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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
ARC provided by publisher and Face in a Book in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be found on my blog!
Okay, so when I first read the synopsis for this I got really excited because 1. SPACE BOOKS and 2. ROBOTS! I love learning about AI and wondering what will happen with it in the future, so it was super cool to see that come to life in this book. I also love exploring the controversy of what makes humans "human" and having souls and stuff. SO COOL. And this book did a pretty awesome job of taking that idea and turning it into a kickass story with amazing characters and world-building!
So our two MCs are Noemi and Abel. Noemi is from the planet Genesis, which is a colony of Earth. There are three other planets that have been colonized as well, called Stronghold, Kismet, and Cray. So what's the problem? Well, Earth is sort of dying. Humans trashed their own planet, so they're looking to others for salvation. But while Kismet, Stronghold, and Cray are able to take some of the people, there is not enough room for everyone. Enter, problem. Earth wants in on Genesis and their resources, but Genesis is like, "Gurl, no, this is our planet now," and they secede from Earth. Yeah, Earth doesn't like that. So now there is a war between Genesis and Earth, and Noemi is a soldier fighting for Genesis. Except they're not fighting against other humans from Earth, oh no. Earth fights dirty. Earth is sending these robots that they've designed to fight for them. They also have robots, that cook, clean, entertain, and do pretty much everything else for them.
Abel is from Earth, and yes, you've guessed it (actually it says it in the synopsis): he's one of these robots. Except he's special. Unlike every other robot, or mech, on Earth, he has been designed to be exceptionally intelligent. So much so that he surpasses AI and moves on to something completely different...
Noemi and Abel are thrust together to complete a mission that might be able to save Genesis, and Abel must help her because of his programming. But sooner or later he starts to become more than just his programming...and that's when things get interesting.
I loved all of the characters in this book, especially Noemi and Abel. Noemi is strong and so fiercely loyal, it almost makes your heart hurt because of how good she is. It took me a while to warm up to Abel, because..well..he's a robot. But having a POV by him was such a good idea, because even though it doesn't seem like it from the outside, you can tell that he has his own thoughts and ideas and personality. It was so cool to see him evolve as a character, because you can literally see him become human. Pretty damn awesome if you ask me. Besides our MCs, there's also some kickass side-characters as well, which only added to this story.
Overall, this is a solid 5 stars from me. This is pretty much everything I ever wanted from a book, and I don't know how I'm going to survive waiting for a sequel! If you like space books and AI and just sci-fi in general, definitely check out this book!
This review can also be found on my blog!
Okay, so when I first read the synopsis for this I got really excited because 1. SPACE BOOKS and 2. ROBOTS! I love learning about AI and wondering what will happen with it in the future, so it was super cool to see that come to life in this book. I also love exploring the controversy of what makes humans "human" and having souls and stuff. SO COOL. And this book did a pretty awesome job of taking that idea and turning it into a kickass story with amazing characters and world-building!
So our two MCs are Noemi and Abel. Noemi is from the planet Genesis, which is a colony of Earth. There are three other planets that have been colonized as well, called Stronghold, Kismet, and Cray. So what's the problem? Well, Earth is sort of dying. Humans trashed their own planet, so they're looking to others for salvation. But while Kismet, Stronghold, and Cray are able to take some of the people, there is not enough room for everyone. Enter, problem. Earth wants in on Genesis and their resources, but Genesis is like, "Gurl, no, this is our planet now," and they secede from Earth. Yeah, Earth doesn't like that. So now there is a war between Genesis and Earth, and Noemi is a soldier fighting for Genesis. Except they're not fighting against other humans from Earth, oh no. Earth fights dirty. Earth is sending these robots that they've designed to fight for them. They also have robots, that cook, clean, entertain, and do pretty much everything else for them.
Abel is from Earth, and yes, you've guessed it (actually it says it in the synopsis): he's one of these robots. Except he's special. Unlike every other robot, or mech, on Earth, he has been designed to be exceptionally intelligent. So much so that he surpasses AI and moves on to something completely different...
Noemi and Abel are thrust together to complete a mission that might be able to save Genesis, and Abel must help her because of his programming. But sooner or later he starts to become more than just his programming...and that's when things get interesting.
I loved all of the characters in this book, especially Noemi and Abel. Noemi is strong and so fiercely loyal, it almost makes your heart hurt because of how good she is. It took me a while to warm up to Abel, because..well..he's a robot. But having a POV by him was such a good idea, because even though it doesn't seem like it from the outside, you can tell that he has his own thoughts and ideas and personality. It was so cool to see him evolve as a character, because you can literally see him become human. Pretty damn awesome if you ask me. Besides our MCs, there's also some kickass side-characters as well, which only added to this story.
Overall, this is a solid 5 stars from me. This is pretty much everything I ever wanted from a book, and I don't know how I'm going to survive waiting for a sequel! If you like space books and AI and just sci-fi in general, definitely check out this book!
Overall this book was both good, and not so good. I found the plot pretty well written. The characters never spent much time in a false sense of security. Also, the plot seemed to be logical, and therefore it flowed well.
On the other hand, I think the characters were much weaker than the plot. Noemi seemed okay, but I found Abel's thought process and dialogue to be too robotic. Sure, he technically is just a robot, but he has a soul too. And if I met someone who talked as robotic as him I'd think I'd be able to tell the unidentifiable mech is indeed a mech.
As for the romance? It was just alright. Yeah, I shipped it but the moments that were supposed to make you think "oh yes! I ship it!" didn't really have much of an impact in my opinion and weren't we identifiable as you'd expect for a super slow burn. And the moments that were identifiable just weren't that great. (Especially the angst. I am a huge fan of angst but I found their arguments sorta lack-luster.)
Overall, for a sci-fi book I also found the time spent focused on religion a bit ill-fitting. I don't have anything against reading about religious characters, but it's the first time I've seen it in a YA book like this. (Normally I'd expect it in more of a coming of age story).
One last thing, I also found all the random mentions of things sex-related unncessesary. But each to their own I guess.
To conclude: Do I regret reading it? Nope, and I'll probably read the next book too. But would I recommend it? Only if you can't find something better. Or if you're not as picky as me, haha.
Upon reading further reviews: I still think that at it's surface the plot flowed. HOWEVER--there were tons of holes such as the true reasonings behind the war, etc.
On the other hand, I think the characters were much weaker than the plot. Noemi seemed okay, but I found Abel's thought process and dialogue to be too robotic. Sure, he technically is just a robot, but he has a soul too. And if I met someone who talked as robotic as him I'd think I'd be able to tell the unidentifiable mech is indeed a mech.
As for the romance? It was just alright. Yeah, I shipped it but the moments that were supposed to make you think "oh yes! I ship it!" didn't really have much of an impact in my opinion and weren't we identifiable as you'd expect for a super slow burn. And the moments that were identifiable just weren't that great. (Especially the angst. I am a huge fan of angst but I found their arguments sorta lack-luster.)
Overall, for a sci-fi book I also found the time spent focused on religion a bit ill-fitting. I don't have anything against reading about religious characters, but it's the first time I've seen it in a YA book like this. (Normally I'd expect it in more of a coming of age story).
One last thing, I also found all the random mentions of things sex-related unncessesary. But each to their own I guess.
To conclude: Do I regret reading it? Nope, and I'll probably read the next book too. But would I recommend it? Only if you can't find something better. Or if you're not as picky as me, haha.
Upon reading further reviews: I still think that at it's surface the plot flowed. HOWEVER--there were tons of holes such as the true reasonings behind the war, etc.
Major reading slump and couldn't get past the middle as much as I tried. Really liked the plot so might pick it back up.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
a bit heavy-handed with the religious aspects.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death
Forgot to mark this as "read." Either 4 or 4.5/5. Review Coming Soon!
I absolutely loved this book. It’s a YA science fiction. I loved the main characters and the expansive world building. Highly recommend!
This is what I've been looking for, a love story between and AI and humanity. I see plots like that on screen, but I haven't come across it in books. This takes place in the future where most people live in space, because Earth has fallen apart. Noemi Vidal is a soldier from the planet Genesis and she is on a mission to save her planet from ending up like Earth. Abel is a very advanced AI created by a famous British Cybergenetists Scientist, Burton Mansfield. During a practice mission Noemi's best friend is killed while investigating a suspicious ship, the Daedalus, where Abel is in cryogenic sleep. Abel and Noemi cross paths and she is all set to kill, but decides against. She decides Abel might be able to help her on her mission, but soon she begins to see signs may be more human than she wants.
This is a sweet love story and very fun. With Abel being an AI he is awkward and has a logical minded brain, so the changes are subtle in him. There is a lot of him citing numbers and data, which can be boring and tedious. His infamous knowledge can make him seem arrogant, but at times it is endearing. It is a long book, but fast paced as these characters have a time limit. Side characters like Virginia of the Razors are fun entertaining characters. We have a villain who doesn't seem to be a villain at first and has emotional ties to one of our main characters adding a layer to the story. Abel's developing bond with Noemi and growing human traits creates a beautiful story that examines what makes us human. This is a first book in a trilogy and I look forward to reading the other two books.
This is a sweet love story and very fun. With Abel being an AI he is awkward and has a logical minded brain, so the changes are subtle in him. There is a lot of him citing numbers and data, which can be boring and tedious. His infamous knowledge can make him seem arrogant, but at times it is endearing. It is a long book, but fast paced as these characters have a time limit. Side characters like Virginia of the Razors are fun entertaining characters. We have a villain who doesn't seem to be a villain at first and has emotional ties to one of our main characters adding a layer to the story. Abel's developing bond with Noemi and growing human traits creates a beautiful story that examines what makes us human. This is a first book in a trilogy and I look forward to reading the other two books.
This wasn't a bad 3 stars. It is just a "this could have been a lot better" 3 stars.
The world(s) are relatively well thought out but Naomi and Abel are just boring characters and the story isn't compelling. It has some good kernels, but anyone could spot the ending a 100 miles away. I guessed it within the first few pages of Abel's story.
Anywho, just mehh and I don't recommend it.
The world(s) are relatively well thought out but Naomi and Abel are just boring characters and the story isn't compelling. It has some good kernels, but anyone could spot the ending a 100 miles away. I guessed it within the first few pages of Abel's story.
Anywho, just mehh and I don't recommend it.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, War
Minor: Sexual content
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes