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crayolacrayonnn's review against another edition
5.0
Good books address more than just the superficial conflict within the plot. This was a good book.
steveob's review
3.0
WHAT THE FUCK…just finished this and I’m genuinely removing a star because there’s no sequel. This book was really genius, I called Nico being a robot as soon as he came into the story BUT this was so good. What an ending! Such a perfect cliffhanger and I was so excited to read a sequel being that this book came out NEARLY TEN FUCKING YEARS AGO rant over
jade_ls_lee's review
5.0
What? WHAT??! WHAT THE HELL U CAN'T DO ZAT!! Who ate my final 50 pages because this can't be it!! AMERICA EGGSPLAINNNN!
(But from a writer pov, damnnnnn Tim! Keep on keeping on, this is perfect! :D)
(But from a writer pov, damnnnnn Tim! Keep on keeping on, this is perfect! :D)
bluebeereads's review
4.0
Istyria book blog ~ B's world of enchanted books
Well geesh... What is with that ending? Seriously... I was feeling all the feels and loving it a lot and then it ends and it doesn't feel complete yet. There better be more. A sequel, follow-up,... anything. Because the story isn't over yet. But I did love this.
In the near future an Artificial Intelligence named Charlotte has gone rogue, terrorizing the country. Everyone's on high alert, except President's son Lee Fisher. He has other things to worry about, like keeping his Security, dad and the rest of the world from knowing he's gay. His crush on the new boy in school, Nico, isn't helping with that. But then the attacks start happening at school and Lee seems to be the next target.
This book has something very few non-contemporary books have. An LGBT romance. Honestly, I haven't seen that before. Not for the main character anyway. It's quite refreshing and it's what drew me to the book when I first came across it on Edelweiss. Next to that, the story itself was very good too. I was hooked the whole time, read it in one sitting, nail-biting throughout the last 100 or so pages. I flew through the pages way too fast.
But then it ended and the story doesn't feel complete yet. Which is why this book isn't rated higher, that and something else I'll tell in a bit. BUT, and I've never said this before, should a sequel of some kind be confirmed, so I know the story will be continued, I have no problem making the rating 4.5 stars. I'm writing this review in May, so it may have changed by the time you read this. If so, feel free to let me know in the comments! Next to that I feel like I could've used a bit more info on what the different tech-y things were. Like the Spiders and stuff.
I really loved the characters in this book. All of them. Dr. Singh, Ray, Trumbull, Lee's dad, ... They were all great. I loved Bex, Lee's best friend. She's such a great friend and she's feisty. I want to see more of her! But of course I love Lee and Nico the most. I can't say too much about Nico because that would be spoiler territory, but he was great and I loved him. Lee was such a sweet main character. I felt so much for him, my heart ached for him. Their romance is super sweet and works very well with the story. So good, you guys!
Willful Machines is a very entertaining, nail-biting and surprisingly original book with a very sweet LGBT romance that blends perfectly with the overall story. Recommended to fans of Sci-Fi or Dystopian and want something new in the genre.
This review is also (or -soon- will be) posted on Istyria book blog
boonana's review
4.0
I enjoyed it. It was a bit predictable though. I predicted that Nico was a robot and had a large suspicion that Stroud was behind everything when I found out Charlotte wasn't alive anymore. I will say that that was a surprise I did not see coming, so kudos to Floreen for that. I'm happy I found another rare novel where the main character is lgbtq but the book's main focus isn't particularly that. Although the battle between ethics and morals was a main theme, the looming robot apocalypse was definitely a major theme as well. The Shakespeare kind of got annoying, but Hamlet is my favorite Shakespeare play so that was lucky. I think I have a bit of a bias though. If Lee and Nico's relationship happened to be heterosexual, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much. The way Lee kept fawning over Nico and literally at one point refused to live without him got on my nerves a bit. If Lee was a girl I probably would have given the book 2 stars just because I would have been annoyed at the love story despite how I did enjoy the whole free will argument. I guess I'm just starved of decent gay novels. The rhetoric seemed a bit young and naive, but that's Lee's character so I won't complain too much. One more thing, I thought the whole "free will and hope are just illusions" argument was pretty depressing and I don't agree. Maybe hope is that way for some people but not all. And I don't agree with the whole "genetics basically takes away your free will because it's like your programming" argument. I understand Floreen's thinking behind it, I just don't agree. Lee was very "melancholy" and had so many phobias. i understand the reasoning behind all of this, I just feel like a main character should have a few redeeming qualities which I don't think Lee had. Especially when he was willing to risk national security just so people wouldn't find out he was gay. I'm going to be honest: the only time I truly loved Lee as a character was when he remained strong once Nico "died" to question Dr. Singh and then his own grandfather. I did like Nico though--I will give Floreen that. I know this whole review sounds like I'm bashing the book, I did like the AI vs human being argument and the whole impending robot apocalypse. And I am all for rooting this robot/human love Lee and Nico have got going on ♡.
coco_lolo's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars.
I'd never heard of Tim Floreen until last year, and even after that I probably wouldn't have given his works much thought if not for one of the booktubers I follow recommending him. In all honesty, I think I would have enjoyed Tattoo Atlas more so than this book, as its synopsis actually interests me, but I went with Willful Machines only because it was more affordable at the time. I can't really say I was disappointed because I willingly purchased the book knowing the plot didn't fully appeal to me, but I had hoped I might be surprised and find a possible new favorite.
Willful Machines is not a bad book—it just wasn't a book for me. Floreen tackled certain issues that are extremely relevant in today's world, such as where we draw the line between what is living and what isn't. His imagining of the not-so-distant future felt realistic in that I could see his technology as one day soon becoming a possibility, this including the robots made for more menial tasks as well as the ones who challenged the definition of a human being. The story itself was a fast read, so even when I wondered if the plot itself would ever pick up, I never had to trudge through slow pacing. The characters weren't bad or anything, I simply never connected with them, although Charlotte became a source of intrigue and Nico was well thought-out as both an individual and a love interest. I found the writing average: while I appreciated the inclusion of Shakespeare and liked how straightforward it often was (except for when things were too simplified), it came across as a bit emotionless, with some of Lee's behaviors/actions jarring me because there wasn't much mental build up.
The story really just didn't click with me: it seemed like something that could have been up my alley but ultimately wasn't. I felt like it was lacking a certain depth, perhaps because Lee himself never endeared himself to me. Though I can't speak from experience, I didn't find the representation of depression to be that gripping, even though I did like how it was described;. The romance could have benefited from Floreen showing Nico and Lee as they grew into a strong, meaningful relationship, because as it was, it was too rushed and (for me) lacked chemistry, with declarations of love coming too early. Some of the plot twists worked well, while others were a bit too out there; I didn't see how Lee even came to some of the conclusions he did.
It seems that I'm in the minority when it comes to Willful Machines, but I didn't have exponentially high hopes in the first place. My feelings toward this book are more neutral than anything, because while it isn't something I would actively recommend, I wouldn't discourage people from reading it either. I'm already choosy when it comes to YA, but I think this has encouraged me to be even more so.
I'd never heard of Tim Floreen until last year, and even after that I probably wouldn't have given his works much thought if not for one of the booktubers I follow recommending him. In all honesty, I think I would have enjoyed Tattoo Atlas more so than this book, as its synopsis actually interests me, but I went with Willful Machines only because it was more affordable at the time. I can't really say I was disappointed because I willingly purchased the book knowing the plot didn't fully appeal to me, but I had hoped I might be surprised and find a possible new favorite.
Willful Machines is not a bad book—it just wasn't a book for me. Floreen tackled certain issues that are extremely relevant in today's world, such as where we draw the line between what is living and what isn't. His imagining of the not-so-distant future felt realistic in that I could see his technology as one day soon becoming a possibility, this including the robots made for more menial tasks as well as the ones who challenged the definition of a human being. The story itself was a fast read, so even when I wondered if the plot itself would ever pick up, I never had to trudge through slow pacing. The characters weren't bad or anything, I simply never connected with them, although Charlotte became a source of intrigue and Nico was well thought-out as both an individual and a love interest. I found the writing average: while I appreciated the inclusion of Shakespeare and liked how straightforward it often was (except for when things were too simplified), it came across as a bit emotionless, with some of Lee's behaviors/actions jarring me because there wasn't much mental build up.
The story really just didn't click with me: it seemed like something that could have been up my alley but ultimately wasn't. I felt like it was lacking a certain depth, perhaps because Lee himself never endeared himself to me. Though I can't speak from experience, I didn't find the representation of depression to be that gripping, even though I did like how it was described;
Spoiler
I also wasn't a fan of how it seemed like once Nico came into Lee's life, those dark thoughts were less pervasiveSpoiler
like the fact that Charlotte had actually been dead the entire time,It seems that I'm in the minority when it comes to Willful Machines, but I didn't have exponentially high hopes in the first place. My feelings toward this book are more neutral than anything, because while it isn't something I would actively recommend, I wouldn't discourage people from reading it either. I'm already choosy when it comes to YA, but I think this has encouraged me to be even more so.
john_the_captain's review against another edition
5.0
i really liked this book and gave it a 9 out of 10 in my recent review here on my blog - https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/05/willful-machines-by-tim-floreen-book.html
ashction's review against another edition
5.0
Really, really enjoyed this one. It was exactly as good as I imagined it would be, and I'm so into this universe that, even though I largely feel this book ended well enough, I wouldn't be opposed to a sequel (or, really, a novella with Nico? Maybe? If possible?)
The universe is interesting and well thought out; maybe not quite enough exposition, since I was learning things in the middle of dramatic, climactic scenes, but I think it's a cool idea that was well executed! I'm also really happy that Lee is gay, but it's not treated as something that makes him stand out necessarily, but just *is.* I don't think I'm explaining it well, but even though there was a struggle with his sexuality and exposing it, it didn't feel like a Thing or hurdle we had go get over - it just was there, as a part of who he is.
I can't believe how quickly I tore through this - I've gotta get my hands on Floreen's other works as soon as my next library trip. If you're looking for a fun, futuristic sci-fi novel, then this is definitely a good world to visit!
The universe is interesting and well thought out; maybe not quite enough exposition, since I was learning things in the middle of dramatic, climactic scenes, but I think it's a cool idea that was well executed! I'm also really happy that Lee is gay, but it's not treated as something that makes him stand out necessarily, but just *is.* I don't think I'm explaining it well, but even though there was a struggle with his sexuality and exposing it, it didn't feel like a Thing or hurdle we had go get over - it just was there, as a part of who he is.
I can't believe how quickly I tore through this - I've gotta get my hands on Floreen's other works as soon as my next library trip. If you're looking for a fun, futuristic sci-fi novel, then this is definitely a good world to visit!
ciuli's review against another edition
3.0
3/5
TW: there are mentions of attempted suicide, suicidal thoughts and depression
I'm still sorting out my feelings on this book because, while on the one hand I want to the author's creativity for creating a sci-fi story with a gay main character, on the other hand I have to say that this book left me unsatisfied.
Meet Lee, a shy, nerdy and closeted gay teenager, slightly obsessed with building robots, who is also the son of the President of the United States. In this futuristic world, humans have managed to create artificial beings with a will and intelligence of their own. And they have started rebelling, asking for freedom and causing terroristic attacks all over the US. So Lee, being under surveillance 24/7 because of the threat of attacks directed to him, is struggling to keep his homosexuality a secret from his father and from the world. But then comes Nico, and everything changes for Lee.
I feel like the story had a really good plot, but I wished it was further developed. I felt like there are plotholes in some parts and a few characters were underdeveloped and weren't really necessary for the story. Let's see Bex for example. Her contribution to the story is inexistent and I think her sole purpose is to stand close to Lee so that he has one friend at least. But apart from that, she is useless.
I think, or at least hope, that the book is meant to have a sequel. Because that definitely can't be the way you'd want to end a book. There are way too many things left hanging which need further explainations.
TW: there are mentions of attempted suicide, suicidal thoughts and depression
I'm still sorting out my feelings on this book because, while on the one hand I want to the author's creativity for creating a sci-fi story with a gay main character, on the other hand I have to say that this book left me unsatisfied.
Meet Lee, a shy, nerdy and closeted gay teenager, slightly obsessed with building robots, who is also the son of the President of the United States. In this futuristic world, humans have managed to create artificial beings with a will and intelligence of their own. And they have started rebelling, asking for freedom and causing terroristic attacks all over the US. So Lee, being under surveillance 24/7 because of the threat of attacks directed to him, is struggling to keep his homosexuality a secret from his father and from the world. But then comes Nico, and everything changes for Lee.
I feel like the story had a really good plot, but I wished it was further developed. I felt like there are plotholes in some parts and a few characters were underdeveloped and weren't really necessary for the story. Let's see Bex for example. Her contribution to the story is inexistent and I think her sole purpose is to stand close to Lee so that he has one friend at least. But apart from that, she is useless.
I think, or at least hope, that the book is meant to have a sequel. Because that definitely can't be the way you'd want to end a book. There are way too many things left hanging which need further explainations.
fallingwings's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book, but at the end, it felt like there was something missing to fully emerge me into the story.
Cons:
× There are so many predictable things, especially concerning Nico.
× I really don't understand the need for the line about Nico being able to pass for "white, black, eskimo, etc" like, what? You can't just say he's mixed or something?
× There were some things not entirely wrapped up, almost as if the author wanted to leave them open just in case he decided to do a sequel.
×
Neutral:
× If you're like me and have played an amazing game called Nier Automata, you're going to see the word 2B and phrases like "To be or not 2B" and Shakespearean themes, we also have androids who can think for themselves. I don't know if it was a coincidence or what, but I kept finding myself thinking about about the video game.
Pros:
× There is insta attraction, but it's not mistaken for insta love. Slowish burn, which Lee realizing he is in love later down the line.
× I loved all the little robotic critters Lee made. They were so neat and all of their names were perfectly fitting.
× I really liked seeing Lee with his different struggles, both inward and external, and how he handled them.
× Bex for the win. She was an awesome friend. Sure, there were times she came off as blunt or pushy, but her character seemed to genuinely care about what was happening and about the safety of her friend.
× Despite many things being predictable, the ending was not, which was pleasantly surprising.
× The writing is nice and makes for a quick and light read (despite it being almost 400 pages).
Cons:
× There are so many predictable things, especially concerning Nico.
Spoiler
If you read the little line at the top of the cover, I mean, that is literally a spoiler about what Nico is.× I really don't understand the need for the line about Nico being able to pass for "white, black, eskimo, etc" like, what? You can't just say he's mixed or something?
× There were some things not entirely wrapped up, almost as if the author wanted to leave them open just in case he decided to do a sequel.
×
Spoiler
So part of the reason our main baddie did this was because his views on homosexuality? Also, the whole thing with society collapsing, what would he have gained by that? These motives felt weak and like they were thought up at the last second.Neutral:
× If you're like me and have played an amazing game called Nier Automata, you're going to see the word 2B and phrases like "To be or not 2B" and Shakespearean themes, we also have androids who can think for themselves. I don't know if it was a coincidence or what, but I kept finding myself thinking about about the video game.
Pros:
× There is insta attraction, but it's not mistaken for insta love. Slowish burn, which Lee realizing he is in love later down the line.
× I loved all the little robotic critters Lee made. They were so neat and all of their names were perfectly fitting.
× I really liked seeing Lee with his different struggles, both inward and external, and how he handled them.
× Bex for the win. She was an awesome friend. Sure, there were times she came off as blunt or pushy, but her character seemed to genuinely care about what was happening and about the safety of her friend.
× Despite many things being predictable, the ending was not, which was pleasantly surprising.
× The writing is nice and makes for a quick and light read (despite it being almost 400 pages).