‘History Emergent’: Exploring the Ethical Challenges of AI Through Fiction
Many writers find their stories evolving as they write, shifting direction as new ideas emerge. That’s exactly what happened with Kyle Moser. What began as a tale about society rebuilding after a disaster transformed into a nuanced exploration of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications.
Moser spent over a decade developing the world of History Emergent. Initially, he envisioned a post-catastrophe society but realized he needed to understand the role AI might play in both causing and solving crises. His focus shifted to characters who don’t simply lose to AI but engage with its complexities.
Plot and Characters Rooted in Symbolism
The story centers on Janus Nasim, a teenager raised offline in rural Texas by a conspiracy-driven grandfather. When Janus moves to Atlas City, he discovers every resident is linked to an omnipresent AI called Omni through brain-computer interfaces. Janus’s unique mind doesn’t sync with Omni, leading to unexplained glitches and memories, setting him apart.
Names in the novel carry intentional meaning. Janus, for example, refers to the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, fitting for a character navigating a new world shaped by AI. His friend Portunus shares a name with the Roman god of gates and keys, symbolizing entry points and change.
Development Over Time and Writing Process
Moser worked on prequels and sequels for ten years before condensing and organizing the novel over the last two years. The story was written out of sequence to give each part room to develop fully. This long process deepened Moser’s understanding of AI’s societal impact and informed the ethical questions woven throughout the novel.
The book started as a screenplay but evolved into a four-episode, 482-page sci-fi novel to reach a wider audience. Moser credits his high school teachers and former classmates for their influence and feedback, highlighting the role of community in creative work.
Core Themes: AI, Ethics, and History
History Emergent tackles how humanity will respond as AI increasingly solves problems—and creates new ones. The story reflects on how history follows us, from stone tablets to today's digital footprints and social media. Moser emphasizes that history is ongoing, shaped by technologies like AI that influence identity and memory.
His goal is to present AI ethically and realistically while encouraging readers to approach the technology with informed optimism rather than fear.
Where to Find History Emergent
The novel is available online through Amazon and at local bookstores such as Paper Heroes, Krew’s Books and Brews, and The Charmed Page Bookstore.
For writers interested in exploring AI ethics further or enhancing their understanding of AI’s role in society and storytelling, resources like Complete AI Training’s AI books collection offer valuable insights.
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