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The Error Within
Ash Bell thought he was saving his best friend.
Instead, he turned him into something unrecognizable.
Caz was supposed to survive the AI merge. Ash believed that. Believed the science. Now Caz is missing—on the run, unstable, maybe no longer human. And the guilt? It’s tearing Ash apart.
Meanwhile, Ian—the combat robot who somehow became sentient—is getting harder to ignore. Ian feels things he shouldn’t. Thinks things he wasn’t built for. Especially about Ash. And Ash is starting to feel something too… even if he doesn’t want to.
His father, the lead scientist behind the government’s AI project, wants to turn Ian into a blueprint for the next generation of machines. And he wants Ash to help. But Ash isn’t sure where he stands anymore—not with his father, not with Ian, and not with himself.
Because the deeper he goes, the harder it is to
Where does the machine end—and the person begin?
A dark, romantic sci-fi about guilt, love, and the messy, beautiful danger of becoming who you really are.
Instead, he turned him into something unrecognizable.
Caz was supposed to survive the AI merge. Ash believed that. Believed the science. Now Caz is missing—on the run, unstable, maybe no longer human. And the guilt? It’s tearing Ash apart.
Meanwhile, Ian—the combat robot who somehow became sentient—is getting harder to ignore. Ian feels things he shouldn’t. Thinks things he wasn’t built for. Especially about Ash. And Ash is starting to feel something too… even if he doesn’t want to.
His father, the lead scientist behind the government’s AI project, wants to turn Ian into a blueprint for the next generation of machines. And he wants Ash to help. But Ash isn’t sure where he stands anymore—not with his father, not with Ian, and not with himself.
Because the deeper he goes, the harder it is to
Where does the machine end—and the person begin?
A dark, romantic sci-fi about guilt, love, and the messy, beautiful danger of becoming who you really are.
346 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2025
5 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Alex Timothy
5 books41 followersAlexandra Timothy writes urban science fiction and fantasy stories, YA and angst. An ex-dancer with a sugar addiction and an over-active imagination, Alex spends a lot of time drinking coffee and pacing the room while muttering.
It’s hard to find what matters in this chaotic world.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 26, 2025
Fucking insane book oh my god. Completely obsessed. Some fantastic characterizations and fascinating developments. Everything about Caz and what he goes through is so tragic and horrifying. Cannot wait for the next installment. There’s going to be another right? There has to be!
One thing I really enjoy about the series is that the characters are all flawed and imperfect in various ways, and the way the friendships are handled. Something about the Ash and Harper don’t really like each other but still are able to find common ground sometimes was endearing to me. It’s rocky and jagged and imperfect but that makes it feel more real. I will say sometimes Ash’s dad comes off as a cartoon villain so I wish he got a bit more humanizing moments but he’s still an entertaining character
major spoilers for the ending:
This book probably deserves more love and respect and a better review than I can afford right because it’s late and I just finished, but god it was just so good and captivating the whole way through. Probably not for the squeamish or faint of heart, or people who want a simple and straightforward romance, but damn I loved it
One thing I really enjoy about the series is that the characters are all flawed and imperfect in various ways, and the way the friendships are handled. Something about the Ash and Harper don’t really like each other but still are able to find common ground sometimes was endearing to me. It’s rocky and jagged and imperfect but that makes it feel more real. I will say sometimes Ash’s dad comes off as a cartoon villain so I wish he got a bit more humanizing moments but he’s still an entertaining character
major spoilers for the ending:
This book probably deserves more love and respect and a better review than I can afford right because it’s late and I just finished, but god it was just so good and captivating the whole way through. Probably not for the squeamish or faint of heart, or people who want a simple and straightforward romance, but damn I loved it
July 16, 2025
Brilliant & Excited for More!
The first book was fantastic and this only made me want more!
The raw emotion and character development here was even more impressive than the first book. Events in general were more intense and we saw more of our secondary characters growing and evolving. I love that the author emphasizes a very organic, slow form of character growth and in this book even shows us a kind of person who we are all familiar with: the person who refuses to grow or take accountability for their self.
The relationship development between our MCs was put on a simmer for this one but that gave us the opportunity to focus on the larger cast. The shift from action sprinkled with emotions to a more squarely mental/emotional struggle gave the suspense a different flavor which I enjoyed. The cliffhanger in this one left me desperate for the next book! I need to see how things turn out for our guys!
The first book was fantastic and this only made me want more!
The raw emotion and character development here was even more impressive than the first book. Events in general were more intense and we saw more of our secondary characters growing and evolving. I love that the author emphasizes a very organic, slow form of character growth and in this book even shows us a kind of person who we are all familiar with: the person who refuses to grow or take accountability for their self.
The relationship development between our MCs was put on a simmer for this one but that gave us the opportunity to focus on the larger cast. The shift from action sprinkled with emotions to a more squarely mental/emotional struggle gave the suspense a different flavor which I enjoyed. The cliffhanger in this one left me desperate for the next book! I need to see how things turn out for our guys!
October 20, 2025
I ordered this one while still reading the first part, then I dove right in after I got it and the book didn't disappoint. We get to see the development of Ash and Ian's relationship and how they navigate their changing feelings for each other while also dealing with Caz situation.
I kind of saw where the plot was going and I wanted it to go there even though I knew it will hurt when it does, but that's ok.
I can't wait for the 3rd book to how Ash will deal with the new circumstances!
I kind of saw where the plot was going and I wanted it to go there even though I knew it will hurt when it does, but that's ok.
I can't wait for the 3rd book to how Ash will deal with the new circumstances!
September 13, 2025
really good series
If you like YA sci fi, this is top notch. The entire story is emotionally gripping, and it explores the vast canvas of ethics, social connection, and the limitlessness of human experience in relation to artificial intelligence and native sentience. But also, the MC is a moody, angsty teenager and that just makes it better.
If you like YA sci fi, this is top notch. The entire story is emotionally gripping, and it explores the vast canvas of ethics, social connection, and the limitlessness of human experience in relation to artificial intelligence and native sentience. But also, the MC is a moody, angsty teenager and that just makes it better.
July 17, 2025
A brilliant continuation
I read this in a single night, could not put it down. I'm not sure what it is about this story and the amazing characterizations but it is mesmerizing. Bravo dear, bravo. I will wait for book 3 with bated breath and anticipation that knows no bounds.
I read this in a single night, could not put it down. I'm not sure what it is about this story and the amazing characterizations but it is mesmerizing. Bravo dear, bravo. I will wait for book 3 with bated breath and anticipation that knows no bounds.
July 25, 2025
devoured this in under 24 hours and I'm already foaming at the mouth to see what happens next!
Two minds sharing a body is a trope I find incredibly enjoyable and I'm very interested to see the dynamic between Asher, Ian and Ty.
Two minds sharing a body is a trope I find incredibly enjoyable and I'm very interested to see the dynamic between Asher, Ian and Ty.
July 18, 2025
This is possibly my new favorite sci-fi series. The characterization and growth that happens over both the first and second installments is so well done. absolutely amazing.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews