lisa_elfman's review
adventurous
challenging
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
This is well worth reading. A lot of it is not hard SF.
ruthorfiction's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
kasss's review against another edition
5.0
I have to admit, I rarely enjoy an anthology in its entirety. Most of the time the stories are just too hit or miss. This anthology however, was great. High quality stories about my exact favourite flavour of robots in most cases (that certainly helps), from a set of interesting authors. Even the stories I didn't care much about were still enjoyable enough.
Some highlights:
A Guide for Working Breeds by Vina Jie-Min Prasad: Favourite story in the anthology. Funny. Precious. Flawless. 12/10. You can read it online on tor.com ( https://www.tor.com/2020/03/17/a-guide-for-working-breeds-vina-jie-min-prasad/ ) and I really think you should go do that right now.
Test 4 Echo by Peter Watts: Excellent. A tiny bit predictable if you know the tropes but no less interesting for it. Great world building for a short story and I loved the descriptions of the Medusa.
The Endless by Saad Z. Hossain: This one was great. Interesting world building and characters (especially the snarky AI main character), and a cool ending. Hossain really made the most of the short story format.
Dancing with Death by John Chu: This was my third John Chu story. Somehow his stories seem to have all the ingredients to be exactly up my alley and somehow I've ended up disappointed so far. Not with this one though. It's a short and small story, but managed to evoke just the right feelings. I really liked it.
Polished Performance by Alastair Reynolds: This one was delightful. I laughed, and wouldn't mind a longer version to hear more about these robots' antics. Loved the ending, too.
The Translator by Annalee Newitz: I could genuinely read entire books about this concept. This was the shortest story in the anthology and I love what Newitz did with the limited space. The 'final solution' was A+.
Sin Eater by Ian R. MacLeod: I wasn't sure what to think about this one when I just finished it, but considering I then couldn't stop thinking about it for some reason... huh. Yes.
The other stories were good too, but these in particular hit just right. There were a few stories about the dark side of technology, like Brother Echo, The Hurt Pattern and Idols that were pretty cool. My least favourite stories were Bigger Fish (bland and predictable), An Elephant Never Forgets (nothing here leaves me in the least bit curious, story feels like it exists just to be edgy) and Fairy Tales for Robots (didn't like the storytelling - it has some interesting ideas, but it was too on the nose with the author who keeps telling us what she's trying to do).
Some highlights:
A Guide for Working Breeds by Vina Jie-Min Prasad: Favourite story in the anthology. Funny. Precious. Flawless. 12/10. You can read it online on tor.com ( https://www.tor.com/2020/03/17/a-guide-for-working-breeds-vina-jie-min-prasad/ ) and I really think you should go do that right now.
Test 4 Echo by Peter Watts: Excellent. A tiny bit predictable if you know the tropes but no less interesting for it. Great world building for a short story and I loved the descriptions of the Medusa.
The Endless by Saad Z. Hossain: This one was great. Interesting world building and characters (especially the snarky AI main character), and a cool ending. Hossain really made the most of the short story format.
Dancing with Death by John Chu: This was my third John Chu story. Somehow his stories seem to have all the ingredients to be exactly up my alley and somehow I've ended up disappointed so far. Not with this one though. It's a short and small story, but managed to evoke just the right feelings. I really liked it.
Polished Performance by Alastair Reynolds: This one was delightful. I laughed, and wouldn't mind a longer version to hear more about these robots' antics. Loved the ending, too.
The Translator by Annalee Newitz: I could genuinely read entire books about this concept. This was the shortest story in the anthology and I love what Newitz did with the limited space. The 'final solution' was A+.
Sin Eater by Ian R. MacLeod: I wasn't sure what to think about this one when I just finished it, but considering I then couldn't stop thinking about it for some reason... huh. Yes.
