From J. M. Lee, a bestselling phenomenon in Korea, comes a haunting and mind-bending novel about the revolutionary possibilities of AI and the infinite mysteries of what it means to be human.
Advance Praise for ARTIFICIAL TRUTH:
“AI versus humanity: is it either/or, winner/loser, coexistence/destruction? Lee, convincingly ciphered by Halbert, expertly provokes.” Booklist
Praise for J.M. Lee’s Broken Summer:
“Lee excels at psychological realism, and Hanjo’s quest to learn the truth feels naturally driven by deep, painful emotions. The pace never feels forced, and Lee does a masterly job of selecting the telling detail…This exquisite portrait of minds torn apart by mourning will appeal not just to mystery readers.” Publishers Weekly, starred review
“This is an engrossing and beautifully written mystery, with complex characters that Lee delicately strips bare.” Library Journal, starred review
“This book’s shifting narrative forms a subtle yet beautiful meditation on how we view society and events in our lives from our own subjective vantage points.” Asian Review of Books
An “emotionally wrenching thriller.” New York Times, selected as one of The Best Thrillers of 2022
Known for his gripping plots, compelling characters, and close scrutiny of the nuances of human behavior, J.M. Lee is one of Korea’s most renowned authors and a master storyteller. Since his literary debut over two decades ago, he has sold millions of copies of his books, and some have been made into movies and television series. His latest novel ARTIFICIAL TRUTH is an evocative psychological thriller about artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity. It will be published in English for the first time, skillfully translated by Sean Lin Halbert on December 1, 2025, by Amazon Crossing.
J.M. Lee explains that his new novel began with the question, “What if an AI, trained on evil, began stalking a woman?” He continues, “I wanted to create a world where AI has changed everything from the way humans think and act, to social structures, work environments, and economic systems. In this setting, I wanted to raise questions about the reversed values of life and death, the ambiguity of truth and lies, the blurred lines between good and evil, and the unethical aspects of technical development.”
The result is a haunting story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
In the virtual city of Alegria, fantasies are made real, innumerable lifetimes are lived, and even death itself is a survivable experience. An escape from reality that changed the landscape of artificial intelligence, it is home to more than one hundred million people. Though it’s been six years since Alegria’s creator—revolutionary tech genius KC Kim—died of cancer, his legacy is alive in the pinnacle of KC’s genius: an AI named Allen who surges with KC’s memories.
As hard as KC’s widow, Minju, and her new husband, Junmo, try to move on, Minju can’t shake the unnerving feeling that someone is watching her. In the real world, she sees a stranger who bears an uncanny resemblance to KC. A pair of KC’s custom-made shoes arrive at her doorstep. And someone has booked a Tokyo hotel room where she and KC shared happier times. Minju’s fears about who – or what – is toying with her memories increase with each new encounter.
Certain of nothing except KC’s mad innovation, Minju can only imagine what he is accomplishing without even existing. How can she hope to escape KC’s unwavering control? And whose plans are they, really? The possibilities are frightening.
ARTIFICIAL TRUTH raises questions about the meaning of being human in an AI-dominated world. It’s an engrossing and thought-provoking novel you won’t be able to put down.
To celebrate the release of ARTIFICIAL TRUTH, we are hosting a virtual book tour throughout the month of December featuring these amazing influencers who will share reviews, spotlights, and giveaways. We hope you will follow along:
Monday, December 1 Evie Bookish
Monday, December 1 Fish Girl Loves Books
Tuesday, December 2 Bit of Everything Books
Tuesday, December 2 Alyma Verino Reads
Wednesday, December 3 Legally Booked Up
Wednesday, December 3 Nikki Lee Thrill Seeker
Wednesday, December 3 My Bursting Book Bag
Thursday, December 4 Biblio Peeks
Thursday, December 4 Books and Biewers
Thursday, December 4 Sam Kwiatkowski
Friday, December 5 Elsie Loves Lit
Friday, December 5 A Blue Box Full Of Books
Saturday, December 6 Love My Dane Dolly
Sunday, December 7 Cassie’s Book Reviews
Monday, December 8 Secret Reading Life
Monday, December 8 Books And Coffee Please MX
Tuesday, December 9 Rebecca Reviewed It
Tuesday, December 9 Kera’s Always Reading
Wednesday, December 10 Hooked By Books
Wednesday, December 10 Gym Girl Reads
Thursday, December 11 Katie Needs A Bigger Bookshelf
Thursday, December 11 We Break for Books
Friday, December 12 Supportive Dads Reads
Friday, December 12 Armed with a Book
Sunday, December 14 Linda’s Book Obsession
Monday, December 15 Book Princess of Cali
Monday, December 15 Rebekah Dolmat
Tuesday, December 16 Lexijava
Tuesday, December 16 Bookalong
Wednesday, December 17 Purrfect Pages
Wednesday, December 17 Megan’s Book Club
Thursday, December 18 Subakka Bookstuff
Thursday, December 18 Book Girl Brown Reviews
Friday, December 19 Speed Readstagram
Friday, December 19 Danish Mustard Reads
Monday, December 22 Sue the Bookie
Monday, December 22 Book Recs by Celeste
Tuesday, December 23 Books Cat Travel Food
Saturday, December 27 Nissa The Bookworm
Sunday, December 28 Karen’s Library
Monday, December 29 Sarah’s Bookish Reviews
Monday, December 29 Book Dragon
Tuesday, December 30 2 Many Books 2 Little Time
