Expressions of Freedom
by Gareth Lewis
Anthologies & Short StoriesAdded on January 11, 2026
Description
So you're minding your own business, doing your job, making influential people uncomfortable under your journalistic gaze, and what happens? Shadowy informants tell you the democratic system is compromised, the people behind it lean on your publisher to kill the story before you've even got it, and your life could be ruined if you carry on. But at least they’re not trying to kill you. Oh, sh...
A 10,000 word science fiction novelette.
Reader Reviews
Category: Will AI take over the world?A curious journalist investigates rumours that all is not well with the foundations of democracy in a near-future world where everyone votes for everything, since it’s all technology-enabled via your personal AI.What’s good: The protagonist is quirky and likeable. The villains are villainous without being demonic. The personal AIs and new tech are woven in neatly. Smooth writing, no hiccups.What’s not good, if anything: A wee bit predictable.
Expressions of Freedom is part IT nerd-fest, part journalistic investigation and part sci-fi futuristic exploration. There's really nothing new in terms of tropes in this one, but it does blend together some fun elements of thriller, conspiracy, political sub-plots and AI which kept the pages turning. The length of this one does it a disservice, as you're unable to fully get emersed into the world that easily could come to life within these pages. Characters are hastily pulled together and barel
This book was interesting. It revived the "what if AIs gain sentience" idea, and added a new political twist of personal responsibility to a democracy. I found the 'moral' to be a bit too blatantly stated for my taste however.
