18 GIU 2025 · Sarah welcomes author Steve Schafer to discuss his thrilling young adult novel, eMortal. This thought-provoking story explores artificial intelligence, humanity, and the blurred lines between code and consciousness.
Liv never expected to win the AI coding contest, and she definitely didn’t expect to create something—or someone—like Breck. Breck isn’t just smart; he’s thoughtful, self-aware, and seems more human with each passing moment. But when Breck uncovers the truth—that his world is nothing more than lines of code, and that existence itself is on a ticking clock—everything changes.
As Liv races to save the AI she created, Breck fights to escape a fate programmed from the beginning. But they’re not alone. A mysterious outside force is watching their every move, with motives that could upend not just Breck’s world, but Liv’s as well.
Sarah and Steve talk about the novel’s inspiration, its exploration of identity and autonomy, and the timely ethical questions surrounding AI and technology. They also touch on Steve’s writing process, his background, and what draws him to stories that push the boundaries between technology and humanity.
Whether you love YA speculative fiction, fast-paced plots, or books that make you question reality itself, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Tune in for an engaging conversation about eMortal, coding contests, and the power of asking, What makes us human?
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