What a cliffhanger.

Also, can we talk about the AI in this installment? It’s unlike any AI I’ve encountered in fiction before. It feels so alive, and in many ways, it’s surprisingly similar to Carl. Their motivations may differ—Carl wants to save people, while the AI wants to destroy—but they share the same underlying goal: vengeance against a universe that has caused them immense suffering.

That common purpose makes them strange, uneasy allies, and I’m fascinated to see where their relationship goes from here.

I’m also hoping Matt doesn’t kill off any more characters I love, although he’s already proven far too willing to do exactly that.

And finally, Jeff Hays needs to sing more. He absolutely crushed the karaoke scene. It was hilarious, memorable, and an absolute joy to listen to.