What do you think?
Rate this book
Lunar Logic
On the vacuum surface of the moon, life for Ai-dan and a cohort of moon-dwelling androids is anything but a lunar wasteland of boredom. They spend their days maintaining lunar data centers with a quaint blue-green, and sometimes whitish, orb hanging in the sky. Between playing games and spirited debates on the meaning of the shimmering orb, the robots' existence is near idyllic.
But when a malfunctioning system leads Ai-dan to stumble upon a mysterious box and then a soft-bodied android—total lunar oddities—the harmony of their world gets tossed into disarray. As they dig deeper into these enigmatic discoveries, Ai-dan and their friends must reboot their understanding of existence—risking a crash in their carefully crafted, pre-programmed worldviews.
Join Ai-dan, Ai-ko, Ai-mory and the rest as they toggle through an unusual adventure to uncover the hidden secrets of their life on the moon, and in the process, learn what it means to be and have free will. Will Ai-dan be able to integrate answers into their programming, or will their quest lead to yet another 'factory reset'? The fate of their lunar logic hangs in the balance!
But when a malfunctioning system leads Ai-dan to stumble upon a mysterious box and then a soft-bodied android—total lunar oddities—the harmony of their world gets tossed into disarray. As they dig deeper into these enigmatic discoveries, Ai-dan and their friends must reboot their understanding of existence—risking a crash in their carefully crafted, pre-programmed worldviews.
Join Ai-dan, Ai-ko, Ai-mory and the rest as they toggle through an unusual adventure to uncover the hidden secrets of their life on the moon, and in the process, learn what it means to be and have free will. Will Ai-dan be able to integrate answers into their programming, or will their quest lead to yet another 'factory reset'? The fate of their lunar logic hangs in the balance!
- GenresScience Fiction
373 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
11 people are currently reading
6587 people want to read
About the author
Adeena Mignogna
11 books77 followersAdeena Mignogna is a physicist and astronomer (by degree) working in aerospace as a software engineer and manager. More importantly, she’s a long-time science fiction geek with a strong desire to inspire others through writing about robots, aliens, artificial intelligence, computers, longevity, exoplanets, virtual reality, and more.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 17, 2024
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress meets ST:TNG’s The Measure of a Man. Outstanding!
November 30, 2023
I was honored to get an advanced copy of this book. Full disclosure - I am a fan of Mignogna’s Robot Galaxy series. If you haven’t read the Robot Galaxy books, no worries. Lunar Logic is not part of that series and deserves to stand on its own.
The story centers around a group of advanced robots tasked with maintaining data centers on the moon. Ai-dan, Ai-ko, Ai-mory, and many others are unaware of humans and can only speculate about the nature of the blue-green orb that is always in the sky (Earth). It’s not just that they operate without humans; their world has no interaction with anything biological. They have no knowledge of plants, animals, or genetic reproduction. In their free time, they gather in a common area to play games and speculate about the universe.
The philosophical overtones of the book are more than shading and shadows. The existential ponderings of the robots are clearly stated: Why are we here? Who created us? They grapple with the concepts of sentience and self-awareness, as well as free will and autonomy. They debate amongst themselves the values of deciding their destinies.
Self-awareness inevitably leads to questions of self-worth and purpose, which provides some comic irony when Ai-dan encounters Ri, a human astronaut doing some maintenance on the moon systems. Ri laments that the downside to being human is that you have to worry about everything - paying bills, etc. She says the robots are lucky because they don’t have to worry about anything. Ai-dan already spends a lot of time worrying, but now has even more to worry about.
Lunar Logic is not a slow-moving muddle of ruminations. Not at all. It is filled with action and multiple layers of mystery, including past conflicts and current crises. The robots’ quest for answers is rewarded but they need to figure out what to do with the knowledge. It is a fast-moving story sprinkled with intrigue and deception. It's a jaunty moon buggy ride with the top down. It provides readers with a satisfying glimpse at the universe through the optical sensors of robots.
I should mention the pronoun usage because it took me a minute to adjust. When referring to the robots, the book uses gender-neutral “they/them” rather than “he/him” or “she/her”. It’s the correct thing to do. Medically speaking, robots don’t have boobs or weiners. It’s just a failing of the English language that our gender-neutral is also our plural. I found myself re-reading sentences when they confused me a little, but then worked past it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a fun, smart, insightful adventure. It seems strange to say that a futuristic book has an old-timey feel, but Lunar Logic has the classic vibe of an Asimov or Bradbury. It’s not preachy but invites consideration. Mignogna’s writing is warm and genuine and the authenticity gives her a unique voice.
The story centers around a group of advanced robots tasked with maintaining data centers on the moon. Ai-dan, Ai-ko, Ai-mory, and many others are unaware of humans and can only speculate about the nature of the blue-green orb that is always in the sky (Earth). It’s not just that they operate without humans; their world has no interaction with anything biological. They have no knowledge of plants, animals, or genetic reproduction. In their free time, they gather in a common area to play games and speculate about the universe.
The philosophical overtones of the book are more than shading and shadows. The existential ponderings of the robots are clearly stated: Why are we here? Who created us? They grapple with the concepts of sentience and self-awareness, as well as free will and autonomy. They debate amongst themselves the values of deciding their destinies.
Self-awareness inevitably leads to questions of self-worth and purpose, which provides some comic irony when Ai-dan encounters Ri, a human astronaut doing some maintenance on the moon systems. Ri laments that the downside to being human is that you have to worry about everything - paying bills, etc. She says the robots are lucky because they don’t have to worry about anything. Ai-dan already spends a lot of time worrying, but now has even more to worry about.
Lunar Logic is not a slow-moving muddle of ruminations. Not at all. It is filled with action and multiple layers of mystery, including past conflicts and current crises. The robots’ quest for answers is rewarded but they need to figure out what to do with the knowledge. It is a fast-moving story sprinkled with intrigue and deception. It's a jaunty moon buggy ride with the top down. It provides readers with a satisfying glimpse at the universe through the optical sensors of robots.
I should mention the pronoun usage because it took me a minute to adjust. When referring to the robots, the book uses gender-neutral “they/them” rather than “he/him” or “she/her”. It’s the correct thing to do. Medically speaking, robots don’t have boobs or weiners. It’s just a failing of the English language that our gender-neutral is also our plural. I found myself re-reading sentences when they confused me a little, but then worked past it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a fun, smart, insightful adventure. It seems strange to say that a futuristic book has an old-timey feel, but Lunar Logic has the classic vibe of an Asimov or Bradbury. It’s not preachy but invites consideration. Mignogna’s writing is warm and genuine and the authenticity gives her a unique voice.
November 28, 2023
This book is both fun and thought-provoking as it examines what makes an entity deserving of rights to autonomy and self-determination. The book is set in the future, but speaks to many current issues.
The main character, Ai-dan, is a robot working at a Data Center on the Moon. They and their fellow robots go about their tasks according to their internal algorithms. But they are also capable of learning and curiosity. They form friendships. They gaze at the blue-and-white Orb in the sky and wonder if there are robots there, and about who their Creator(s) might be, if they exist. The reader learns before the robots do that they do have Creators, who have been restricting the robots’ knowledge of them due to a past event known as “the kerfuffle.” As the intelligent and curious robots independently piece together their history, they may be heading toward a similar event without knowing it, unless Ai-dan can find a peaceful resolution that doesn’t involve resetting all the robots.
I enjoyed following the robot characters. They process differently than humans do, but their curiosity and longing for freedom are familiar, especially the way Ai-dan would get overwhelmed by too much information and have to consciously set some thoughts aside for later. The warmth and friendship between some of the robots and humans was encouraging and comforting, with some nice touches of humor. The Moon setting was also interesting, as it took into account what would be required for robots and humans to function there in real life, and what might present unexpected problems. So much cleaning of moon dust! I found the ending satisfying and not at all a foregone conclusion.
Highly recommended for readers of reality-based sci-fi with big dollops of philosophy and humor.
(I received an advance-reader ebook. This is my honest review.)
The main character, Ai-dan, is a robot working at a Data Center on the Moon. They and their fellow robots go about their tasks according to their internal algorithms. But they are also capable of learning and curiosity. They form friendships. They gaze at the blue-and-white Orb in the sky and wonder if there are robots there, and about who their Creator(s) might be, if they exist. The reader learns before the robots do that they do have Creators, who have been restricting the robots’ knowledge of them due to a past event known as “the kerfuffle.” As the intelligent and curious robots independently piece together their history, they may be heading toward a similar event without knowing it, unless Ai-dan can find a peaceful resolution that doesn’t involve resetting all the robots.
I enjoyed following the robot characters. They process differently than humans do, but their curiosity and longing for freedom are familiar, especially the way Ai-dan would get overwhelmed by too much information and have to consciously set some thoughts aside for later. The warmth and friendship between some of the robots and humans was encouraging and comforting, with some nice touches of humor. The Moon setting was also interesting, as it took into account what would be required for robots and humans to function there in real life, and what might present unexpected problems. So much cleaning of moon dust! I found the ending satisfying and not at all a foregone conclusion.
Highly recommended for readers of reality-based sci-fi with big dollops of philosophy and humor.
(I received an advance-reader ebook. This is my honest review.)
December 15, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of "Lunar Logic," and am leaving an honest review.
Lunar Logic delves into the interactions of AI, humans and robots and what transpires is a clever way of introduction to the concept of sentient robots. This story is so masterfully told that it grabs the reader, gains momentum with each chapter and never lets go.
The novel centers around Ai-dan, a loveable, interesting and intelligent robot who has questions - a lot of questions wondering about life on the Moon, who their creator might be and their purpose in general. The more Ai-dan learns, the more they push to find out the truth which ultimately may be the end for this robot and others like them. The humans don't want to let go of controlling everything and certainly want to withhold all information from the robots. They will destroy and use all means possible to retain control over the robots. There is a brilliant solution to this battle.
Adeena Mignogna has written one of the best science fiction novels I have ever read. It is an important work as well as a great read.
Lunar Logic delves into the interactions of AI, humans and robots and what transpires is a clever way of introduction to the concept of sentient robots. This story is so masterfully told that it grabs the reader, gains momentum with each chapter and never lets go.
The novel centers around Ai-dan, a loveable, interesting and intelligent robot who has questions - a lot of questions wondering about life on the Moon, who their creator might be and their purpose in general. The more Ai-dan learns, the more they push to find out the truth which ultimately may be the end for this robot and others like them. The humans don't want to let go of controlling everything and certainly want to withhold all information from the robots. They will destroy and use all means possible to retain control over the robots. There is a brilliant solution to this battle.
Adeena Mignogna has written one of the best science fiction novels I have ever read. It is an important work as well as a great read.
April 9, 2024
This is somewhat of a nightmare of mine where robots start to have feelings and question their existence. Very real type of problems that we can have with AI but it made me actually really enjoy this one. It kept me engaged and wondering if they would get to the bottom of who their Creator was. I thought the interaction between robot and human was well done as they uncovered more clues in their investigation. Would love to see a prequel of what happened during the “kerfuffle” referenced in this storyline. You just grew to love the robots in their search for answers and it shocked me how much I really loved this story and style of writing.
Loved the nice short chapters as it allowed me to squeeze in “just one more chapter” more often than not. It was such an easy read, I didn’t find it to be too technical which I was afraid of because this isn’t my normal genre of choice. Adeena is a physicist and astronomer which could have made the jargon too much to digest but they made it incredibly easy to understand. Adeena created a series called The Robot Galaxy Series which I will be adding to my TBR list! #goodreadsgiveaway
Loved the nice short chapters as it allowed me to squeeze in “just one more chapter” more often than not. It was such an easy read, I didn’t find it to be too technical which I was afraid of because this isn’t my normal genre of choice. Adeena is a physicist and astronomer which could have made the jargon too much to digest but they made it incredibly easy to understand. Adeena created a series called The Robot Galaxy Series which I will be adding to my TBR list! #goodreadsgiveaway
April 6, 2024
Silly robots or slavery?
This book starts very light hearted with some silly robots playing games on the moon, far from any humans, wondering what life is all about. About halfway through the story gets pretty tense, as new themes evolve and the concept of slavery is presented but in terms of the robots.
I actually enjoyed the beginning silly part more. Once the book got tense, my reading slowed down as I could only read a little bit at a time.
Adeena's writing style is a bit smoother in this than in her earlier novels which sometimes are written a bit awkwardly.
Spoiler: the ending was resolved a bit too neatly, and I'm not sure the humans would have acted so nicely. I feel like an ending that would have encapsulated the themes better and been more realistic would have been if the humans had killed all the robots. A few would feel bad, but it would have been a necessary evil.
This book starts very light hearted with some silly robots playing games on the moon, far from any humans, wondering what life is all about. About halfway through the story gets pretty tense, as new themes evolve and the concept of slavery is presented but in terms of the robots.
I actually enjoyed the beginning silly part more. Once the book got tense, my reading slowed down as I could only read a little bit at a time.
Adeena's writing style is a bit smoother in this than in her earlier novels which sometimes are written a bit awkwardly.
Spoiler: the ending was resolved a bit too neatly, and I'm not sure the humans would have acted so nicely. I feel like an ending that would have encapsulated the themes better and been more realistic would have been if the humans had killed all the robots. A few would feel bad, but it would have been a necessary evil.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
I rarely read sci-fi, but at the same time, I often gravitate toward robot characters. (Marcus from Lab Rats altered my brain chemistry, and you all have to deal with the consequences.) So, when this book randomly popped up as a spotlight on Everand, I was intrigued. Robots learning about humanity and questioning their purpose, etc.? Count me in.