The other stories were good too, but these in particular hit just right. There were a few stories about the dark side of technology, like Brother Echo, The Hurt Pattern and Idols that were pretty cool. My least favourite stories were Bigger Fish (bland and predictable), An Elephant Never Forgets (nothing here leaves me in the least bit curious, story feels like it exists just to be edgy) and Fairy Tales for Robots (didn't like the storytelling - it has some interesting ideas, but it was too on the nose with the author who keeps telling us what she's trying to do).
nukie19's review against another edition
4.0
This was an enjoyable collection of short stories about robots, although each looks at robots in a different and sometimes surprising light. It was great to see a compilation of stories from so many disparate authors who bring such different view points to a similar theme, some who I recognized and others I didn't but will be looking up more of their work.
Top reads for me were: The Translator by Annalee Newitz, Bigger Fish by Sarah Pinsker, and Chiaroscuro in Red by Suzanne Palmer. Each of these three struck me as unique and remarkable in some way. There were a few that I didn't find quite as interesting, but anthologies petty much always have ups and downs. Thankfully, while there were a few that weren't my favorite, none of them dragged the collection down and I'm sure there is a story in here for everyone.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Top reads for me were: The Translator by Annalee Newitz, Bigger Fish by Sarah Pinsker, and Chiaroscuro in Red by Suzanne Palmer. Each of these three struck me as unique and remarkable in some way. There were a few that I didn't find quite as interesting, but anthologies petty much always have ups and downs. Thankfully, while there were a few that weren't my favorite, none of them dragged the collection down and I'm sure there is a story in here for everyone.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
booknug's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
bookwyrmknits's review against another edition
3.75
Overall, I enjoyed this anthology more than not, though there were a few stories that I didn't particularly care for. (That's all to personal preference.) There were some standout stories, though, which pushed my enjoyment over average. I'm glad that I picked it up for those favorites, as well as for the chance to try work by new-to-me authors.
Here's a few notes on some selected stories:
"A Guide to Working Breeds" by Vina Jie-Min Prasad
I've read this one before, separately, and loved it. It was what prompted me to pick up this anthology. I loved it just as much the second time around. I'll be seeking out more of Prasad's work for sure. This is a definite highlight of the anthology.
"Idols" by Ken Liu
Liu is one of the authors whose work I have read before, and always enjoy to one degree or another. This story was fascinating, but more of a thought experiment than anything. It was enjoyable to think about, but I can't say if I *like* the characters or story itself. I liked the journey the story took, though, and that counts for a lot.
"Bigger Fish" by Sarah Pinsker
Pinsker is another author whose work I've read previously, though this story was new to me. I REALLY like it. This one is a contender for my favorite story in the anthology. It has good pacing, good characters, and is just plain fun.
"Dancing With Death" by John Chu
This story was also a lot of fun, and it's another contender for my favorite of the lot. The entire world presented in this story was neat, and I found the concept of what a sentient robot would do when faced with the prospect of battery failure fascinating.
"Polished Performance" by Alastair Reynolds
Love it! Great characters and setting. The ending was fitting but I kinda wanted one missing detail explained.
"The Translator" by Annalee Newitz
Neat and hopeful SF story. Would love more from this universe, especially from an AI POV.
"Fairy Tales for Robots" by Sofia Samatar
Neat idea, but I also would have been curious to have the actual fairy tales retold for robots. Instead it was a framing device for a story about sentient robots being introduced.
"Chiaroscuro in Red" by Suzanne Palmer
Fun story though we got much more about humans and less about robots. Neat idea of buying proxy robots to do your labor for you though.
Here's a few notes on some selected stories:
"A Guide to Working Breeds" by Vina Jie-Min Prasad
I've read this one before, separately, and loved it. It was what prompted me to pick up this anthology. I loved it just as much the second time around. I'll be seeking out more of Prasad's work for sure. This is a definite highlight of the anthology.
