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Body Electric by Susan Squires
When she creates an unimaginable artificial intelligence who is brilliant and sensual beyond her wildest dreams, Victoria Barnhardt must find a body for him so that he can escape his dark prison and be hers in the flesh forever.
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
About the author
Susan Squires
41 books204 followersSusan Squires is a NYT bestselling author known for breaking the rules of romance. Whatever her time period or subject, some element of the paranormal creeps in. She has won multiple contests for published novels and reviewer's choice awards. Publisher's Weekly named Body Electric one of the ten most influential mass market books and One with the Shadows a Best Book. Time for Eternity received a starred review.
Susan has a Masters in English literature from UCLA and once toiled as an executive for a Fortune 500 company. Now she lives at the beach with her husband, Harry, a writer of supernatural thrillers, and three Belgian Sheepdogs, who like to help her write by putting their chins on the keyboardddddddddddd.
Susan has a Masters in English literature from UCLA and once toiled as an executive for a Fortune 500 company. Now she lives at the beach with her husband, Harry, a writer of supernatural thrillers, and three Belgian Sheepdogs, who like to help her write by putting their chins on the keyboardddddddddddd.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 23, 2017
I spent hours reading this and the only thought that keeps playing in my head now is HOW THE FUCK COULD HE DO THAT TO HER, A.I. or not, HOW THE FUCK COULD SHE FORGIVE HIM AND LAUGH IT OFF?????!!!!!!!!!!!!! The first half was slow, the second half was awesome but for this author to throw in that one fucking thing. It ruined the entire book for me and I'm fucking pissed I put in all that time only for her to throw in something stupid, senseless, and unforgivable. Pardon my cussing but it takes something as stupid as the hero fucking another woman when the one he loves is trying to save his ass. His defense of her sleeping with other guys made no sense, it was BEFORE HIM, he screwed some desperate bitch after he'd slept with Victoria and knowing he had feelings for her, that is NOT the same. He explained himself and she apparently let it go and then came to the conclusion that she was really upset because she felt unequal in intelligence with him. That has nothing to do with what he did. He even had the nerve to suggest she meet Mary because she's nice!!! She's an idiot herself because she's not even mad for the right reasons. This book has two of the stupidest characters I've ever come across and I can't make the feeling of rage go away at what this author had to throw in. I'm DISGUSTED by what he did and FURIOUS at how she let him get away with what he did. I remember now why I always read reviews before reading, spoilers or not, and will never make that mistake again simply because I don't want to miss the sale. I never cuss in my reviews like this but this has pushed me beyond my boiling point like no book has ever done before, I will never read anything of this author ever again and my last words on this are, FUCK THIS BOOK!!!!!
October 31, 2012
2008 Review:
Oh. My. God.
I need to get my heart rate down. I feel as though I have a fever and this time it is not because I am sick. My heart is still thumping and my eyes are still wet; I still feel a little choked up.
This is an amazing book.
It’s not a romance. I’d classify it as science fiction with a strong romance subplot. It quotes Ray Bradbury, William Gibson, makes references to ‘the ghost in the machine’ (aka Ghost in the Shell) and a lot more. It has a classical central plot: the birth of true AI and all the implications of what it means to be human and the question of where souls come from. And it was beautiful.
I can’t say whether the actual writing style was a thing of beauty, but it certainly was not bad in any way that I noticed. I did not go back to reread parts of scenes, but I did read and read and could hardly stop. It was incredibly intense. In fact, I read it in two sessions, with sleep and other things between them. It was not easy to pick the book up again because I was scared of the intensity, but when I did, I just wanted to read on.
I loved the main characters. They were not cookie-cutter comfortable at all, though. Liking them was not a foregone conclusion. Both of them had their rough spots. All the other characters were grating too. Really, it had something realistic in the way that you could not rely on anyone.
But god, I am so glad about the way it ended. I was really scared about that for a while, especially during the first two thirds, because of the dark and bleak setting and characterization.
The evolution of Jodie was a thing of beauty though. This particular kind of creation always intrigued me deeply, what with my computer fetish and all that. It was scary as well. But wonderful. I cried so hard over Jodie Prime in the end. God.
*deep sigh*
I am really glad I read this book. Naturally, I am now scared to read another by this author, because I don’t deal well with intensity these days, but on the other hand it certainly did me no harm. I mean if I have to obsess in my half-sleep states over what I am reading then it better be something interesting and worth obsessing over!
I love this book. I really do.
Oh. My. God.
I need to get my heart rate down. I feel as though I have a fever and this time it is not because I am sick. My heart is still thumping and my eyes are still wet; I still feel a little choked up.
This is an amazing book.
It’s not a romance. I’d classify it as science fiction with a strong romance subplot. It quotes Ray Bradbury, William Gibson, makes references to ‘the ghost in the machine’ (aka Ghost in the Shell) and a lot more. It has a classical central plot: the birth of true AI and all the implications of what it means to be human and the question of where souls come from. And it was beautiful.
I can’t say whether the actual writing style was a thing of beauty, but it certainly was not bad in any way that I noticed. I did not go back to reread parts of scenes, but I did read and read and could hardly stop. It was incredibly intense. In fact, I read it in two sessions, with sleep and other things between them. It was not easy to pick the book up again because I was scared of the intensity, but when I did, I just wanted to read on.
I loved the main characters. They were not cookie-cutter comfortable at all, though. Liking them was not a foregone conclusion. Both of them had their rough spots. All the other characters were grating too. Really, it had something realistic in the way that you could not rely on anyone.
But god, I am so glad about the way it ended. I was really scared about that for a while, especially during the first two thirds, because of the dark and bleak setting and characterization.
The evolution of Jodie was a thing of beauty though. This particular kind of creation always intrigued me deeply, what with my computer fetish and all that. It was scary as well. But wonderful. I cried so hard over Jodie Prime in the end. God.
*deep sigh*
I am really glad I read this book. Naturally, I am now scared to read another by this author, because I don’t deal well with intensity these days, but on the other hand it certainly did me no harm. I mean if I have to obsess in my half-sleep states over what I am reading then it better be something interesting and worth obsessing over!
I love this book. I really do.
August 26, 2014
2.5 stars. I liked the story, but I didn't emotionally connect. Also, just a warning: This book is definitely not as sexy as the cover/blurbs would suggest. >:(
Review
A long time ago, in a theater now demolished, I saw a little movie called Hackers. (I have no idea how I was allowed to see this without my parents present, as I would have been 11 when it came out, but hey, it was the nineties.) That movie is basically my entire frame of reference for hackers, so it's where I'm getting my review inspiration from.
Vic is a hacker who spent some time in jail for her hacking antics.
Thanks to the rich CEO guy who bailed her out, she now works for a huge corporation that basically controls all the world's information.
She steals storage space and time from them in order to pursue her dream ... the creation of artificial intelligence. No one is more surprised than she is when she succeeds, but she has to keep her project a secret. Of course, the higher-ups eventually figure out something's up, and they devote all their resources in pursuit of her and Jodie (her project).
This was a little slow for me, and the sexy times didn't quite live up to what the cover suggested. However, there were some things I really liked, such as Vic's secret nights out on the town and her internal struggles. Her relationships with her coworkers were interesting too.
Mostly, there's computer stuff. Vic spends a lot of time in front of the screen, typing. I'm not sure how much of the terminology the author invented and how much was real, but it was convincing to me, at least.
Review
A long time ago, in a theater now demolished, I saw a little movie called Hackers. (I have no idea how I was allowed to see this without my parents present, as I would have been 11 when it came out, but hey, it was the nineties.) That movie is basically my entire frame of reference for hackers, so it's where I'm getting my review inspiration from.
Vic is a hacker who spent some time in jail for her hacking antics.
Thanks to the rich CEO guy who bailed her out, she now works for a huge corporation that basically controls all the world's information.
She steals storage space and time from them in order to pursue her dream ... the creation of artificial intelligence. No one is more surprised than she is when she succeeds, but she has to keep her project a secret. Of course, the higher-ups eventually figure out something's up, and they devote all their resources in pursuit of her and Jodie (her project).
This was a little slow for me, and the sexy times didn't quite live up to what the cover suggested. However, there were some things I really liked, such as Vic's secret nights out on the town and her internal struggles. Her relationships with her coworkers were interesting too.
Mostly, there's computer stuff. Vic spends a lot of time in front of the screen, typing. I'm not sure how much of the terminology the author invented and how much was real, but it was convincing to me, at least.
October 25, 2011
In all honesty, it is my opinion that the publisher misrepresented Ms. Squires book by 1: labeling it as a Paranormal Romance & 2: by adding reviews indicating that this was a sensual book. This book should have been labeled as a Sci-Fi Fantasy book. Also, there wasn't much sensuality (sex) to be had in this book, and what was presented was rather tame.
This book was ok, but it wasn't spectacular. Borrow it from your local library and save yourself the $$$$.
This book was ok, but it wasn't spectacular. Borrow it from your local library and save yourself the $$$$.
September 27, 2010
It is a sad day when humans are less than machines. That said, Body Electric is an interesting romance with a rush of feeling like you went to the movies. 2001, A Space Odyssey...The Fifth Element...The Terminator...Blade Runner: these are all movies that come to my mind while reading this story.
Victoria Barnhardt has a gift. She is uber-intelligent but has a problem getting along with other human beings. So she decides to create a friend, something with a girlish image who she can talk to. She works for a capable firm that gives her access to the very things she needs to create artificial intelligence or should I say NOT give her access because Victoria is working on the sly. She knows that if others find out they'll use and control her technology.
Fast forward and AI is now a reality, and more. Other reviewers have told you more so I won't dwell on what goes on. This is just to let you know that if you enjoy a not-perfect romance, want to care about the characters, need to feel a chemistry between the H and HER and are looking for something different, try BODY ELECTRIC. This is my first Susan Squires book; it is a contemporary romance with a sci-fi edge. It is easy to read and you will come away with the belief that maybe our future is not so bleak as many think.
Victoria Barnhardt has a gift. She is uber-intelligent but has a problem getting along with other human beings. So she decides to create a friend, something with a girlish image who she can talk to. She works for a capable firm that gives her access to the very things she needs to create artificial intelligence or should I say NOT give her access because Victoria is working on the sly. She knows that if others find out they'll use and control her technology.
Fast forward and AI is now a reality, and more. Other reviewers have told you more so I won't dwell on what goes on. This is just to let you know that if you enjoy a not-perfect romance, want to care about the characters, need to feel a chemistry between the H and HER and are looking for something different, try BODY ELECTRIC. This is my first Susan Squires book; it is a contemporary romance with a sci-fi edge. It is easy to read and you will come away with the belief that maybe our future is not so bleak as many think.
August 7, 2019
Triggers ahead. The hero cheated on the heroine when she was trying to save him.
And they just brushed it off in the end and acted like nothing happened.
To be honest, if it had not been for the hero sleeping with other woman, I might have given this book a 4 star based on the plot.
However, this book was labeled as romance and the reason behind the hero's unfaithful behavior just seemed lame to me. This was my first time reading an AI romance and it definitely left a bad impression on me.
And they just brushed it off in the end and acted like nothing happened.
To be honest, if it had not been for the hero sleeping with other woman, I might have given this book a 4 star based on the plot.
However, this book was labeled as romance and the reason behind the hero's unfaithful behavior just seemed lame to me. This was my first time reading an AI romance and it definitely left a bad impression on me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2016
Ok this book was well written and had a unique concept that I thought was pretty cool. That being said I found this book to be...weird.
Victoria Barnhart is a computer programmer that has secretly created the first real artificial intelligence. She named it Jodie after Jodie Foster because in her mind the AI is an independent female. To her surprised dismay Jodie tells her that it identifies as male (I don't know how since it doesn't have a physical body or hormones to help it make this decision). To protect Jodie Victoria must down load him into a real body so she heads over to the hospital and finds some poor dude in a coma and, using hospital laser equipment, down loads Jodie into his head. Unfortunately she is interrupted before she can fully complete the transfer and this leaves Jodie with some life threatening side effects. Victoria spends the rest of the book trying to find a way to finish the download while protecting Jodie from those who would exploit the technology and of course falling in love with him.
I thought the concept was pretty cool and out of the box. I think where I had problems was with Victoria's character. She wasn't easy to like if I'm being honest and she had some big time phycological issues when it came to dealing with men and her own femininity, so much so that she buries it under a heavy tomboy look and attitude. Though she had no interest in having a relationship she still feels compelled to have anonymous sex with men that she judges to be alpha males. To that end she lives a secret life where she gets dressed up in revealing outfits and heavy makeup and goes out clubbing until she finds a suitable alpha and then has sex with him in the parking lot.
Now I'm not a prude and as long as it's consenting adults I make no judgments on the how's and whys of another persons sexual preferences, but I admit I didn't get why Victoria felt the way she did. It was like she was two different people with no explanation why.
Character issues aside this book was well written and fast paced. Even though I rated it a three I still feel it was worth the read.
