Artificial Intelligence (AI) has slowly but surely taken a significant role in our daily lives, from simple chores to complex industrial setups. Its sweeping influence cannot be ignored, especially as it continues to permeate various sectors, including literature. In recent years, novels featuring AI have gained considerable traction. Such books brilliantly bridge the gap between technology and literature, reflecting the intricate dynamics between humans and machine intelligence. In this blog post, we shall delve into the top five AI books published in 2021 and how they have used AI not just as a plot device, but also as a conduit to explore philosophical and societal issues.

1. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

The latest masterpiece from the Nobel laureate, 'Klara and the Sun' paints a poignant picture of an AI 'Artificial Friend' who strives to understand human emotions. Ishiguro's subtle storytelling wrapped in layers of empathy and melancholy begs deeper questions of what makes us human.

2. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Weir, renowned for 'The Martian', returns with a riveting space adventure in 'Project Hail Mary'. The story unfolds around a solitary man struggling to save the earth, assisted by an unforeseen AI companion. The narrative insightfully exposes the potential and unpredictability of AI interspecies communication.

3. Rule of Three by Lawrence M. Schoen

'Rule of Three' offers a fascinating take on AI with its exploration of alien intelligence. Schoen's adept story construction juxtaposes earthly AI with extraterrestrial intelligence, providing a refreshing study into the dialogues between different forms of sentient beings.

4. No Gods, No Monsters by Cadwell Turnbull

This fantasy novel breaks binaries and borrows heavily from AI and technology to construct its world. 'No Gods, No Monsters' skillfully uses AI to blur lines between myth and reality, challenging perceptions of objective truth.

5. The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson

While not strictly a 2021 publication, it has gained increased significance this year, with its exploration of AI's role in tackling climate change, a pertinent issue across global platforms. Robinson explores how AI can be mobilized in extensive projects, underscoring the expansive potential of machine intelligence.

To conclude, AI's permeation into literature provides not only thrilling plotlines but also a conduit to provoke thoughtful conversations on the future of humanity vis-à-vis artificial intelligence. As we anticipate more books in this genre for the coming year, it's clear that the confluence of technology and literature will only deepen, maturing our understanding of AI's place in society.