"Idols" by Ken Liu
Liu is one of the authors whose work I have read before, and always enjoy to one degree or another. This story was fascinating, but more of a thought experiment than anything. It was enjoyable to think about, but I can't say if I *like* the characters or story itself. I liked the journey the story took, though, and that counts for a lot.
"Bigger Fish" by Sarah Pinsker
Pinsker is another author whose work I've read previously, though this story was new to me. I REALLY like it. This one is a contender for my favorite story in the anthology. It has good pacing, good characters, and is just plain fun.
"Dancing With Death" by John Chu
This story was also a lot of fun, and it's another contender for my favorite of the lot. The entire world presented in this story was neat, and I found the concept of what a sentient robot would do when faced with the prospect of battery failure fascinating.
"Polished Performance" by Alastair Reynolds
Love it! Great characters and setting. The ending was fitting but I kinda wanted one missing detail explained.
"The Translator" by Annalee Newitz
Neat and hopeful SF story. Would love more from this universe, especially from an AI POV.
"Fairy Tales for Robots" by Sofia Samatar
Neat idea, but I also would have been curious to have the actual fairy tales retold for robots. Instead it was a framing device for a story about sentient robots being introduced.
"Chiaroscuro in Red" by Suzanne Palmer
Fun story though we got much more about humans and less about robots. Neat idea of buying proxy robots to do your labor for you though.
frakalot's review
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This review is for 'Test 4 Echo' by Peter Watts.
“I spent most of my life surrounded by things that look like me. I came up here so I wouldn’t have to.”
Research is being carried out on a mechanical arm deep in the oceans of Enceladus and when the arm begins to behave atypically the scientists are under pressure to solve the dilemma and maintain their funding status.
A very thoughtful and thought provoking discussion ensues on the rights and the risks of granting autonomy and self determination to any artificial Intelligences.
This was a short but sweet read. The collection looks great and I intend to read and review it all eventually.
“I spent most of my life surrounded by things that look like me. I came up here so I wouldn’t have to.”
Research is being carried out on a mechanical arm deep in the oceans of Enceladus and when the arm begins to behave atypically the scientists are under pressure to solve the dilemma and maintain their funding status.
A very thoughtful and thought provoking discussion ensues on the rights and the risks of granting autonomy and self determination to any artificial Intelligences.
This was a short but sweet read. The collection looks great and I intend to read and review it all eventually.
barb4ry1's review against another edition
4.0
Made To Order: Robots and Revolution contains sixteen stories of varying length. All the pieces are original to the collection and cover a variety of themes associated with artificial minds and bodies.
Before we proceed, know this. As much as I love the concept of short fiction, I know from experience that anthologies contain excellent stories, bad stories and everything in between. Because of this, I’ve never given more than four stars to an anthology and I don’t suspect I’ll ever do. And yet I’ve almost done it here.
The anthology revolves around the theme of robots-the creations that can look and behave like us but aren’t like us. They can save humanity or doom it. Philosophers, entrepreneurs, ethicists disagree on this one.
The stories show a remarkable range both in ideas and in tone. The worlds we experience are vivid and compelling. Made To Order: Robots and Revolution is a well-balanced collection of serious and lighthearted, introspective and explosive, realistic and uncanny. Above all, though, it’s smart. Readers interested in artificial intelligence and roboethics will have plenty to think about.
One of the lightest stories of the bunch is the anthology’s opener, A Guide for Working Breeds by Vina Jie-Min Prasad. A robot communicates with his mentor. It works a shitty job, overfeeds a possum and loves Corgis. It tries to get better at cooking despite the lack of natural talent. Its mentor, on the other hand, is as badass as its nickname (Constant Killer) suggests. Fast, funny, and endearing. Another story that’s not afraid to be pulpy is Saad Hossain’s The Endless. An embittered AI who didn’t get a promotion to control a space station wants revenge. If you thought that boring work in a cubicle would satisfy it, you were wrong. Very wrong.
