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A review by annamickreads
The Infinity Courts by Akemi Dawn Bowman
4.0
Honestly one of the most original and intriguing sci-fi books I've read in a long time because I feel like it blends so many genres together so well?
"The Infinity Courts" follows Nami, who is murdered in a gas station robbery at age 18. She lives in a world where an AI called Ophelia (not unlike Amazon's Alexa) is the primary resource for humans going about their lives. When Nami dies, she's transported to an afterlife completely under Ophelia's control. Ophelia has used her artificial intelligence abilities to hijack the afterlife and capture the souls of the newly deceased, who are called "Residents." Anyone who resists her control or escapes are called "Heroes."
When Nami is rescued by a group of Heroes, she learns that she must use newfound abilities to spy on the ruling class and dig up information for the resistance by pretending to be a Resident. Being a Resident means a life of parties, pretty dresses, and court intrigue, which is such a unique blend with the sci-fi elements!!!
Additionally, Nami's character herself really spoke to me. In a lot of YA, especially where the female lead must become a sort of revolutionary catalyst, she steps up to the plate without many hesitations or questions. Nami, on the other hand, is more cautious, and doesn't want to believe in blindly hating a group she doesn't even know or fighting for a cause she doesn't know a lot about. She has empathy for the Residents, especially knowing Ophelia is lashing out at humans for being enslaved to do their bidding on Earth.
Her empathy for others is a clear defining character trait that I personally found really refreshing. Thinking especially about the female characters in YA, revolutionary leaders are usually characterized as "tough," and jaded. I love that Nami exhibits both inner and outer strength!! Also, the questions this book brings up about how humans treat robots/AI is definitely in line with subjects addressed in pop culture staples like "Westworld" - if you're a fan of that, maybe consider picking this book up!!
"The Infinity Courts" follows Nami, who is murdered in a gas station robbery at age 18. She lives in a world where an AI called Ophelia (not unlike Amazon's Alexa) is the primary resource for humans going about their lives. When Nami dies, she's transported to an afterlife completely under Ophelia's control. Ophelia has used her artificial intelligence abilities to hijack the afterlife and capture the souls of the newly deceased, who are called "Residents." Anyone who resists her control or escapes are called "Heroes."
When Nami is rescued by a group of Heroes, she learns that she must use newfound abilities to spy on the ruling class and dig up information for the resistance by pretending to be a Resident. Being a Resident means a life of parties, pretty dresses, and court intrigue, which is such a unique blend with the sci-fi elements!!!
Additionally, Nami's character herself really spoke to me. In a lot of YA, especially where the female lead must become a sort of revolutionary catalyst, she steps up to the plate without many hesitations or questions. Nami, on the other hand, is more cautious, and doesn't want to believe in blindly hating a group she doesn't even know or fighting for a cause she doesn't know a lot about. She has empathy for the Residents, especially knowing Ophelia is lashing out at humans for being enslaved to do their bidding on Earth.
Her empathy for others is a clear defining character trait that I personally found really refreshing. Thinking especially about the female characters in YA, revolutionary leaders are usually characterized as "tough," and jaded. I love that Nami exhibits both inner and outer strength!! Also, the questions this book brings up about how humans treat robots/AI is definitely in line with subjects addressed in pop culture staples like "Westworld" - if you're a fan of that, maybe consider picking this book up!!