awesome scifi!
Dang this book sounds intense. Great review
Thanks it is a very good book.
I’m am here because of Joe Rogan. I’m not disappointed.
Really! You were watching Joe Rogan and this was recommended?
@@MadFabe yup yup
Neil Blomkamp mentioned the vampires in the Peter Watts series (blindsight)
Neil is a science fiction director, writer who wants to take the vampire character from Peter Watts books (together they are working on this project) and make a movie - check out the podcast where he’s a guest on the Joe Rogan podcast
@@Neill1986 Thanks for the info. I will check it out.
@@MadFabe I know right? I had exactly the same reaction.
I will be celebrating with some whisky anteniversary of Firefly Event in 13 February 2082 :)
Great summary man, I really enjoyed it
I appreciate it! Thank you.
Great summary!
Thank you.
Thanks for this video, I’m too dumb to understand the novel.
You're welcome.
Nice
Thanks
Please add some music.