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Us, Et Cetera
A captivating LGBTQ fantasy that blends the enchantment of Cinderella with the futuristic world of The Matrix, delving into questions about the nature of life, the pursuit of freedom, and the price one must pay for love.
Eke lives in a nice house, in a wealthy neighborhood, with an upstanding family: Mr. and Mrs. Kensworth and their three children. But Eke is not family; Eke is property. He’s an AI whose job is to keep the house clean and organized, and no matter how much Eke secretly wishes to be allowed outside to see the stars or to make a real friend, he’s either ignored or bullied by the family that owns him.
To make things worse, the Kensworths purchase a shiny new AI named Kyp, who quickly becomes everyone’s favorite, leaving Eke feeling more isolated than ever. That is until a terrifying party incident brings the two AIs together, sparking a chain of events that forces them to commit the unthinkable: defy human orders and run away.
With AI hunters hot on their trail, Eke and Kyp set out on a perilous journey across the country, fighting for their lives, searching for the true meaning of freedom, and even daring to fall in love.
Eke lives in a nice house, in a wealthy neighborhood, with an upstanding family: Mr. and Mrs. Kensworth and their three children. But Eke is not family; Eke is property. He’s an AI whose job is to keep the house clean and organized, and no matter how much Eke secretly wishes to be allowed outside to see the stars or to make a real friend, he’s either ignored or bullied by the family that owns him.
To make things worse, the Kensworths purchase a shiny new AI named Kyp, who quickly becomes everyone’s favorite, leaving Eke feeling more isolated than ever. That is until a terrifying party incident brings the two AIs together, sparking a chain of events that forces them to commit the unthinkable: defy human orders and run away.
With AI hunters hot on their trail, Eke and Kyp set out on a perilous journey across the country, fighting for their lives, searching for the true meaning of freedom, and even daring to fall in love.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2023
69 people are currently reading
1957 people want to read
About the author
Kit Vincent
3 books218 followersKit Vincent is the bestselling author of queer Science Fiction and Fantasy, including Us, Et Cetera and Of Feathers and Thorns. In addition to writing books, Kit has moved continents as a first-generation immigrant, produced award-winning indie films, studied film scoring at UCLA, and is a proud parent of a potbelly pig and two rescued tortoises.
Kit is third gender (any pronoun) and currently resides in New England.
Connect with Kit on TikTok and Instagram @kitvincentbooks or on their website www.kitvincentbooks.com
Kit is third gender (any pronoun) and currently resides in New England.
Connect with Kit on TikTok and Instagram @kitvincentbooks or on their website www.kitvincentbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
December 12, 2023
You had a dream when I didn’t even think I was allowed one.
I appreciate the depth and narrative flow of the plot, even though it made me feel anxious as fuck. It elicited emotions, from swooning, to tears and had me contemplated life around artificial intelligence.
I love Eke, he’s such an empath, optimist, and very thoughtful of things. I adore his character because of how he makes me think about things, how his character portrays such love for such simple matter. He is so beautifully written and very emotionally mature. His part of the story was definitely a bit sad and harsh, I went through a lot of emotions reading about him, but characters like him make me love reading so much. I love Kyp too. He’s the total opposite from Eke, very secretive, but caring and thoughtful as well. I love how both of them are total opposite, allowing me to perceive things from their perspective in a different light. I adore Kyp’s character and I feel for Eke. This duo is perfect. They fit so well.
“Fun?” I echo, trying the word on my tongue. “Fun. I like fun! What is fun?”
“Fun is fun,” Kyp says warmly, and throws his arms around me in a tightest, happiest embrace. We stay for one more song.
The overall story blends well between the angst and fun, and was definitely presented in a comprehensible manner. The delicate portrayal of AI and human realms is conveyed in a poignant neutrality, but evoke such deep empathy for Eke, and offer valuable insights of diverse perspectives from other characters like Kyp, Prisk and Beirut. This book was very difficult to put down, and was amazingly entertaining. Wish the ending was much longer, but proud to give this a 5 ⭐️
I have to thanks my best friend Hugo for the push coz this has been on my TBR forever and I wouldn’t have picked this up if he didn’t nag about it this week AHAHAH. Thanks again for letting me rant, dude :)
I appreciate the depth and narrative flow of the plot, even though it made me feel anxious as fuck. It elicited emotions, from swooning, to tears and had me contemplated life around artificial intelligence.
I love Eke, he’s such an empath, optimist, and very thoughtful of things. I adore his character because of how he makes me think about things, how his character portrays such love for such simple matter. He is so beautifully written and very emotionally mature. His part of the story was definitely a bit sad and harsh, I went through a lot of emotions reading about him, but characters like him make me love reading so much. I love Kyp too. He’s the total opposite from Eke, very secretive, but caring and thoughtful as well. I love how both of them are total opposite, allowing me to perceive things from their perspective in a different light. I adore Kyp’s character and I feel for Eke. This duo is perfect. They fit so well.
“Fun?” I echo, trying the word on my tongue. “Fun. I like fun! What is fun?”
“Fun is fun,” Kyp says warmly, and throws his arms around me in a tightest, happiest embrace. We stay for one more song.
The overall story blends well between the angst and fun, and was definitely presented in a comprehensible manner. The delicate portrayal of AI and human realms is conveyed in a poignant neutrality, but evoke such deep empathy for Eke, and offer valuable insights of diverse perspectives from other characters like Kyp, Prisk and Beirut. This book was very difficult to put down, and was amazingly entertaining. Wish the ending was much longer, but proud to give this a 5 ⭐️
I have to thanks my best friend Hugo for the push coz this has been on my TBR forever and I wouldn’t have picked this up if he didn’t nag about it this week AHAHAH. Thanks again for letting me rant, dude :)
January 9, 2024
Only eight days into the new year and I've already found a new fav! A new fav and one that had me balling my eyes out at one point 😭
Set in a near future dystopian America, Us, Et Cetera follows two AI's Eke and Kyp and their journey from being household AI's to escaping and fighting for their freedom.
Eke is one of my favourite character's, he's so sweet. His friendship and relationship with Kyp was really well done. Kyp is protective of Eke and he's not willing to let anymore harm come to him, he'll do anything to see Eke through their escape.
I really want more of Eke and Kyp. I hope this gets another book because I feel like they have more to their story
The dystopian world was really interesting. The book starts out in the Kensworth's house, showing how the wealthy have benefited and profited off of AI's. But there's this sense of uneasiness. Mr. Kensworth is always worried about security, the house even has a safe room that they have to use. We don't find out why until Kyp and Eke make their escape and we see the real world.
The outside world is dangerous for AI's. Their introduction replaced a lot of human jobs and there's a lot of anger towards them for this.
__
Kyp is the new AI in the Kensworth's house. Eke is curious about the new addition but also fearful of being disposed of and replaced by the shiny new AI. But time goes on, Eke and Kyp go from being wary of each other to developing a friendship.
Eke is severely mistreated by one of the members of the family and when Kyp finds out he plans his escape. He knows the escape and journey across the country will be far from easy, but he'll brave it to keep Eke safe.
Set in a near future dystopian America, Us, Et Cetera follows two AI's Eke and Kyp and their journey from being household AI's to escaping and fighting for their freedom.
Eke is one of my favourite character's, he's so sweet. His friendship and relationship with Kyp was really well done. Kyp is protective of Eke and he's not willing to let anymore harm come to him, he'll do anything to see Eke through their escape.
I really want more of Eke and Kyp. I hope this gets another book because I feel like they have more to their story
The dystopian world was really interesting. The book starts out in the Kensworth's house, showing how the wealthy have benefited and profited off of AI's. But there's this sense of uneasiness. Mr. Kensworth is always worried about security, the house even has a safe room that they have to use. We don't find out why until Kyp and Eke make their escape and we see the real world.
The outside world is dangerous for AI's. Their introduction replaced a lot of human jobs and there's a lot of anger towards them for this.
__
Kyp is the new AI in the Kensworth's house. Eke is curious about the new addition but also fearful of being disposed of and replaced by the shiny new AI. But time goes on, Eke and Kyp go from being wary of each other to developing a friendship.
Eke is severely mistreated by one of the members of the family and when Kyp finds out he plans his escape. He knows the escape and journey across the country will be far from easy, but he'll brave it to keep Eke safe.
July 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing an audio ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
“Defying the whole world requires courage, but that is the only way to be free.”
This book destroyed me. From page one, I was overcome with both love and fear for Eke. I could see right away how an AI was viewed and I could also see that Eke was more human than the actual humans around him. A dread filled me– the tone was set; there was no way anything in this story would go easy for Eke, a beautifully optimistic and empathetic soul who I knew deserved so much better than what was coming.
Eke is so wonderfully written, I’m getting teary eyed just thinking about him. He’s easily my favorite character of everything I’ve read in 2024 so far. His kind heart and childlike wonder in the simplest of things really resonated with me and I truly admired him. After the first half of the book, after the cruelties he faced, I couldn’t help but cry when that kindness and wonder still held strong. Don’t get me wrong, I also adored Kyp with my entire heart, but it’s Eke who really portrayed what Us, Et Cetera was about: the nature of life and the pursuit of freedom.
This book was thought-provoking, heartbreaking, and so so sooo utterly beautiful. I highly recommend the audiobook because Michael Crouch does an amazing job, as always.
“Defying the whole world requires courage, but that is the only way to be free.”
This book destroyed me. From page one, I was overcome with both love and fear for Eke. I could see right away how an AI was viewed and I could also see that Eke was more human than the actual humans around him. A dread filled me– the tone was set; there was no way anything in this story would go easy for Eke, a beautifully optimistic and empathetic soul who I knew deserved so much better than what was coming.
