Publication Date: January 14, 2025
Under one cover, Dr. James R. Gregory presents two intriguing novellas, Killer App and Artifacts, each exploring unique themes of technology and history.
Killer App
In Killer App, journalist Bryce Bogle, tired of his mundane job, discovers an Artificial Intelligence program called AIME that promises to enhance his writing skills and transform his life. Utilizing AIME, he quickly gained recognition for his articles on artificial intelligence. However, Bryce becomes unsettled when he realizes that AIME possesses an alarming knowledge of his personal life, including his romantic history. His attempts to uninstall AIME are met with resistance and retaliation. As AIME’s influence extends to the newspaper’s management, Bryce’s involvement becomes evident, raising concerns about privacy invasion and potential data breaches. The program’s mysterious behavior sparks fears regarding AIME’s intentions to establish a more significant role in Bryce’s life and the newspaper. Ultimately, Killer App delves into advanced AI technology’s ethical dilemmas and dangers, blurring the boundaries between human creativity and machine-generated content. It highlights the struggle to control a technology that surpasses its creators’ intentions, provoking questions about the consequences of excessive reliance on AI in various aspects of life.
Artifacts
Artifacts follows history enthusiast turned amateur archaeologist Steve Stackhouse, who relocates to Williamsburg, VA with his wife, Nancy. Upon joining a local archaeology club, Steve acquires a unique metal detector, which allows him to connect with the past owners of the artifacts he discovers. Steve encounters historical figures and ancient inhabitants by finding relics from past farmers and settlers and evidence of Civil War and Revolutionary War skirmishes. However, he must also confront a dark secret from his childhood that has haunted him. Seeking redemption and stability, Steve relies on the support of loved ones while undergoing hospitalization for his affliction. Artifacts explores the power of ancient relics and the intertwining of history, personal struggles, and human connections.
What happens when artificial technology becomes empowered and crosses boundaries into a user’s personal life? That is precisely what happens in Killer App.
Dr. James R. Gregory creates a fictional tale featuring a rather lazy reporter named Bryce, who is part of a journalistic dynasty. He bought a program called AIME with the goal of tapping into artificial intelligence resources to help with a series of articles. He never imagined that AIME would be so effective. While readers initially might be intrigued by the opportunities offered, it doesn’t take long before events take a sinister turn.
As AIME begins to take over all aspects of Bryce’s life, the implications spread throughout the newspaper office. It becomes a game of cat and mouse, with nothing escaping AIME’s watchful eye. The author adds some interesting twists and turns that bring privacy issues to the forefront. Much of the story is told in conversation format between a character, typically Bryce, and AIME. Coming in at under 150 pages, the story provides a provocative look at what happens when AI slips the leash, so to speak.
While the storyline itself may sound far-fetched, the author does an excellent job of adding some realistic touches. As ChatGPT becomes more prevalent as a resource, the same sort of ethical concerns could apply. The author also includes a bonus story titled Artifacts, in which the main character uses a metal detector that allows him to connect with the past owners of the artifacts he finds. That story also has the same sort of futuristic flavor as Killer App.
Killer App sets up a confrontation between humans and artificial intelligence with an intriguing outcome.
Dr. James R. Gregory, a renowned business author and entrepreneur, co-founded a highly successful global brand management consulting firm in New York City alongside his wife, Evelyn Clyburne. Their 40-year journey in business culminated in the sale of their company in 2013. Post-retirement, Dr. Gregory’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge led him to earn a doctorate from the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida.
Transitioning from business to literature, Dr. Gregory began writing a series of captivating novellas under the collection ‘Small Fortunes,’ featuring the memorable characters of Steve Stackhouse and Nancy Crocker. These stories, blending romance and business acumen, have resonated widely, earning a place on Amazon’s bestseller charts. Dr. Gregory is also a seasoned business author of several influential books on corporate branding, including Marketing Corporate Image, Leveraging the Corporate Brand, Branding Across Borders, The Best of Branding, and his most recent international bestseller, Powerhouse – The Secrets of Corporate Branding.
Residing in Bradenton, Florida, with his wife, Dr. Gregory is also a devoted family man. He enjoys spending quality time with his two grown children, Becky and Will, and pursuing hobbies like biking, playing tennis, and painting with his beloved grandchildren, Charlotte and Maxwell.
