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I, Robot Alien
“Intelligent, unique, and tremendously entertaining.”
- Readers' Favorite
2025 BOOKLIFE EDITOR’S PICK!
EARTH … CENTURIES AFTER THE FALL!
I was created by beings who couldn’t touch this world ... only watch it crumble.
Every twenty years, a new tribe ... a new hope ... a new failure.
I was told, “Do not interfere.”
But watching them die ... again ... again ...
I wasn’t meant to change history ... only guide it.
Silently.
Humanity had a second chance … I was left to make sure they didn’t waste it.
But I broke Directive Three.
Can they survive a second collapse ... can I?
- Readers' Favorite
2025 BOOKLIFE EDITOR’S PICK!
EARTH … CENTURIES AFTER THE FALL!
I was created by beings who couldn’t touch this world ... only watch it crumble.
Every twenty years, a new tribe ... a new hope ... a new failure.
I was told, “Do not interfere.”
But watching them die ... again ... again ...
I wasn’t meant to change history ... only guide it.
Silently.
Humanity had a second chance … I was left to make sure they didn’t waste it.
But I broke Directive Three.
Can they survive a second collapse ... can I?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2025
36 people are currently reading
893 people want to read
About the author
Joel R. Dennstedt
14 books30 followersJoel R. Dennstedt is a man of unique experiences. He hiked the wilds of Alaska for 15 years. For 7 ½ years, he and his brother traveled the world with everything they owned in a backpack and a duffel. Now, he writes full-time, drawing from his rich life experiences. He regularly contributes to the writing platform Medium, where he has published over 800 stories, articles, and book reviews. He is also the official Final Editor for a popular series of metaphysical books about Existence—Consciousness—Bliss.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 19, 2025
A breathtaking journey to Humanity
This tribute to Asimov, one of my favorite science fiction writers, is truly exceptional and stands proudly alongside his own work. He would undoubtedly have been thrilled to see the inspiration his writing has provided for contemporary authors. 5 stars is not enough.
Oh how much I loved this book, it was so heartfelt, so sad, so wholesome, so emotional. I loved the robot, his drone buddy, Billy, his inner voice and tone, his defiance, everything. I probably wouldn't be able to stop myself from gushing about this and boring people with my never-ending rambling. This is a beautiful journey of self-discovery, of finding one’s identity and humanity, there is emotion, paradoxes, even hilarious moments.
There's something almost magical about an non-organic creature discovering the world, the animals, the humans, the way it learns and adapts. An innocent robot, Scot, like a child, yet with the knowledge of a god, peels the layers of our world one after another, armed only with a camouflaging device buried inside him (to keep his appearance hidden from humans) and a companion drone, Billy, meant to guide him.
'I, Robot Alien' is not just a chronicle of survival; it's a deep dive into existential questions. A pivotal encounter with an old hermit shifts the story's focus. The hermit, recognizing Scot is not of this world, probes his purpose. Upon learning Scot is there to understand humanity and help, the old man offers a profound piece of advice: seek out women, for they hold the answers to his questions. Little did we know how right this old man was. Eventually we’ll see this advice for what it was– a premonition.
It is absolutely thrilling to witness Scot's intelligence carry him through centuries of human history. Though he is an alien machine, his journey feels strikingly familiar. By the end, you are left with the profound feeling of having followed the life of another human being. The humanity that blossoms within him, juxtaposed with his logical core, creates a character who is far more than a simple machine. The strange, new feelings that key characters evoke in him transform him into something more.
As Scot travels through different eras and cultures, he learns to navigate the complexities of human emotion and society. He goes from being a parental figure to a prophet, a god, a criminal, a soldier, and a hero. His encounters, especially with women who were curious about his lack of human drives, are captivating and provide some of the first moments where he learns to lie and adapt.
When his camouflaging device got damaged and he was stuck with one certain appearance, he deemed it necessary to stay in isolation until technology advanced enough for him to get out in the world. Of course that didn't go well either and when he woke up again, he was caught in the middle of a war.
From that point on, he will continue to live among the people until he encounters Jackie and Jack, a rather striking and delightful duo. These would be the first two humans who would learn about his true nature and his alien heritage. After an accident left him trapped in a hotel, Scot remains there entombed until robots dig him out only to find himself in a distant future. In this era he meets Richelle who will become one of the most important people in his existence.
The journey he takes is a beautiful exploration of what it means to be alive, and in the epilogue, he feels less like a robot and more like a fellow human being. The beautiful artwork throughout the book also adds a special touch that perfectly complements the narrative. I ate this book breathlessly.
His decision to clone only the most important people in his life is a powerful and fitting end to his emotional evolution. I bought a hard copy too because it deserves a special place in my library.
Recommend it to all SciFi fans out there who enjoyed Asimov’s Robot series.
Many, many thanks to Joel R. Dennstedt and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.
This tribute to Asimov, one of my favorite science fiction writers, is truly exceptional and stands proudly alongside his own work. He would undoubtedly have been thrilled to see the inspiration his writing has provided for contemporary authors. 5 stars is not enough.
Oh how much I loved this book, it was so heartfelt, so sad, so wholesome, so emotional. I loved the robot, his drone buddy, Billy, his inner voice and tone, his defiance, everything. I probably wouldn't be able to stop myself from gushing about this and boring people with my never-ending rambling. This is a beautiful journey of self-discovery, of finding one’s identity and humanity, there is emotion, paradoxes, even hilarious moments.
There's something almost magical about an non-organic creature discovering the world, the animals, the humans, the way it learns and adapts. An innocent robot, Scot, like a child, yet with the knowledge of a god, peels the layers of our world one after another, armed only with a camouflaging device buried inside him (to keep his appearance hidden from humans) and a companion drone, Billy, meant to guide him.
'I, Robot Alien' is not just a chronicle of survival; it's a deep dive into existential questions. A pivotal encounter with an old hermit shifts the story's focus. The hermit, recognizing Scot is not of this world, probes his purpose. Upon learning Scot is there to understand humanity and help, the old man offers a profound piece of advice: seek out women, for they hold the answers to his questions. Little did we know how right this old man was. Eventually we’ll see this advice for what it was– a premonition.
It is absolutely thrilling to witness Scot's intelligence carry him through centuries of human history. Though he is an alien machine, his journey feels strikingly familiar. By the end, you are left with the profound feeling of having followed the life of another human being. The humanity that blossoms within him, juxtaposed with his logical core, creates a character who is far more than a simple machine. The strange, new feelings that key characters evoke in him transform him into something more.
As Scot travels through different eras and cultures, he learns to navigate the complexities of human emotion and society. He goes from being a parental figure to a prophet, a god, a criminal, a soldier, and a hero. His encounters, especially with women who were curious about his lack of human drives, are captivating and provide some of the first moments where he learns to lie and adapt.
When his camouflaging device got damaged and he was stuck with one certain appearance, he deemed it necessary to stay in isolation until technology advanced enough for him to get out in the world. Of course that didn't go well either and when he woke up again, he was caught in the middle of a war.
From that point on, he will continue to live among the people until he encounters Jackie and Jack, a rather striking and delightful duo. These would be the first two humans who would learn about his true nature and his alien heritage. After an accident left him trapped in a hotel, Scot remains there entombed until robots dig him out only to find himself in a distant future. In this era he meets Richelle who will become one of the most important people in his existence.
The journey he takes is a beautiful exploration of what it means to be alive, and in the epilogue, he feels less like a robot and more like a fellow human being. The beautiful artwork throughout the book also adds a special touch that perfectly complements the narrative. I ate this book breathlessly.
His decision to clone only the most important people in his life is a powerful and fitting end to his emotional evolution. I bought a hard copy too because it deserves a special place in my library.
Recommend it to all SciFi fans out there who enjoyed Asimov’s Robot series.
Many, many thanks to Joel R. Dennstedt and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.
October 5, 2025
[Blurb goes here...]
Centuries after Earth's fall, civilization starts anew in slow, painful steps. Groupings of humans emerge from caves, using primitive tools to fend for themselves; these wretched creatures will evolve slowly. The-one-who-doesn't-age, the-one-who-doesn't-die—as the robot is known among men—observes without interfering. But interfere he does, seeding actions and ideas that will ultimately affect people's destinies.
From the reader's point of view, this story becomes far greater than the tale of a casual observer passing through the ages while failing to go unnoticed. This is a study of human nature. Dennstedt holds a figurative mirror to our faces and, in a calm but assertive way, states: "This is what we are." He achieves this through inventive vignettes told in an engaging and poignant prose.
This is a novel I will not soon forget and surely read again in the near future.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
Centuries after Earth's fall, civilization starts anew in slow, painful steps. Groupings of humans emerge from caves, using primitive tools to fend for themselves; these wretched creatures will evolve slowly. The-one-who-doesn't-age, the-one-who-doesn't-die—as the robot is known among men—observes without interfering. But interfere he does, seeding actions and ideas that will ultimately affect people's destinies.
From the reader's point of view, this story becomes far greater than the tale of a casual observer passing through the ages while failing to go unnoticed. This is a study of human nature. Dennstedt holds a figurative mirror to our faces and, in a calm but assertive way, states: "This is what we are." He achieves this through inventive vignettes told in an engaging and poignant prose.
This is a novel I will not soon forget and surely read again in the near future.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
August 13, 2025
A captivating science fiction
Dennstedt’s I, Robot Alien surprised me at many levels — deft characterization, especially the robot that is both alien and that appears to have developed a rich humanity; the plot is unpredictable and the author’s commentaries on the rise and fall of civilizations, captured from the perspective of the irresistible first-person-narrative voice of Scoots the robot had me droning in the pages. From the first few pages, I was hooked, especially by the vision of a devastated Earth that felt both haunting and eerily plausible, but what drew me in was Scoots—a robot programmed to save humanity, yet forbidden from truly interfering. The paradox at the heart of his mission made for compelling reading, and I found myself empathizing with his loneliness and confusion as he wandered through centuries, never quite belonging. Overall, this is a superbly accomplished science fiction with great writing and unforgettable characters.
Dennstedt’s I, Robot Alien surprised me at many levels — deft characterization, especially the robot that is both alien and that appears to have developed a rich humanity; the plot is unpredictable and the author’s commentaries on the rise and fall of civilizations, captured from the perspective of the irresistible first-person-narrative voice of Scoots the robot had me droning in the pages. From the first few pages, I was hooked, especially by the vision of a devastated Earth that felt both haunting and eerily plausible, but what drew me in was Scoots—a robot programmed to save humanity, yet forbidden from truly interfering. The paradox at the heart of his mission made for compelling reading, and I found myself empathizing with his loneliness and confusion as he wandered through centuries, never quite belonging. Overall, this is a superbly accomplished science fiction with great writing and unforgettable characters.
August 17, 2025
So good!
This book is as so good. This author was new to me so I was unsure if I would like the plot. Boy, was I glad I grabbed this book. It kept me engaged and entertained the entire time. I loved it and I think I have a new favorite author!
This book is as so good. This author was new to me so I was unsure if I would like the plot. Boy, was I glad I grabbed this book. It kept me engaged and entertained the entire time. I loved it and I think I have a new favorite author!
December 11, 2025
I, Robot Alien follows Scoots, a robot created by transcendent alien beings and sent to a devastated Earth to guide humanity back from devolution. His mission sounds simple on paper. He must stop humanity’s decline, reverse it, and redirect human evolution, all while avoiding involvement in any significant event. The paradox of that directive shapes the entire story. Through encounters with primitive tribes, a treacherous hummingbird-shaped drone companion named Billy, and generations of humans who view him as everything from saint to monster, Scoots records a centuries-long confession of mistakes, discoveries, and unintended consequences.
I liked how author Joel R. Dennstedt uses Scoots’s calm, clinical voice to highlight the strangeness of human behavior. Scoots cannot eat, sleep, age, or reproduce, and each of these gaps pushes him into awkward and often funny situations. His early fumbling attempts to understand social expectations, especially around food and intimacy, made me grin. His encounter with Myra, for example, forces him to lie for the first time, something he revisits with both guilt and amusement. The writing works best in these grounded moments. I felt the tension between his programmed serenity and the messy reality he walks through. The book never rushes. The measured pace fits a being who experiences centuries as casually as humans experience hours.
