Freedom has allowed Edel to sink into a comfortable life of routine and order. Work, eat, run, sleep. What more could there be to life? But when the New American government announces plans to introduce controlled XJ5s to assist with the country's law enforcement, Edel's comfort and safety is threatened.
Jay fears Edel is missing out on all that life has to offer, and despite his best efforts, he can't make her change her ways. She dislikes people and changes to her regimented routine, so everyone is stunned when she develops a new relationship.
Mack introduces Edel to a whole new and wonderful side of life, but Edel is about to learn that these new emotions can be absolutely devastating when hidden secrets are uncovered.
Another fantastic and captivating book that follows Edel and Jay as they continue their battle to get through life on a day to day basis as 'normal' as possible. Things for Edel are always far from normal but a chance encounter with Mack turns her life upside down as she dares to venture into the whole new and exciting world of relationships. This author has a great talent when it comes to describing the experiences that are new to Edel. Her innermost thoughts and unfamiliar feelings are described in such maticulous detail that it makes you stop and think, then contemplate how you would react and feel if presented with the same senareo. You can certainly relate and feel every emotion she goes through, happiness, dejection, fear, rage, which is a testament to the skill and imagination of the writer to create the vivid traits that belong to Edel's character. Loved the story and can't wait for the next as the book certainly finished with an explosive ending that you saw coming but not what happened! Brilliant job Ashleigh Reverie!
Overload, the fourth book in Ashleigh Reverie's Almost Human series, completely blew me away. I knew this story wouldn't be sunshine and roses, but the ending still hit me like a ton of bricks! What I loved most was how the author takes the classic romance tropes and flips them on their head. Edel, a genetically engineered soldier, is such a unique and compelling protagonist. Her journey from a life of strict order to experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions, especially love, had me hooked from the start. And speaking of love, the relationship that develops between Edel and Mack is anything but typical. It's messy.
While I'd definitely recommend starting with the first book in the series to fully appreciate the world-building and character arcs, Overload grabbed me from page one. The suspense never lets up, and the ending left me desperate for the next instalment. Ashleigh, please don't leave us hanging too long! Your fans (myself included!) are dying to know what happens next.
Is it my favourite in the series? I don’t know, I really can’t tell. It’s brilliant. The series explores the boundary between artificiality and humanity with strong emotional depth and insight. This fourth novel moves into the realm of new emotions, using Edel’s meticulous existence as a springboard to examine what makes life worth living. Her rebellion against societal norms is nudged along by the presence of Jay and two unexpected arrivals. Oh my God, forget When Harry Met Sally, that’s old hat. When Edel meets Miles, wow. The entire book is a moving reflection on vulnerability, trust, and the cost of feeling. The looming threat of regulated XJ5s in the community adds urgency. It amplifies the stakes, forcing characters—and readers—to confront difficult questions about what happens when order collides with emotion. Overload is one hell of a ride that will have you cringing with Edel and Mack, and pushing away that awful sense of foreboding that this may not end well. Seasoned followers like me will be rooting for our Edel all the way.
As always, I’m blown away by the author’s insight into the psyche. This is my favourite series of all time. Read it, it’s amazing.
Almost Human: Overload feels like it completes the series. Our protagonist, Edel, has finally made a little life for herself as meek as it might be in a world where you are either very rich or just another poor cog in the system. The new seat plot involves an experimental, and untrusted XJ5s to assist law enforcement. But more importantly, we see Edel’s development. The untrusting character finally lets people into her life, in particular, Mack, who she’ll need to reveal hidden truths to. The book is fun, compelling, and questions today’s reality. There’s tons of thrilling suspense, solid character arc, and another interesting plot. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I can't say enough good about this stalwart series. Great writing, outstanding character development, and a story that is original, fast-moving, compelling and dramatic. I wake up a lot during the night, and three times in a row when I was reading this, I woke up with Edel's dialogue going through my head. (You can't make this up.) So I think it got me on a subconscious level too. LOL. But anyway, I highly recommend this well-written and richly entertaining novel!
Thanks for recommending this, Jess! It was awesome. Every time I read one of this author's books I want to start the next one immediately. You owe it to yourself to read this series. It just gets better and better!
Edel is slowly recovering from the ordeal she experienced back at Poly-Gen, and finding her way in the world again as best as she can with her limited experience of being a human. Then she meets Mack and her whole world goes through a tectonic shift. Not only that, there is a new threat looming. I think this is my favourite book in the series. I love Edel and her story has kept me thinking about her long after I’ve finished each book. This is a new direction in her life and she is experiencing new feelings—attraction, arousal and love. But can she cope with it? It seems so, with a few glitches along the way. And then a new threat to her existence looms large in her and Mack’s life. The cliffhanger ending left me in shock and I cannot wait for the next book.
Edel is back along with the rest of the crew in Almost Human Book 4, the latest drama in which her life changes forever. Some time has passed since the last book and dear friend Jay has settled down with Collette, his now pregnant girlfriend. Tensions rise when Edel meets a man named Mack at a local diner and for the first time experiences romantic feelings for the opposite sex.
In some ways this is one of the most interesting novels in the series as it explores an aspect of the world never before seen and an aspect of Edel's character that I didn't see coming. After years of struggling to even interact with normal humans, Edel finds herself suddenly pursuing a relationship with a man; someone who appears normal at first glance. It's a very welcome turn of events despite how surprising it is. I would estimate that most of the book is spent on this but rather than being eye rolling which is how young adult romances tend to be in my opinion this was quite fascinating, due to how unusual yet sweet the pairing of Edel and Mack was. Very little time is spent with Jay and even less time with Danny, which I sorely missed but the internal conflict of Edel always kept my eyes glued to the pages.
Another aspect that is different this time around is the world-building. The reader is given a more detailed look at the world of Poly Gen and the mechanics behind the operation. I won't spoil but it's very interesting and raises a few questions about the nature of the facility and the culpability of everyone involved at Poly Gen.
The only thing is the book and the characters are kind of infuriating at times. Usually in a good way as it keeps the momentum going and me reading. But in the first three novels, it was a genuine rollercoaster to see Edel transform from a robot-like super being to what could almost resemble a normal girl but in this book she has moments where she annoys me. Like one minute she'll be love dovely with Mack and the next she's run away like a scared cat. It's on and off with them as it is with Edel and Jay at times. Mack is almost a lovable gentleman but quickly turns into a weak mouse when he is inconvenienced. That is human nature so it's not necessarily a huge flaw in the writing just something to look out for and proceed with caution.
You'll be pulling her hairstrings out when you get to the end! I guarantee it! Whereas Book 3 felt like a Genuine heartache and badass redemption story, this felt more like an avoidable car crash by the end. It hits you hard but I kind of saw it coming in a way, given how once again infuriating the characters were becoming. But what does interest me is where Edel's story will go from here. Just like at the end of Book 1, she's found herself in a HUGE conundrum and I'm not sure how she's going to make it out of this one. Another thrilling and emotional read by Ashleigh Reverie!
Just finished Almost Human: Overload and wow, this book totally blew me away! I'm not usually big on sci-fi stuff but my buddy kept telling me to check it out, and I'm so glad I did. The main character feels like someone you could actually meet - not some perfect hero who knows everything. The way they struggle with the whole "am I still human?" thing really hit home. Like, we're all on our phones 24/7 these days, so it makes you think. The action scenes are INSANE. There's this one part (no spoilers) where everything goes down at the abandoned facility that had me staying up way too late on a work night. Worth it though! The tech stuff wasn't too complicated either. I could actually follow what was happening without needing to Google a bunch of terms, which was nice. If you're looking for something that's gonna keep you hooked from page one and make you think a little about where we're heading with technology and all that, definitely pick this one up. Already told my girlfriend she needs to read it next! The characters around the main one are pretty awesome too. That one AI character (trying not to spoil anything here) cracked me up with their weird way of looking at human stuff. And the villain isn't just some random bad guy - you can kinda see where they're coming from even though they're doing messed up things. Made it feel way more real than most books I've read. Oh, and the ending? Total mind-blow. Did NOT see that coming at all. I seriously sat there for like 10 minutes just processing everything after I finished the last page. Can't wait for the sequel cuz there's no way the story ends here. If you grab one book this month, make it this one - you won't regret it!
Overload is the fourth book in the Almost Human series, and I went into this having not read the first three. First of all, well done to the author, because I understood what was going on perfectly well without that foreknowledge. There were a few references to past events – enough to make me intrigued to know the details – but nothing that was vital to the plot. The book’s central character is Edel, a female XL5 – a sort of artificial human-like android – learning to be human and, in this case, trying to navigate the complexities of a romantic relation. Love. But that description doesn’t do the story justice, as I was utterly swept away by the narrative. It never drifts into what I think of as ‘Romance novel’ territory, and just gives an honest and truthful drama with three-dimensional characters. It also explores themes of abuse and exploitation, which are handled with thoughtful sensitivity. In the backdrop of the main plot, the shady organisation that created the XL5s have moved into town, continuing their grizzly work on others like Edel who remain in captivity under the most brutal, torturous and inhuman condition. As the book progressed, I imagined any number of ways in which these plot strands might collide, but I was never prepared for what occurred in the final chapter or two. As I said, I went into this having not read the first three, but I already plan to change that, as well as looking out for Book 5, because if this book is anything to go by, they will be an absolute treat.
This is the fourth book in the series. While it can still be enjoyable and entertaining, it's recommended to start from the beginning to fully understand the characters' journeys and the complex world the narrative provides. This book, like the previous ones, explores themes of identity and what it means to be human, the ethics of genetic engineering, and the consequences of a society divided by wealth and power. If you're new to the series, seriously consider starting with book 1, "Almost Human." It will introduce you to Edel (a genetically engineered soldier) and her fight for freedom. You'll also meet Jay, who becomes a caretaker for Edel, and Danny, another genetically engineered character with his own struggles. The characters grow and change throughout the series, which makes them relatable and very interesting. The world-building, which takes place in a dystopian future, is well-developed and thought-provoking. The book also includes lots of action and suspense. The story keeps you guessing and wanting more. If you decide to jump into this book, be prepared for references to past events and character relationships you might not fully understand. The plot is complex and builds on the previous books. Overall, this book could still be an engaging and fun read, but starting from the very beginning will give you a better, richer experience.
I’ve been following this story from the beginning and this has been another excellent book in the Almost Human series.
Edel’s journey and development as a character has been fascinating to watch over the series and in book four we find Edel falling in love and experiencing new emotions, feelings and sensations that she struggles to deal with. Mack (Edel’s love interest) becomes a major character in the story and is a kind and patient figure who is struggling to understand Edel’s often erratic behaviour.
Jay, a character that I really like, gets a lot less time in this story. Danny too. However, I think those relationships with Edel had been well established and covered in earlier books and this story has a strong romantic element and even some love scenes. Not too spicy and handled quite well by the author, who wanted to describe Edel’s first experience given that this would be sensory overload.
I enjoyed the addition of Michael, a XJ5 handler in training and getting to see more from Poly Gen. Michael’s slow transition from goodness to a desensitised guard who enjoys wielding the power is done well and for some reason made me think of the Stanford Prison experiment.
A few nice twists along the way and the ending was truly shocking. Can’t wait for the next one!
"Almost Human: Overload" is the fourth installment in a compelling dystopian series that masterfully explores themes of identity, ethics, and societal divisions. The protagonist, Edel, a genetically engineered soldier, finds her orderly life disrupted when the New American government plans to deploy controlled XJ5s for law enforcement. This book delves deep into Edel's personal growth as she navigates new emotions and relationships, particularly with Mack, who introduces her to the complexities of love and vulnerability.
The narrative continues to build on the strong world-building and character development established in previous books. Edel's journey from a regimented existence to experiencing a wide range of human emotions is both engaging and heart-wrenching. Mack’s role as a compassionate guide adds depth to the story, while the introduction of Michael, a XJ5 handler, and his moral descent provides a thought-provoking subplot.
Readers new to the series may find themselves playing catch-up with past events and relationships, but the story remains compelling and full of suspense. The book's ending is particularly gripping, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next installment. Overall, "Almost Human: Overload" is a well-written, dramatic, and emotionally resonant addition to this standout series.
Brilliant 4th Entry - Carrying on after the events of the previous instalment, Edel continues to learn what it is to be human. This time she experiences an entirely new concept to her; romance. When she first meets the handsome Mack, the feelings it illicit is totally alien to her and she is initially suspicious. But over the course of the book the new relationship blossoms into something beautiful with some sweet moments, some comical moments and some sad. But on the fringes of the story the corrupt HGMR has a new scheme that will spell disaster for the new love birds in spectacular style. If you are new to the series and are into romance then this book would be a terrific introduction for you. For long standing fans it’s a change of pace from the previous books but with the authors same writing style and the tension bubbling below the surface you’ll find this is a real page turner until the dramatic conclusion. I hear there is a fifth book in the works which I can literally not wait for.
This is a science fiction story with a good pace in terms of plot and cadence of events.
It is set in a future that is quite well crafted and described by the author, fostering a mental projection and an immersive reading experience.
You'll meet with Edel as she navigates a life full of personal revelations and struggles with the government.
More concretely, the plot takes place when the New American government introduces controlled XJ5s for law enforcement. The character development is quite sophisticated, particularly Edel's evolution from a reclusive individual to someone who dares to explore her own emotional complexities. It might appeal to fans of self-dev applied to fiction works.
The writing style is precise enough to make the described future realistic and make the societal issues and personal dilemmas relatable. The tension between Edel's desire for stability and the chaotic reality can be felt and is an important part of the story/plot development.
If you like sci-fi AND drama, this is worth a read.
Ashleigh Reverie has done it again! I always think each new book I read in the ‘Almost Human’ series is my favourite, until I read the next one! This latest novel is exceptional and, as usual, the dialogue is wonderfully ‘real’. With the introduction of Mack (a very engaging new character) as an unexpected love interest, Edel takes a huge step in her personal journey of enlightenment. Their burgeoning relationship is exquisitely explored, but the side story of Mack’s brother Michael, who is involved in Poly-Gen’s latest scheme, looms threateningly in the background, just waiting to erupt and potentially destroy everything. Edel’s resilience is put to the test as she struggles to understand and control new emotions, but just when she’s gained a new confidence, all hell breaks loose. I can’t wait for book 5 after that gut-wrenching cliffhanger ending, and cannot recommend this series highly enough.
I was excited to see a fourth book released in this series and was quick to snap it up. Those who've read the previous books already know this series focuses primarily on character development, but this book adds the extra element of a romantic relationship for Edel - something I didn't see coming! This is, of course, a slow burn, and feels true to Edel's character, although I don't think many guys would be as patient as Mack throughout most of the book.
There is also the intriguing addition of a new threat with another XJ5 due to be used for border enforcement in the city. However, this is in the background for most of the book until the cliffhanger ending. I'll be honest, I nearly took a star off for the violent cliffhanger, but I want to read the next book too much, so 5 stars from me!
Please be aware that this is a spoiler-free review and the book is the fourth in a science fiction series. I really enjoyed this dystopian tale. It is exciting and the characters are a real highlight. The main character concludes her journey here in this novel, but she is certainly not the same character she started out as in book 1. There's a lot of growth, and that growth really impacts decisions that are made in this novel. I was surprised by some of them and entertained by all. This wouldn't be a future I would necessarily want to live in, but that's what makes the story so intriguing and the main character makes me believe that even though this future would be a struggle and sometimes scary, there is reason to always have hope. Really look forward to seeing what this author does next?
The book starts out right, with drama and a problem that got me into it right away. The style is good. I usually only notice when the style has problems with it and I got to the second chapter and realized I hadn’t been tripped up anywhere so that’s a good sign. Many kindle unlimited books have grammar problems but I didn’t notice any here. The concept was great with lots of possibilities. After the first chapter, it turns into a romance with the majority of the following chapters stay with that genre. I guess I didn’t catch it when I read the blurb. I generally try to avoid those. There was more action and drama toward the end. This is a “to be continued” book so the end doesn’t resolve the problem. There are other books in the series so if you’re willing to keep on with the story, this would be a good read.
I just finished the book that is called “Almost Human: Overload” that is written by Ashleigh Reverie. This is the fourth book in the series. It was full of action, surprises and new feelings. Edel, a girl made in a lab, is learning how to live like a real person. She even starts to fall in love with a man named Mack. That was a big deal for her and it made the story even more exciting. There are fun and scary parts, like when bad people try to control others like Edel. Some parts made me sad, but that means the story really pulled me in. I liked how Edel tried to trust people and grow, even when it was hard. The ending shocked me and now I really want to read what happens next. I have read the previous books in the series and have enjoyed all of them and I think other readers will, too.
Book four - Overload by Ashleigh Reverie, in the Almost Human series, continues the story of Edel, Mack and Jay and other XL5s. Set in a dystopian near future, well-written and a dynamic series that the author keeps it fresh as Edel and Mack continue their lives and try to achieve some level of normalcy. However, their relationship and circumstances are far from normal and this brings out questions of what it means to be human, and the ethical cost of genetic engineering. Edel is learning the nuances and pitfalls of an intimate relationship as is Mack and Jay is still overseeing Edel, Danny and others. While other, less fortunate, XL5s are being abused and tortured. The characters evolve and the story builds to an unexpected ending. Entertaining but I would recommend that you read them in order to understand the history and the context.
This book totally grabbed me from the first page! It's like a dystopian world meets a personal makeover, and it works so well. We follow Edel, who's used to her life being all buttoned-down and predictable. Then, bam! The government throws her a curveball, and suddenly she's making new friends and feeling things she never thought she would. Edel's journey is amazing. She goes from living on autopilot to really feeling alive. I was totally rooting for her the whole time. The plot's got twists and hidden secrets that kept me guessing, and the writing is super smooth - like butter on toast!
I've been a fan of these since book 1, and this one does not disappoint. Edel has come a long way since that first book, and it has been great to watch her develop from an automaton to something much more. Her struggles to be more than what she was designed to be against a backdrop of well-developed characters makes for an excellent read - showcasing the best and worst of human nature. The dystopian world that the series is set in is an all too realistic glance of what could happen to us. Bring on Book 5, please!
What an amazing novel! I was hooked from the first page as I read this wonderful book by Ashleigh Reverie. The book is both beautifully written and totally captivating, with an explosive finish. I'm so looking forward to book five. It's a truly wonderful book. Highly recommended!
This is a wonderful, well-written series, and the latest book is exceptional as Edel explores new experiences in a relationship with Mack, a new and interesting character. Edel’s resilience is tested as she tries to understand her new emotions. A fascinating tale with an ending that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book. One not to miss!
Ha! I beat Jesse to finish the new one first! This was amazing. These books get better and better. Edel is like a person I know! The world building is amazing and the characters are unforgettable.