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amelianotthepilot's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book wrecked me. A combination of Wall-e and Pinocchio in a sci-fi setting.
A great improvement from his other books. It’s wild to see that he wrote something like The Lightning Struck Heart and is now all the way to this. The writing is really well done the plot is interesting the concept and world building spectacular the characters feel so real and emotional AND queer representation! The only main flaw and my major complaint is that he continues to not have a single female character. Maybe you could argue that as a man he’s just writing from what he knows and doesn’t want to overstep his bounds but at this point it’s ridiculous. Queer male relationships can exist alongside female characters. They are not exclusive. so far out of all of his books i’ve read so far he continues to have maybe one extremely minor female character in his books and all other characters are male/male coded. Even in this book, a book full of robots, only one character was female and one was nonbinary/gender fluid (it was unclear they were an omnipresent robot system).
The plot follows Gio a robot inventor man who lives in a remote forrest next to a scrapyard who is raising an orphan boy child, Victor, as his own. As he grows up Victor makes friends from scrapyard discarded robots, he collects a Nurse robot named Nurse RATCHED, and a WALL-E-esque roomba named Rambo. Then one day he finds a male android in a pile and decides to rebuild him. As stories go everything changed and went to hell and onwards goes the adventure. It was a whimsical journey full of interesting conundrums in a dystopian US that really left me introspective about relationships. Also we love some ace representation even though it came surrounded by a lack of female characters. Certainly doesn’t pass the bechdel…
A great improvement from his other books. It’s wild to see that he wrote something like The Lightning Struck Heart and is now all the way to this. The writing is really well done the plot is interesting the concept and world building spectacular the characters feel so real and emotional AND queer representation! The only main flaw and my major complaint is that he continues to not have a single female character. Maybe you could argue that as a man he’s just writing from what he knows and doesn’t want to overstep his bounds but at this point it’s ridiculous. Queer male relationships can exist alongside female characters. They are not exclusive. so far out of all of his books i’ve read so far he continues to have maybe one extremely minor female character in his books and all other characters are male/male coded. Even in this book, a book full of robots, only one character was female and one was nonbinary/gender fluid (it was unclear they were an omnipresent robot system).
The plot follows Gio a robot inventor man who lives in a remote forrest next to a scrapyard who is raising an orphan boy child, Victor, as his own. As he grows up Victor makes friends from scrapyard discarded robots, he collects a Nurse robot named Nurse RATCHED, and a WALL-E-esque roomba named Rambo. Then one day he finds a male android in a pile and decides to rebuild him. As stories go everything changed and went to hell and onwards goes the adventure. It was a whimsical journey full of interesting conundrums in a dystopian US that really left me introspective about relationships. Also we love some ace representation even though it came surrounded by a lack of female characters. Certainly doesn’t pass the bechdel…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Medical content, Death, Death of parent, Torture, Violence, Dementia, and Genocide
gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Reading vlogs:
Part 1 -
Part 2 -
Thank you to Black Crow PR and Tor for a physical early copy. All opinions remain my own.
This was a fantastic reimagining of Pinnoccio (I liked the inital turning the concept on its head that Victor was already a 'real boy', but boy, was it more than that). I think it taking the more science fiction, dystopian route enabled the story to develop into a much wider discussion of humanity, 'playing god' with AI and the very real potential for what we're so desperate to create (and surpass every other nation in the science for) usurping us and running things...better? ...Maybe. (you can talk amongst yourselves on that one.. )
The romance was very, very slow burn and I loved it. It wasn't the main thread of narration but it somehow felt integral to the plot and was meaningful and impactful too.
The family relationships were absolutely beautiful. The love that this miss-match of loveable characters had for each other was so heartfelt and powerful and I adored reading about the lengths that each and every one of them would go to, in order to keep the others safe. I couldn't help but think that this is what family should aspire to be, and I think this thought is made even more poignant when the reader takes a step back and recalls that the majority of the cast are robot's, machines and AI of some description. If they can do it so profoundly, it makes you really wonder about humanity.
There is so much I could say about all the characters but I'll just stick to Victor. Being the potentially last of his kind, he was even more of a unique individual. His devotion to his loved ones was admirable and his determination to overcome his internal battles was just as inspiring. He made for a complex, challenging and a (learning to be) emotionally aware protagonist that I loved to read about.
I'm sure I've expressed more feeling here and there within my (multitude of) reading vlog(s) already so do feel free to check those out, if you'd like. For now, I will leave this review with this: I loved this book!
Part 1 -
Part 2 -
Thank you to Black Crow PR and Tor for a physical early copy. All opinions remain my own.
This was a fantastic reimagining of Pinnoccio (I liked the inital turning the concept on its head that Victor was already a 'real boy', but boy, was it more than that). I think it taking the more science fiction, dystopian route enabled the story to develop into a much wider discussion of humanity, 'playing god' with AI and the very real potential for what we're so desperate to create (and surpass every other nation in the science for) usurping us and running things...better? ...Maybe. (you can talk amongst yourselves on that one.. )
The romance was very, very slow burn and I loved it. It wasn't the main thread of narration but it somehow felt integral to the plot and was meaningful and impactful too.
The family relationships were absolutely beautiful. The love that this miss-match of loveable characters had for each other was so heartfelt and powerful and I adored reading about the lengths that each and every one of them would go to, in order to keep the others safe. I couldn't help but think that this is what family should aspire to be, and I think this thought is made even more poignant when the reader takes a step back and recalls that the majority of the cast are robot's, machines and AI of some description. If they can do it so profoundly, it makes you really wonder about humanity.
There is so much I could say about all the characters but I'll just stick to Victor. Being the potentially last of his kind, he was even more of a unique individual. His devotion to his loved ones was admirable and his determination to overcome his internal battles was just as inspiring. He made for a complex, challenging and a (learning to be) emotionally aware protagonist that I loved to read about.
I'm sure I've expressed more feeling here and there within my (multitude of) reading vlog(s) already so do feel free to check those out, if you'd like. For now, I will leave this review with this: I loved this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Forced institutionalization, Slavery, Self harm, Outing, Violence, War, Torture, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Genocide, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Confinement, and Blood
spec_tacles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I really wanted this to be 5 stars, because the concept is chock full of things I love. Unfortunately, I think the book would have benefitted from another editorial hand. (Or perhaps less of one? Based on the acknowledgements. It’s hard to say, but I’m curious what happened there.)
My main issues were1) the development of Vic and HAP’s relationship. I personally didn’t see the build up of Vic and HAP’s feelings for each other until I felt like I should be seeing something. And that’s unusual for me. This is absolutely the kind of relationship I’m on board with, but the beats didn’t hit right.
2) the quest section. I lost interest during this part, especially by the time they reached the Blue Fairy. That figure felt like a bit of a contrived plot device to me.
3) the overall language. It reads like YA, which I wasn’t expecting, and I think it was jarring for me. Perhaps a marketing thing. This applies even to some of the humour up front, like crude jokes from Rambo. I felt they were out of place.
However, there are some killer lines in here (“full of garbage!”), great humour, and profound insight. Plus, I personally thought the ending chapter was phenomenal. Oh, and I adore Rambo and want him to be my vacuum.
My main issues were
2) the quest section. I lost interest during this part, especially by the time they reached the Blue Fairy. That figure felt like a bit of a contrived plot device to me.
3) the overall language. It reads like YA, which I wasn’t expecting, and I think it was jarring for me. Perhaps a marketing thing. This applies even to some of the humour up front, like crude jokes from Rambo. I felt they were out of place.
However, there are some killer lines in here (“full of garbage!”), great humour, and profound insight. Plus, I personally thought the ending chapter was phenomenal. Oh, and I adore Rambo and want him to be my vacuum.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death and Dementia
mad_is_rad's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
TJ Klune does it again - I couldn’t put this down! The world is like nothing I could’ve imagined, but I absolutely loved unravelling it over the course of the story. I never thought robots could be so heartwarming and so goddamn funny. The only thing I wish was that this was twice as long. Nurse Ratched gets all the sidekick points. Recommend a thousand times!!! And avoid the blurb and go in blind, if you can.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Dementia
traa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Abandonment, Fire/Fire injury, and Murder
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Violence, Dementia, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Child death, Confinement, Death, and Genocide
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Animal death, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Medical content, Drug use, and Sexual content
hayleyvharrington's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, Child death, Genocide, Animal death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, Acephobia/Arophobia, Confinement, Dementia, and Fire/Fire injury
augustar14's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
TJ Klune never disappoints. This book is no exception.
Klune does an incredible job of creating a character (or characters) that have so many unlikable qualities, but that you ultimately can't help but fall in love with. This book truly embodies the concept of loving others for who they are now, not who they used to be, and not letting one's past define them.
This quirky found family goes on an adventure to save one of their own, because when you love someone, you don't leave them behind.
Klune does an incredible job of creating a character (or characters) that have so many unlikable qualities, but that you ultimately can't help but fall in love with. This book truly embodies the concept of loving others for who they are now, not who they used to be, and not letting one's past define them.
This quirky found family goes on an adventure to save one of their own, because when you love someone, you don't leave them behind.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death of parent, Suicide, Body horror, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, Blood, Death, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Animal death, Kidnapping, and Abandonment
Minor: Dementia and Medical content
stampest's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, Kidnapping, Body shaming, Colonisation, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Genocide, Medical content, Medical trauma, Animal death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Dementia
iane_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Deportation, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Death, Genocide, Mental illness, Medical content, Death of parent, and Dementia
Moderate: Excrement, Sexual content, Confinement, Cursing, Forced institutionalization, and Violence
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Injury/Injury detail, Deportation, Colonisation, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Blood, and Drug use
hocuscrocus's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
From the very first chapter of this book, I knew I was in trouble. By the time I finished it, I was a sobbing mess.
I'll keep it brief, but what a BOOK. It's a funny, sweet, love letter to the human condition (and the not-so-human condition). I imagine I will be thinking about this book for a long, long time.
Also! If you, like me, are interested in books with really positive queer representation, read this. It was so refreshing to see some accurate ace representation in here.
It's a wonderful book and I look forward to inhaling everything else TJ Klune has to offer.
I'll keep it brief, but what a BOOK. It's a funny, sweet, love letter to the human condition (and the not-so-human condition). I imagine I will be thinking about this book for a long, long time.
Also! If you, like me, are interested in books with really positive queer representation, read this. It was so refreshing to see some accurate ace representation in here.
It's a wonderful book and I look forward to inhaling everything else TJ Klune has to offer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Blood
Moderate: Genocide, Dementia, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child death