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kj468's review
Honestly, I should have checked the content warnings before I read this book and I didn’t, and then I kept on reading for some reason, even when I realized how triggering it was for me. I paused at around 50% for over a week, and then came back to it, and promptly realized it was triggering. I skimmed the last half because I wanted to see what became of eke and kyp. I don’t have much to say about the content of this book, and I don’t think I would be a fair reviewer of it anyway.
Tw: animal cruelty, self harm, multiple (AI, but conscious AI) suicide attempts, graphic bullying, discrimination, substance abuse, slurs, violence, systemic discrimination and hunting of marginalized folks, background eating disorder
Tw: animal cruelty, self harm, multiple (AI, but conscious AI) suicide attempts, graphic bullying, discrimination, substance abuse, slurs, violence, systemic discrimination and hunting of marginalized folks, background eating disorder
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Bullying, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Eating disorder, Addiction, Self harm, and Panic attacks/disorders
spelledlikesleigh's review
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Murder, Animal cruelty, Eating disorder, Body horror, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Self harm, Hate crime, Bullying, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Gun violence, and Confinement
cammaleahh's review
emotional
hopeful
tense
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Physical abuse, and Gun violence
Moderate: Eating disorder
canyoncurl's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
3.5
3.5 ⭐️ (6.29 CAWPILE)
A twisting tale of kindling hope found even during harrowing, unrelenting hardship! Self-blurbed as a love letter to the Matrix, Us, Et Cetera tells the story of Eke and Kyp, two AIs whose worlds collide when they become property of the Kensworths, and their perilous journey towards freedom, acceptance and a purpose beyond servitude. From a stifling suburban enclave near Boston to the California coast, Vincent takes readers on an expansive, action-packed adventure in search of an unknown future.
So much of this book was undeniably, indelibly charming. From Eke's preoccupation with trinkets and love for Buster Keaton, to Kyp's protectiveness and knowledge of constellations, to the sentimental, sweet pseudo-sex they shared, I was pleasantly surprised by how many pockets of joy were packed into such a melancholic story. Kit Vincent has a great knack for writing loveable characters, flaws and all, who you wish the very best for.
This is a wonderful book for those who are just starting out in the genre, or who crave sci-fi vibes without heavy lore or suspension of disbelief. Both Eke and Kyp, in many ways, expressed more humanity and emotional intelligence than the humans within the narrative did. Whilst it works with the larger plot, it would've been nice to see their struggle to understand 'human' concepts/emotions more deeply explored, and perhaps from a slightly more detached viewpoint.
I implore readers to read trigger and content warnings before heading into this one, especially since it's marketed towards the YA and NA market. There are some heavy themes explored here, often without relief and quite bluntly. Dani's character struggles with an unspecified eating disorder which, at times, appeared under-researched and easily solved to fit the narrative. If you are in a vulnerable place, enter with caution and kindness.
I would recommend this for fans of T. J. Klune, Buster Keaton diehards, and anybody who likes a lot'a angst with a soft ending. I look forward to seeing what Kit Vincent releases into the world next - and keep my fingers crossed that a follow-up finds its way onto the shelves!
🌈: MLM representation (there are no explicit sexuality labels used).
* content warnings: animal death, implied animal torture (off-page), eating disorders, suicide attempt (unsuccessful), power imbalance, gore & violence.
Many, many thanks to Netgalley, Sky House Publishing and Kit Vincent for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A twisting tale of kindling hope found even during harrowing, unrelenting hardship! Self-blurbed as a love letter to the Matrix, Us, Et Cetera tells the story of Eke and Kyp, two AIs whose worlds collide when they become property of the Kensworths, and their perilous journey towards freedom, acceptance and a purpose beyond servitude. From a stifling suburban enclave near Boston to the California coast, Vincent takes readers on an expansive, action-packed adventure in search of an unknown future.
So much of this book was undeniably, indelibly charming. From Eke's preoccupation with trinkets and love for Buster Keaton, to Kyp's protectiveness and knowledge of constellations, to the sentimental, sweet pseudo-sex they shared, I was pleasantly surprised by how many pockets of joy were packed into such a melancholic story. Kit Vincent has a great knack for writing loveable characters, flaws and all, who you wish the very best for.
This is a wonderful book for those who are just starting out in the genre, or who crave sci-fi vibes without heavy lore or suspension of disbelief. Both Eke and Kyp, in many ways, expressed more humanity and emotional intelligence than the humans within the narrative did. Whilst it works with the larger plot, it would've been nice to see their struggle to understand 'human' concepts/emotions more deeply explored, and perhaps from a slightly more detached viewpoint.
I implore readers to read trigger and content warnings before heading into this one, especially since it's marketed towards the YA and NA market. There are some heavy themes explored here, often without relief and quite bluntly. Dani's character struggles with an unspecified eating disorder which, at times, appeared under-researched and easily solved to fit the narrative. If you are in a vulnerable place, enter with caution and kindness.
I would recommend this for fans of T. J. Klune, Buster Keaton diehards, and anybody who likes a lot'a angst with a soft ending. I look forward to seeing what Kit Vincent releases into the world next - and keep my fingers crossed that a follow-up finds its way onto the shelves!
🌈: MLM representation (there are no explicit sexuality labels used).
* content warnings: animal death, implied animal torture (off-page), eating disorders, suicide attempt (unsuccessful), power imbalance, gore & violence.
Many, many thanks to Netgalley, Sky House Publishing and Kit Vincent for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Violence, and Gun violence
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Eating disorder
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Vomit, and Adult/minor relationship
chippyreads's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read this book as an eARC thanks to NetGalley.
This book was rough! Poor Eke goes through so much because of that family. Please check the trigger warnings if you want to read this one. It deals with a lot of abuse on page.
I loved how it explored what it means to be alive/human. The romance was sweet, definitely cheering for them the whole time. Eke seemed so kind and caring but it was difficult to tell how Kyp feels due to most of the POV being from Eke.
Why not a 5 star read? For a book where I was promised ‘they run away’, it just took a bit too long to get there. I really wish we spent less time with the abusive family and more time out in the world meeting other AI and humans. Which did happen and I loved it but I wanted more. The ending felt a bit rushed compared to the slow start.
Do I recommend it? Definitely. But I highly suggest checking to content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Bullying, Violence, Emotional abuse, and Gun violence
Moderate: Eating disorder, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
Minor: Fatphobia, Body shaming, Panic attacks/disorders, and Confinement
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