On the other side of the spectrum, you’ll find more introspective and intimate stories. In Fairy Tales for Robots, Sofia Samatar examines some of our myths and tales (Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio, and more). Ken Liu’s Idols shows how the use of simulacra can help lawyers win legal debates but it goes much deeper in its analysis of what makes us “us”. A stunning piece with both solid intrigue and emotional intimacy.
Other stories that struck me include Peter F. Hamilton’s Sonnie’s Union which features a protagonist with peculiar skills. It has a vicious twist that brings everything into focus makes me want to read more about her. Brooke Bolander’s A Glossary of Radicalization shows readers possible beginnings of a possible rebellion. It’s fast and furious.
As for the weaker stories, The Hurt Pattern by Tonye Okanyebuchi didn’t click with me. I’ve heard a lot of good things about this author and I’ll certainly try his other works but his position on my TBR list dropped. Though his short story packs a nice twist, I didn’t enjoy the social commentary. I believe it’s the least universal story in the anthology although I suspect US citizens struggling with student loans will see it in a different light than me.
On the whole, Made to Order is excellent. It contains plenty of memorable stories exploring fascinating topics.
ARC through NetGalley
Before we proceed, know this. As much as I love the concept of short fiction, I know from experience that anthologies contain excellent stories, bad stories and everything in between. Because of this, I’ve never given more than four stars to an anthology and I don’t suspect I’ll ever do. And yet I’ve almost done it here.
The anthology revolves around the theme of robots-the creations that can look and behave like us but aren’t like us. They can save humanity or doom it. Philosophers, entrepreneurs, ethicists disagree on this one.
The stories show a remarkable range both in ideas and in tone. The worlds we experience are vivid and compelling. Made To Order: Robots and Revolution is a well-balanced collection of serious and lighthearted, introspective and explosive, realistic and uncanny. Above all, though, it’s smart. Readers interested in artificial intelligence and roboethics will have plenty to think about.
One of the lightest stories of the bunch is the anthology’s opener, A Guide for Working Breeds by Vina Jie-Min Prasad. A robot communicates with his mentor. It works a shitty job, overfeeds a possum and loves Corgis. It tries to get better at cooking despite the lack of natural talent. Its mentor, on the other hand, is as badass as its nickname (Constant Killer) suggests. Fast, funny, and endearing. Another story that’s not afraid to be pulpy is Saad Hossain’s The Endless. An embittered AI who didn’t get a promotion to control a space station wants revenge. If you thought that boring work in a cubicle would satisfy it, you were wrong. Very wrong.
On the other side of the spectrum, you’ll find more introspective and intimate stories. In Fairy Tales for Robots, Sofia Samatar examines some of our myths and tales (Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio, and more). Ken Liu’s Idols shows how the use of simulacra can help lawyers win legal debates but it goes much deeper in its analysis of what makes us “us”. A stunning piece with both solid intrigue and emotional intimacy.
Other stories that struck me include Peter F. Hamilton’s Sonnie’s Union which features a protagonist with peculiar skills. It has a vicious twist that brings everything into focus makes me want to read more about her. Brooke Bolander’s A Glossary of Radicalization shows readers possible beginnings of a possible rebellion. It’s fast and furious.
As for the weaker stories, The Hurt Pattern by Tonye Okanyebuchi didn’t click with me. I’ve heard a lot of good things about this author and I’ll certainly try his other works but his position on my TBR list dropped. Though his short story packs a nice twist, I didn’t enjoy the social commentary. I believe it’s the least universal story in the anthology although I suspect US citizens struggling with student loans will see it in a different light than me.
On the whole, Made to Order is excellent. It contains plenty of memorable stories exploring fascinating topics.
ARC through NetGalley
calypte's review against another edition
3.0
A decent collection updating the sci-fi staple of robots and AI, showing a wide range of approaches. Worth a look, even though only one or two really 'wowed' me, the rest are still intriguing and entertaining.
Full review, as ever, is up on my blog.
Full review, as ever, is up on my blog.