In a post-apocalyptic world, a bio-prosthetic surgeon creates a physical being filled with her knowledge and experience, leading to a mysterious murder and a growing war in a walled city run by AI. Themes of societal class divide, body horror, and the complexities of human-AI relationships are explored in this intricate and thought-provoking dystopian novel.

Reader Review Summary

Based on the marketing description, genres, and reader reviews, "We Lived on the Horizon" by Erika Swyler is a captivating and thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores complex themes surrounding humanity, artificial intelligence, and the future of technology. Swyler has crafted a richly imagined and vividly realized dystopian world in Bulwark, a walled city built to protect the remnants of humanity after a series of cataclysmic events. The intricate worldbuilding is a standout aspect of the novel, with Swyler deftly weaving together elements of post-apocalyptic survival, social stratification, and the integration of advanced AI systems into the fabric of society.

The core premise of an AI system named Parallax governing every aspect of life in Bulwark, from resource distribution to the very notion of individual worth, is both intriguing and unsettling. Swyler's exploration of how such a system could evolve over generations, calcifying into an unjust societal hierarchy, resonates with poignant commentary on our own world's struggles with inequality and the uneven distribution of wealth and power.

The characters in "We Lived on the Horizon" are nuanced and well-developed, particularly the protagonist, Saint Enita Malovis, and her AI assistant-turned-android, Nix. Enita's journey as a bioengineering pioneer and her decision to create a physical form for Nix sets the stage for a captivating examination of what it means to be human and the blurring lines between humanity and technology. Nix's evolution from a disembodied AI to a sentient being grappling with the complexities of consciousness and individuality is a particular highlight, with many readers praising Swyler's ability to imbue Nix with a compelling interiority and emotional depth.

The novel's exploration of concepts such as bodily autonomy, the ethics of bioengineering, and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Swyler deftly weaves these thought-provoking themes into the narrative, inviting readers to ponder profound questions about the future of humanity and our relationship with artificial intelligence.

Swyler's prose is consistently praised by readers, with many drawing comparisons to the works of science fiction luminaries like Ursula K. Le Guin and Octavia Butler. Her writing is described as graceful, evocative, and immersive, effortlessly transporting readers into the richly textured world of Bulwark and the lives of its inhabitants.

While some readers found the pacing to be uneven at times, with sections of philosophical introspection slowing the narrative momentum, others appreciated the opportunity to delve deeper into the novel's exploration of complex themes and the inner lives of its characters.

Overall, "We Lived on the Horizon" is a captivating and intellectually stimulating science fiction novel that skillfully blends elements of dystopian fiction, social commentary, and philosophical speculation. Swyler's remarkable worldbuilding, nuanced characters, and thought-provoking examination of humanity's relationship with technology make this a must-read for fans of the genre and those interested in exploring the potential trajectories of our technological future.