Computer Love Inc.

Computer Love Inc. #1

by Kurt Hansen, Jessica Hansen

In a not-so-distant future, Computer Love Inc. becomes the first company in Silicon Valley of its kind – one that creates robotic Companions so lifelike that they are utterly indistinguishable from live humans. Its founder, Bill Bronson, has pure intentions for his manufactured Companions to assist those in need – whether it’s for the purpose of nursing, daycare, or simple friendship – but his sudden and questionable death throws the two young paramedics who arrive at the scene in the center of a nightmarish whirlwind. With the help of an eccentric godfather, paramedics Zak and John find themselves unlocking the mystery of Bronson’s untimely death, as well as the purpose of a dubious microchip discovered at the scene. Taking on roles of sleuths-turned-vigilantes, Zak, John, and Marius enlist the help of a female Companion named Cashmere to find out what’s really going on at Computer Love Inc.: is the company really out for the good of mankind, or is something more sinister at hand?

223 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2013

Reviews

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A man, his Lamborghini, and his beautiful companion crash against the guardrail leading to a spectacular debris field amongst the rocks. What follow is a conspiracy to use technology to spy on people that have robotic companions that are more life-like that the people they are with. It is an interesting look at how technology may pave the way for relationships with machines over people. This is the first book in the Computer Love Inc. series.

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Toni (T.C.) LoTempio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I"m normally not a fan of science fiction, but Computer Love made me a convert! an exciting, well paced plot and likeable characters!

[J. Else · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I won this book free in a Goodreads First Read giveaway, but all the opinions expressed are my unbiased honest review.**

I would like to give this book four out of five stars for its unpredictable twist at the end, but the story has 1 major problem -- except for a female service robot, all the characters are men. The antagonists, the protagonists, the periphery characters... all male. I was surprised by the lack of a female voice!

The story ended with a bang with its incredibly surprising character twist at the end. My jaw, literally, dropped. The story had built up the idea that the previous CEO of Computer Love wanted to create a child companion, but the problem was growth. When it ended up that Josh was actually a success of that dream, I was so surprised! The authors built up the idea well. However, I was left wondering Josh's parents' role and why they were chosen to be Josh's parents. It’s this type of twist that really makes a story: completely unexpected, believable, and something that has subtly been built up in the background of the main story. Excellent idea, authors!

The characters in the story investigated things, but they never really solved any problems. There seemed to be this divine intervention, and then all was right with the world. I think the authors needed more of a religious thought process to the "alien/guardian/God" entity. They touched upon if the character was religious how it could have impact his beliefs after seeing the entity. But why bring it up if you’re going to not continue the train of thought. The only form of religion in the book was unrelated to the guardian character in that Zak turned to religion and developed an unyielding belief set, saying how "God would not approve" of companions. He also unceremoniously dumps/returns Cashmere, as if there was no meaning to her role in the story. I also felt the lack of exploration to the guardian's role in human history was disappointing. I would have liked a little more subtle interventions throughout the story to give the guardian more of an impactful presence instead of some glowing, wise presence that gives people gentle warnings of what they should and should not do… and then will dump a trunk on your ass if you choose poorly.

Overall, I felt the world was very interesting (even if I could not quite picture an air vehicle). I think most elements of the book worked. The authors developed some good analogies to help visualize the world and characters. However, they did use the analogy of things looking or sounding "like a Hollywood movie" a few too many times. And, yes, there were a few too many “Hollywood-like” plot devices used in the plot.

I think I would read another Computer Love story. If this book does become a series, I would ask that the authors consider developing some females. If the female companion, Cashmere, would have developed some independent thinking after they altered her blue chip?... that would have been so compelling and built upon companion rights activists that were introduced for only a few pages. There needs to be a lot more airing out of this world to make another book work and more variety in the characters.

[Emily W.]

I won this in a giveaway 02/25/18!!
(Which will not affect whatever score I give it in the end)
And since I have won it by giveaway it's only fair that I review it after I have received my book and after I've read it.

And yay it really is signed!! That's awesome!! Also they gave me a book mark and what appears to be stickers. (I will try my best not to bend the bookmark too much when I read hehe)




Thoughts:
Finished Review on: 05/__/18

Plot:

Characters:
Bill:


Hope you enjoyed my Review!! Thanks for Reading!! ^_^
And go catch that good book!! ^_^


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[Danielle Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Computer Love Inc. by both Kurt and Jessica Hansen is a fascinating science fiction read. Fans of this genre will immediately fall in love with the plot. It is fast-paced, exciting, and pulls readers into its depth. Technology and the future are major incorporated into this well-written novel. I am not usually one to read science fiction, but this one was great. It held my at attention from the start. Plus, it contained mystery, suspense, and a bit of romance. Those are my favorite things to look forward in any read. Both writers put together a compelling read for readers to enjoy. Robots, science, fantasy, and death all in one action packed title. The characters were mostly males who dominated the entire book. Only one female. Quite an interesting world of fiction to explore. Overall, I recommend this book to readers everywhere.