A review by fallingwings
Willful Machines by Tim Floreen

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.

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).