Summer Frost by Blake Crouch

A Novella

In a gripping exploration of artificial intelligence and human consciousness, the narrative follows Riley, a game developer, who becomes obsessed with an NPC (non-player character) that begins to exhibit signs of self-awareness. As Riley delves deeper into understanding this anomaly, she is drawn into a complex web of ethical dilemmas and existential questions, blurring the lines between creator and creation. The story unfolds with a thrilling pace, challenging the boundaries of technology and the essence of what it means to be alive, ultimately leading to a profound and unexpected revelation.