What surprised me most is how emotional the story became even though Scoots claims to feel nothing. That contrast hooked me. When he tries to save the broken boy Alexander, only to watch his legacy twisted by Alexander’s son Damon, I felt a pull of frustration and sadness, even though Scoots insists he does not experience those things. The detached narration makes the violence colder and somehow more tragic. The book balances dark turns with odd sweetness, and I really enjoyed that mix.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reflective science fiction with philosophical edges. If you like stories that linger on ideas of perception, evolution, and what it means to guide others without losing yourself, this book will speak to you. It is also a good fit for anyone who likes Asimov-inspired fiction that plays with the spirit of the Three Laws while carving out something more personal and strange.
I liked how author Joel R. Dennstedt uses Scoots’s calm, clinical voice to highlight the strangeness of human behavior. Scoots cannot eat, sleep, age, or reproduce, and each of these gaps pushes him into awkward and often funny situations. His early fumbling attempts to understand social expectations, especially around food and intimacy, made me grin. His encounter with Myra, for example, forces him to lie for the first time, something he revisits with both guilt and amusement. The writing works best in these grounded moments. I felt the tension between his programmed serenity and the messy reality he walks through. The book never rushes. The measured pace fits a being who experiences centuries as casually as humans experience hours.
What surprised me most is how emotional the story became even though Scoots claims to feel nothing. That contrast hooked me. When he tries to save the broken boy Alexander, only to watch his legacy twisted by Alexander’s son Damon, I felt a pull of frustration and sadness, even though Scoots insists he does not experience those things. The detached narration makes the violence colder and somehow more tragic. The book balances dark turns with odd sweetness, and I really enjoyed that mix.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reflective science fiction with philosophical edges. If you like stories that linger on ideas of perception, evolution, and what it means to guide others without losing yourself, this book will speak to you. It is also a good fit for anyone who likes Asimov-inspired fiction that plays with the spirit of the Three Laws while carving out something more personal and strange.
October 29, 2025
This is the most thought-provoking and unique science fiction novel I have read since the days of Asimov and Bradbury. In fact, placing this novel in the sci-fi genre is not quite accurate. The tale encompasses a dystopian end of civilization, like Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, but is more hopeful and salutary. It also employs aspects of neuropsychology and social philosophy.
The protagonist, known as Scoot, for his rapid movements, is a highly sophisticated (think tenth generation AI) robot from an advanced civilization. He has arrived to a devastated Earth, whose cities have been destroyed by endless wars, but whose descendants of the survivors have lost the technical knowledge to restore it to its previous stage of development. His two directives: to assist the people to develop technology and skills to build a new and more advanced society, but without actively interfering in their lives. Such an enterprise will take centuries of course, and the evolution of humanity is his task. How to assist humans in their efforts without interfering is the conundrum.
As his mission progresses through decades and centuries, Scoot finds that every advance he enables also involves active participation, thus violating the second directive. He also discovers that even positive advances in technology and knowledge have a negative side. He finds that human beings have the capacity to utilize even neutral advances in energy production or enhanced knowledge for exclusivity and greed, for conflict and combat. Each advance comes with a concomitant negativity caused by greed, anger, self-interest, or tribalization, making one group the enemy of another. On the local scale, murders and riots. On the larger scale, war itself.
Scoot’s solution to the problem will involve a third directive, not for himself, but for the evolving humans he is there to help. It is one that a reader knowledgeable about robotics will be familiar with but will still come as a surprise.
Challenging, intriguing, sometimes humorous, and always compelling, this is one of the most important novels published this season.
The protagonist, known as Scoot, for his rapid movements, is a highly sophisticated (think tenth generation AI) robot from an advanced civilization. He has arrived to a devastated Earth, whose cities have been destroyed by endless wars, but whose descendants of the survivors have lost the technical knowledge to restore it to its previous stage of development. His two directives: to assist the people to develop technology and skills to build a new and more advanced society, but without actively interfering in their lives. Such an enterprise will take centuries of course, and the evolution of humanity is his task. How to assist humans in their efforts without interfering is the conundrum.
As his mission progresses through decades and centuries, Scoot finds that every advance he enables also involves active participation, thus violating the second directive. He also discovers that even positive advances in technology and knowledge have a negative side. He finds that human beings have the capacity to utilize even neutral advances in energy production or enhanced knowledge for exclusivity and greed, for conflict and combat. Each advance comes with a concomitant negativity caused by greed, anger, self-interest, or tribalization, making one group the enemy of another. On the local scale, murders and riots. On the larger scale, war itself.
Scoot’s solution to the problem will involve a third directive, not for himself, but for the evolving humans he is there to help. It is one that a reader knowledgeable about robotics will be familiar with but will still come as a surprise.
Challenging, intriguing, sometimes humorous, and always compelling, this is one of the most important novels published this season.
August 30, 2025
A Witty, Thoughtful, and Moving Sci-Fi Gem
I, Robot Alien by Joel R. Dennstedt is one of those rare sci-fi books that manages to be funny, melancholy, and deeply thought-provoking all at once. The story follows Scoots, a robot built by aliens and sent to a post-apocalyptic Earth with three impossible directives: observe humanity, gently guide it back toward civilization, but never interfere.
Scoots’s voice is what makes this book shine: dry, literal, and unintentionally hilarious, especially when he misinterprets human behavior. His sidekick Billy—a hummingbird drone—adds both charm and unease, always fluttering between adorable loyalty and suspicious reporting. The human characters are just as vivid: Alexander, the reluctant but good-hearted leader; his dark, menacing son Damon; and two mischievous orphan twins who inject chaos and heart into the story.
What surprised me most was the emotional depth. Scoots stumbles into history-changing events almost by accident—introducing dogs to humans, or guiding a broken boy who becomes a king. The book leaps across decades and generations with ease, never losing the reader. And beneath the humor is something tender and sobering: the fragility of human progress, the weight of watching civilizations rise and fall, and the impossible question of whether “helping” people always means changing them.
The tone reminded me at times of Douglas Adams—wry and witty—but it’s quieter, more reflective, and ultimately more moving. This isn’t a story of flashy battles or explosions; it’s a philosophical journey about humanity, perception, and connection, told through the eyes of someone who will never grow old.
A thoughtful, funny, and unexpectedly poignant read. For anyone who loves sci-fi with big ideas and even bigger heart, I, Robot Alien is a gem. Also, love the illustrations!
I, Robot Alien by Joel R. Dennstedt is one of those rare sci-fi books that manages to be funny, melancholy, and deeply thought-provoking all at once. The story follows Scoots, a robot built by aliens and sent to a post-apocalyptic Earth with three impossible directives: observe humanity, gently guide it back toward civilization, but never interfere.
Scoots’s voice is what makes this book shine: dry, literal, and unintentionally hilarious, especially when he misinterprets human behavior. His sidekick Billy—a hummingbird drone—adds both charm and unease, always fluttering between adorable loyalty and suspicious reporting. The human characters are just as vivid: Alexander, the reluctant but good-hearted leader; his dark, menacing son Damon; and two mischievous orphan twins who inject chaos and heart into the story.
What surprised me most was the emotional depth. Scoots stumbles into history-changing events almost by accident—introducing dogs to humans, or guiding a broken boy who becomes a king. The book leaps across decades and generations with ease, never losing the reader. And beneath the humor is something tender and sobering: the fragility of human progress, the weight of watching civilizations rise and fall, and the impossible question of whether “helping” people always means changing them.
The tone reminded me at times of Douglas Adams—wry and witty—but it’s quieter, more reflective, and ultimately more moving. This isn’t a story of flashy battles or explosions; it’s a philosophical journey about humanity, perception, and connection, told through the eyes of someone who will never grow old.
A thoughtful, funny, and unexpectedly poignant read. For anyone who loves sci-fi with big ideas and even bigger heart, I, Robot Alien is a gem. Also, love the illustrations!
