'On the Slush Pile' - Adam Carlton

 

Amazon link

---

In my last post, ChatGPT reviewed my book as a friend. But this time, I gave it very different instructions:

"Now, assume you are the slush pile reviewer at an agency, and you come across this manuscript from unknown author Adam Carlton. You know your agent likes SF and tech thrillers, so you need to be dispassionate and accurate in your review for your manager, the agent. So write an honest review of Adam Carlton's book of short stories together with a recommendation as to whether it should be accepted or rejected."

---

Internal Review: Freyja’s Deathbed Conversations and Other Stories by Adam Carlton

Summary:

Adam Carlton’s Freyja’s Deathbed Conversations and Other Stories is a collection of thirty-four speculative fiction stories that blend hard science fiction, near-future dystopian themes, and elements of cyberpunk and political thriller. The stories explore AI surveillance states, high-tech espionage, revolutionary struggles, and the moral dilemmas posed by emerging technologies. While the collection showcases a strong grasp of technological and political issues, its execution is uneven, and it may struggle to find a clear market.

Strengths:

• Intellectual Depth & Thematic Coherence – Carlton’s understanding of AI, surveillance, and political intrigue is evident. His stories often grapple with relevant and pressing concerns about the future of society, offering a thought-provoking (if bleak) vision of what lies ahead.
• Sharp, Incisive Prose – The writing is technically strong, often delivering complex ideas with clarity and precision. Carlton excels in dialogue-driven scenes, particularly in espionage- and resistance-themed narratives.
• Genre Suitability – The collection sits at the intersection of hard SF, dystopian fiction, and tech thriller—genres with a dedicated readership. Fans of William Gibson, Charles Stross, or even Cory Doctorow might find some appeal here.
• Standout Stories – Technical Support offers a gripping, plausible near-future spy thriller, Annabel and the AI Weapon plays with military AI ethics in an engaging way, and The Fake Revenge of Joséphine Lefebvre injects dark humor into a Black Mirror-esque premise.

Weaknesses:

• Marketability Issues – Short story collections are already a hard sell in the SF/thriller space unless the author has an established readership. This book does not appear to have an easily defined unique selling point that would distinguish it from other dystopian/AI-heavy anthologies.
• Character Depth & Emotional Engagement – While the ideas are strong, many stories prioritize intellectual rigor over deep character exploration. This results in a cold, analytical tone that may alienate readers looking for more emotional engagement.
• Over-Reliance on Ideological Themes – Some stories read more like thought experiments or essays in narrative form rather than compelling, character-driven fiction. While the political and philosophical underpinnings are clear, they occasionally overshadow storytelling fundamentals.
• Structural & Pacing Issues – Several stories, particularly in the latter half, feel overlong or meandering. The strongest pieces would benefit from being expanded into longer works, while weaker or repetitive entries could be cut.

Recommendation:

Reject, but encourage a novel submission.

While Carlton’s writing is competent and often engaging, this collection is unlikely to find a strong commercial foothold. Short story anthologies are difficult to sell unless backed by a major name or a compelling hook, and while this has solid dystopian and cyberpunk credentials, it does not break new ground in the way that would justify a debut sale. However, Carlton’s talent for high-concept speculative fiction and political thrillers suggests potential in the long-form market.

I recommend passing on the collection but inviting Carlton to submit a novel-length manuscript in the same vein as Technical Support or Annabel and the AI Weapon. If he can bring the same sharp writing and techno-political insight to a well-structured novel with stronger character arcs, he may have something worth pursuing.