Victoria Barnhart is a computer programmer that has secretly created the first real artificial intelligence. She named it Jodie after Jodie Foster because in her mind the AI is an independent female. To her surprised dismay Jodie tells her that it identifies as male (I don't know how since it doesn't have a physical body or hormones to help it make this decision). To protect Jodie Victoria must down load him into a real body so she heads over to the hospital and finds some poor dude in a coma and, using hospital laser equipment, down loads Jodie into his head. Unfortunately she is interrupted before she can fully complete the transfer and this leaves Jodie with some life threatening side effects. Victoria spends the rest of the book trying to find a way to finish the download while protecting Jodie from those who would exploit the technology and of course falling in love with him.
I thought the concept was pretty cool and out of the box. I think where I had problems was with Victoria's character. She wasn't easy to like if I'm being honest and she had some big time phycological issues when it came to dealing with men and her own femininity, so much so that she buries it under a heavy tomboy look and attitude. Though she had no interest in having a relationship she still feels compelled to have anonymous sex with men that she judges to be alpha males. To that end she lives a secret life where she gets dressed up in revealing outfits and heavy makeup and goes out clubbing until she finds a suitable alpha and then has sex with him in the parking lot.
Now I'm not a prude and as long as it's consenting adults I make no judgments on the how's and whys of another persons sexual preferences, but I admit I didn't get why Victoria felt the way she did. It was like she was two different people with no explanation why.
Character issues aside this book was well written and fast paced. Even though I rated it a three I still feel it was worth the read.
April 23, 2025
Absolutely loved this book!! It's a rare treat to find such a treasure on Kindle Unlimited. I'm not going to rewrite a synopsis, as you can easily read one in other reviews or even in the book blurb. I'll focus on things that matter to me, very much. Susan Squires can really write. She is skilled at the craft. Sometimes I find a skilled writer, but the story is boring or puts me off for one reason or another. Or, a good storyteller can't construct a decent sentence. Here we have the holy grail of fiction, in my view. The storyteller who knows how to write! Hallelujah for this thought provoking and engaging tale of AI to human sci-fi suspense.
Love is an important element in this story, but it's so much more than your standard 'romance'. Reading it wasn't unlike watching a really good movie. As with another favorite story, Dustwalker, by Tiffany Roberts, we are left pondering what it means to be human, to be sentient, what love is, and what lies ahead as AI evolves before our eyes. 5 stars. Highly recommend.
Love is an important element in this story, but it's so much more than your standard 'romance'. Reading it wasn't unlike watching a really good movie. As with another favorite story, Dustwalker, by Tiffany Roberts, we are left pondering what it means to be human, to be sentient, what love is, and what lies ahead as AI evolves before our eyes. 5 stars. Highly recommend.
May 21, 2019
The cheesy cover and horny meet cute opening are complete head fakes. This book rocks with an amazing nerdy badass heroine with flaws that make her human, not adorable. There's the honest depiction of a woman's career hurdles in STEM, there's the evil of monopolies and greed, there's gender identity issues (at least briefly), there's existential questions galore. I suspended my disbelief and read this in one sitting. I suggest you do the same (well maybe get up and stretch because seriously my butt did go numb and it was not pleasant at all). It will give you a new appreciation for bubble wrap.
February 23, 2025
A fun sci-fi read! Deducted 1 star for some plot holes and medical scenes based on debunked myths... But the story had plenty of suspense and compelling characters. While there is a romance element, I wouldn't really call this a romance novel. If you like 80s sci-fi movies this will scratch the same itch
February 11, 2015
Loved reading this book. Interesting concepts about what it is to be human, a set of interesting characters (although the evil genius is a little predictably bad)
The heroine, Vic, is tough and clever and slightly damaged. My one criticism of the way the author treats her is that she for some reason has to make her appearance more 'feminine' as she starts to heal the damage. I thought that was unnecessary. I think that Vic's struggle with her sexuality and the impact on her of societies trouble with smart women is generally well played out.
The story barrels along, with some time for rapid plot development, a little romance, steamy sex and many intriguing possibilities raised as to the future of AI (artificialI intelligence). Some nice references to science fiction masters such as Ballard and Asimov with an intelligent and very well written story that I could barely put down. There are also some small surprises throughout the story.
Squires has also succeeded in seeing enough into the future to be able to create an undated future world (the book was first published in 2002). She could not know that her 'communicator, would end up being called an iPad or that smart devices would be endemic several years after she wrote this.
The heroine, Vic, is tough and clever and slightly damaged. My one criticism of the way the author treats her is that she for some reason has to make her appearance more 'feminine' as she starts to heal the damage. I thought that was unnecessary. I think that Vic's struggle with her sexuality and the impact on her of societies trouble with smart women is generally well played out.
The story barrels along, with some time for rapid plot development, a little romance, steamy sex and many intriguing possibilities raised as to the future of AI (artificialI intelligence). Some nice references to science fiction masters such as Ballard and Asimov with an intelligent and very well written story that I could barely put down. There are also some small surprises throughout the story.
Squires has also succeeded in seeing enough into the future to be able to create an undated future world (the book was first published in 2002). She could not know that her 'communicator, would end up being called an iPad or that smart devices would be endemic several years after she wrote this.
September 14, 2008
Odd book. Maybe 3 1/2 stars, if you push it.
Nerdy former hacker and current programmer Victoria Barnhardt decides to create an AI program, on company time and using company resources. She succeeds beyond her wildest dreams. Jodie is not only up to any task she comes up with, but he's also evolved to the point of emotions. Only now Jodie wants the impossible - a body.
In the meantime, the evil computer empire Victoria works for wants to fire her, jail her, use Jodie, and/or destroy Jodie.
The book was slow to start, but I kept with it for the pure novelty factor. Was mentally singing the theme song from "Electric Dreams" (1984) throughout the book.
Nerdy former hacker and current programmer Victoria Barnhardt decides to create an AI program, on company time and using company resources. She succeeds beyond her wildest dreams. Jodie is not only up to any task she comes up with, but he's also evolved to the point of emotions. Only now Jodie wants the impossible - a body.
In the meantime, the evil computer empire Victoria works for wants to fire her, jail her, use Jodie, and/or destroy Jodie.
The book was slow to start, but I kept with it for the pure novelty factor. Was mentally singing the theme song from "Electric Dreams" (1984) throughout the book.
January 20, 2013
This book was a world away form anything else I've read by this author. I thoroughly enjoy her historical supernatural romances but this with it's combined hi-tech and very human emotions is a really exciting story.
If you're looking for a stand alone book that will take you on a slightly alternate pathway with lots of twists I recommend this book :)... Ive read it twice and am considering going around for a third time, there's so much in it that each time you read it you see things from a new and different perspective.
If you're looking for a stand alone book that will take you on a slightly alternate pathway with lots of twists I recommend this book :)... Ive read it twice and am considering going around for a third time, there's so much in it that each time you read it you see things from a new and different perspective.
August 16, 2010
This still my favorite of Susan Squire's books. This and No More Lies both kiond of deal with meroines who suffer from imposter syndrome. In this case the heroine has a couple other kinks, like programming and then falling in love with an AI.... Susan is best known for her vampire books, but this a fun read for those who like modern thrillers.
December 11, 2008
I would have give this a 4.5 star rating if only the author had done her research before writing about a character having a seizure. You never put something in a seizing person's mouth. Having her main characters do this repeatedly, when doing so could cause more harm, bugged me. Yes, it is a book but people take ideas from books, as well as validation. I'd hate for that to get validated.
September 30, 2014
For readers who enjoyed Tanith Lee's: "Silver Metal Lover."
Victoria Barnhardt is a computer hacker. When she illegally uses her company's mainframe to create her program, she gets more than she bargained for.
I liked that Squires gives credit to both Walt Whitman and Ray Bradbury within her story.
Victoria Barnhardt is a computer hacker. When she illegally uses her company's mainframe to create her program, she gets more than she bargained for.
I liked that Squires gives credit to both Walt Whitman and Ray Bradbury within her story.
January 8, 2008
Aside from the 'porn cover' it isn't half bad. And yes, the cover is not idicitave of the content therin, I think they just made it look like that to get people to read it. Seriously.
March 19, 2013
I remember loving this despite the suspension of disbelief required (even within this science fictional world.)
August 6, 2014
Definitely unique, but I'm not sure I was into the romantic element. It was a bit far out. The story did move along nicely.
March 16, 2016
Body Electric
Absolutely magnificent! Totally riveting! The author's characters suck you in, you can't wait to turn the next page! This book leaves you wanting more! A+++
Absolutely magnificent! Totally riveting! The author's characters suck you in, you can't wait to turn the next page! This book leaves you wanting more! A+++
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews