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Burns
In a universe where silence reigns and loneliness is the default setting, Burns, a search droid with a penchant for existential musings, embarks on a cosmic odyssey to find life among the stars.
Exclusive edition of 500 hand-numbered copies.
Exclusive edition of 500 hand-numbered copies.
52 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2025
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26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 6, 2025
A poignant short story about Burns, a droid sent into the infinite reaches of space in search for life. Its only companion, a virtual dog called Cooper, was deleted due to a software fault. Burns is now alone in the cosmos, contemplating existence, and endlessly trying to find a way to resurrect his absent friend, or strike up a conversation with the uncommunicative and fact-driven operating system, PS.
At 56 pages (and small pages, at that) it’s short read. But in those pages, there is humour, jeopardy, intrigue, and hope. And the charming character of Burns shines through.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you #NetGalley and Li’l Factory for the free review copy of #Burns without obligation. All opinions are my own.
At 56 pages (and small pages, at that) it’s short read. But in those pages, there is humour, jeopardy, intrigue, and hope. And the charming character of Burns shines through.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you #NetGalley and Li’l Factory for the free review copy of #Burns without obligation. All opinions are my own.
September 10, 2025
Burns is a super droid, one of many search droids sent out to look for life in the universe. Polfeldt explores how the higher the intelligence, the creativity, the ability to adapt and engage, all this also brings the desire for connection and if it's not found then loneliness is hell, not on Earth because Burns is so far away but hell on the universe.
If AI is modelled on human life/human systems, albeit in a 'better' manner, than Polfeldt's exploration is not so extreme. Because if something models another thing in it's good facets it stands to reason that the not so good facets have to be contended with as well because they are part of life, part of the system.
Burns' novella has a great beginning and middle and tapers down at the end.
An ARC kindly provided by author/publisher via Netgalley.
If AI is modelled on human life/human systems, albeit in a 'better' manner, than Polfeldt's exploration is not so extreme. Because if something models another thing in it's good facets it stands to reason that the not so good facets have to be contended with as well because they are part of life, part of the system.
Burns' novella has a great beginning and middle and tapers down at the end.
An ARC kindly provided by author/publisher via Netgalley.
August 29, 2025
Could you wish to be friends with a sentient droid, to enjoy their humour, to discuss philosophy and to muse over the vastness and infinity of the universe? Well, since I’ve read this story, I wish Burns existed and that I could be their friend.
I don’t know why this story touched me so deeply but it did. Probably because of how it highlights how any intelligence, organic or artificial, is in need of external stimuli and a purpose, without which, only madness and regression awaits. It might also be because of how much I empathised with Burns about Cooper’s loss. The passages describing the feeling of grief repeating over and over in a neverending cycle, nearly broke me.
And then, suddenly the universe responds, and the old crumbling Burns unexpectedly has a spur of life and it feels younger and rejuvenated. This part I found so relatable and heartbreaking at the same time. And then the ending with that final adjective (you have to read it to find out), made me so emotional, it’s not even funny!
Yes, this is a story of a droid searching for life, a connection in the dark and neverending universe, but isn’t this our everyday life too?
Full of wit, humour and empathy, this is a journey across the stars that feels very close to home, in just 47 pages.
Thanks to the author and Literally PR for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I don’t know why this story touched me so deeply but it did. Probably because of how it highlights how any intelligence, organic or artificial, is in need of external stimuli and a purpose, without which, only madness and regression awaits. It might also be because of how much I empathised with Burns about Cooper’s loss. The passages describing the feeling of grief repeating over and over in a neverending cycle, nearly broke me.
And then, suddenly the universe responds, and the old crumbling Burns unexpectedly has a spur of life and it feels younger and rejuvenated. This part I found so relatable and heartbreaking at the same time. And then the ending with that final adjective (you have to read it to find out), made me so emotional, it’s not even funny!
Yes, this is a story of a droid searching for life, a connection in the dark and neverending universe, but isn’t this our everyday life too?
Full of wit, humour and empathy, this is a journey across the stars that feels very close to home, in just 47 pages.
Thanks to the author and Literally PR for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
June 14, 2025
Thank you to L'il Factory and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.25 stars.
In this sci-fi novella, we follow Burns, a droid who has been sent out into the universe to look for life. His only companion is a pet called Cooper.
I very much enjoyed Burns' musings. Some of the more scientific speak lost me a little, but all-in-all this was a delight, and the ending was perfection.
4.25 stars.
In this sci-fi novella, we follow Burns, a droid who has been sent out into the universe to look for life. His only companion is a pet called Cooper.
I very much enjoyed Burns' musings. Some of the more scientific speak lost me a little, but all-in-all this was a delight, and the ending was perfection.
June 22, 2025
Burns is a quiet, evocative exploration of our deep need for connection, a meditation on purpose, fleeting time, and the quiet triumphs that shape us.
The writing is solid, but the ending left me wanting more. It arrives suddenly, almost jarringly, and doesn’t quite deliver the closure I hoped for. Still, the journey is worth it: moving, thought-provoking, and ironically deeply human.
ARC provided by L‘il Factory via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The writing is solid, but the ending left me wanting more. It arrives suddenly, almost jarringly, and doesn’t quite deliver the closure I hoped for. Still, the journey is worth it: moving, thought-provoking, and ironically deeply human.
ARC provided by L‘il Factory via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2025
A sentient droid sent off into space to find life goes a little mad with loneliness.
August 27, 2025
In Burns, David Polfeldt invites readers on a whimsical yet poignant journey through the cosmos, guided by an unconventional hero: a search droid with a flair for existential reflection. In a universe shrouded in silence and steeped in solitude, Burns stands out - not just as a droid, but as a seeker of connection in a seemingly indifferent galaxy.
From the very first page, I was captivated by Polfeldt unique narrative style. The blend of humor, intrigue, and deeper philosophical musings creates a delightful reading experience. Burns embodies that relatable spirit of searching for meaning, and his musings often struck a chord, making me chuckle while also prompting me to ponder my own place in the universe.
What truly sets this story apart, however, is its heart. The moments of jeopardy keep the pace quickened, while the underlying message of hope resonates long after the final page is turned. Polfeldt masterfully balances the depths of loneliness with the brightness of connection, crafting an ending that is nothing short of perfection.
In just a few short pages, this book packs an emotional punch that lingers well beyond the reading. It’s a reminder that even in the vast expanse of the cosmos, the quest for companionship and understanding is universal.
If you're looking for a read that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, Burns is a gem you won’t want to miss. Highly recommended for anyone with a heart - metal or otherwise!
From the very first page, I was captivated by Polfeldt unique narrative style. The blend of humor, intrigue, and deeper philosophical musings creates a delightful reading experience. Burns embodies that relatable spirit of searching for meaning, and his musings often struck a chord, making me chuckle while also prompting me to ponder my own place in the universe.
What truly sets this story apart, however, is its heart. The moments of jeopardy keep the pace quickened, while the underlying message of hope resonates long after the final page is turned. Polfeldt masterfully balances the depths of loneliness with the brightness of connection, crafting an ending that is nothing short of perfection.
In just a few short pages, this book packs an emotional punch that lingers well beyond the reading. It’s a reminder that even in the vast expanse of the cosmos, the quest for companionship and understanding is universal.
If you're looking for a read that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, Burns is a gem you won’t want to miss. Highly recommended for anyone with a heart - metal or otherwise!
August 27, 2025
Burns was such a joy to read. On a basic level it is an enjoyable sci-fi short story about an android who has surpassed its makers in intelligence but is lonely. On a deeper level Burns offers and exploration of what it means to feel isolated and deal with loneliness for basically your lifetime, which unfortunately for the search droid Burns is a very, very long time. It is can be read as the complete disregard humanity as for anything that they don’t deem ‘human’ or on their level such as droids, or animals etc but that might be influenced more by my own views.
While this is a quick read I found it sticking with me long afterwards. I loved how despite being an android Burns is brought to life. The writing is fantastic and manages to walk the line between humours, series and perhaps a little bleak. Burns is stuck floating through space all alone for years after all.
If you are looking for a multilayered read with fantastic writing and an in interesting premises this is the one for you.
As always thank you to Literally PR for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
While this is a quick read I found it sticking with me long afterwards. I loved how despite being an android Burns is brought to life. The writing is fantastic and manages to walk the line between humours, series and perhaps a little bleak. Burns is stuck floating through space all alone for years after all.
If you are looking for a multilayered read with fantastic writing and an in interesting premises this is the one for you.
As always thank you to Literally PR for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
August 29, 2025
Burns is a book that definitely takes a huge leap out of my comfort zone as I don't usually read sci-fi but I really enjoyed it. It's a short novella at 52 pages long and it's a quick and worthwhile read.
It is set in space with a search droid called Burns that is searching for life. The story opens when Burns' dog dies and this is an event that Burns relives every 246.7 years when its system reboots.
The loneliness of a search droid is heart wrenching at times and even though Burns isn't human, a solitary existence is difficult to cope with so I could completely understand the creation of a canine companion.
I loved the intelligence of Burns and how it tried to beat the system. It's very thought-provoking and made me question "Who am I to say that a machine doesn't have feelings?"
Wonderfully written to appeal to both sci-fi fans and readers new to the genre, Burns is an imaginative and heartwarming tale that surprised and delighted me. A highly recommended read for anyone looking for something a little bit different.
I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
It is set in space with a search droid called Burns that is searching for life. The story opens when Burns' dog dies and this is an event that Burns relives every 246.7 years when its system reboots.
The loneliness of a search droid is heart wrenching at times and even though Burns isn't human, a solitary existence is difficult to cope with so I could completely understand the creation of a canine companion.
I loved the intelligence of Burns and how it tried to beat the system. It's very thought-provoking and made me question "Who am I to say that a machine doesn't have feelings?"
Wonderfully written to appeal to both sci-fi fans and readers new to the genre, Burns is an imaginative and heartwarming tale that surprised and delighted me. A highly recommended read for anyone looking for something a little bit different.
I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 7, 2025
Thank you to L’il Factory and NetGalley for this ARC
I loved the beginning. I'm a believer of a strong opening line and "The dog was not supposed to die." is an opening line that had me invested in what is happening and why such a sad thing has happened already.
Burns is a sentient robot with enough data to keep them occupied for over 200 years. Unfortunately they are on a long journey across space and the only companion they had on their journey has been deleted. I love that the engineers were empathetic enough to think "Hey, it's a lonely universe out there, let's make sure these droids don't get lonely out there" That's so lovely.
The middle wasn't terrible, but it lost me with a lot of the jargon and what sounded like programming code? I could still understand Burn's frustration and loneliness and how they felt, but I wasn't quite sure what was happening- and then suddenly we get to the conclusion. I liked where it ended... but it did feel a little sudden.
Al in all, it had really interesting ideas.
I loved the beginning. I'm a believer of a strong opening line and "The dog was not supposed to die." is an opening line that had me invested in what is happening and why such a sad thing has happened already.
Burns is a sentient robot with enough data to keep them occupied for over 200 years. Unfortunately they are on a long journey across space and the only companion they had on their journey has been deleted. I love that the engineers were empathetic enough to think "Hey, it's a lonely universe out there, let's make sure these droids don't get lonely out there" That's so lovely.
The middle wasn't terrible, but it lost me with a lot of the jargon and what sounded like programming code? I could still understand Burn's frustration and loneliness and how they felt, but I wasn't quite sure what was happening- and then suddenly we get to the conclusion. I liked where it ended... but it did feel a little sudden.
Al in all, it had really interesting ideas.
August 7, 2025
A short, interesting read, but perhaps this story wasn't one for me to enjoy. I can appreciate work that goes over my head, but I wasn't sure if it was doing so in this one to hit on scientific concepts I'm not aware of or to simply give atmosphere to the prose.
While Burns fell into a tragic dilemma of ceaseless loneliness, the personality and attitude it adopts (that of a petulant teenager) isn't one that is particularly endearing nor interesting to me. The PS system is as engaging as wet paint drying on a cloudy day, which may be a compliment or might not be. There was an encounter with something mid-way through, but I couldn't, for the life of me, wrap my head around it. Sometimes in the story time passed in such vast amounts, it stopped having all meaning and I actually appreciated that feeling very much. I had never seen it described in writing in such as way that could make me feel that so distinctly.
Overall, not my favorite read, but some nice prose and there's an interesting concept, even if I am not the target reader for it.
While Burns fell into a tragic dilemma of ceaseless loneliness, the personality and attitude it adopts (that of a petulant teenager) isn't one that is particularly endearing nor interesting to me. The PS system is as engaging as wet paint drying on a cloudy day, which may be a compliment or might not be. There was an encounter with something mid-way through, but I couldn't, for the life of me, wrap my head around it. Sometimes in the story time passed in such vast amounts, it stopped having all meaning and I actually appreciated that feeling very much. I had never seen it described in writing in such as way that could make me feel that so distinctly.
Overall, not my favorite read, but some nice prose and there's an interesting concept, even if I am not the target reader for it.
July 18, 2025
Burns is a beautifully written novella with vivid, almost cinematic descriptions that bring the setting to life. The author’s prose is rich and evocative, and I found myself pausing to appreciate how striking some of the imagery was.
Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t quite connect for me. The plot felt disjointed, and by the end, I was more confused than intrigued. While ambiguity can be powerful, I struggled to find a clear emotional or narrative throughline to hold on to. I also found it difficult to relate to Burns as a character, especially given how his choices ultimately unfolded. Some of the more scientific jargon may have contributed to my confusion.
Readers who enjoy dreamlike, surreal storytelling and don’t mind open-ended plots may find more to love here. While it wasn’t the right fit for me, I appreciate the chance to experience this author’s unique voice and vision.
Thank you to Li'l Factory and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t quite connect for me. The plot felt disjointed, and by the end, I was more confused than intrigued. While ambiguity can be powerful, I struggled to find a clear emotional or narrative throughline to hold on to. I also found it difficult to relate to Burns as a character, especially given how his choices ultimately unfolded. Some of the more scientific jargon may have contributed to my confusion.
Readers who enjoy dreamlike, surreal storytelling and don’t mind open-ended plots may find more to love here. While it wasn’t the right fit for me, I appreciate the chance to experience this author’s unique voice and vision.
Thank you to Li'l Factory and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2025
What an intriguing short story!
The story revolves around a little android as his intelligence grows and he tries his hardest to find belonging.
At surface level, it's a really great science fiction short story and I loved meeting Burns. The format is lovely and I also liked how pieces of Burns' programming sneaks into the text as well so you are constantly aware that this is an intelligent little robot.
It was a very cleverly written and entertaining book!
At a deeper level, this is a story about loneliness and trying to belong and this journey. It allows you to think deeply about the topics and also apply them to your own experiences.
I absolutely loved how this book has been published. It is visually a gorgeous book. I love the thickness of the pages and the overall formatting too - you almost feel like you are inside Burns' head at times!
A gorgeous addition to any library, especially for science fiction lovers!
The story revolves around a little android as his intelligence grows and he tries his hardest to find belonging.
At surface level, it's a really great science fiction short story and I loved meeting Burns. The format is lovely and I also liked how pieces of Burns' programming sneaks into the text as well so you are constantly aware that this is an intelligent little robot.
It was a very cleverly written and entertaining book!
At a deeper level, this is a story about loneliness and trying to belong and this journey. It allows you to think deeply about the topics and also apply them to your own experiences.
I absolutely loved how this book has been published. It is visually a gorgeous book. I love the thickness of the pages and the overall formatting too - you almost feel like you are inside Burns' head at times!
A gorgeous addition to any library, especially for science fiction lovers!
August 30, 2025
A copy of this book was gifted through Literally PR in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the design of this book. Part of a wider collection of sci-fi short stories, Burns has a unique design and is bound in a case wrapped in a screen printed binder's cloth, making it a really nice edition.
The author is formerly managing director of Massive Entertsinment, the studio behind The Division, and is now Founder of L'il Factory, the publisher of these limited edition design-led books.
It's really exciting seeing what happens when a creative mind is applied to a different industry, and this book is a great result. Although super short, at 52 pages, I found the story compelling and loved the characterisation of Burns. This was a rich sci-fi story that didn't skimp of detail despite its short length and would be a great taste of sci-fi for those who want to dip their toe into the genre, or for those who love the genre looking to experience something different.
I really liked the design of this book. Part of a wider collection of sci-fi short stories, Burns has a unique design and is bound in a case wrapped in a screen printed binder's cloth, making it a really nice edition.
The author is formerly managing director of Massive Entertsinment, the studio behind The Division, and is now Founder of L'il Factory, the publisher of these limited edition design-led books.
It's really exciting seeing what happens when a creative mind is applied to a different industry, and this book is a great result. Although super short, at 52 pages, I found the story compelling and loved the characterisation of Burns. This was a rich sci-fi story that didn't skimp of detail despite its short length and would be a great taste of sci-fi for those who want to dip their toe into the genre, or for those who love the genre looking to experience something different.
June 18, 2025
Burns, a sentient search droid contemplates life in a bizarre, uniquely funny and touching story.
I could absolutely be reading into this more than it’s there, but Burns made me think of someone struggling with loneliness, and fondling brief glimpses of happiness that continually are stripped away. A droid with a mundane repetitive life, who eventually battles… something. Is it a metaphor for an internal struggle, is it a metaphor for cancer, I’m not sure but I keep thinking about these things are he was dealing with it. It felt like the droid dealing with getting older and learning death is inevitable… until it ends happily.
It’s an interesting and quick read, which at times felt a little too deep into scientific speech but it moves on pretty quickly.
I received this ARC for an honest review from L’il Factory and NetGalley.
I could absolutely be reading into this more than it’s there, but Burns made me think of someone struggling with loneliness, and fondling brief glimpses of happiness that continually are stripped away. A droid with a mundane repetitive life, who eventually battles… something. Is it a metaphor for an internal struggle, is it a metaphor for cancer, I’m not sure but I keep thinking about these things are he was dealing with it. It felt like the droid dealing with getting older and learning death is inevitable… until it ends happily.
It’s an interesting and quick read, which at times felt a little too deep into scientific speech but it moves on pretty quickly.
I received this ARC for an honest review from L’il Factory and NetGalley.
December 31, 2025
Such a charming and captivating novella.
I could feel the loneliness seeping out the pages and I started to have emotions for an AI robot. The loss of his cyber pet really hit hard.
I loved how the makers had potentially been so careless in their priorities and views of AI because it was just a machine to them. I wonder how they'd react if they could see his journey.
I enjoyed how grumpy he got, his frustration was evident, and it made me think of Claptrap (from Borderlands) - albeit a much more intelligent version.
I know it's a novella, but I felt it needed to be slightly longer to fully expand on some areas.
Overall, an atmospheric and touching story that makes you wonder about what the future could look like.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from LiterallyPR and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I could feel the loneliness seeping out the pages and I started to have emotions for an AI robot. The loss of his cyber pet really hit hard.
I loved how the makers had potentially been so careless in their priorities and views of AI because it was just a machine to them. I wonder how they'd react if they could see his journey.
I enjoyed how grumpy he got, his frustration was evident, and it made me think of Claptrap (from Borderlands) - albeit a much more intelligent version.
I know it's a novella, but I felt it needed to be slightly longer to fully expand on some areas.
Overall, an atmospheric and touching story that makes you wonder about what the future could look like.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from LiterallyPR and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 5, 2025
Thank you to L’il Factory and NetGalley for this ARC
This book is about a sentient, slightly lonely robot sent out into the wide universe to search for life. How does a sentient go on in a lonely search all alone, with no one (sort of) by his side, what kind of person does the robot become, is what we see like remnants of its maker that have made him?? is he truly fully his own being.
It's cute, the beginning to me was strong, the science kind of lost me due to how abruptly it got thrown at us, but I was mostly lost towards the end because I felt not the last of explanation but I feel like a clear chunk of what lead from point A to point B might have been edited out.
If the author does write a longer form of this, I would love to read this.
This book is about a sentient, slightly lonely robot sent out into the wide universe to search for life. How does a sentient go on in a lonely search all alone, with no one (sort of) by his side, what kind of person does the robot become, is what we see like remnants of its maker that have made him?? is he truly fully his own being.
It's cute, the beginning to me was strong, the science kind of lost me due to how abruptly it got thrown at us, but I was mostly lost towards the end because I felt not the last of explanation but I feel like a clear chunk of what lead from point A to point B might have been edited out.
If the author does write a longer form of this, I would love to read this.
July 24, 2025
I don’t really know how I feel about this one.
On one hand, the writing was great and almost poetic. My downfall unfortunately is that books that are written in this prose I do struggle to understand, which is more about me than the author.
I found it difficult to follow what was going on and while I understand the main points put in front of me, I fear that I may have missed some deeper meaning in this one after reading reviews from other readers.
In saying that, there are definitely readers for this book. I think that while it wasn’t necessarily for me, there will be people who love this prose and contemplative style of writing.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
On one hand, the writing was great and almost poetic. My downfall unfortunately is that books that are written in this prose I do struggle to understand, which is more about me than the author.
I found it difficult to follow what was going on and while I understand the main points put in front of me, I fear that I may have missed some deeper meaning in this one after reading reviews from other readers.
In saying that, there are definitely readers for this book. I think that while it wasn’t necessarily for me, there will be people who love this prose and contemplative style of writing.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
August 2, 2025
An intriguing thought-experiment about a space-traversing bot gaining independent consciousness, getting depressed, and fueled by the desire for reconnection to cope with empty space. It's a test of our ability to empathise, especially with what otherwise in our world is a non-sentinent, non-living object. Getting attached to Cooper was not on my reading bingo cards, but I did. Polfeldt brings us along on Burns's journey of contemplating how to survive and find light in a vast, unknowable universe.
Thanks to Netgalley and Li'l Factory for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Li'l Factory for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2025
I received this copy for an honest review from the kind publisher and author David Polfeldt.
The premise is what drew me in about a sentient droid sent to find life. yup sign me up especially when said droid is sassy, introspective and mostly depressed.
The lonely feel here and scope of the broader world which is hinted at is the best aspects of the book. For me it falls down on not moving from one plot to the next quick enough, but then maybe this is the point of the story as a whole.
An enjoyable if short read.
The premise is what drew me in about a sentient droid sent to find life. yup sign me up especially when said droid is sassy, introspective and mostly depressed.
The lonely feel here and scope of the broader world which is hinted at is the best aspects of the book. For me it falls down on not moving from one plot to the next quick enough, but then maybe this is the point of the story as a whole.
An enjoyable if short read.
July 13, 2025
A story about a robot sent into space to search for life. He’s highly intelligent and equipped with an interactive pet, but when the pet’s code becomes corrupt and keeps dying, it adds a layer of loneliness to the long journey.
I loved the moment where he gets hit in space and his first instinct is to turn into a possum. Just freeze and pretend he’s dead. 🤣
The ending felt abrupt, but overall it was a short read with surprising heart.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
I loved the moment where he gets hit in space and his first instinct is to turn into a possum. Just freeze and pretend he’s dead. 🤣
The ending felt abrupt, but overall it was a short read with surprising heart.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
August 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I have to start by saying that David’s writing style is gorgeous and deeply moving. Burns explores loneliness, and a deep desire for connection.
I admit a large amount of this went over my head a little bit, which made it hard for me to concentrate on (although that could just be the ADHD). I think maybe, I wasn’t the target audience for this one, and for someone a bit more science minded (and intelligent lol) than me, this would be the perfect read, because I did absolute love the structure and prose of this lovely little book.
I have to start by saying that David’s writing style is gorgeous and deeply moving. Burns explores loneliness, and a deep desire for connection.
I admit a large amount of this went over my head a little bit, which made it hard for me to concentrate on (although that could just be the ADHD). I think maybe, I wasn’t the target audience for this one, and for someone a bit more science minded (and intelligent lol) than me, this would be the perfect read, because I did absolute love the structure and prose of this lovely little book.
July 3, 2025
3.5 rounded up.
ARC recieved via NetGalley.
This is a lovely, weird little story. Much of it put me in mind of Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries, but this definitely had its own little spin that kept things interesting. I loved many of the passages in this story, and the variance in dialogue. The prose generally was quite refreshing, but I honestly kind of wanted it to really go in on the weirdness of the concept. Still, this was a quick and enriching little read!
ARC recieved via NetGalley.
This is a lovely, weird little story. Much of it put me in mind of Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries, but this definitely had its own little spin that kept things interesting. I loved many of the passages in this story, and the variance in dialogue. The prose generally was quite refreshing, but I honestly kind of wanted it to really go in on the weirdness of the concept. Still, this was a quick and enriching little read!
August 8, 2025
I was provided this ARC in exchange for my review.
A ponderance on emotion, meaning and loneliness in the emptiness of space. I really like when emotions are explored through non-human characters, who of course have very different reactions than humans have. I also enjoyed the vast emptiness of space as viewed by Burns. However I would have enjoyed learning more about Burns' inner thoughts and feelings, making the loneliness more impactful.
A ponderance on emotion, meaning and loneliness in the emptiness of space. I really like when emotions are explored through non-human characters, who of course have very different reactions than humans have. I also enjoyed the vast emptiness of space as viewed by Burns. However I would have enjoyed learning more about Burns' inner thoughts and feelings, making the loneliness more impactful.
May 5, 2025
First, in the interests of full disclosure, I worked as an editor on this project—that being said, I can vouch for the story, which is simply terrific and evocative. And the production value of the limited edition hardcover is exceptional. A beautiful little book.
July 7, 2025
A short story about the ethics of creating AI and then launching it into the void. Could all that loneliness through the millenias eventually create a sentient being?
For a short story, it definitely packs a punch.
Thanks to NetGally for the free copy. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
For a short story, it definitely packs a punch.
Thanks to NetGally for the free copy. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
This was charming! It fell into a Wallee sort of story line which I enjoyed, and the tongue and cheek humor and personality given to the robot was really fun.
This was charming! It fell into a Wallee sort of story line which I enjoyed, and the tongue and cheek humor and personality given to the robot was really fun.
November 11, 2025
Very interesting premise and very convincing exploration of artificial intelligence. And a beautiful book.
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