Silicon Dawn is a dystopian where androids, or mechs, are everywhere and humanity feels threatened by them. Adam is a mech who has just arrived on Earth and he is a state of the art model, with capabilities far beyond human. He pairs up with Jane Malveaux, a cop who doesn't like mechs (to put it mildly), and together they have to solve some particularly gruesome murders that seem to have their root in anti- mech hysteria. Like most books of this kind the emphasis is on what makes us human? Adam discovers that he does have feelings and attachments to people and this complicates his life, making him more than just an android doing a job. Malveaux also has to re- examine her beliefs and feelings when her and Adam are thrust into situations that shake up her preconceptions.
I thought this was well done for the most part, and I enjoyed the dynamic between Adam and Malveaux. there are some chilling moments as they discover that things are even worse than they initially thought, and I thought the evolution of their relationship seemed realistic. There were a few things I thought happened a little fast, but then this is just over two hundred pages so it's not a long book, and therefore by necessity I think we have a slightly faster timeline. I also enjoyed the world, the author seems to be going for that rainy, neon drenched Blade Runner feel and I think he succeeded for the most part.
This is billed as a prequel to Silicon Man, which I haven't read but probably will. I'm curious to see what the next book is like since it takes place ten years after the events of this story. It will be interesting to see what developments in mech technology that are hinted at here look like. Also I was impressed at the way questions were raised about what it means to have a personality, when does an AI become human or have feelings- and what happens once they do?
Sounds like a direct take off (rip off?) of the early Asimov robot books Caves of Steel, Naked Sun and Robots of Dawn. These books partnered the robot Olivaw with a human police officer Elijah Baley and together they solved crimes on 7,000 AD earth. Asimov used the crimes to explore the world where humans disliked and mistrusted robots and to expound on his famous three laws of robotics. Wondering if you ever read any of those and what you think of the potential liberal 'borrowing?'
ReplyDeleteDoes it? See I haven't read any Asimov so that's good to know. I know Asimov did the robot laws and all that but I haven't actually read them. 7000 AD sounds interesting- I would like a glimpse of a future that far off. Depending on how closely it borrows from those earlier works, would definitely affect my enjoyment I'm sure. If it's merely inspired I'm okay, but if the plot is basically the same then maybe less so- although I think the same plot can be done in interesting ways by different people. Interesting!
DeleteI've never been a big fan of android type books but I read and loved Cinder not to long ago and it's made me curious. I'm curious about the relationship between the characters and just the world in general. I'll have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't bad, I'm not super fond of the android POV but it was okay here. I did like how ha and Jane worked together and the way their rlationship evolved. That was nice. It was short too and I breezed through it- still undecided if I'm going to get the next one.
DeleteHmmm, this sounds interesting. I love sci-fi/futuristic reads. The relationship between the android and the human sounds like the best bit, especially since they both seem to have some preconceived notions that need some adjustments. Plus it's a short read which can be REALLY needed time to time! I'd want to start with the first book though, but I'm OCD like that XD Great review Greg^^ x
ReplyDeleteI did like the relationship between the two leads the best, and they did have preconceived notions which made it fun to see those views evolve. I wasn't sure at first if I'd like this but it ws good.
DeleteOh this sounds interesting! I don't think I've really read anything with androids besides the Lunar Chronicles. I should!
ReplyDeleteI like cyberpunk stuff but haven't read a lot of books from an android perspective, so it was interesting!
DeleteWell, I love me some androids. Sounds like it's a good prequel to get a taste for Silicon Man.
ReplyDeleteYou might like it then, andI did want to read it first since it's a prequel. It wasn't bad!
DeleteAndroids pique my interest as well as the dystopian world. Interesting that you get an android's perspective.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting! I do like when the plot makes it possible to discuss identity, humanity, personality. They're pretty important themes, and I think a plot involving androids sounds like an awesome way to explore them. I may have to check this one out! Thanks for sharing, Greg!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one too. I remember hearing from the narrator that it was slated to be a movie but then iRobot came out so the author published as a book. (I think.)
ReplyDeleteI have the second book and look forward to getting into it. :)