A review by mrz_owenz
The Hero of Numbani by Nicky Drayden

4.0

This is a delightful read about a girl and the decommissioned and damaged police robot she's determined to turn into a hero for her city. The story is set in a fictional, futuristic city in Nigeria in the world of the Overwatch video game. Initially, Efi just wants to makes robots that help people with chores or small normal tasks. But after witnessing a terrorist attack extremely close up, she decides to build an AI protector that will keep people physically safe from super-villain level danger. I really enjoyed the cultural richness that Drayden added to the city and the people of Numbani. The MC is a genius 11 year old that even while she's trying to train her robot to protect the citizens of her city, still has to be home in time for Sunday dinner. Her two friends are realistic but still gifted teenagers. Despite the focus on a pre-teen girl in a made up world, Draydon manages to weave in nuanced critiques of modern police practices, corporate greed, as well as thoughtful reflections of potential repercussions of living through violent and traumatic events.