emmascc's review
2.0
Too short to really grab me, if this was expanded further I think I would have enjoyed it.
devynreadsnovels's review
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: War
tortue's review
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
wintersorbit's review
3.0
I've read one of Lee's books before, and was most impressed with all the creative ideas behind his worldbuilding. That was also the case for this short story. The idea of exploring body dysphoria through AI is something that's really interesting, definitely a concept I'd be interested to see explored further in a longer format.
montgomerypierce's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bachaboska's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
ishouldreadthat's review
4.0
A really interesting short story that packs a powerful punch. I'd love to see more from this world in a full length novel or novella.
thewildflames's review
5.0
Beyond a doubt I enjoyed this, understood it on such a deep level. AI and my thoughts on it has always been odd. I do expect everything to go bladerunner, but that’s not always true and often unlikely. This spoke to something soul deep, the quick world and character building was astounding. The conflict, and resolution were so complete. And, though I would wish for more, from this world, this story; it’s exactly what it’s supposed to be.
jselliot's review
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It's an interesting short. Full of lyrical prose from beginning to end, and spends most of its time dwelling on the ramifications of AI in far-future military hands. I would have liked more information on the left-behind girlfriend that kept coming up, but I suppose the story would've needed to be more than 16 pages (by the time front and back matter was accounted for). This isn't explicitly connected to the Machineries of the Empire universe, as far as I can tell, but it feels like it would slot in nicely.