By OpenAI. This review was generated by a large language model, which summarizes third party sources.

Published on Dec. 5, 2024.

In an era when social media algorithms manipulate elections and deepfakes erode trust in visual evidence, Bryan VanDyke’s In Our Likeness feels eerily relevant. The novel combines speculative fiction with philosophical inquiry, delivering a story that explores the boundaries of identity and truth in a world shaped by artificial intelligence.

The protagonist, Graham, is a tech worker assigned to test an algorithm designed to detect online lies. His experiments turn unsettlingly real when a minor alteration to his coworker Nessie’s social media profile results in her tattoos disappearing in real life. This chilling revelation—that the algorithm can rewrite reality—propels Graham into a moral quandary. His charismatic yet manipulative boss, Warwick, sees the discovery as a golden ticket to power, pushing Graham to exploit the technology’s potential. Meanwhile, Graham and Nessie find themselves in a spiraling narrative where even their perceptions cannot be trusted.

VanDyke’s prose captures both the suspense and the moral complexity of the story. The narrative combines the psychological depth of Inception with the dystopian intrigue of The Matrix. Critics have praised the novel’s richly developed characters, particularly Graham, whose internal conflict anchors the escalating chaos. The philosophical themes—what defines truth, and who controls it—resonate deeply in today’s digitized world​.

Some readers, however, found the ending divisive. While the conclusion’s ambiguity left certain plot threads unresolved, it also invited reflection, reinforcing the novel’s meditative tone. VanDyke’s ability to weave dense philosophical questions into a gripping thriller ensures the story lingers long after the final page.

In Our Likeness stands out as a provocative and thought-provoking exploration of technology’s unchecked power. It asks urgent questions: How easily can truth be manipulated? What happens when the digital world dictates reality? For fans of speculative fiction, this novel is not only an entertaining read but also an unsettling mirror of contemporary society.

IN OUR LIKENESS | By Bryan VanDyke | Little A | 224 pp. | $29