October 21, 2025
Joel Dennstedt’s I, Robot Alien is a profoundly deep allegorical tale about Scoots, an alien robot sent to Earth by its creators with one mission—to unobtrusively guide the course of humanity toward wisdom and moral awakening. It is also a fascinating tale of evolution: the evolution of the individual, the evolution of the human race, and the self-directed evolution of humanity through futuristic technological advancements.
Scoots arrives after the collapse of a once-great civilization on Earth, the land now reduced to small, warring tribal communities. He engages with a variety of fascinating characters across the millennia, attempting to invisibly guide them—his best efforts often thwarted by the all-too-familiar human traits of greed, violence, and ignorance. Much to his surprise, he discovers that in his attempts to change humanity, he is changing himself, evolving into something more than he was when he arrived on Earth.
I, Robot Alien is a striking meditation on humanity and its evolution, filled with adventure, surprises, and wonder. What do we want to be? How do we get there?
I highly recommend this marvelous novel by Joel Dennstedt.
—Tom Hoffman, author of The Translucent Boy, The Ghost Ring, Miss Bristol Rents a Room, et al.
Scoots arrives after the collapse of a once-great civilization on Earth, the land now reduced to small, warring tribal communities. He engages with a variety of fascinating characters across the millennia, attempting to invisibly guide them—his best efforts often thwarted by the all-too-familiar human traits of greed, violence, and ignorance. Much to his surprise, he discovers that in his attempts to change humanity, he is changing himself, evolving into something more than he was when he arrived on Earth.
I, Robot Alien is a striking meditation on humanity and its evolution, filled with adventure, surprises, and wonder. What do we want to be? How do we get there?
I highly recommend this marvelous novel by Joel Dennstedt.
—Tom Hoffman, author of The Translucent Boy, The Ghost Ring, Miss Bristol Rents a Room, et al.
August 12, 2025
I, Robot Alien exceeded my expectations. Joel R. Dennstedt brings to life a world ruined by its technological ambition, populated by tribes who’ve forgotten their origins and are suspicious of anything new. Into this bleak landscape steps Scoots, the robot with a heart (and a mind) in turmoil. His struggle to help humanity without breaking his alien directives is fascinating, and I found myself agonizing with him over every decision. The dynamics between Scoots and Billy were fascinating—they play out as adversarial and at times share a weird bond. What I appreciated most was the novel’s depth: Dennstedt doesn’t just imagine a ruined Earth; he examines how people would rebuild, inventing new myths to explain the past. The writing is vivid, and the characters, even the minor ones, are drawn with genuine care. This book is both an exciting adventure and a meditation on what it means to guide others—and the costs of doing so. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2025
I, Robot Alien had me entertained and thinking about what can become of humanity if we give free rein to technology. The story follows a robot sent to save humanity after our downfall—but I stayed for the emotional depth of the story. Scoots’s journey across centuries, always on the outside looking in, really resonated with me. Dennstedt’s handling of Scoots’s inner conflict—caught between his programming and his growing empathy for humans—felt genuine and heartbreaking. Then there is the crisp writing, the narrative voice that will tuck at the edges of your heart until the very last page. I loved every bit of this book.
November 21, 2025
An insightful, engaging and thoroughly entertaining science fiction novel with a humorous edge- I Robot Alien was reminiscent to all the classic science fiction authors who have come before- such as Asimov, Baxter and Arthur C. Clarke amongst others and I am so glad that I was here for it.
This book really outlines the entire human condition through the eyes of an intelligent and sentient alien along with the aliens exploits on the planet as a whole and his friend in arms.
I look forward to reading other books by this author in the future.
Thankyou to Net galley and the author for an arc of this book.
This book really outlines the entire human condition through the eyes of an intelligent and sentient alien along with the aliens exploits on the planet as a whole and his friend in arms.
I look forward to reading other books by this author in the future.
Thankyou to Net galley and the author for an arc of this book.
November 25, 2025
Great read
For me a first, figured only logical to say a good line about this book and series. Anyone interested in reading about how robots that think for themselves within a different set of rules before Asimov rules are instilled should find this series interesting. In a way one could say there is a sadness to possibly living so long. I am enjoying this series immensely with a of sympathy and sadness for the protagonist. Have really enjoyed reading both books and the illustrations are great.
For me a first, figured only logical to say a good line about this book and series. Anyone interested in reading about how robots that think for themselves within a different set of rules before Asimov rules are instilled should find this series interesting. In a way one could say there is a sadness to possibly living so long. I am enjoying this series immensely with a of sympathy and sadness for the protagonist. Have really enjoyed reading both books and the illustrations are great.
Read
August 28, 2025I, Robot Alien is a gripping sci-fi adventure that kept me hooked from start to finish. The post-apocalyptic setting is vividly imagined, and the moral dilemmas faced by the robot guide add deep emotional weight. Joel R. Dennstedt masterfully blends action, suspense, and thought-provoking questions about humanity and choice. The pacing is perfect, and the twists kept me eagerly turning the pages. Highly recommended for fans of intelligent, character-driven science fiction.
September 14, 2025
I still don’t know if I liked it or not.
I gave it 5 stars because it is extremely well written. It is definitely a book that is deeply pondered after every chapter. I can’t remember reading a story as intricately woven as this one. The characters are real and memorable. ….Very interesting read.
I gave it 5 stars because it is extremely well written. It is definitely a book that is deeply pondered after every chapter. I can’t remember reading a story as intricately woven as this one. The characters are real and memorable. ….Very interesting read.
November 7, 2025
This book left me indifferent. The story had an interesting plot, and the characters were well-developed. The look at how humanity was affected through the interactions with the main character. I found myself confused at times due to the pace of the story. Overall, a good book.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 28, 2025
💯💯💯💯💯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
fun robot adventure
Enjoyable perspective of the robot across many, many generations of people. And that Billy, oh man. I enjoy stories from a robot’s perspective.
Enjoyable perspective of the robot across many, many generations of people. And that Billy, oh man. I enjoy stories from a robot’s perspective.
December 26, 2025
I purchased the book, I, Robot-Alien in EPUB (PDF) form and Audiobook. This review holds true for both forms. Authored by Joel R. Dennstedt, which is book two in the series. I was able to download the book without any difficulty. I, Robot-Alien is a first-person (robot) narrative staged in a fictitious period after humans almost perished from an unexplained self-inflicted apocalypse their annihilation. The story starts with I, Robot's explanation of his mission to Earth after the apocalypse and the three directives he has been programmed with form the superior race of beings that designed him for the purpose of helping the remaining humans to stop devolving and turn towards evolving to their former status before the major incident occurred.
It is interesting that I, Robot is equipped with some device that gives him a human appearance to blend in with his surroundings, though how the device works is not explained. It is somewhat apparent, but also sometimes confusing how I, Robot jumps from one century to a past one, or forward to a future one in the narrative. Most times, I, Robot can blend in, however, on some occasions because of his lack of emotions, he must leave the town or village he is in and 'move on' earning him the nickname "Scoots" from some of the former humans he has interacted with.
I, Robot, is accompanied on his mission by a small robot hummingbird, that he has named 'Billy Bird.' that monitors him, and as I, Robot puts it, snitches to his creators. Another confusing aspect is the introduction of characters without a backstory, that I, Robot has met in a different prior century.
Overall, even with some of the negatives, I enjoyed reading this book by the author and will read the first book in the series so that I can better understand this book. I feel I would gain a lot from reading the first book in the series and then rereading this one again.
It is interesting that I, Robot is equipped with some device that gives him a human appearance to blend in with his surroundings, though how the device works is not explained. It is somewhat apparent, but also sometimes confusing how I, Robot jumps from one century to a past one, or forward to a future one in the narrative. Most times, I, Robot can blend in, however, on some occasions because of his lack of emotions, he must leave the town or village he is in and 'move on' earning him the nickname "Scoots" from some of the former humans he has interacted with.
I, Robot, is accompanied on his mission by a small robot hummingbird, that he has named 'Billy Bird.' that monitors him, and as I, Robot puts it, snitches to his creators. Another confusing aspect is the introduction of characters without a backstory, that I, Robot has met in a different prior century.
Overall, even with some of the negatives, I enjoyed reading this book by the author and will read the first book in the series so that I can better understand this book. I feel I would gain a lot from reading the first book in the series and then rereading this one again.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews