kessica's review
5.0
I am a huge fan of sci-fi books that examine the ethical question of AI, and Cygenic is a well done story of just that sort. Poirier weaves together the deeply emotional and moving stories of three people whose lives are impacted by that question and whose relationship is defined by it (if not by them, then by those who see them).
Even though the book tackles some very heavy subjects, it still feels light, perhaps because there is a very strong undercurrent of hope throughout.
I don't know if I have encountered many books I would describe as "comfort food" and a "good exploration of power dynamics" but Cygenic is both.
Note: I typically don't rate books as 5 stars unless I found it life changing and this is not that but I also don't usually read that much small press and this books is /very good/ at what it is and there's no reason for me to lower its rating for my own book keeping purposes.
Even though the book tackles some very heavy subjects, it still feels light, perhaps because there is a very strong undercurrent of hope throughout.
I don't know if I have encountered many books I would describe as "comfort food" and a "good exploration of power dynamics" but Cygenic is both.
Note: I typically don't rate books as 5 stars unless I found it life changing and this is not that but I also don't usually read that much small press and this books is /very good/ at what it is and there's no reason for me to lower its rating for my own book keeping purposes.
moonyreadsbooks's review
4.0
Cygenic is a brilliant and very interesting book, with lovely characters and a precious and touching slow-burn romance.
Among the characters, I particularly loved Dante. He is gifted with great sensitivity, he is extremely intelligent and cultured, but he also knows how to be a little mischievous and flirty. Definitely a fascinating MC.
"As a point of fact, I don't deserve anything," I said bitterly. "Deservedness isn't a concept applicable to cygenics. We are purpose-built to serve the wants and needs of others. We're not supposed to want or need for ourselves. Anything granted to us is a mark of human kindness, not to be expected and certainly not deserved."
The book in general is very well written, and presents philosophical, psychological and technological references, which make it even more interesting and enjoyable, and in the course of the story it shifts the reader's attention several times to the ethical aspect concerning artificial intelligences and their role in society. I found this aspect very pleasant, which makes Cygenic not just a simple M/M novel, but an all-round reading experience and a good food for thought.
To conclude, speaking of the love story, I must admit that the result was somewhat unexpected, but very welcome and sweet. I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters and how the author handled things between Nate and Dante and 'Taire. I don't want to go into too much detail to avoid spoilers, but I especially appreciated how, in their moments of intimacy, Nate has always done everything possible to make the two cygenics feel as human as possible, making their scenes even more heartwarming.
Final rating: 3,75.
Thanks to Riverdale Avenue Books for the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Among the characters, I particularly loved Dante. He is gifted with great sensitivity, he is extremely intelligent and cultured, but he also knows how to be a little mischievous and flirty. Definitely a fascinating MC.
"As a point of fact, I don't deserve anything," I said bitterly. "Deservedness isn't a concept applicable to cygenics. We are purpose-built to serve the wants and needs of others. We're not supposed to want or need for ourselves. Anything granted to us is a mark of human kindness, not to be expected and certainly not deserved."
The book in general is very well written, and presents philosophical, psychological and technological references, which make it even more interesting and enjoyable, and in the course of the story it shifts the reader's attention several times to the ethical aspect concerning artificial intelligences and their role in society. I found this aspect very pleasant, which makes Cygenic not just a simple M/M novel, but an all-round reading experience and a good food for thought.
To conclude, speaking of the love story, I must admit that the result was somewhat unexpected, but very welcome and sweet. I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters and how the author handled things between Nate and Dante and 'Taire. I don't want to go into too much detail to avoid spoilers, but I especially appreciated how, in their moments of intimacy, Nate has always done everything possible to make the two cygenics feel as human as possible, making their scenes even more heartwarming.
Final rating: 3,75.
Thanks to Riverdale Avenue Books for the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
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