delurks's review
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
sequentialrun's review
slow-paced
1.0
One of the characters is homophobic but is totally fine with boning a robot even though it can't enjoy it but wants it to so it downloads an app so it can fake it.
majabwds's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This book was very interesting. It brings up interesting questions about gender identity, anthropomorphizing inanimate objects and drug piracy. Also shows that men would fuck anything if they can think of it as female.
thomcat's review
2.0
The author is a science journalist and this (her first novel) builds an interesting world of biotech. Sentient robots also make up part of the picture. The plot is muddled, her characters are flat and unlikable, and the resolution unsatisfying. I would pass on this one.
The setting is the best part. 150 years in the future, the author has set corporate patents against freedom, bringing indentured people into that mix also. Most of the action takes place in Canada, with hints that New York is only around because of massive dikes and sea barriers. Sentient robots are not explained, but part of the setting - I can accept that.
The plot pits corporate biotech vs pirates and free labs, which makes sense. What law there is in this setting seems to be focused on corporate lawsuits - apparently individual rights have evaporated. The novel pits two characters (pirate and law enforcement) against each other, but law enforcement seems to have no limitations, no threat of oversight. It is that much harder to stay ahead of the law when they can torture and kill everybody you know.
You can read other reviews for details on robot sex and homophobia, neither of which was needed for the story. 3 stars for the setting but 1 star (or less) for everything else, ending up at 1½ stars.
The setting is the best part. 150 years in the future, the author has set corporate patents against freedom, bringing indentured people into that mix also. Most of the action takes place in Canada, with hints that New York is only around because of massive dikes and sea barriers. Sentient robots are not explained, but part of the setting - I can accept that.
The plot pits corporate biotech vs pirates and free labs, which makes sense. What law there is in this setting seems to be focused on corporate lawsuits - apparently individual rights have evaporated. The novel pits two characters (pirate and law enforcement) against each other, but law enforcement seems to have no limitations, no threat of oversight. It is that much harder to stay ahead of the law when they can torture and kill everybody you know.
You can read other reviews for details on robot sex and homophobia, neither of which was needed for the story. 3 stars for the setting but 1 star (or less) for everything else, ending up at 1½ stars.
shogins's review
3.0
I thought the treatment of robots and indentured service was interesting, but the Paladin and Elias parts didn't work for me. I liked the other side of the story much more.
sitzriese's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jvantland's review
5.0
Excellent writing. Fascinating characters that forced me to become curious about them rather than taking an easy side. Flashbacks expertly woven in. Not a word wasted. The ethical quandaries and tech wonders of this near future are just *chefs kiss*. Every time I opened this book I became utterly immersed in the world Newitz weaves, forgetting I was reading at all.
njahira's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5