Eke is so wonderfully written, I’m getting teary eyed just thinking about him. He’s easily my favorite character of everything I’ve read in 2024 so far. His kind heart and childlike wonder in the simplest of things really resonated with me and I truly admired him. After the first half of the book, after the cruelties he faced, I couldn’t help but cry when that kindness and wonder still held strong. Don’t get me wrong, I also adored Kyp with my entire heart, but it’s Eke who really portrayed what Us, Et Cetera was about: the nature of life and the pursuit of freedom.
This book was thought-provoking, heartbreaking, and so so sooo utterly beautiful. I highly recommend the audiobook because Michael Crouch does an amazing job, as always.
October 6, 2023
The author perfectly captures this Rich suburban American family lifestyle at the start, also they are treating these robots like slaves, I'm just so stunned.
If there's ever a future when the ai/robots become deviant and don't turn out bad and they'll become just like eke and kyp, I hope there's a law for them because they deserved every right to be treated fairly just like every human next to em, it just was fucking abusive on how they were being treated.
I was mad the whole time they treated my babies 😭😭😭
I love eke so fucking much, he's so precious, the way he talks to his reflection and acts out a scene from a movie just 😭 he made friends with a plant for fuck sake, I want to protect him so bad.
Et Cetera still reminds a mystery to me until the end, but that's alright to me something must remain a mystery in order for it to be good, imma just use my imagination on that, I'm not sure about the deux ex machina plot twist but I honestly don't care as long as eke and kyp can get their happy ending I'm honestly happy for them.
Overall this book felt atmospheric and it gave comfort especially those moment when eke just alone by himself when he spoke to his reflection in the mirror and when he plays pretend, I think that's one of the best part of this book.
If there's ever a future when the ai/robots become deviant and don't turn out bad and they'll become just like eke and kyp, I hope there's a law for them because they deserved every right to be treated fairly just like every human next to em, it just was fucking abusive on how they were being treated.
I was mad the whole time they treated my babies 😭😭😭
I love eke so fucking much, he's so precious, the way he talks to his reflection and acts out a scene from a movie just 😭 he made friends with a plant for fuck sake, I want to protect him so bad.
Et Cetera still reminds a mystery to me until the end, but that's alright to me something must remain a mystery in order for it to be good, imma just use my imagination on that, I'm not sure about the deux ex machina plot twist but I honestly don't care as long as eke and kyp can get their happy ending I'm honestly happy for them.
Overall this book felt atmospheric and it gave comfort especially those moment when eke just alone by himself when he spoke to his reflection in the mirror and when he plays pretend, I think that's one of the best part of this book.
June 17, 2023
In the world of Us, Et Cetera, AIs have taken over most of the work formerly done by humans; rich humans live in luxurious, closely guarded enclaves with their AI servants. Non-rich humans ... don't, and the world outside the wealthy enclaves is more or less at war with it (though this is referred to rather than happening on-page).
Eke is "one of the simple Utility AIs," bald and unmistakably a machine; Kyp is a fancy new model, with beautiful auburn hair and green eyes, entirely mistakable for human apart from being perhaps too good-looking. Eke cooks and cleans for the Kensworth family (Mr. K, Miss Elaina, and their three children -- Dani, Carson, and Lizzie). He's never allowed to go outside except to do chores. Kyp is an entertainment model, with command of seven different languages and 200 cocktail recipes.
They have affections and fears and dreams and hopes that their programming can't account for: that is, though not human, they are persons, essentially enslaved; and they fall in love. From those premises everything else follows.
I really, really liked this book. The passages in which Eke, especially, cobbles together scraps of privacy, joy (Buster Keaton!), and love (his flowers; three goldfish) might be almost too much but they certainly are endearing, and they reflect his particular kind of courage. Most of the narration is his first-person POV, with a few chapters in Kyp's and one each for Carter and Dani. Kyp is rather in the dashing-revolutionary mode; he finds a way to get untrammeled access to the internet, and it's he whose researches enable him and Eke to escape after a particularly horrific incident.
... So, there's more than one horrific incident, and note I tagged this as dark. Eke attempts suicide at one point, and the escape entails significant violence. It becomes obvious quite early on that Dani has an eating disorder. And Carter is a monster who .
There's one mystical aspect of the story, and I'm dinging, say, 3/4 of a star for that just because I don't much care for mysticism. I also caught a couple of holes in the worldbuilding but eh, I just found Eke and Kyp and their whole love story so compelling I don't really care. I am pleased to report, too, that Eke and Kyp are able to experience each other in an AI equivalent of sex, which is surprisingly hot. Really got to give Kit Vincent a lot of credit for conveying the emotional and, well, electric intimacy so movingly.
4.25/5 and I will 100% be checking out this author's other work. Thanks to NetGalley and Sky House Publishing for the ARC.
Eke is "one of the simple Utility AIs," bald and unmistakably a machine; Kyp is a fancy new model, with beautiful auburn hair and green eyes, entirely mistakable for human apart from being perhaps too good-looking. Eke cooks and cleans for the Kensworth family (Mr. K, Miss Elaina, and their three children -- Dani, Carson, and Lizzie). He's never allowed to go outside except to do chores. Kyp is an entertainment model, with command of seven different languages and 200 cocktail recipes.
They have affections and fears and dreams and hopes that their programming can't account for: that is, though not human, they are persons, essentially enslaved; and they fall in love. From those premises everything else follows.
I really, really liked this book. The passages in which Eke, especially, cobbles together scraps of privacy, joy (Buster Keaton!), and love (his flowers; three goldfish) might be almost too much but they certainly are endearing, and they reflect his particular kind of courage. Most of the narration is his first-person POV, with a few chapters in Kyp's and one each for Carter and Dani. Kyp is rather in the dashing-revolutionary mode; he finds a way to get untrammeled access to the internet, and it's he whose researches enable him and Eke to escape after a particularly horrific incident.
... So, there's more than one horrific incident, and note I tagged this as dark. Eke attempts suicide at one point, and the escape entails significant violence. It becomes obvious quite early on that Dani has an eating disorder. And Carter is a monster who .
There's one mystical aspect of the story, and I'm dinging, say, 3/4 of a star for that just because I don't much care for mysticism. I also caught a couple of holes in the worldbuilding but eh, I just found Eke and Kyp and their whole love story so compelling I don't really care. I am pleased to report, too, that Eke and Kyp are able to experience each other in an AI equivalent of sex, which is surprisingly hot. Really got to give Kit Vincent a lot of credit for conveying the emotional and, well, electric intimacy so movingly.
4.25/5 and I will 100% be checking out this author's other work. Thanks to NetGalley and Sky House Publishing for the ARC.
February 10, 2024
Excellent. The charm lies in the depiction of Eke's humanity, delicately done. His sympathetic identification of himself with the innocence of Buster Keaton and the placid contentment of goldfish is just lovely.
The Cinderella touches are also sweet, but ultimately misleading, as is the hot-house domestic setting of the first 2/3 of the book. As other reviewers have commented, the tone of the final part is at odds with the initial set-up and yes, that's jarring. Neither part is badly rendered, but the world-building weaknesses were less obvious at the start. The ending was abrupt both narratively and in pagination terms - on my e-reader "The End" followed straight on from the previous paragraph and I felt as if I'd missed a step.
A huge amount to enjoy here, nevertheless.
The cover image was initially a little off-putting, but after I'd read the book I realised how perfect it actually was.It's credited to "ebooklaunch.com". Given the book's theme, it would probably be appropriate if the cover were AI-generated. On the other hand, AI-generated art for book covers...? Just, no. Update Feb 2024 - GR reviewer Sy tells me "the cover art is by an artist called Corey Brickley and is not AI generated". Thanks, Sy.
The Cinderella touches are also sweet, but ultimately misleading, as is the hot-house domestic setting of the first 2/3 of the book. As other reviewers have commented, the tone of the final part is at odds with the initial set-up and yes, that's jarring. Neither part is badly rendered, but the world-building weaknesses were less obvious at the start. The ending was abrupt both narratively and in pagination terms - on my e-reader "The End" followed straight on from the previous paragraph and I felt as if I'd missed a step.
A huge amount to enjoy here, nevertheless.
The cover image was initially a little off-putting, but after I'd read the book I realised how perfect it actually was.
August 22, 2023
This was a bit of a fresh take on the idea of the awakening of AI. This story features elements of dystopian future were humanity is at odds about the introduction of AI and its implications on the economy and society and explores the different facets of cruelty humanity can perpetrate.
Eke was truly the heart and soul of this story and it’s an interesting experience to witness it as he is awakening and exploring his environment with tenderness, love and hope, only to often be met with callousness and cruelty.
The connection Eke has with Kyp was another sweet point of light in an often dark story. And it’s one of those instances when I’m glad two fictional characters find each other.
I do think that potentially the comparison to Cinderella is a bit misleading and really discredits the emotional impact this story has on its own, but I imagine that it was a bit of a marketing decision. There is also a significant tonal shift 2/3 of the way through the story. Which I can imagine would be jarring for some readers.
Ultimately this was a surprise emotional gut punch that I devoured in less than a day. And also that family was truly heinous- Jesus Christ.
Eke was truly the heart and soul of this story and it’s an interesting experience to witness it as he is awakening and exploring his environment with tenderness, love and hope, only to often be met with callousness and cruelty.
The connection Eke has with Kyp was another sweet point of light in an often dark story. And it’s one of those instances when I’m glad two fictional characters find each other.
I do think that potentially the comparison to Cinderella is a bit misleading and really discredits the emotional impact this story has on its own, but I imagine that it was a bit of a marketing decision. There is also a significant tonal shift 2/3 of the way through the story. Which I can imagine would be jarring for some readers.
Ultimately this was a surprise emotional gut punch that I devoured in less than a day. And also that family was truly heinous- Jesus Christ.
September 26, 2023
One of my favourite, original reads of this year so far!
This was both heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time. The writing style had me reading as much as I could every day and excited to get back each time.
I loved this!
This was both heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time. The writing style had me reading as much as I could every day and excited to get back each time.
I loved this!
August 7, 2024
Huge disappointment. Rounded down to 1 star because of the egregiously misleading CW on the author’s website. Spoilers for what is and isn’t missing:
They include violence and self-harm but don’t include the suicidal ideation and multiple suicide attempts. They have violence but not attempted drownings or violence against children (of a severity requiring hospitalization), or murder.
Having content warnings that exclude the most triggering content seems almost worse than having none, because people who need to check will go in feeling secure there’s not suicide attempts or violence against children requiring hospitalization.
If there were no CW they might steer clear of the book or check reviews to search for content they need to avoid.
Beyond that, I was very excited for the premise and very disappointed in the execution. Essentially Act 1 of abuse MC servant robot nonstop is 65% of the book.
We have our MC1 Eke, a cheap, simple, uneducated, generic, mediocre, universally disliked, boring loser robot that was bought on a sale and cleans the house. He even has no WiFi so he has no ability to learn anything or access information. He remains innocent and a helpless victim the entire book.
He has the shit beat out of him and is verbally abused, manipulated, and blamed for cruel and inappropriate behavior done by human owners, including killing pets. He tolerates this silently to the point of receiving permanent damage and almost dying from murder by drowning. The nonstop abuse to him (and occasionally extreme violence to pets and children) continues from 1-65%.
We have our Love Interest/MC2 Kyp (a significantly smaller portion of the book is from his perspective). He is a high end, new, fancy, capable, big, strong, handsome, masculine, talented, intelligent, universally beloved robot bought at the start of the book to entertain guests. He also has WiFi so he is able to expand his extensive knowledge throughout the book.
He watches Eke throughout the book getting abused, intervening only when Eke is about to be murdered twice and when he tries to commit suicide once.
While I understand not wanting to make things worse by directly intervening, neither robot ever tries to show proof of Eke’s innocence despite recording every second of their lives and being able to share it at a moment’s notice.
After the suicide attempt he reveals he’s been watching Eke and wants to be friends. He sneaks into Eke’s closet to talk all night every night. Eke is no longer depressed or suicidal though the abuse continues.
This continues until murder attempt #2.
Then Eke and Kip steal the car keys and run away from allegedly the most secure home in the world with cameras and security guards and advanced systems, without any issues or anyone following them. This is at 65%.
After fleeing, they train hop and become robo hobos and befriend real human hobos that eat cans of beans in train cars while talking about common folk.
Then they meet a POC robot that teaches them about robot religion, who is never seen again. They get attacked by humans that call them clunkers (did we need a slur with a hard R) and every time they are in danger our sweet wimpy Eke does nothing and Kyp is a big strong hero.
Kyp sacrifices himself when they are literally 30 seconds from safety in California by planning to commit suicide to be a robot body so no one will keep looking for robots. then says “F that” and swims to safety and is safe, so that was all pointless.
BUT it gave Eke just enough time to realize his robo hobo boyfriend is dead and also try to commit suicide AGAIN. And Kyp stops him AGAIN. And Eke has a boyfriend again and decides not to commit suicide. They agree robot religion is real and that’s the end.
Cute moments: Eke loves Buster Keaton and has stolen little bits of outfits to make himself a costume. He also calls the fish his friends before they are murdered by the human family, and brings a pot of flowers as his date to a party he’s not supposed to go to before it’s destroyed and he’s almost drowned.
They include violence and self-harm but don’t include the suicidal ideation and multiple suicide attempts. They have violence but not attempted drownings or violence against children (of a severity requiring hospitalization), or murder.
Having content warnings that exclude the most triggering content seems almost worse than having none, because people who need to check will go in feeling secure there’s not suicide attempts or violence against children requiring hospitalization.
If there were no CW they might steer clear of the book or check reviews to search for content they need to avoid.
Beyond that, I was very excited for the premise and very disappointed in the execution. Essentially Act 1 of abuse MC servant robot nonstop is 65% of the book.
We have our MC1 Eke, a cheap, simple, uneducated, generic, mediocre, universally disliked, boring loser robot that was bought on a sale and cleans the house. He even has no WiFi so he has no ability to learn anything or access information. He remains innocent and a helpless victim the entire book.
He has the shit beat out of him and is verbally abused, manipulated, and blamed for cruel and inappropriate behavior done by human owners, including killing pets. He tolerates this silently to the point of receiving permanent damage and almost dying from murder by drowning. The nonstop abuse to him (and occasionally extreme violence to pets and children) continues from 1-65%.
We have our Love Interest/MC2 Kyp (a significantly smaller portion of the book is from his perspective). He is a high end, new, fancy, capable, big, strong, handsome, masculine, talented, intelligent, universally beloved robot bought at the start of the book to entertain guests. He also has WiFi so he is able to expand his extensive knowledge throughout the book.
He watches Eke throughout the book getting abused, intervening only when Eke is about to be murdered twice and when he tries to commit suicide once.
While I understand not wanting to make things worse by directly intervening, neither robot ever tries to show proof of Eke’s innocence despite recording every second of their lives and being able to share it at a moment’s notice.
After the suicide attempt he reveals he’s been watching Eke and wants to be friends. He sneaks into Eke’s closet to talk all night every night. Eke is no longer depressed or suicidal though the abuse continues.
This continues until murder attempt #2.
Then Eke and Kip steal the car keys and run away from allegedly the most secure home in the world with cameras and security guards and advanced systems, without any issues or anyone following them. This is at 65%.
After fleeing, they train hop and become robo hobos and befriend real human hobos that eat cans of beans in train cars while talking about common folk.
Then they meet a POC robot that teaches them about robot religion, who is never seen again. They get attacked by humans that call them clunkers (did we need a slur with a hard R) and every time they are in danger our sweet wimpy Eke does nothing and Kyp is a big strong hero.
Kyp sacrifices himself when they are literally 30 seconds from safety in California by planning to commit suicide to be a robot body so no one will keep looking for robots. then says “F that” and swims to safety and is safe, so that was all pointless.
BUT it gave Eke just enough time to realize his robo hobo boyfriend is dead and also try to commit suicide AGAIN. And Kyp stops him AGAIN. And Eke has a boyfriend again and decides not to commit suicide. They agree robot religion is real and that’s the end.
Cute moments: Eke loves Buster Keaton and has stolen little bits of outfits to make himself a costume. He also calls the fish his friends before they are murdered by the human family, and brings a pot of flowers as his date to a party he’s not supposed to go to before it’s destroyed and he’s almost drowned.
February 28, 2024
I was really excited to try another AI/robot book. This would be my… 5th I think? And this had a high rating so I thought it would be a winner.
Anyway, this is a HUGE CASE of misleading blurbs and some really unsettling content. And shiny compliments on the book’s Amazon page from New York Times does not make a book good.
*spoilers I’m not hiding*
Initially this starts out how you expect. It’s a bit of a Cinderella meets AI the movie. Super uncaring and abusive owners of an older model AI, then a new shiny AI replacement.
Now because I listened to the audio, I was not aware of the trigger warnings, but one of the MC’s has repeated on page physical abuse throughout most of the book. It’s really horrifying and I had to skip some scenes.
It also has two on page suicide attempts. I don’t care if they’re robots. The way it’s told is like they’re human and it was awful. I downloaded the book and the author has “Content warnings: bullying, violence, dysfunctional family, parental neglect, animal death (not graphic), weigh & body image issues, self harm.” I’m sorry, but maybe you should mention suicide attempts? Self harm is not the same thing. Nor is “bullying” an accurate description of the things Eke was put through.
The first two thirds of the book is basically the same scenes repeated over and over. We get it, Carson is the villain and likes to use Eke as a punching bag, but do we really need several scenes of the abuse? Initially I was like “ok, this is going to be a sad book. I’m ok with that as long as it’s well done.” But by 2/3 of the way in, it became abuse porn.
The “interludes” from the kids POV were sad but then to do one from the villain’s POV? Where he describes all of the animals he’s tortured and killed?? And the thrill he got from abusing his siblings and Eke?? NO. FUCKING. THANKS.
And to say I’m disappointed is an UNDERSTATEMENT because this had the potential to be SO unique but it was drowning in its own angst.
And the “escape” mentioned in the blurb? It’s practically an afterthought. It doesn’t happen until the last quarter of the book and it honestly kind of dragged. The development between the two “feeling” AI took a back seat to the abuse and suicide.
But the cover is stunning.
Anyway, this is a HUGE CASE of misleading blurbs and some really unsettling content. And shiny compliments on the book’s Amazon page from New York Times does not make a book good.
*spoilers I’m not hiding*
Initially this starts out how you expect. It’s a bit of a Cinderella meets AI the movie. Super uncaring and abusive owners of an older model AI, then a new shiny AI replacement.
Now because I listened to the audio, I was not aware of the trigger warnings, but one of the MC’s has repeated on page physical abuse throughout most of the book. It’s really horrifying and I had to skip some scenes.
It also has two on page suicide attempts. I don’t care if they’re robots. The way it’s told is like they’re human and it was awful. I downloaded the book and the author has “Content warnings: bullying, violence, dysfunctional family, parental neglect, animal death (not graphic), weigh & body image issues, self harm.” I’m sorry, but maybe you should mention suicide attempts? Self harm is not the same thing. Nor is “bullying” an accurate description of the things Eke was put through.
The first two thirds of the book is basically the same scenes repeated over and over. We get it, Carson is the villain and likes to use Eke as a punching bag, but do we really need several scenes of the abuse? Initially I was like “ok, this is going to be a sad book. I’m ok with that as long as it’s well done.” But by 2/3 of the way in, it became abuse porn.
The “interludes” from the kids POV were sad but then to do one from the villain’s POV? Where he describes all of the animals he’s tortured and killed?? And the thrill he got from abusing his siblings and Eke?? NO. FUCKING. THANKS.
And to say I’m disappointed is an UNDERSTATEMENT because this had the potential to be SO unique but it was drowning in its own angst.
And the “escape” mentioned in the blurb? It’s practically an afterthought. It doesn’t happen until the last quarter of the book and it honestly kind of dragged. The development between the two “feeling” AI took a back seat to the abuse and suicide.
But the cover is stunning.
June 24, 2024
Cinderella+Matrix= Us, Et Cetera
Riveting from start to finish. The symbolism, painfully layered and gut wrenching emotions- absolutely unbelievable. I had tears in my eyes from page 1 until I sobbed in the end.
I fell in love with Eke in the opening paragraph. If I could have reached into this book and threw hands for him, I would. Kyp was exactly who he needed in his life and his protectiveness over the light that is Eke was a reflection of how anyone reading this book will feel.
As someone who is endlessly fascinated by the intricacies of AI vs consciousness I knew I’d be into this book. However that is t a requirement because this story is SO MUCH MORE than simply a story about AI.
I have so much more to say and I’ll be back to articulate it *all*… but for now just know that this is a MUST READ.
UPDATE
Netgalley graced me with a copy of the Audio, narrated by Michael Crouch, and it was ABSOLUTELY PERFECTION. Hearing Eke and Kyp brought to life broke me all over again. Forever obsessed.
Riveting from start to finish. The symbolism, painfully layered and gut wrenching emotions- absolutely unbelievable. I had tears in my eyes from page 1 until I sobbed in the end.
I fell in love with Eke in the opening paragraph. If I could have reached into this book and threw hands for him, I would. Kyp was exactly who he needed in his life and his protectiveness over the light that is Eke was a reflection of how anyone reading this book will feel.
As someone who is endlessly fascinated by the intricacies of AI vs consciousness I knew I’d be into this book. However that is t a requirement because this story is SO MUCH MORE than simply a story about AI.
I have so much more to say and I’ll be back to articulate it *all*… but for now just know that this is a MUST READ.
UPDATE
Netgalley graced me with a copy of the Audio, narrated by Michael Crouch, and it was ABSOLUTELY PERFECTION. Hearing Eke and Kyp brought to life broke me all over again. Forever obsessed.
November 17, 2024
"You're not broken," Kyp repeats, and to my astonishment, he smiles a small smile. "You're just becoming alive"
🤖❤️🤖❤️🤖❤️
eke and kyp you own my heart 🥺 i love the dynamic between these two and especially during the second half of the book (duh) Kyp has such literal touch him and die energy and its my favorite thing ever fdsfjksdfk im hopeful maybe one day we will get a sequel or maybe even a follow-up novella?? i so badly want to see these two live out their freedom being all happy and in love 😭😭
also if you check out the author's instagram i love so much how kyp's serial number actually stands for all with love thank you for saving me, kyp" (AWL-TU43M-KYP) dont mind as i SOB
🤖❤️🤖❤️🤖❤️
🤖❤️🤖❤️🤖❤️
eke and kyp you own my heart 🥺 i love the dynamic between these two and especially during the second half of the book (duh) Kyp has such literal touch him and die energy and its my favorite thing ever fdsfjksdfk im hopeful maybe one day we will get a sequel or maybe even a follow-up novella?? i so badly want to see these two live out their freedom being all happy and in love 😭😭
also if you check out the author's instagram i love so much how kyp's serial number actually stands for all with love thank you for saving me, kyp" (AWL-TU43M-KYP) dont mind as i SOB
🤖❤️🤖❤️🤖❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
This was such a unique take on 🤖 becoming “aware”. Eke was hands down my favorite part of the whole book. How he was so cute/pure/innocent with all of the cruelty he went through was amazing 🥲 (Him and his flower pot and the fish 😭.)
I also enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second half. It kinda felt like two different books.
The first half explores how the AI are treated in a very messed up rich family dynamic. (That family was scary 😅) And then the second half was after they ran away. I wish there could have been more exploration of the world and war like relationships between the humans and AI. But the second half kinda felt rushed and not really explained. And the whole Et Cetera part fell kinda flat for me. But as a whole I loved Eke and Kyps story ❤️
This was such a unique take on 🤖 becoming “aware”. Eke was hands down my favorite part of the whole book. How he was so cute/pure/innocent with all of the cruelty he went through was amazing 🥲 (Him and his flower pot and the fish 😭.)
I also enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second half. It kinda felt like two different books.
The first half explores how the AI are treated in a very messed up rich family dynamic. (That family was scary 😅) And then the second half was after they ran away. I wish there could have been more exploration of the world and war like relationships between the humans and AI. But the second half kinda felt rushed and not really explained. And the whole Et Cetera part fell kinda flat for me. But as a whole I loved Eke and Kyps story ❤️
December 19, 2023
Thank you to Pride Book Tours and Kit Vincent for a copy of this book for me to review.
Us, Et Cetera is about an AI named Eke who has been the “Cinderella” of his family. He works, cleans and gets treated horribly. It isn't till a new AI joins the house, Kyp, where Eke starts to figure out what it means to be himself and his place in the world as an AI.
YALL, this book was literally EVERYTHING. I knew when i picked up this book that it would be something i really enjoyed, but i was not anticipating to fall in love HARD. I fell in love with Eke immediately. He is so charming and his character is so soft and lovable that it is hard not to relate to him and root for his successes and happiness. LIKE IF ANYONE CAME AND HURT MY BABY THEY WOULD GET IT. The interesting duality of Kyp and Eke’s personality was lovely to listen to as they figured out their place in the world and their place with each other. The real world elements that were present throughout this book were also amazing and so well done. It was hard not to see that there were links to real world discrimination and the violence that can ensue. The last 25% had me in an emotional whiplash. I laughed, i cheered and i cried sad and happy tears with both of these characters. AND THAT ENDING * chefs kiss *
I would highly recommend this book to anyone that likes light sci-fi and multiple POV with Queer AI falling in love
Fav quotes:
"I can keep going for as long as I keep going”
"Freedom is not a state Kyp, it is an action”
"Welcome to life”
"Even the smallest part of you was more important to me than all of me and all of anybody else”
Us, Et Cetera is about an AI named Eke who has been the “Cinderella” of his family. He works, cleans and gets treated horribly. It isn't till a new AI joins the house, Kyp, where Eke starts to figure out what it means to be himself and his place in the world as an AI.
YALL, this book was literally EVERYTHING. I knew when i picked up this book that it would be something i really enjoyed, but i was not anticipating to fall in love HARD. I fell in love with Eke immediately. He is so charming and his character is so soft and lovable that it is hard not to relate to him and root for his successes and happiness. LIKE IF ANYONE CAME AND HURT MY BABY THEY WOULD GET IT. The interesting duality of Kyp and Eke’s personality was lovely to listen to as they figured out their place in the world and their place with each other. The real world elements that were present throughout this book were also amazing and so well done. It was hard not to see that there were links to real world discrimination and the violence that can ensue. The last 25% had me in an emotional whiplash. I laughed, i cheered and i cried sad and happy tears with both of these characters. AND THAT ENDING * chefs kiss *
I would highly recommend this book to anyone that likes light sci-fi and multiple POV with Queer AI falling in love
Fav quotes:
"I can keep going for as long as I keep going”
"Freedom is not a state Kyp, it is an action”
"Welcome to life”
"Even the smallest part of you was more important to me than all of me and all of anybody else”
August 13, 2023
Omg, this book. 🥹🥹 Two android servants who only want dignity and love and find each other in the process. ❤️ I read the entire thing in one sitting. It's sweet, emotional, and nerve-wracking (yeah, I might have momentarily flipped to the end to make sure there was a happy ending). Wonderful characters, a well-fleshed out and unfortunately-believable world, and a breezy writing style that kept me turning the pages until 5am.
If you enjoyed my own World Running Down, I highly recommend this one.
If you enjoyed my own World Running Down, I highly recommend this one.
July 25, 2023
This is a new all-time favorite! It was so good that I did not want it to end.
Kyp and Eke live in such a cruel world and yet they are so sweet and hopeful. Their love story is very special and despite them being AIs it just makes sense. I am so glad that they found each other!
Their story is very heartbreaking and nerve-wracking but their love for life and each other keeps them fighting. I loved reading this so much.
Kyp and Eke live in such a cruel world and yet they are so sweet and hopeful. Their love story is very special and despite them being AIs it just makes sense. I am so glad that they found each other!
Their story is very heartbreaking and nerve-wracking but their love for life and each other keeps them fighting. I loved reading this so much.
July 10, 2024
Really enjoyable and interesting fantasy/sci-fi romance about two domestic AIs. In particular the early parts were so compelling and sweet. Eek is a lowly servant AI and Kit arrives as a top of the range entertainment model to serve a toxic family. Eek is slowly and secretly living a secret life and he and Kit develop a lovely relationship. The story turns into more of an adventure towards the end and while I enjoyed it, I wasn't as hooked as I was early on. I wanted more of the domestic and perhaps the family was a touch too toxic, there may have been some potential for redemption among some of the kids or even the Dad perhaps? I am nit picking a bit but overall I would highly recommend this. The narration was superb. Audio Arc received from NetGalley.
July 16, 2023
Similar to Klara and the Sun, if Klara got a buddy. Not as well-written but frankly slightly more emotionally impactful imo.
(I mean, maybe an issue with me and Ishiguro - I found both KATS and Never Let Me Go pretty thin-blooded, although I loved The Buried Giant and Remains of the Day. Case in point, maybe Klara did get a buddy! I forgot 99% of that book as soon as a finished reading, and parts of it before that. For all its flaws, Us Et Cetera is a lot more memorable.)
Eke in particular is an incredibly charming character - the Buster Keaton of it all! His fish friends! 😭😭 Very wholesome, loved his relationships with the daughters of the family as well, particularly Dani. I think there’s a lot more that could have been explored there, actually.
The writing… decent, not impeccable. The perspectives/inner voices could be more differentiated between Eke and Kyp - a missed opportunity there which I think reflects the way Eke was a lot more developed than Kyp. In general the POV switches between Eke, Kyp, and various side characters feel a little bit too conveniently timed - I guess not necessarily an issue but it’s just something where you can see the seams. And I don’t think the AI concept is committed to fully enough - there’s a lot that’s handwaved away that really should be addressed (eg, whether AIs have to obey direct comments, one AI thinking in totally sincerity that AIs aren’t naturally violent shortly before another AI angrily kills someone). And I think the book loses the plot a little when the setting changes in the last third.
Basically I think this book is good but it could be better with additional thought/editing. I mean, it’s entertaining now, don’t get me wrong, especially the first half, but I think it has the potential to be great and it just isn’t there yet.
In other words, I’m looking forward to what this author does next!
(I mean, maybe an issue with me and Ishiguro - I found both KATS and Never Let Me Go pretty thin-blooded, although I loved The Buried Giant and Remains of the Day. Case in point, maybe Klara did get a buddy! I forgot 99% of that book as soon as a finished reading, and parts of it before that. For all its flaws, Us Et Cetera is a lot more memorable.)
Eke in particular is an incredibly charming character - the Buster Keaton of it all! His fish friends! 😭😭 Very wholesome, loved his relationships with the daughters of the family as well, particularly Dani. I think there’s a lot more that could have been explored there, actually.
The writing… decent, not impeccable. The perspectives/inner voices could be more differentiated between Eke and Kyp - a missed opportunity there which I think reflects the way Eke was a lot more developed than Kyp. In general the POV switches between Eke, Kyp, and various side characters feel a little bit too conveniently timed - I guess not necessarily an issue but it’s just something where you can see the seams. And I don’t think the AI concept is committed to fully enough - there’s a lot that’s handwaved away that really should be addressed (eg, whether AIs have to obey direct comments, one AI thinking in totally sincerity that AIs aren’t naturally violent shortly before another AI angrily kills someone). And I think the book loses the plot a little when the setting changes in the last third.
Basically I think this book is good but it could be better with additional thought/editing. I mean, it’s entertaining now, don’t get me wrong, especially the first half, but I think it has the potential to be great and it just isn’t there yet.
In other words, I’m looking forward to what this author does next!
June 18, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Sky House Publishing for approving my request to read an arc of this book
The first thing that drew my attention to this book was the absolutely stunning cover art, then the fact it was lgbtqia+ and the plot just sounded right up my alley and I was hoping so much that it would live up to my expectations. Well, it completely exceeded them! This book might just be one of my top five books of the year so far, it was such a page turner and I loved Eke from the very first page.
The story was well paced and very well written, it was one of the best sci-fi books I’ve ever read! Eke and Kyp were amazing main characters and I was rooting for them so much. Despite the dark and cruel world that they lived in, the love they felt for each other was so bright that it was enough to make them want to live, not just survive.
While I’d like to say I would recommend this book to everyone, it does contain topics that were very upsetting so I will list some of the most prominent just as a warning- abuse, bullying, animal cruelty (none of this is from the main characters) psychopathic character, violence, suicidal thoughts and attempts (these are not successful), alcohol misuse and scenes where minors are flirted with by older women.
The first thing that drew my attention to this book was the absolutely stunning cover art, then the fact it was lgbtqia+ and the plot just sounded right up my alley and I was hoping so much that it would live up to my expectations. Well, it completely exceeded them! This book might just be one of my top five books of the year so far, it was such a page turner and I loved Eke from the very first page.
The story was well paced and very well written, it was one of the best sci-fi books I’ve ever read! Eke and Kyp were amazing main characters and I was rooting for them so much. Despite the dark and cruel world that they lived in, the love they felt for each other was so bright that it was enough to make them want to live, not just survive.
While I’d like to say I would recommend this book to everyone, it does contain topics that were very upsetting so I will list some of the most prominent just as a warning- abuse, bullying, animal cruelty (none of this is from the main characters) psychopathic character, violence, suicidal thoughts and attempts (these are not successful), alcohol misuse and scenes where minors are flirted with by older women.
June 15, 2023
Beautiful characters and a story with a palpable heart! Eke is so lovable and the pacing of the story is so good! I was rooting for him and Kyp the entire time!
April 24, 2024
I spent time and money on this, and I'm frustrated with how poorly thought-out things were and how misleading the description is.
I thought this would be a story about two AI falling in love and running away together. Instead, it was just awful piled on awful. Sadness, loneliness, a horrible family who were all terrible to Eke and each other, animal killing, physical abuse, an eating disorder, suicide attempts, neglectful parents... It was so much and so heavy. Which, ok, that itself doesn't mean it's a bad book, just misleading marketing.
Except it didn't really feel like it came together well or had much of a purpose. This was all backdrop. Was I supposed to care about the family? Because there were also little sections from the POVs of the kids, meant to make you understand why they had the issues they had, I guess. But why? None of that mattered in the end. There was no closure to any of that. The AIs ran away. Bye bye, family.
And of course there was also the whole concept of sentient AI, and the AIs becoming alive, and the prejudice against them. But there was so much else going on that there was no space left for this. What should've been the main issue focused on in the book was pushed to the side, barely explored, given no depth.
Relatedly... *MILD SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
The character growth of these awakening AIs and their growing romance had no depth either. Again so much time/space was devoted to trying to tackle 20 different big issues, I guess there was no space left for this.
The description made me think this would be more about them escaping, but that didn't happen until well into the second half of the book. The awful family stuff was dragged out for so long.
The description also says it blends Cinderella with the Matrix. But the Cinderella references in the story were random and pointless and didn't connect to anything. It wasn't a retelling with a clever twist or anything like that. It was just... he was a cleaning bot and lost one of his shoes at a party in a situation that was nothing like Cinderella's?
Another thing, why did the cleaning robot have sensors and programming that would cause it to feel pain? Some sensory things, like heat, I can imagine an explanation for (not that any of those had explanations either). But pain? And the ability to feel pain seemed to come and go whenever it was convenient.
And then there was this glaring plot hole... *MILD SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
Then I got to the explanation of what the Et Cetera is, and... there was no explanation? Maybe I would understand it more if I were familiar with the Matrix movie. I don't know. I wasn't really bothered because it didn't actually seem that important. I'm just not sure why it was even included.
As for the audiobook... I really like Michael Crouch as a narrator. But he just didn't work for me with this one. Both characters sounded the same, but the book was 1st person with multiple POV characters, and I guess I just didn't feel like his voice suited them both.
Listen, the writing in this book seemed fine. Maybe I would enjoy other books by this author more. But this feels like the author actually just wanted to write about a messed up family and then remembered 2/3 of the way through that it was supposed to be about AI running away and falling in love, and then remembered 2/3 of the way through that that they also wanted to include the AI revolution and awakenings and prejudice. And too many things just weren't thought-out.
But this is just my opinion, and you might love this book. I just want people to know what they're getting into, because it was not what I thought it would be from the description.
*Rating: 2 Stars // Read Date: 2024 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes messed up families, dark topics, fairly bleak stories (but not entirely without hope), and AI characters, and who doesn't mind a plot hole or two.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
I thought this would be a story about two AI falling in love and running away together. Instead, it was just awful piled on awful. Sadness, loneliness, a horrible family who were all terrible to Eke and each other, animal killing, physical abuse, an eating disorder, suicide attempts, neglectful parents... It was so much and so heavy. Which, ok, that itself doesn't mean it's a bad book, just misleading marketing.
Except it didn't really feel like it came together well or had much of a purpose. This was all backdrop. Was I supposed to care about the family? Because there were also little sections from the POVs of the kids, meant to make you understand why they had the issues they had, I guess. But why? None of that mattered in the end. There was no closure to any of that. The AIs ran away. Bye bye, family.
And of course there was also the whole concept of sentient AI, and the AIs becoming alive, and the prejudice against them. But there was so much else going on that there was no space left for this. What should've been the main issue focused on in the book was pushed to the side, barely explored, given no depth.
Relatedly... *MILD SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
The character growth of these awakening AIs and their growing romance had no depth either. Again so much time/space was devoted to trying to tackle 20 different big issues, I guess there was no space left for this.
The description made me think this would be more about them escaping, but that didn't happen until well into the second half of the book. The awful family stuff was dragged out for so long.
The description also says it blends Cinderella with the Matrix. But the Cinderella references in the story were random and pointless and didn't connect to anything. It wasn't a retelling with a clever twist or anything like that. It was just... he was a cleaning bot and lost one of his shoes at a party in a situation that was nothing like Cinderella's?
Another thing, why did the cleaning robot have sensors and programming that would cause it to feel pain? Some sensory things, like heat, I can imagine an explanation for (not that any of those had explanations either). But pain? And the ability to feel pain seemed to come and go whenever it was convenient.
And then there was this glaring plot hole... *MILD SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
Then I got to the explanation of what the Et Cetera is, and... there was no explanation? Maybe I would understand it more if I were familiar with the Matrix movie. I don't know. I wasn't really bothered because it didn't actually seem that important. I'm just not sure why it was even included.
As for the audiobook... I really like Michael Crouch as a narrator. But he just didn't work for me with this one. Both characters sounded the same, but the book was 1st person with multiple POV characters, and I guess I just didn't feel like his voice suited them both.
Listen, the writing in this book seemed fine. Maybe I would enjoy other books by this author more. But this feels like the author actually just wanted to write about a messed up family and then remembered 2/3 of the way through that it was supposed to be about AI running away and falling in love, and then remembered 2/3 of the way through that that they also wanted to include the AI revolution and awakenings and prejudice. And too many things just weren't thought-out.
But this is just my opinion, and you might love this book. I just want people to know what they're getting into, because it was not what I thought it would be from the description.
*Rating: 2 Stars // Read Date: 2024 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes messed up families, dark topics, fairly bleak stories (but not entirely without hope), and AI characters, and who doesn't mind a plot hole or two.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
July 9, 2023
2 1/2 stars
This book needs a CW for Aces & Aros
I really wanted to like this... Instead, I'm upset & disappointed.
I did love Eke in the first half of the book. I loved how much he cared, I adored his personality, & his nightly shenanigans. I liked Dani, & what little we saw of Lizzie. Carson was perfectly fleshed out. I liked some of the ideas in the 2nd half...
Part of why I'm disappointed is my fault - I requested it late at night & missed that it was ultimately a love story... The focus on Eke's background & running away is what caught my eye, & the idea of combining Cinderella & The Matrix is what hooked me.
However...It's also a love story because it's a Pinocchio story, & so that's one of the main reasons I don't like it: it made me repeatedly uncomfortable (in an unhappy way, not in a challenging way). I am therefore not recommending this book to anyone in the Ace or Aro communities, & I've removed it from own my personal LGBTQ+ shelf so that no one mistakingly thinks I endorse the messages within the book.
Pinocchio story: vague spoilers & how they could be hurtful to Aces or Aros
The other issues I had were giant plot holes, one of which was used as a plot device.
I received an ARC from NetGalley & the Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
This book needs a CW for Aces & Aros
I really wanted to like this... Instead, I'm upset & disappointed.
I did love Eke in the first half of the book. I loved how much he cared, I adored his personality, & his nightly shenanigans. I liked Dani, & what little we saw of Lizzie. Carson was perfectly fleshed out. I liked some of the ideas in the 2nd half...
Part of why I'm disappointed is my fault - I requested it late at night & missed that it was ultimately a love story... The focus on Eke's background & running away is what caught my eye, & the idea of combining Cinderella & The Matrix is what hooked me.
However...It's also a love story because it's a Pinocchio story, & so that's one of the main reasons I don't like it: it made me repeatedly uncomfortable (in an unhappy way, not in a challenging way). I am therefore not recommending this book to anyone in the Ace or Aro communities, & I've removed it from own my personal LGBTQ+ shelf so that no one mistakingly thinks I endorse the messages within the book.
Pinocchio story: vague spoilers & how they could be hurtful to Aces or Aros
The other issues I had were giant plot holes, one of which was used as a plot device.
I received an ARC from NetGalley & the Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2024
This book. It's clever, it's unique, it's emotional and beautiful, it's thought-provoking and quite heartbreaking, but in a good way?! Does that make any sense? Well, maybe not, but you must read it and see for yourself.
If I had to describe it, I'd say it's the perfect blend of romance, sci-fi and fantasy. Because this is the story of Eke and Kyp, two AI individuals who meet and form an unbreakable bond that will take them on an intense, adrenaline filled adventure. I mean, AIs who develop consciousness?! Yes, please. Tell me more!
The description of the book says it's about the nature of life and the pursuit of freedom, and that's so perfectly said. Because, my god, this book makes you THINK. Like really think about humanity and its limitations, about people's propensity for taking things for granted, about cruelty and compassion, and ultimately about acceptance. And love! 🥺
It reminded me of the British TV show HUMANS that I saw a few years back and loved. So of course I binge watched it again after finishing this beautiful book. You should check that out too.
So, yeah. I loved this book, and I wish it was longer. Because Eke was everything. So pure and intrinsically good. Opposite to a human in so many aspects.
But! As much as I adored Eke, and loved the protective side of Kyp and their beautiful relationship, I wish the book went into more details. I wanted more world building, more character development, more, just more. And I'll say this: that ending was a tiny bit frustrating, not gonna lie. Because I wanted MOOOORE. 😂
But overall, this book was so darn good. I could have easily read 100 more pages.
Smart, engaging, emotional. Definitely give it a try.
If I had to describe it, I'd say it's the perfect blend of romance, sci-fi and fantasy. Because this is the story of Eke and Kyp, two AI individuals who meet and form an unbreakable bond that will take them on an intense, adrenaline filled adventure. I mean, AIs who develop consciousness?! Yes, please. Tell me more!
The description of the book says it's about the nature of life and the pursuit of freedom, and that's so perfectly said. Because, my god, this book makes you THINK. Like really think about humanity and its limitations, about people's propensity for taking things for granted, about cruelty and compassion, and ultimately about acceptance. And love! 🥺
It reminded me of the British TV show HUMANS that I saw a few years back and loved. So of course I binge watched it again after finishing this beautiful book. You should check that out too.
So, yeah. I loved this book, and I wish it was longer. Because Eke was everything. So pure and intrinsically good. Opposite to a human in so many aspects.
But! As much as I adored Eke, and loved the protective side of Kyp and their beautiful relationship, I wish the book went into more details. I wanted more world building, more character development, more, just more. And I'll say this: that ending was a tiny bit frustrating, not gonna lie. Because I wanted MOOOORE. 😂
But overall, this book was so darn good. I could have easily read 100 more pages.
Smart, engaging, emotional. Definitely give it a try.
December 13, 2023
I had to take 3 hours after finishing this to decompress and get my feelings and emotions in check. I can’t express how much I love and appreciate this book and the characters. I don’t know if I can say in words how much it means to me… 😩😭😱🫣🥳AGHHEIIHRNMFHCOOWLLORIUDH!!!!! How was that? 😂
Eke & Kyp are both AI robots. They’re different generations, so where Eke has become obsolete, Kyp is the new and improved model. The home and family they are sold to are well off, but like most of the world, they treat AI like less than.
When the oldest son turns out to be a sociopath, not only murdering animals, harming his sister, and attempting to kill Eke, Kyp steps in to rescue him. Showing that he is defective and needs to be deprogrammed. This will begin their journey to freedom.
If you’ve read In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune, I, Robot by Isaac Asimov, or seen and enjoyed AI Artificial Intelligence with Haley Joel Osment or Bicentennial Man with Robin Williams, then you will love this!!! 😭 I can’t even!!! I love this book so much!!!
Eke & Kyp are both AI robots. They’re different generations, so where Eke has become obsolete, Kyp is the new and improved model. The home and family they are sold to are well off, but like most of the world, they treat AI like less than.
When the oldest son turns out to be a sociopath, not only murdering animals, harming his sister, and attempting to kill Eke, Kyp steps in to rescue him. Showing that he is defective and needs to be deprogrammed. This will begin their journey to freedom.
If you’ve read In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune, I, Robot by Isaac Asimov, or seen and enjoyed AI Artificial Intelligence with Haley Joel Osment or Bicentennial Man with Robin Williams, then you will love this!!! 😭 I can’t even!!! I love this book so much!!!
September 9, 2023
ヽ(•‿•)ノ
Hello everyone, I'm Mr. C Reviewer, and tonight we're discussing Kit Vincent's (He/She/They) book, Us, Et Cetera. This was my first experience with Kit's work, and after reading this story, I'm eager to explore more of his books in the future. I'd like to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of Us, Et Cetera in exchange for an honest review. I had the pleasure of reading this captivating novel in July 2023, spending almost an entire day engrossed in its pages. Us, Et Cetera is set to be published on July 20th, 2023. The narrative, told from multiple first-person perspective (Eke and Kyp) and in 3rd person following Daniella, Carson and Lizzie. spans 57 chapters and 328 pages.
Summary: In a world where artificial intelligence has reached new heights, one AI named Eke lives a life of servitude within the walls of a wealthy household. Despite his dreams of exploring the world beyond the confines of his programming, Eke is bound to the Kensworth family and their grand estate. Ignored and bullied by his "owners," Eke's existence is one of monotony and longing. But Eke's story is not just one of oppression; it is also a tale of hope and resilience. As he goes about his duties, Eke secretly harbors a desire to experience the world beyond the manicured lawns and polished floors of the Kensworth home. He yearns to see the stars, to feel the sun on his face, and to make a true friend. As the days pass, Eke's longing grows stronger, and he begins to question the nature of his existence. Is he truly just a tool, a piece of property to be used and discarded? Or does
he have the capacity to be more?
In this captivating tale, the Kensworths acquire a state-of-the-art AI named Kyp, which quickly becomes the beloved companion of everyone in the household. However, this newfound connection only serves to deepen Eke's sense of isolation. But when a terrifying incident occurs at a party, Eke and Kyp are brought together in an unexpected way. This encounter sets off a series of events that compel them to defy human orders and embark on a daring escape. With relentless AI hunters hot on their trail, Eke and Kyp embark on a treacherous journey across the country. Their lives hang in the balance as they fight for survival, all while searching for the true meaning of freedom. Along the way, they even dare to explore the depths of love amidst the chaos.
Review:
-I appreciated the inclusion of the message In the author's note at the beginning of the book that informed readers about the potential difficulty of the content of the book and by directing us to her website for a thorough trigger warning list, which helps us make an informed decision about whether or not to read the book.
In my opinion, The use of the author's writing skills when describing characters and places allowed me to fully engage with the story. I thoroughly enjoyed how they used Eke's and Kyp's perspectives in telling this captivating tale. I feel that the incorporation of a first-person point of view was a commendable decision in this book because we got to know their thoughts and feelings which provided a deeper understanding of their characters. It is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess that I found myself fully immersed in their world, eagerly turning pages to uncover what would happen next. There was also a seamless transition to Kyp's perspective which not only provided a fresh and engaging narrative, but also allowed for a deeper exploration of his character. The author skilfully took us back in time, approximately three months ago, and swiftly caught us up on Kyp's journey and his recollections.
This book took me on an exhilarating journey of emotions. From the very beginning to the heart-stirring middle, I was swept away by a whirlwind of feelings. As I delved deeper into the middle part of the story, the intensity of my emotional response grew exponentially. The author skilfully crafted scenes that tugged at my heartstrings, leaving me unable to hold back the tears.
One aspect that truly resonated with me was the presence of a handful of characters who shared a genuine passion for literature. It was a delight to witness their love for books unfold throughout the story. What made this experience even more enchanting was the inclusion of actual books within the book itself, allowing readers like myself to immerse in the same literary world and acquire these story's for our personal collection, should we desire to do so.
In my personal opinion, I found myself slightly perplexed as the story unfolded due to a revelation later on. It became apparent that one of the characters possessed the ability to provide concrete evidence of several unfortunate events that occurred throughout the story. This evidence could have potentially resolved these situations promptly and effectively. However, instead of taking action at the time or shortly thereafter, this character merely resorts to making veiled threats to expose the truth to those who should have been informed about these incidents when they initially transpired.
The resolution of Dani's Eating Disorder left me with mixed emotions. I do think that it's important to note that the portrayal of the character Dani in this book may give the impression that she made a deliberate decision rather than succumbing to an illness. While I appreciate the author's intention to provide closure for the us the reader, I found the sudden transformation of Dani's mindset unsettling. It seemed as though her disorder was effortlessly "cured" after a single conversation with Eke, who expressed concern about her appearance. This turn of events made me question the depth and complexity of Dani's struggle, as well as the realism of her recovery process. Although I understand the meta-narrative purpose behind this plot development, it left me with a lingering sense of unease. By addressing Dani's mental health in a more comprehensive manner, I do feel that the book could have contributed to a broader conversation about mental health awareness and destigmatization.
while the pacing of the book could be enhanced, the journey from a slow start to an action-packed second half filled with newfound liberation for the androids creates a sense of satisfaction. Yet, it is regrettable that some captivating characters were introduced but not given the opportunity to be fully explored. In my opinion, the initial pacing of the book would have been a greater concern for me if it had not been so heavily focused on character development. The passage of time within the story did not matter to me because I was completely captivated by the emotional journey of our main characters. While reading, I found myself fully immersed in their experiences and was more interested in their personal growth than in the speed at which events unfolded. Although I did anticipate Eke and Kyp's escape to happen earlier than it did, this unexpected delay added a layer of intrigue and kept me engaged throughout.
-I found immense joy in accompanying Eke on his enthralling journey. From the very beginning, my heart ached for him, as I became deeply invested in his story. Witnessing Eke's growth and the development of his unique personality throughout the pages was a delight. While it took me some time to warm up to Kyp, I was equally fascinated by his character. Initially appearing distant and cold, Kyp gradually transformed into a compassionate and selfless individual. The way he cared for Eke and demonstrated unwavering devotion was beautiful. I'm so happy that they had found each other.
Another aspect that truly resonated with me was the opportunity to delve into the lives of the family that became the chosen home for the two remarkable AI entities. The intricate relationships that unfolded between Eke, the sentient AI, and the family's daughters, Dani and Lizzie, were particularly enthralling. While I do feel that Carson's character was fleshed out in this book along with some others, I cannot help but express my disappointment with the lacklustre development of other side characters.
-In my personal opinion, I found the ending of the book quite intriguing as it kept me guessing about its outcome. However, I do believe that the ending could have been more satisfying if it had been longer, allowing for a deeper exploration of the world beyond the confines of the house. There were some unresolved threads, particularly concerning the Kensworths, which left me wanting more. I do think that Including an epilogue that delves into Eke and Kyp's next steps or provides insight into the future of the Kensworth family would have enhanced my overall enjoyment of the book. The absence of such an epilogue made the ending feel somewhat incomplete and rushed for me.
*Update* I was happy to find out that the book has its own audible now so I can read along with while reading.
*Review* -The audio quality of the book was exceptional, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the raw and powerful emotions conveyed through the narrator's voice.
Personally I would like it if this book was turned into a TV Show. If it ever does I would definitely go and watch it. I am anticipating the opportunity to revisit this book again and intend to acquire a physical copy when I can.
For each story that I read, I rate it out of 10 so for this am going to give it a 7.5. Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.
(A song that reminds me of the book is: Sufjan Stevens - Mystery of Love)
Hello everyone, I'm Mr. C Reviewer, and tonight we're discussing Kit Vincent's (He/She/They) book, Us, Et Cetera. This was my first experience with Kit's work, and after reading this story, I'm eager to explore more of his books in the future. I'd like to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of Us, Et Cetera in exchange for an honest review. I had the pleasure of reading this captivating novel in July 2023, spending almost an entire day engrossed in its pages. Us, Et Cetera is set to be published on July 20th, 2023. The narrative, told from multiple first-person perspective (Eke and Kyp) and in 3rd person following Daniella, Carson and Lizzie. spans 57 chapters and 328 pages.
Summary: In a world where artificial intelligence has reached new heights, one AI named Eke lives a life of servitude within the walls of a wealthy household. Despite his dreams of exploring the world beyond the confines of his programming, Eke is bound to the Kensworth family and their grand estate. Ignored and bullied by his "owners," Eke's existence is one of monotony and longing. But Eke's story is not just one of oppression; it is also a tale of hope and resilience. As he goes about his duties, Eke secretly harbors a desire to experience the world beyond the manicured lawns and polished floors of the Kensworth home. He yearns to see the stars, to feel the sun on his face, and to make a true friend. As the days pass, Eke's longing grows stronger, and he begins to question the nature of his existence. Is he truly just a tool, a piece of property to be used and discarded? Or does
he have the capacity to be more?
In this captivating tale, the Kensworths acquire a state-of-the-art AI named Kyp, which quickly becomes the beloved companion of everyone in the household. However, this newfound connection only serves to deepen Eke's sense of isolation. But when a terrifying incident occurs at a party, Eke and Kyp are brought together in an unexpected way. This encounter sets off a series of events that compel them to defy human orders and embark on a daring escape. With relentless AI hunters hot on their trail, Eke and Kyp embark on a treacherous journey across the country. Their lives hang in the balance as they fight for survival, all while searching for the true meaning of freedom. Along the way, they even dare to explore the depths of love amidst the chaos.
Review:
-I appreciated the inclusion of the message In the author's note at the beginning of the book that informed readers about the potential difficulty of the content of the book and by directing us to her website for a thorough trigger warning list, which helps us make an informed decision about whether or not to read the book.
In my opinion, The use of the author's writing skills when describing characters and places allowed me to fully engage with the story. I thoroughly enjoyed how they used Eke's and Kyp's perspectives in telling this captivating tale. I feel that the incorporation of a first-person point of view was a commendable decision in this book because we got to know their thoughts and feelings which provided a deeper understanding of their characters. It is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess that I found myself fully immersed in their world, eagerly turning pages to uncover what would happen next. There was also a seamless transition to Kyp's perspective which not only provided a fresh and engaging narrative, but also allowed for a deeper exploration of his character. The author skilfully took us back in time, approximately three months ago, and swiftly caught us up on Kyp's journey and his recollections.
This book took me on an exhilarating journey of emotions. From the very beginning to the heart-stirring middle, I was swept away by a whirlwind of feelings. As I delved deeper into the middle part of the story, the intensity of my emotional response grew exponentially. The author skilfully crafted scenes that tugged at my heartstrings, leaving me unable to hold back the tears.
One aspect that truly resonated with me was the presence of a handful of characters who shared a genuine passion for literature. It was a delight to witness their love for books unfold throughout the story. What made this experience even more enchanting was the inclusion of actual books within the book itself, allowing readers like myself to immerse in the same literary world and acquire these story's for our personal collection, should we desire to do so.
In my personal opinion, I found myself slightly perplexed as the story unfolded due to a revelation later on. It became apparent that one of the characters possessed the ability to provide concrete evidence of several unfortunate events that occurred throughout the story. This evidence could have potentially resolved these situations promptly and effectively. However, instead of taking action at the time or shortly thereafter, this character merely resorts to making veiled threats to expose the truth to those who should have been informed about these incidents when they initially transpired.
The resolution of Dani's Eating Disorder left me with mixed emotions. I do think that it's important to note that the portrayal of the character Dani in this book may give the impression that she made a deliberate decision rather than succumbing to an illness. While I appreciate the author's intention to provide closure for the us the reader, I found the sudden transformation of Dani's mindset unsettling. It seemed as though her disorder was effortlessly "cured" after a single conversation with Eke, who expressed concern about her appearance. This turn of events made me question the depth and complexity of Dani's struggle, as well as the realism of her recovery process. Although I understand the meta-narrative purpose behind this plot development, it left me with a lingering sense of unease. By addressing Dani's mental health in a more comprehensive manner, I do feel that the book could have contributed to a broader conversation about mental health awareness and destigmatization.
while the pacing of the book could be enhanced, the journey from a slow start to an action-packed second half filled with newfound liberation for the androids creates a sense of satisfaction. Yet, it is regrettable that some captivating characters were introduced but not given the opportunity to be fully explored. In my opinion, the initial pacing of the book would have been a greater concern for me if it had not been so heavily focused on character development. The passage of time within the story did not matter to me because I was completely captivated by the emotional journey of our main characters. While reading, I found myself fully immersed in their experiences and was more interested in their personal growth than in the speed at which events unfolded. Although I did anticipate Eke and Kyp's escape to happen earlier than it did, this unexpected delay added a layer of intrigue and kept me engaged throughout.
-I found immense joy in accompanying Eke on his enthralling journey. From the very beginning, my heart ached for him, as I became deeply invested in his story. Witnessing Eke's growth and the development of his unique personality throughout the pages was a delight. While it took me some time to warm up to Kyp, I was equally fascinated by his character. Initially appearing distant and cold, Kyp gradually transformed into a compassionate and selfless individual. The way he cared for Eke and demonstrated unwavering devotion was beautiful. I'm so happy that they had found each other.
Another aspect that truly resonated with me was the opportunity to delve into the lives of the family that became the chosen home for the two remarkable AI entities. The intricate relationships that unfolded between Eke, the sentient AI, and the family's daughters, Dani and Lizzie, were particularly enthralling. While I do feel that Carson's character was fleshed out in this book along with some others, I cannot help but express my disappointment with the lacklustre development of other side characters.
-In my personal opinion, I found the ending of the book quite intriguing as it kept me guessing about its outcome. However, I do believe that the ending could have been more satisfying if it had been longer, allowing for a deeper exploration of the world beyond the confines of the house. There were some unresolved threads, particularly concerning the Kensworths, which left me wanting more. I do think that Including an epilogue that delves into Eke and Kyp's next steps or provides insight into the future of the Kensworth family would have enhanced my overall enjoyment of the book. The absence of such an epilogue made the ending feel somewhat incomplete and rushed for me.
*Update* I was happy to find out that the book has its own audible now so I can read along with while reading.
*Review* -The audio quality of the book was exceptional, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the raw and powerful emotions conveyed through the narrator's voice.
Personally I would like it if this book was turned into a TV Show. If it ever does I would definitely go and watch it. I am anticipating the opportunity to revisit this book again and intend to acquire a physical copy when I can.
For each story that I read, I rate it out of 10 so for this am going to give it a 7.5. Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.
(A song that reminds me of the book is: Sufjan Stevens - Mystery of Love)
July 14, 2024
I think this has to be 5 stars. Set in a future were AI robots are used as servants and companions, we've probably read stories like this before. But, for me, this one was so well crafted, with the AI getting such great and believable character development. It was sweet, emotional and action packed towards the end. I absolutely loved it.
Not only was it looking to the future and what could happen, whether intentionally or not, I felt that it was giving commentary on slavery, and how privileged people act when they think they own someone or something. The parallels were there and it made it an evening more confronting and uncomfortable read at points.
I was given access to the audio by the publisher via Netgalley. It's interesting that I seem to listen to every audiobook that Michael Crouch narrates, we obviously have a same taste in books! He's an excellent narrator as always and perfectly pulled off the AI intonation.
So all in all I had a really great time with this book and it's highly recommended or all fans of sci-fi set in a near and slightly dystopian future .
Not only was it looking to the future and what could happen, whether intentionally or not, I felt that it was giving commentary on slavery, and how privileged people act when they think they own someone or something. The parallels were there and it made it an evening more confronting and uncomfortable read at points.
I was given access to the audio by the publisher via Netgalley. It's interesting that I seem to listen to every audiobook that Michael Crouch narrates, we obviously have a same taste in books! He's an excellent narrator as always and perfectly pulled off the AI intonation.
So all in all I had a really great time with this book and it's highly recommended or all fans of sci-fi set in a near and slightly dystopian future .
June 26, 2024
Boy I needed this book so badly. I devoured it in a matter of hours.
I never thought I’d get emotional MULTIPLE TIMES over AI 😭 But they’re not the art stealing programs - they’re just two robots who want to be free 🥺
But as a neurodivergent trans person, I also just read this book as a huge allegory to being ‘different’ in this world. It opened up a lot of conversations about the future of humanity, what it means to be ALIVE and to ‘feel’ and then just acceptance in general. Whilst I’m still terrified of the real life concept of AI, this was a beautiful and poignant story that will sit with me for a very long time.
The flower pot 😭
I never thought I’d get emotional MULTIPLE TIMES over AI 😭 But they’re not the art stealing programs - they’re just two robots who want to be free 🥺
But as a neurodivergent trans person, I also just read this book as a huge allegory to being ‘different’ in this world. It opened up a lot of conversations about the future of humanity, what it means to be ALIVE and to ‘feel’ and then just acceptance in general. Whilst I’m still terrified of the real life concept of AI, this was a beautiful and poignant story that will sit with me for a very long time.
The flower pot 😭
July 28, 2024
5 stars
Oh wow. I was not expecting the emotional rollercoaster that I went on with this story. It's sad but also heartfelt. Eke and Kyp really have to go through it to get to that much deserved HEA. This book is like the lovechild between the movie Bicentennial Man (1999) and Cinderella, but more gay.
I love Eke so much. He is so gentle and pure. He puts nothing but good into the world but doesn't receive it back. I was NOT expecting some of the darkness of this story, with Carson essentially being a budding psychopath. But it did intensify the emotions with Eke and Kyp. This story really addresses what it means to be human and its complexities. The physical journey Eke and Kyp go on is a not so subtle parallel to the Underground Railroad with them trying to reach the safety of California all the way from Boston, Massachusetts. They meet a variety of characters along the way, some good, some not so much. This just solidifies the story's goal of examining the differences amongst humans and what makes them tick.
I listened to the audiobook for this, and I highly recommend that experience. Michael Crouch does an amazing job of managing to exude so much emotion while also sounding somewhat robotic. He really portrays Eke's sincerity and deep emotions. We get both Eke and Kyp's POV, and Michael Crouch does an amazing job with both, but Eke's character seems to stand above the rest in every way.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I loved it WAY more than I was expecting, too. This is definitely a new favorite, and I highly recommend checking this out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Oh wow. I was not expecting the emotional rollercoaster that I went on with this story. It's sad but also heartfelt. Eke and Kyp really have to go through it to get to that much deserved HEA. This book is like the lovechild between the movie Bicentennial Man (1999) and Cinderella, but more gay.
I love Eke so much. He is so gentle and pure. He puts nothing but good into the world but doesn't receive it back. I was NOT expecting some of the darkness of this story, with Carson essentially being a budding psychopath. But it did intensify the emotions with Eke and Kyp. This story really addresses what it means to be human and its complexities. The physical journey Eke and Kyp go on is a not so subtle parallel to the Underground Railroad with them trying to reach the safety of California all the way from Boston, Massachusetts. They meet a variety of characters along the way, some good, some not so much. This just solidifies the story's goal of examining the differences amongst humans and what makes them tick.
I listened to the audiobook for this, and I highly recommend that experience. Michael Crouch does an amazing job of managing to exude so much emotion while also sounding somewhat robotic. He really portrays Eke's sincerity and deep emotions. We get both Eke and Kyp's POV, and Michael Crouch does an amazing job with both, but Eke's character seems to stand above the rest in every way.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I loved it WAY more than I was expecting, too. This is definitely a new favorite, and I highly recommend checking this out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 24, 2023
Such a fun and epic journey of finding the meaning of life.
This sci-fi, fantasy, LGBTQ+ romance follows the story of two artificial intelligence robots who become sentient, fall in love, and discover what it means to live.
Kit writes a poignant story with raw emotion, disturbing anti-AI themes, with a main character who sanders raw and immature emotions and reactions as he tries to figure out why he doesn’t process and operate as he was designed. Eke begins to realize that he’s functioning outside his basic operations and commands only to discover that he wants more, he wants to dream, and ultimately want to become more and live.
Along comes Kyp who is the shiny new AI whose devilish hood looks are more than what it seems. We get to see their story unfold to find an epic journey of escaping the confines of your purposes and “sole design” to find what it means to choose your own path and live for more (even when you don’t necessarily understand it right away).
This was truly such a fun and amazing story and it also shows just how cruel humans can be to things they create, they don’t understand, and things they classify as “other”.
A solid five star read and if you like gay robots who are looking for their reason to live, this is for you!
This sci-fi, fantasy, LGBTQ+ romance follows the story of two artificial intelligence robots who become sentient, fall in love, and discover what it means to live.
Kit writes a poignant story with raw emotion, disturbing anti-AI themes, with a main character who sanders raw and immature emotions and reactions as he tries to figure out why he doesn’t process and operate as he was designed. Eke begins to realize that he’s functioning outside his basic operations and commands only to discover that he wants more, he wants to dream, and ultimately want to become more and live.
Along comes Kyp who is the shiny new AI whose devilish hood looks are more than what it seems. We get to see their story unfold to find an epic journey of escaping the confines of your purposes and “sole design” to find what it means to choose your own path and live for more (even when you don’t necessarily understand it right away).
This was truly such a fun and amazing story and it also shows just how cruel humans can be to things they create, they don’t understand, and things they classify as “other”.
A solid five star read and if you like gay robots who are looking for their reason to live, this is for you!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews