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Anti
Negara was supposed to be a utopia.
This is where the robots were made. Where machines cater to every whim. It is also where the powerful plunder the streets as their droids build bridges, erect buildings, and bend civilization to their will.
Seventeen-year-old Georgina Madalo is hell-bent on becoming a space pilot and getting the heck away from this mess.
Her problems? First, a tyrannical mother who created a sentient artificial superintelligence. It can control the robots, that’s for sure. But it’ll also control everything else, including, you know, Us. The humans on a planet run by giant droids.
Next problem? The infuriating, inconveniently charming Ceriel Droksik. The country’s star robotics engineer, Ceriel stole her mom’s AI and plans to release it—even though that’d pretty much render humankind obsolete.
No big deal. Just the robot apocalypse, dear.
Too bad Georgina and Ceriel love to hate each other, and their relationship sits somewhere between “I’ll cut you” and “It’s complicated.”
Tasked to retrieve the dangerous AI, Georgina will discover the truth. Alien war fleets are scouring the galaxy, and Earth has hit their radar. Ceriel believes Negara’s robot defenses and the AI to control them are the population’s only hope for survival. The math: Georgina could let the robots run the show, defeating the aliens and saving everyone—and in doing so, turning humankind into the robots’ prey and losing any hope of leaving Earth. Or she could stop the AI and risk humans fighting the aliens on their own.
Fun times, everyone.
This is where the robots were made. Where machines cater to every whim. It is also where the powerful plunder the streets as their droids build bridges, erect buildings, and bend civilization to their will.
Seventeen-year-old Georgina Madalo is hell-bent on becoming a space pilot and getting the heck away from this mess.
Her problems? First, a tyrannical mother who created a sentient artificial superintelligence. It can control the robots, that’s for sure. But it’ll also control everything else, including, you know, Us. The humans on a planet run by giant droids.
Next problem? The infuriating, inconveniently charming Ceriel Droksik. The country’s star robotics engineer, Ceriel stole her mom’s AI and plans to release it—even though that’d pretty much render humankind obsolete.
No big deal. Just the robot apocalypse, dear.
Too bad Georgina and Ceriel love to hate each other, and their relationship sits somewhere between “I’ll cut you” and “It’s complicated.”
Tasked to retrieve the dangerous AI, Georgina will discover the truth. Alien war fleets are scouring the galaxy, and Earth has hit their radar. Ceriel believes Negara’s robot defenses and the AI to control them are the population’s only hope for survival. The math: Georgina could let the robots run the show, defeating the aliens and saving everyone—and in doing so, turning humankind into the robots’ prey and losing any hope of leaving Earth. Or she could stop the AI and risk humans fighting the aliens on their own.
Fun times, everyone.
- GenresScience Fiction
414 pages, Paperback
Published June 13, 2024
8 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 23, 2024
Anti by Alexandra Atman
5/5 stars
I want to start my review by screaming: I LOVE THIS ******* BOOK! The first English book I read as a kid was The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. And from that book onwards my love for science fiction books only grew. Anti is a brilliant and addictively written sci-fi novel. With intricate relationships and twists that keep you glued to each and every word.
The book starts with Georgina Madalo aching to become a space pilot. Her entire world is focused on studying as hard as she can to get into the program and become a pilot. She wants to explore the galaxy and experience life in a completely different way.
Things on earth are rather tricky. Her mother and her younger co-worker Ceriel Droksik are working on an advanced AI program called Cheryl. But as things progress her mother and Ceriel have different opinions of what Cheryl should be. Ceriel wants to make her sentient. While her mother is fiercely against it. She is so against it that she forces Gi to help her trick Ceriel to stop him from progressing his work.
She is also part of the Association Rally. And Ellar is pulling her in another direction. And when she meets Ceriel things get even more complicated. He also expects things from her. And when they develop feelings for each other things get even trickier.
I love how complex the characters in this book are. And how complicated the relationships are. I completely understand Gi's panic attacks. I even wondered if she is addicted to the chill pills. Or that they are semi harmless drugs.
But the way her mother is manipulating and threatening her is heartbreaking. I hated her guts sometimes. But Alexandra also shows us plenty of clues why her mother is the way she is.
I adored her complicated relationship with Ceriel. How far are you willing to trust someone? I love how they both stay true to themselves but also fight for the other one. And no, not in a sort of happy and chatty kind of way. Every action has a complicated reaction. I love what he does for her when he takes her on a date. My heart burst for the two of them. But I also admire how he sticks to his ideals and thoughts about the future. If they are right or wrong is a whole other discussion. But I love that they were themselves and weren't ashamed of showing that to the people around them.
I also liked her internship and the things she works on. It was so easy to visualize this book. And I could paint a clear picture of what she was working on.
Her little brother was such a bright star in this book. And I cannot wait to read the second book and see where his story goes next.
I also liked how heavy the world felt at times. How that impacted Gi. How that endlessly pushing and pulling wore her out. And that she had moments of I'm done.
But I also admire her strength. There is such a delicate balance and I love how clearly the author paints us that picture.
And the last few pages had me reeling! I need to read the second book ASAP!!! I am still figuring out if it was a good or bad decision. I don't want to spoil it. But those inner thoughts had me going crazy. And I am still trying to figure it all out.
If you love sci-fi and a sort of young/new adult sort of vibe then definitely pick this book up! It is sooooo good!!! It deserves way more love, reviews and shares than it currently has!
It also reminded me a bit of the Ender Saga by Orson Scott Card. And that is one of my favorite series ever!
5 humongous stars from me for this stunning book!
5/5 stars
I want to start my review by screaming: I LOVE THIS ******* BOOK! The first English book I read as a kid was The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. And from that book onwards my love for science fiction books only grew. Anti is a brilliant and addictively written sci-fi novel. With intricate relationships and twists that keep you glued to each and every word.
The book starts with Georgina Madalo aching to become a space pilot. Her entire world is focused on studying as hard as she can to get into the program and become a pilot. She wants to explore the galaxy and experience life in a completely different way.
Things on earth are rather tricky. Her mother and her younger co-worker Ceriel Droksik are working on an advanced AI program called Cheryl. But as things progress her mother and Ceriel have different opinions of what Cheryl should be. Ceriel wants to make her sentient. While her mother is fiercely against it. She is so against it that she forces Gi to help her trick Ceriel to stop him from progressing his work.
She is also part of the Association Rally. And Ellar is pulling her in another direction. And when she meets Ceriel things get even more complicated. He also expects things from her. And when they develop feelings for each other things get even trickier.
I love how complex the characters in this book are. And how complicated the relationships are. I completely understand Gi's panic attacks. I even wondered if she is addicted to the chill pills. Or that they are semi harmless drugs.
But the way her mother is manipulating and threatening her is heartbreaking. I hated her guts sometimes. But Alexandra also shows us plenty of clues why her mother is the way she is.
I adored her complicated relationship with Ceriel. How far are you willing to trust someone? I love how they both stay true to themselves but also fight for the other one. And no, not in a sort of happy and chatty kind of way. Every action has a complicated reaction. I love what he does for her when he takes her on a date. My heart burst for the two of them. But I also admire how he sticks to his ideals and thoughts about the future. If they are right or wrong is a whole other discussion. But I love that they were themselves and weren't ashamed of showing that to the people around them.
I also liked her internship and the things she works on. It was so easy to visualize this book. And I could paint a clear picture of what she was working on.
Her little brother was such a bright star in this book. And I cannot wait to read the second book and see where his story goes next.
I also liked how heavy the world felt at times. How that impacted Gi. How that endlessly pushing and pulling wore her out. And that she had moments of I'm done.
But I also admire her strength. There is such a delicate balance and I love how clearly the author paints us that picture.
And the last few pages had me reeling! I need to read the second book ASAP!!! I am still figuring out if it was a good or bad decision. I don't want to spoil it. But those inner thoughts had me going crazy. And I am still trying to figure it all out.
If you love sci-fi and a sort of young/new adult sort of vibe then definitely pick this book up! It is sooooo good!!! It deserves way more love, reviews and shares than it currently has!
It also reminded me a bit of the Ender Saga by Orson Scott Card. And that is one of my favorite series ever!
5 humongous stars from me for this stunning book!
July 16, 2024
my link text">Review originally on JamReads
ANTI is the debut novel of Alexandra Atman, a Young Adult Science Fiction proposal that explores interesting themes while weaving together a character driven story with some soft-science elements that makes it a perfect read even if you are not a lover of the genre. A story full of feelings and quite unique.
Georgina Madalo is a brilliant seventeen-year-old girl, whose dream is to become a space pilot to escape from the utopia Negara was supposed to be; things are not easy, especially under the eye of her tyrannical mother, Andrea Madalo, who, apart from that, has created a sentient AI that threatens to take control over everything in the problem. Adding salt to the wound, it has been stolen by her boss, the charming Ceriel Droksik, star of the robotics field; Georgina is tasked with recovering it.
However, from this relatively simply premise, Atman takes the opportunity to paint a full portrait of our three main characters, and the complicated relationships established between them; Georgina will be forced to get closer to Ceriel, but that doesn't mean they will easily get along, starting a sort of enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies that is really sweet, especially in contraposition with the thunderous bond that exists between Gio and Andrea. Eventually, we will get to comprehend that while Andrea and Ceriel might be ambitious people, they are working towards what they consider the good goal, which may vary; not only that, but through Gio's eyes, we will see how behind the utopia of Negara is hidden a threaten to the whole humanity.
Atman has a writing style that creates a really accessible prose, allowing you to devour the book in a few sits; the pacing is fast, despite I feel it drags a bit in the middle part, especially when the book becomes more romance heavy. The science in this book is not too hard/dense, being more a complement to the worldbuilding, a utopia that in reality can be considered as a dystopia, as many of the basic freedoms are restricted.
A really solid debut, a young adult novel that can be enjoyed also by adults, and that will delight you with its strong and angsty female main character, with a world that you would love to explore. After how it ends, I can only ask for when the second book will be released!
ANTI is the debut novel of Alexandra Atman, a Young Adult Science Fiction proposal that explores interesting themes while weaving together a character driven story with some soft-science elements that makes it a perfect read even if you are not a lover of the genre. A story full of feelings and quite unique.
Georgina Madalo is a brilliant seventeen-year-old girl, whose dream is to become a space pilot to escape from the utopia Negara was supposed to be; things are not easy, especially under the eye of her tyrannical mother, Andrea Madalo, who, apart from that, has created a sentient AI that threatens to take control over everything in the problem. Adding salt to the wound, it has been stolen by her boss, the charming Ceriel Droksik, star of the robotics field; Georgina is tasked with recovering it.
However, from this relatively simply premise, Atman takes the opportunity to paint a full portrait of our three main characters, and the complicated relationships established between them; Georgina will be forced to get closer to Ceriel, but that doesn't mean they will easily get along, starting a sort of enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies that is really sweet, especially in contraposition with the thunderous bond that exists between Gio and Andrea. Eventually, we will get to comprehend that while Andrea and Ceriel might be ambitious people, they are working towards what they consider the good goal, which may vary; not only that, but through Gio's eyes, we will see how behind the utopia of Negara is hidden a threaten to the whole humanity.
Atman has a writing style that creates a really accessible prose, allowing you to devour the book in a few sits; the pacing is fast, despite I feel it drags a bit in the middle part, especially when the book becomes more romance heavy. The science in this book is not too hard/dense, being more a complement to the worldbuilding, a utopia that in reality can be considered as a dystopia, as many of the basic freedoms are restricted.
A really solid debut, a young adult novel that can be enjoyed also by adults, and that will delight you with its strong and angsty female main character, with a world that you would love to explore. After how it ends, I can only ask for when the second book will be released!
July 9, 2024
If you love villains and fun twists with a character driven story, then this book is probably for you! I had the absolute pleasure of reading an ARC copy of this book by Alexandra Atman and I absolutely loved it! I'm definitely a character reader, and every single character in this book is so well written. As I was reading, I was on the edge of my seat wondering who was going to betray who and trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
The romance is definitely enemies to lovers, and it was everything I dreamed it would be. Ceriel is one of my favorite characters,so I loved reading his and Gi's interactions with each other.
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more.
The romance is definitely enemies to lovers, and it was everything I dreamed it would be. Ceriel is one of my favorite characters,so I loved reading his and Gi's interactions with each other.
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more.
July 22, 2024
That ending 🥲
Just see me over here waiting for book 2.
I really enjoyed Anti by Alexandra Atman. The sci-fi feels were perfect, the details of the world were there and so dang cool! There was one scene I was reading where I was like wow this world is so well-developed.
My goal is to keep my review completely spoiler free because there were so many parts that were like 🤯 that the reader needs to experience those first hand. But I loved the main character who deals with anxiety in such a realistic way. I definitely felt connected to her and the struggles she dealt with.
I would categorize this as for older YA readers as the spice is limited to kissing but there is cussing throughout the book and mention of drug-use.
Similar feeling books that came to mind would be Lifelik3 by Jay Kristoff, Skyward by Brandon Sanderson, and Robopocalypse 👀
Just see me over here waiting for book 2.
I really enjoyed Anti by Alexandra Atman. The sci-fi feels were perfect, the details of the world were there and so dang cool! There was one scene I was reading where I was like wow this world is so well-developed.
My goal is to keep my review completely spoiler free because there were so many parts that were like 🤯 that the reader needs to experience those first hand. But I loved the main character who deals with anxiety in such a realistic way. I definitely felt connected to her and the struggles she dealt with.
I would categorize this as for older YA readers as the spice is limited to kissing but there is cussing throughout the book and mention of drug-use.
Similar feeling books that came to mind would be Lifelik3 by Jay Kristoff, Skyward by Brandon Sanderson, and Robopocalypse 👀
December 28, 2025
Anti is a YA sci-fi about a world called Negara. The book tells the story of Georgine, also called Gi, who wants to become a space pilot. 🤍 She studies hard and is trying to live a normal life until she gets mixed up in all kinds of problems, like a robot apocalypse. And one of them is also a boy!! 🤭
This was one of my first sci-fi reads EVER. Crazy right?! 😂 But it definitely didn't disappoint. I loved the world building. I must say there was a lot of information sometimes but no more than in most fantasy books. Nothing about this book was predictable and that made it so good! 🫶🏼 I really liked the characters and I think Gi is amazing. Then there was Ceriel... I don't know if I hate or love the man. I'm still debating on that one! 😂
As I said before, the story was unique and not predictable at all. Sometimes there was so much happening that I couldn't quite follow everything, so the ending was a bit of a blur for me tbh. But besides that the story was great! The romance scenes were written so well and has that enemies to lovers trope we all adore! 🎀 This book was a rollercoaster because I felt it all! Happiness, sadness and I was even angry once in a while. Well done!! ❤️🔥
This was one of my first sci-fi reads EVER. Crazy right?! 😂 But it definitely didn't disappoint. I loved the world building. I must say there was a lot of information sometimes but no more than in most fantasy books. Nothing about this book was predictable and that made it so good! 🫶🏼 I really liked the characters and I think Gi is amazing. Then there was Ceriel... I don't know if I hate or love the man. I'm still debating on that one! 😂
As I said before, the story was unique and not predictable at all. Sometimes there was so much happening that I couldn't quite follow everything, so the ending was a bit of a blur for me tbh. But besides that the story was great! The romance scenes were written so well and has that enemies to lovers trope we all adore! 🎀 This book was a rollercoaster because I felt it all! Happiness, sadness and I was even angry once in a while. Well done!! ❤️🔥
July 17, 2024
i was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book through goodreads before the release date and im so happy i won it! such a great book!! it definitely had me on the edge of my seat and took a way unexpected turn. i can’t wait for the next book next year!
July 16, 2024
This was absolutely fantastic. I devoured it. It is 400 pages of twist and turns, fast paced plot heavy Story, intermingled with a rather lovely blossoming romance. There were moments I was just left sat in shock at what had just happened, and the ending lives rent free in my mind - I was reeling...
It has terminator meets blade runner vibes.
With a slow burning enemies to lovers. The guy is a more morally grey tony stark. Everyone is villianous, but for reasons you can completely understands.
The cover is goregous, and it has beautiful illustrations inside!
Highly recommend. I can't believe this was a debut!
It has terminator meets blade runner vibes.
With a slow burning enemies to lovers. The guy is a more morally grey tony stark. Everyone is villianous, but for reasons you can completely understands.
The cover is goregous, and it has beautiful illustrations inside!
Highly recommend. I can't believe this was a debut!
May 20, 2024
This lovely author gave me the opportunity to an advance reader copy of her book and I am so thankful because I really enjoyed this story!
I have to say this is a ONE OF A KIND Sci-Fi YA novel that has BLOWN MY MIND AWAY.
Some keywords for this book: Humans (different races), Droids, Robots, Science, Biology, Space, Simulators, planets, Riot/war, Politics, Manipulation, Love, Friendship, Betrayel, Survival and many more.
The most obvious booktropes for me: enemies/rivals to lovers & the chosen one.
Alexandra Atman really surprised me with this brilliant story. I love her writingstyle and the creative plot she came up with. It is so refreshing, so good and such an easy read because of it.
The storytelling is just so fun; How Georgina questions herself, kinda also talks to herself and displays/explains all the options. Sometimes even written like a multiple choice question. Such a fun and creative writingstyle. Georgina's humor in everything she thinks and how she acts, I really adore her. She made me giggle a lot. I really enjoyed reading all these parts!!
It has a catchy start and just really good chapters that keeps your attention throughout the book. Altho, at some point it kinda became slow-paced which made me a bit annoyed because I just wanted to know what would happen and it felt like nothing too important seemed to take place BUT the story still made me wanna read more and more to gather all the pieces and find out what and why things are happening. Eventually it became more clear, more mind blowing stuff got introduced and it just kept coming and coming, more and more and I was just amazed by it.
The Sci-fi part is really cool and gave me Divergent vibes in the first part of the book. It contains a lot of beautiful descriptions of the scenery and objects; beautiful planets/space, techniques. It was really interesting and not too confusing. Some lovely quotes/lines that I highlighted the shit out of it.
A bit more about the characters;
I just adore Georgina so much. I love her character. I can relate with so many feelings; her anxiety, guilt, fear, doubt, love, trust, self-image, etc... She is amazing!
I kinda disliked Andrea (Georgina's mother). It just made me frustrated how manipulative she is and the way she treats her daughter. In my eyes it felt like she just used her own daughter like a pawn in a game, acting so unhuman. BUT somehow she made me sympathise for her. She is a really special individual.
I actually really like Ceriel, supposedly the bad guy? but honestly, I never really felt like he was. It's like I saw through him from the beginning that he means well for his people? I don't know.
I actually really enjoy Isaure's character and the way she throws in some french sentences when she is annoyed.
I feel like I would be like Chet, a sweet, genuine and confused friend. This character is a lovely addition to the story.
The last few chapters were crazy. It got me confused sometimes and made me re-read some parts. It was like a puzzle being put together while sometimes trying a piece that does not fit. The ending left me with my mouth wide open in shock, a plot twist I did not see coming! It ripped me apart. So many scenes in this book actually broke me. The end left me with so many questions... Like what is going to happen now?!! I need the sequel asap!
I give it a solid 4.5. It was an amazing journey with so many heartfelt AND heartbreaking moments.
Thank you Alexandra Atman for this masterpiece!
I have to say this is a ONE OF A KIND Sci-Fi YA novel that has BLOWN MY MIND AWAY.
Some keywords for this book: Humans (different races), Droids, Robots, Science, Biology, Space, Simulators, planets, Riot/war, Politics, Manipulation, Love, Friendship, Betrayel, Survival and many more.
The most obvious booktropes for me: enemies/rivals to lovers & the chosen one.
Alexandra Atman really surprised me with this brilliant story. I love her writingstyle and the creative plot she came up with. It is so refreshing, so good and such an easy read because of it.
The storytelling is just so fun; How Georgina questions herself, kinda also talks to herself and displays/explains all the options. Sometimes even written like a multiple choice question. Such a fun and creative writingstyle. Georgina's humor in everything she thinks and how she acts, I really adore her. She made me giggle a lot. I really enjoyed reading all these parts!!
It has a catchy start and just really good chapters that keeps your attention throughout the book. Altho, at some point it kinda became slow-paced which made me a bit annoyed because I just wanted to know what would happen and it felt like nothing too important seemed to take place BUT the story still made me wanna read more and more to gather all the pieces and find out what and why things are happening. Eventually it became more clear, more mind blowing stuff got introduced and it just kept coming and coming, more and more and I was just amazed by it.
The Sci-fi part is really cool and gave me Divergent vibes in the first part of the book. It contains a lot of beautiful descriptions of the scenery and objects; beautiful planets/space, techniques. It was really interesting and not too confusing. Some lovely quotes/lines that I highlighted the shit out of it.
A bit more about the characters;
I just adore Georgina so much. I love her character. I can relate with so many feelings; her anxiety, guilt, fear, doubt, love, trust, self-image, etc... She is amazing!
I kinda disliked Andrea (Georgina's mother). It just made me frustrated how manipulative she is and the way she treats her daughter. In my eyes it felt like she just used her own daughter like a pawn in a game, acting so unhuman. BUT somehow she made me sympathise for her. She is a really special individual.
I actually really like Ceriel, supposedly the bad guy? but honestly, I never really felt like he was. It's like I saw through him from the beginning that he means well for his people? I don't know.
I actually really enjoy Isaure's character and the way she throws in some french sentences when she is annoyed.
I feel like I would be like Chet, a sweet, genuine and confused friend. This character is a lovely addition to the story.
The last few chapters were crazy. It got me confused sometimes and made me re-read some parts. It was like a puzzle being put together while sometimes trying a piece that does not fit. The ending left me with my mouth wide open in shock, a plot twist I did not see coming! It ripped me apart. So many scenes in this book actually broke me. The end left me with so many questions... Like what is going to happen now?!! I need the sequel asap!
I give it a solid 4.5. It was an amazing journey with so many heartfelt AND heartbreaking moments.
Thank you Alexandra Atman for this masterpiece!
March 15, 2024
I had the pleasure of DEVOURING an advance reader copy of this book this week in exchange for an honest review.
This is SCI-FI. AT. ITS. BEST:
1. Big questions about what it means to be human combined with one of the most memorable enemies-to-lovers-to...enemies? stories I've ever read (really, WTF, OMG, I CAN'T EVEN DESCRIBE HOW GLORIOUS THIS DARK MESS OF A RELATIONSHIP IS!). I went into this book without expectations, only to have MY MIND BLOWN AWAY. The plot is brilliant and so creative I found myself stopping to consider what I had just read. Also, there are so many fantastic quotable sentences in here. Not just pretty words strung together but true gems of wisdom. I'm not exaggerating when I say I'm shocked, because, again, my expectations were zero yet this story handed me A THOUSAND DIAMOND MOONS. It was A JOURNEY, and I'll be re-reading as soon as I recover from THAT ending.
2. This book took toxic dynamics to a bonkers level. I loved to despise Andrea, who reminded me what a terrible mother sounds like, acts like, and thinks like... She made me cry, she made me growl, and then she broke my heart somehow. That's something I never expected, because I hated her manipulative, cold-hearted &ss. The friendships and betrayals are also up there on my podium of things I've never forget nor forgive.
3. I don't want to write spoilers but Ceriel is my new book husband. The ONE.
Did I hate him? 50% of the time.
Did I want to punch him? 80% of the time.
DID I LOVE HIM? 200% OF THE TIME. WHERE IS HIS NOVELLA? GIVE IT TO ME RIGHT NOW.
The man is insane, but he's also an absolute catch and I just want to... uhm... cuddle him, okay?
My expectations on dating have always been unrealistic. After meeting this toxic but irresistible piece of gloriously nerdy hotness? I'm not sure I will ever find true love anywhere else :P
"He's... peculiar, yes. But he always gives me what I want."
That's RIGHT, GIRL.
So right...
4. Now, on a more serious note, I was surprised by the ideas on the book, the refreshing takes on tropes such as the "chosen one," and to meet a cast jam-packed with villains I couldn't help but agree with. To say this cast is morally flexible would be an understatement. Being in Gi's head was fascinating. It's cool the author used a protagonist that constantly confronted me as a reader and subverted all I thought she would do or say. She's also hilarious and, despite all the crazy fires burning around her, deeply relatable.
5. The world building is top notch. Negara is a beautiful combination of futurism and past appreciation. The tech is fun. The locations are unexpected. Some of the robots are scary as hell and others are flat-out adorable. We get spaceships and the sci-fi goodies, but everything is grounded. The descriptions and action sets are cinematic but to the point and efficient. I have no complaints pacing-wise, I read this one in two days and didn't feel the time pass.
6. THE ENDING RIPPED ME APART and made me nauseous in the best possible way.
I noticed in the book that a sequel is coming out next year (YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!).
While I literally have no idea where things can go after such a PANDEMONIUM, I am here for the ride.
This is SCI-FI. AT. ITS. BEST:
1. Big questions about what it means to be human combined with one of the most memorable enemies-to-lovers-to...enemies? stories I've ever read (really, WTF, OMG, I CAN'T EVEN DESCRIBE HOW GLORIOUS THIS DARK MESS OF A RELATIONSHIP IS!). I went into this book without expectations, only to have MY MIND BLOWN AWAY. The plot is brilliant and so creative I found myself stopping to consider what I had just read. Also, there are so many fantastic quotable sentences in here. Not just pretty words strung together but true gems of wisdom. I'm not exaggerating when I say I'm shocked, because, again, my expectations were zero yet this story handed me A THOUSAND DIAMOND MOONS. It was A JOURNEY, and I'll be re-reading as soon as I recover from THAT ending.
2. This book took toxic dynamics to a bonkers level. I loved to despise Andrea, who reminded me what a terrible mother sounds like, acts like, and thinks like... She made me cry, she made me growl, and then she broke my heart somehow. That's something I never expected, because I hated her manipulative, cold-hearted &ss. The friendships and betrayals are also up there on my podium of things I've never forget nor forgive.
3. I don't want to write spoilers but Ceriel is my new book husband. The ONE.
Did I hate him? 50% of the time.
Did I want to punch him? 80% of the time.
DID I LOVE HIM? 200% OF THE TIME. WHERE IS HIS NOVELLA? GIVE IT TO ME RIGHT NOW.
The man is insane, but he's also an absolute catch and I just want to... uhm... cuddle him, okay?
My expectations on dating have always been unrealistic. After meeting this toxic but irresistible piece of gloriously nerdy hotness? I'm not sure I will ever find true love anywhere else :P
"He's... peculiar, yes. But he always gives me what I want."
That's RIGHT, GIRL.
So right...
4. Now, on a more serious note, I was surprised by the ideas on the book, the refreshing takes on tropes such as the "chosen one," and to meet a cast jam-packed with villains I couldn't help but agree with. To say this cast is morally flexible would be an understatement. Being in Gi's head was fascinating. It's cool the author used a protagonist that constantly confronted me as a reader and subverted all I thought she would do or say. She's also hilarious and, despite all the crazy fires burning around her, deeply relatable.
5. The world building is top notch. Negara is a beautiful combination of futurism and past appreciation. The tech is fun. The locations are unexpected. Some of the robots are scary as hell and others are flat-out adorable. We get spaceships and the sci-fi goodies, but everything is grounded. The descriptions and action sets are cinematic but to the point and efficient. I have no complaints pacing-wise, I read this one in two days and didn't feel the time pass.
6. THE ENDING RIPPED ME APART and made me nauseous in the best possible way.
I noticed in the book that a sequel is coming out next year (YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!).
While I literally have no idea where things can go after such a PANDEMONIUM, I am here for the ride.
July 27, 2024
A fast paced sci-fi story where a lot happens right from the start.
Georgina (Gi) Madalo spends almost all her free time studying for her exams because she wants to become a space pilot. Het mother, a high level scientist at the leading company in technological development, has high expectations for Gi. When all hell breaks loose at a presentation given by the CEO of that company it's clear that society is at a tipping point. Move forward with the technological and biological advancements without sharing that knoledge with the International Alliance and creating a bigger rift between Nagara and the rest of the world or risk a global war on technologie.
Georgina is balancing her studies, extracuricilar activities and apparenticeship at NerodeTech while everyone around her wants something from her. One of her friends is a member of the contrarians, a group that opposes all the technological advancements out of fear of losing what makes humans human. They oppose the level of power the Overheid (gouvernment) and Ceriel Droksik, CEO of NerodeTech have over the population and ask Georgina to spy for them during her apparenticeship. Her mother also wants her help in bringing Ceriel en Cheryl, an artificial superintelligence, down. But the way she wants to do that is highly unethical. Georgina has a very complicated relationship with her mother which doesn't help her decison making, she loves and hates her mother at the same time.
Meanwhile Ceriel, the 20 year old genius CEO of NerodeTech has a thing for Georgina. He shows her something that shifts Georgina's believes and the way she looks at the contrarians, her mother and Ceriel. Who is the villain in this story? What is the best outcome? Who is in it for themselves and who actually wants what's best for the people?
This was a story full of plottwists and ethical dilemma's. It was an emotional rollercoaster but also made you question things in todays society. How far will people let governments and big companies dictate their comings and goings in exchange for more comfort. The rate in which technological developments follow eachother maks AI more and more something that'll be realised in the nearby future and what does that mean for our everyday live.
As for the story of Georgina, i felt sorry for her because it really was difficult to know friend from foe and to make peace with the decisons others made for themselves as well as for her. The big twist at the end makes me eager to find out how the story continues in the second book.
Georgina (Gi) Madalo spends almost all her free time studying for her exams because she wants to become a space pilot. Het mother, a high level scientist at the leading company in technological development, has high expectations for Gi. When all hell breaks loose at a presentation given by the CEO of that company it's clear that society is at a tipping point. Move forward with the technological and biological advancements without sharing that knoledge with the International Alliance and creating a bigger rift between Nagara and the rest of the world or risk a global war on technologie.
Georgina is balancing her studies, extracuricilar activities and apparenticeship at NerodeTech while everyone around her wants something from her. One of her friends is a member of the contrarians, a group that opposes all the technological advancements out of fear of losing what makes humans human. They oppose the level of power the Overheid (gouvernment) and Ceriel Droksik, CEO of NerodeTech have over the population and ask Georgina to spy for them during her apparenticeship. Her mother also wants her help in bringing Ceriel en Cheryl, an artificial superintelligence, down. But the way she wants to do that is highly unethical. Georgina has a very complicated relationship with her mother which doesn't help her decison making, she loves and hates her mother at the same time.
Meanwhile Ceriel, the 20 year old genius CEO of NerodeTech has a thing for Georgina. He shows her something that shifts Georgina's believes and the way she looks at the contrarians, her mother and Ceriel. Who is the villain in this story? What is the best outcome? Who is in it for themselves and who actually wants what's best for the people?
This was a story full of plottwists and ethical dilemma's. It was an emotional rollercoaster but also made you question things in todays society. How far will people let governments and big companies dictate their comings and goings in exchange for more comfort. The rate in which technological developments follow eachother maks AI more and more something that'll be realised in the nearby future and what does that mean for our everyday live.
As for the story of Georgina, i felt sorry for her because it really was difficult to know friend from foe and to make peace with the decisons others made for themselves as well as for her. The big twist at the end makes me eager to find out how the story continues in the second book.
October 28, 2024
What a rollercoaster!😱
Okay, this book was a lot. Definitely in a good way! I would have never expected that the story would go where it went when I first started reading it.
I sometimes found it a bit difficult to follow, my entire view of this book changed a lot throughout the story. I really liked the writing style, it was sometimes funny too. But sometimes I just didn’t understand a sentence or a few sentence. I’d re-read it a few times but mostly couldn’t figure out what it should mean. I didn’t have this experience a lot, luckily, and other than that I enjoyed the writing style a lot.
Some things that happend were a bit hard to wrap my mind around, but I found it very cool to read about.🤭
I really liked how the “good and evil” concept was in this story, it was very different than I’m used to but I really liked it. It tells people aren’t just good or bad but that there’s so much more to it. And that you might think something is good or bad that it doesn’t necessarily means that you’re right. There were a lot of good messages in this book!
Also, the betrayals!🫣 And that scène in space!😍🚀
The characters were done great. They all had their own lives and personalities and you just know who is who while reading even if they haven’t been mentioned for a bit. Often in books I get confused on who is who but not in this one. The characters all have a lot more to them than you get to see at first.
I really loved how the main character, Georgina Madalo, was written. She’s very complex (all characters are but you get to see it trough her perspective) and a lot of her reactions and the way she deals with things are very realistic for all the things she goes trough. It isn’t just that things happen and she’s okay, you definitely notice it all has a lot of impact on her.
I have a feeling this is just the first part in a long series because wow! Everything that happens towards the end..😮
Would I recommend this book?
Yes! If you’re a reader that enjoys science fiction and YA books I definitely would recommend.
My experience of this book I’d say is 4,5 stars because this book was so good and such a cool read!😍🤭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Okay, this book was a lot. Definitely in a good way! I would have never expected that the story would go where it went when I first started reading it.
I sometimes found it a bit difficult to follow, my entire view of this book changed a lot throughout the story. I really liked the writing style, it was sometimes funny too. But sometimes I just didn’t understand a sentence or a few sentence. I’d re-read it a few times but mostly couldn’t figure out what it should mean. I didn’t have this experience a lot, luckily, and other than that I enjoyed the writing style a lot.
Some things that happend were a bit hard to wrap my mind around, but I found it very cool to read about.🤭
I really liked how the “good and evil” concept was in this story, it was very different than I’m used to but I really liked it. It tells people aren’t just good or bad but that there’s so much more to it. And that you might think something is good or bad that it doesn’t necessarily means that you’re right. There were a lot of good messages in this book!
Also, the betrayals!🫣 And that scène in space!😍🚀
The characters were done great. They all had their own lives and personalities and you just know who is who while reading even if they haven’t been mentioned for a bit. Often in books I get confused on who is who but not in this one. The characters all have a lot more to them than you get to see at first.
I really loved how the main character, Georgina Madalo, was written. She’s very complex (all characters are but you get to see it trough her perspective) and a lot of her reactions and the way she deals with things are very realistic for all the things she goes trough. It isn’t just that things happen and she’s okay, you definitely notice it all has a lot of impact on her.
I have a feeling this is just the first part in a long series because wow! Everything that happens towards the end..😮
Would I recommend this book?
Yes! If you’re a reader that enjoys science fiction and YA books I definitely would recommend.
My experience of this book I’d say is 4,5 stars because this book was so good and such a cool read!😍🤭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
September 11, 2024
I genuinely don’t even know where to start because this was such an amazing read full of so many unexpected twists it genuinely felt like I was watching a whole tv show!
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My favorite aspect is how all the characters are so complex and morally grey throughout the whole book. Just when I thought I knew what one characters motives are they completely switched up on and I was left not knowing whether to love or hate them so I was somewhere in between the whole time!
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The plot is definitely super interesting and something I have never seen done before and I genuinely cannot wait to read the second book because I need to know what happens next! Not only did I laugh, cry I was just left so speechless because that ending was not AT ALL what I was expecting! I genuinely had a love/ hate relationship with sooo many of the characters at the start of the book and but by the end of it I just didn’t even know what to think of any of them because they all just have their own motives and they all make so much sense so there is genuinely not a specific bad/ good guy which i absolutely love!
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The pacing of the story was also absolutely perfect, I was not left bored or confused at all during the whole book because everything just happens so smoothly and in such a shocking way that I genuinely could not put the book down!
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My favorite aspect is how all the characters are so complex and morally grey throughout the whole book. Just when I thought I knew what one characters motives are they completely switched up on and I was left not knowing whether to love or hate them so I was somewhere in between the whole time!
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The plot is definitely super interesting and something I have never seen done before and I genuinely cannot wait to read the second book because I need to know what happens next! Not only did I laugh, cry I was just left so speechless because that ending was not AT ALL what I was expecting! I genuinely had a love/ hate relationship with sooo many of the characters at the start of the book and but by the end of it I just didn’t even know what to think of any of them because they all just have their own motives and they all make so much sense so there is genuinely not a specific bad/ good guy which i absolutely love!
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The pacing of the story was also absolutely perfect, I was not left bored or confused at all during the whole book because everything just happens so smoothly and in such a shocking way that I genuinely could not put the book down!
January 11, 2026
4.5/5 stars
Omg THAT ENDING!!! This was honestly one of the best YA sci-fi I have ever read. It was so good. The writing style took me some time to get used to. It was first person that was not the weird part, it was more the language used that threw me off a bit. And near the end there was a literal “Eff my heart” and I don’t really know what to feel about that. Personally also did not connect as much to the secondary characters. They kinda fell flat to me, like did not care about Ariana and maybe just a little bit more about Chet. Did not care about her brother and hated her mother. But the ending just solidified this book as one of my favorites. This book is criminally unknown and underrated. I loved the ending as well, it was not your typical happy ending that everything just turns out great in the end. The whole concept is great. The only reason that it does not get the 5 stars is because of the language kinda? I’m Dutch so seeing the main like government be called “overheid” and the main plaza being called “Plein”… I just couldn’t get over it and sometimes I would forget it and a few chapters later I would see it again and I would have to stop reading en just stare at the wall for a minute. BUT THE WHOLE CONCEPT?? THE ENDING??? HELLO??? Amazing give me fourteen of them right now.
Omg THAT ENDING!!! This was honestly one of the best YA sci-fi I have ever read. It was so good. The writing style took me some time to get used to. It was first person that was not the weird part, it was more the language used that threw me off a bit. And near the end there was a literal “Eff my heart” and I don’t really know what to feel about that. Personally also did not connect as much to the secondary characters. They kinda fell flat to me, like did not care about Ariana and maybe just a little bit more about Chet. Did not care about her brother and hated her mother. But the ending just solidified this book as one of my favorites. This book is criminally unknown and underrated. I loved the ending as well, it was not your typical happy ending that everything just turns out great in the end. The whole concept is great. The only reason that it does not get the 5 stars is because of the language kinda? I’m Dutch so seeing the main like government be called “overheid” and the main plaza being called “Plein”… I just couldn’t get over it and sometimes I would forget it and a few chapters later I would see it again and I would have to stop reading en just stare at the wall for a minute. BUT THE WHOLE CONCEPT?? THE ENDING??? HELLO??? Amazing give me fourteen of them right now.
April 30, 2024
I requested an ARC of this book and, to my surprise, read it very quickly.
Sci-fi isn't a genre I usually read (I’m a thriller lover), nor is YA. The cover caught my eye, though, and I’m glad it did. The world the author created is immersive and surprising, pretty, also thrilling. I was fully transported to this world. The characters are exciting, each complex in their own way, and some even irritating in a good way. While reading I had this tense sensation that, at any point, any character would turn against the other. The betrayals came and were exciting, but what I truly liked it that I saw none of the twists coming.
The love story is solid. I'm a big fan of the chapters that focus on that aspect of the book but still appreciate the fact that there's way more to this story than just romance.
I'm very curious to read what this author will publish next, and will be reading ANTI’s sequel.
Sci-fi isn't a genre I usually read (I’m a thriller lover), nor is YA. The cover caught my eye, though, and I’m glad it did. The world the author created is immersive and surprising, pretty, also thrilling. I was fully transported to this world. The characters are exciting, each complex in their own way, and some even irritating in a good way. While reading I had this tense sensation that, at any point, any character would turn against the other. The betrayals came and were exciting, but what I truly liked it that I saw none of the twists coming.
The love story is solid. I'm a big fan of the chapters that focus on that aspect of the book but still appreciate the fact that there's way more to this story than just romance.
I'm very curious to read what this author will publish next, and will be reading ANTI’s sequel.
March 18, 2024
This book gave me things I didn't know I needed.
I never knew where this story was taking me until it slapped me across the face with its twists and turns. And for that, I loved it. The characters are an absolute highlight: I had a blast with this group of awful people doing awful things but making me root for them like I have no moral compass at all.
The story left me thinking, it left me restless, and, in all honesty, it also left me heartbroken.
This is different from other YA Sci-Fi I’ve read: a bit more thoughtful, a bit more sardonic, but, somehow, a lot of fun. I laughed out loud many times right before—and after—something horrible happened I thought I was going a bit cray.
This is an exciting debut. I got an ARC but I will buy a final copy to revisit the world and all its details.
I never knew where this story was taking me until it slapped me across the face with its twists and turns. And for that, I loved it. The characters are an absolute highlight: I had a blast with this group of awful people doing awful things but making me root for them like I have no moral compass at all.
The story left me thinking, it left me restless, and, in all honesty, it also left me heartbroken.
This is different from other YA Sci-Fi I’ve read: a bit more thoughtful, a bit more sardonic, but, somehow, a lot of fun. I laughed out loud many times right before—and after—something horrible happened I thought I was going a bit cray.
This is an exciting debut. I got an ARC but I will buy a final copy to revisit the world and all its details.
May 11, 2024
So this was surprising. Everything was cleverly done, and so unexpected.
I requested an ARC of this book last week and read it over the week. I enjoyed myself even despite the frankly heartbreaking moments.
Georgina is a character I will for sure remember, same with Ceriel, who is my new dark-hearted bookboyfriend of course.
I feel like this story takes its time to set the pieces on the board before fully taking off, and yet that was all the more satisfying. I liked putting the clues together and going back to the little breadcrumbs when the twists and reveals came.
The pacing was good, the book was not info-dumpy, and the tech was on point. I prefer my sci-fi human-centric, so this book worked perfectly for me.
I can't wait for the sequel because I can't stop thinking about that ending.
I requested an ARC of this book last week and read it over the week. I enjoyed myself even despite the frankly heartbreaking moments.
Georgina is a character I will for sure remember, same with Ceriel, who is my new dark-hearted bookboyfriend of course.
I feel like this story takes its time to set the pieces on the board before fully taking off, and yet that was all the more satisfying. I liked putting the clues together and going back to the little breadcrumbs when the twists and reveals came.
The pacing was good, the book was not info-dumpy, and the tech was on point. I prefer my sci-fi human-centric, so this book worked perfectly for me.
I can't wait for the sequel because I can't stop thinking about that ending.
March 10, 2024
I read an early copy of ANTI and I was blown away by the creativity in this story! It's gripping, full of twists I couldn't see coming, and raw characters that are so flawed you have to love them. Trying not to give spoilers here but the character of Andrea (Gi's mom) was especially creepy yet super fun to read and I loved how that twisted relationship played out.
I don't often read a lot of sci-fi, and this was a very refreshing read and take on it as I felt it was also geared female readers (including romance- Ceriel is definitely my kind of morally grey LI!) and not only the "bro sci-fi"—there is still a lot cool tech but it but it focuses more on the emotional drama and characters while still being very plot driven.
I don't often read a lot of sci-fi, and this was a very refreshing read and take on it as I felt it was also geared female readers (including romance- Ceriel is definitely my kind of morally grey LI!) and not only the "bro sci-fi"—there is still a lot cool tech but it but it focuses more on the emotional drama and characters while still being very plot driven.
May 23, 2024
Anti is a story that couldn't have come at a better time. The fictional city of Negara is plagued by the bleakest stages of modernization, where the technology meant to serve humankind has finally begun to make humanity obsolete. Told through the eye of Gi, a brilliant, but troubled young scientist, she's forced to weigh the lives of everyone she loves against the rise of AGI, and everyone's fate is in the balance.
Want to read
June 28, 2024June 28, 2024
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2024
I received a free copy via Goodreads giveaways. Great story with good character development. Loved the ending.
January 5, 2025
I found this book at a bookstore and I fell in love with the cover. The story was very unique and kept me engaged the whole time. Unexpected plot twists!
July 21, 2024
Thank you Alexandra for the privilege to read this stunning book as an ARC!
I absolutely loved ANTI. I was taken on such a wild ride from start to finish. The story was fast paced, exciting, and full of twists and turns. Every time I thought something would happen, something else completely unexpected would take me by surprise. The complex relations between each of the characters made the story all the more interesting, and I loved the futuristic sci-fi setting of this book. The descriptions of these futuristic environments and some of the outer-space surroundings were absolutely beautiful, and many innovative and advanced objects were interwoven into the story so smoothly and so creatively by the author. Everything felt so alive and immersive, and the characters were full of emotion. I really felt for the main character Gi. I found myself falling back and forth between liking and feeling unsure about her mother Andrea, and I adored Ceriel.
ANTI was an absolute joy to read. It is a story that keeps you on your toes from start to finish, and really shines a light on villains. If you love themes of sci-fi, futuristic settings, AI, robots and fast-paced stories full of unexpected turns, this may be the next book for you. The author is honestly talented, and I am honoured to have been able to read such a wonderful gem before its release!
I absolutely loved ANTI. I was taken on such a wild ride from start to finish. The story was fast paced, exciting, and full of twists and turns. Every time I thought something would happen, something else completely unexpected would take me by surprise. The complex relations between each of the characters made the story all the more interesting, and I loved the futuristic sci-fi setting of this book. The descriptions of these futuristic environments and some of the outer-space surroundings were absolutely beautiful, and many innovative and advanced objects were interwoven into the story so smoothly and so creatively by the author. Everything felt so alive and immersive, and the characters were full of emotion. I really felt for the main character Gi. I found myself falling back and forth between liking and feeling unsure about her mother Andrea, and I adored Ceriel.
ANTI was an absolute joy to read. It is a story that keeps you on your toes from start to finish, and really shines a light on villains. If you love themes of sci-fi, futuristic settings, AI, robots and fast-paced stories full of unexpected turns, this may be the next book for you. The author is honestly talented, and I am honoured to have been able to read such a wonderful gem before its release!
August 2, 2025
This was absolutely fantastic. I devoured it. It is 400 pages of twist and turns, fast paced plot heavy Story, intermingled with a rather lovely blossoming romance. There were moments I was just left sat in shock at what had just happened, and the ending lives rent free in my mind - I was reeling...
It has terminator meets blade runner vibes.
With a slow burning enemies to lovers. The guy is a more morally grey tony stark. Everyone is villainous, but for reasons you can completely understands.
The cover is gorgeous, and it has beautiful illustrations inside!
Highly recommend. I can't believe this was a debut!
It has terminator meets blade runner vibes.
With a slow burning enemies to lovers. The guy is a more morally grey tony stark. Everyone is villainous, but for reasons you can completely understands.
The cover is gorgeous, and it has beautiful illustrations inside!
Highly recommend. I can't believe this was a debut!
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