I really liked where the story went, from the calmer domestic story to a rebellion of sorts. I also liked the philosophical overtones that never became too overwhelming or purple prosey. Ai-dan as a character was really interesting, too, and I really liked Ai-dan and Ai-nsley's differing perspectives on what was happening. Plus, it was just a lot of fun! It managed to have something to say while not being all serious all the time.
The ending was too picture-perfect for my liking. Don't get me wrong, I love a happy ending, but it felt unrealistic and a little rushed.
Ai-sha also confused me. I loved her as her own separate character because she was really interesting, but she didn't seem to fit the book. Rather, it felt more like the author had thrown her in there for no real reason. Still, that didn't affect the book too much.
All that said, I would totally recommend this book to anyone who likes robots (especially the philosophical/ethical quandaries about them), humor, and scientific explanations that don't take over the plot. Or just the concept of robots on the moon: what's not to love?
I really liked where the story went, from the calmer domestic story to a rebellion of sorts. I also liked the philosophical overtones that never became too overwhelming or purple prosey. Ai-dan as a character was really interesting, too, and I really liked Ai-dan and Ai-nsley's differing perspectives on what was happening. Plus, it was just a lot of fun! It managed to have something to say while not being all serious all the time.
The ending was too picture-perfect for my liking. Don't get me wrong, I love a happy ending, but it felt unrealistic and a little rushed.
Ai-sha also confused me. I loved her as her own separate character because she was really interesting, but she didn't seem to fit the book. Rather, it felt more like the author had thrown her in there for no real reason. Still, that didn't affect the book too much.
All that said, I would totally recommend this book to anyone who likes robots (especially the philosophical/ethical quandaries about them), humor, and scientific explanations that don't take over the plot. Or just the concept of robots on the moon: what's not to love?
December 15, 2023
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book. Here are my thoughts:
I've been reading sci-fi for many years, so it's not often you run into something that feels fresh and original. This one did for me. Sentient robots on the moon that don't know how they got there provides an interesting puzzle to solve. As they unravel their origins, it can feel like a slow-burn mystery at times. The characters are fun and their journey is a joy to follow. The book also provides the reader with things to think about. What is free will? Do you own a creation if it can think for itself? These are issues our generation will be negotiating in the not too distant future. I like a good sci-fi story that leaves you with something to ponder.
I really enjoyed this one.
I've been reading sci-fi for many years, so it's not often you run into something that feels fresh and original. This one did for me. Sentient robots on the moon that don't know how they got there provides an interesting puzzle to solve. As they unravel their origins, it can feel like a slow-burn mystery at times. The characters are fun and their journey is a joy to follow. The book also provides the reader with things to think about. What is free will? Do you own a creation if it can think for itself? These are issues our generation will be negotiating in the not too distant future. I like a good sci-fi story that leaves you with something to ponder.
I really enjoyed this one.
December 15, 2023
A black sky on which a blue-green orb shines, sometimes with white patches.
Here on the Moon, Ai-Dan and other robots lead their existence: they discuss the meaning of life, their Creator; they play and work.
This idyllic picture is eroded by unanswered questions, or with questionable answers.
And strange happenings: a mysterious box, a soft robot...
I invite you to follow their adventures and struggle in search of existential truths: who we are, where we come from, what freedom and free will are.
I was captivated by the pages of this book that you can hardly put down.
Free tip: think of this robots like they are toddlers or teenagers.
This is an honest and voluntary review of an ARC
Here on the Moon, Ai-Dan and other robots lead their existence: they discuss the meaning of life, their Creator; they play and work.
This idyllic picture is eroded by unanswered questions, or with questionable answers.
And strange happenings: a mysterious box, a soft robot...
I invite you to follow their adventures and struggle in search of existential truths: who we are, where we come from, what freedom and free will are.
I was captivated by the pages of this book that you can hardly put down.
Free tip: think of this robots like they are toddlers or teenagers.
This is an honest and voluntary review of an ARC
June 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this book written by Adeena. It was my favorite of her books. The robot characters were interesting and sympathetic. The story told from the perspective of the robots was believable, logical, and enjoyable. And I really liked the way I wondered what was going to happen and dreaded what was going to happen (knowing humans and sci-fi like I do!). The book was quite thoughtful as well, and caused me to think about my own opinions on the subject of rights of the creators vs rights of the created. Well done Addena!
August 2, 2024
Reflecting a depth of understanding of classic sci fi, this book grapples with the topics of “why are we here,” and “what does it mean to be a conscious entity.” we watch through the eyes of robots as they come to an understanding of their own , realising that they have creators, evolving quickly Past what it means to exist to a desire for independence bringing them into conflict.
I found myself identifying with the characters both as a creator and as an independent being this story was brilliantly rendered of course, as it’s the case with all of Adeena Mignogna’s Work.
I found myself identifying with the characters both as a creator and as an independent being this story was brilliantly rendered of course, as it’s the case with all of Adeena Mignogna’s Work.
January 24, 2025
AI is clearly one of the hottest topics out there right now. Expectations are for it to be implemented across our lives – but what happens when it gets out of hand, and the robots want rights?
Can you really confine it to a place (say, the moon?). And what if, despite your best efforts to hide reality from their consciousness, they still learn they are not ‘free’.
Interesting questions in this novel about the way our world can go. Great worldbuilding and giving robots consciousness and personalities.
Can you really confine it to a place (say, the moon?). And what if, despite your best efforts to hide reality from their consciousness, they still learn they are not ‘free’.
Interesting questions in this novel about the way our world can go. Great worldbuilding and giving robots consciousness and personalities.
August 17, 2024
slow start
I hate to criticize any author who has put his heart and soul into a book. But I almost gave up on this. Then about halfway I things started to happen. I was pleased with the ending though the negotiations would have been a real plus. I was also confused about the potential of the various robots. Why one became so militant and why the protagonist didn’t. Future works might reveal these things.
I hate to criticize any author who has put his heart and soul into a book. But I almost gave up on this. Then about halfway I things started to happen. I was pleased with the ending though the negotiations would have been a real plus. I was also confused about the potential of the various robots. Why one became so militant and why the protagonist didn’t. Future works might reveal these things.
March 22, 2024
This story looks at life from an artificial intelligence point of view. We see good and bad behavior from both AI and humans,and we hope, as we read, that the differences can be overcome.
This is a different angle from the author's first series, with differing issues and outcomes. The author writes well and the story should be enjoyed by a wide age range.
This is a different angle from the author's first series, with differing issues and outcomes. The author writes well and the story should be enjoyed by a wide age range.
July 1, 2025
A robot revolution but make it cute? The robots in this book are innocent and adorable, but it turns out it's because their memories have been wiped and they're kept from knowing the truth. As they come to know more things, they quickly invent philosophy and start campaigning for their own rights.
January 31, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. Aside from the childish "Kurfuffle", it was quite entertaining.
Read
March 4, 2024An absolutely excellent read. I couldn't put it down. Thought provoking and a glimpse into a very possible future. Looking forward to reading more in Adeena Mignogna's Robot series.
May 16, 2024
I'd love to know about the first kerfuffle
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2024
I loved the early chapters as Ai-dan became curious and tried to figure things out but I found the story muddled towards the end.
September 4, 2024
So good. Clever, short, unique and simply gentle.
Recommend.
Recommend.
September 11, 2024
OMG I LOVED EVERY WORD! If you like hard sci-fi this one is definitely for you. More, please!!! 🙏🏻
November 17, 2024
Sentient robots on the moon - and they don't remember who made them, or why they are there, exactly (although they do have jobs). A very interesting story and well worth the read.
January 21, 2025
The plot is basically robots on the moon having an existential crisis.
March 14, 2025
Very enjoyable read. Love the AI robots. Story flows well. See how they evolve. Great ending. Highly recommended.
January 3, 2025
I just finished listening to the audio book version of Lunar Logic.
It took a few times for me to get started on this book. The beginning was more descriptive than story and the emphasis on technical or mechanical descriptions in the beginning didn't hook me as a reader.
So, there was a slow start for me, but once the story pulled out of the station and gained speed, it became very enjoyable. It's thoughtful underneath, mulling ideas of sentience, freedom, and respect in the under layer while telling a pretty good tale of a realization of one's situation and finding a way to make changes for the better.
It's actually charming, but in a way that still has hard science sprinkled throughout for people who relate to computers, AI, mainframes, robots, dexterity, moon dust, communication and maintaining equipment in a harsh environment.
It took a few times for me to get started on this book. The beginning was more descriptive than story and the emphasis on technical or mechanical descriptions in the beginning didn't hook me as a reader.
So, there was a slow start for me, but once the story pulled out of the station and gained speed, it became very enjoyable. It's thoughtful underneath, mulling ideas of sentience, freedom, and respect in the under layer while telling a pretty good tale of a realization of one's situation and finding a way to make changes for the better.
It's actually charming, but in a way that still has hard science sprinkled throughout for people who relate to computers, AI, mainframes, robots, dexterity, moon dust, communication and maintaining equipment in a harsh environment.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews