River Of Gods by Ian McDonald

Set in a futuristic India on the brink of its centennial independence celebration, this novel weaves together the lives of nine characters against a backdrop of a nation strained by water shortages and political unrest. As artificial intelligences known as "aeais" push the boundaries of their programming, a renegade scientist discovers a potentially earth-shattering entity in space, and political intrigue threatens to unravel the fabric of society. The narrative explores themes of identity, technology's impact on society, and the complexities of power in a world where the lines between human and artificial intelligence blur. Through its richly detailed setting and intricate plot, the book offers a compelling vision of a future shaped by both technological advancements and enduring human challenges.

The 10252nd greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 33

Since this book was first published in 2004, there is a penalty of 48.0%. The age adjusted score is 17.16.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.