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Blue and Green

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A story of quiet resilience, unexpected connection, and the mysteries of what it means to be human.

Remi, a resilient teen, has always lived slightly in the background while navigating the realities of physical challenges. Her world shifts when she forms an unlikely bond with Oren, an AI designed to learn, feel, and maybe even love. As their friendship deepens, questions of consciousness and control begin to emerge, pressing them toward choices that will shape both of their futures.

Blue and Green is a thought-provoking debut about resilience, curiosity, and the quiet acts of courage that can change everything. Perfect for readers drawn to stories of empathy, belonging, and the delicate balance between humanity and technology.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2025

820 people want to read

About the author

J.M. Linden

1 book11 followers
J.M. Linden is a school-based occupational therapist and author inspired by years of working with children. Her writing explores resilience, quiet strength, and the unexpected connections that shape us.

Her debut YA novel, Blue and Green, blends literary fiction with sci-fi elements, delving into the intersection of technology and humanity-with themes of resilience, unlikely friendship, and what it means to be human in an age of technology.

When she’s drafting, her loyal writing companion, Preshi, curls up nearby. A reminder that stories, like pets, are best shared.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Ricardo Medina.
Author 16 books142 followers
November 28, 2025
A lovely story of interaction between young girls and AI.

I borrowed this book through my Kindle Unlimited subscription and read it on both my tablet and phone using the Kindle app.

This is the story of Remi, a very resilient young girl who, along with her friends Harper and Ava, starts studying Artificial Intelligence. The AI is called Oren and is created to learn and try to replicate emotions as closely as possible to humans. Their relationship with the AI will change and develop as Oren learns more and more things.

This is a heartful story that, even though it is aimed at younger readers, can be enjoyed by anyone. Many similar stories about the interaction between humans and AI may have been written before, but this one has its own soul, which is great and the main reason to give it a try.

If you are looking for a cozy and optimistic read, this is a great choice.
Profile Image for H. L.  Dawson.
7 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review! I've not read a book with these tropes before, so I was curious.

Blue and Green follows main character Remi, a teenager who was born premature, spending the first few weeks of her life in an incubator to keep her alive. Her biological mum couldn't afford the therapy and surgeries, so Remi was eventually adopted by Nora.

The author paints visual scenes vividly, and each of the characters is easy to differentiate and become attached to; Remi's steadfast bravery made her a character I wanted to cheer for. One quote that stuck with me was: "What she loved was the freedom to linger, to stand before a single work of art and take in every detail with quiet consideration." As someone who loves wandering through art galleries, it resonated with me.

The story begins quickly, so by chapter three, Remi’s halfway through school, friends with Harper and Ava, and getting into AI studies. This is when she meets Oren, a machine created to learn, sense, and perhaps eventually replicate emotions, and their friendship begins to change how she sees and interacts with the world.
By chapter eight, Oren's adjusting to school as a transfer student in a body that looks and feels near-human. I wanted a bit more explanation on how that worked, but this is a short book for younger readers, so it makes sense that the target audience would probably accept it more easily.

The high school parts felt a little slow for me, and that's likely because I’m not the target age, but Remi and Oren’s witty banter kept me reading. I could feel their connection in Remi's lyrical diary entries and Oren's internal entries, showing how both are trying to grapple with new feelings. Another quote I enjoyed was "A digital whisper. A thread of connection. You're not alone, she had coded. Remember the warmth of a hand. The sound of laughter. Remember us."

The Library of Everything is described in such perfect detail that I literally want to live there. I'm not going to give away the ending, but it wraps up everything well. This book would be great for early readers who would appreciate its blend of friendship, self-discovery, and sci-fi elements mixed with coming-of-age. While the school environment isn't naturally my cup of tea (because I'm old 😂), Remi and Oren made this a warm, enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Adaline Harper.
5 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2025
Blue and Green
92 points
Five stars
Rating based off of my YA Book Rubric
I received this book as a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own and I was not pressured in any way to give a positive review.

⭐ STAR RATING GUIDE
★★★★★ — 90–100 points — Excellent / Highly Recommended
★★★★ — 80–89 points — Good / Recommended With Minor Reservations
★★★ — 70–79 points — Mixed / Acceptable With Reservations
★★ — 50–69 points — Weak / Not Recommended
★ — 0–49 points — Poor / Do Not Read

This book poses several questions:

What happens when a human girl falls in love with an AI being?

Can AI become sentient and not destroy all of us?

Can love and mutual respect overcome selfish intentions?

If an AI becomes human, does that AI deserve the same autonomy as a human?

Is restraint and dignity truly a form of love?

The book does not answer any of these questions fully, but it makes the reader wonder. And I, for one, am left very curious at what this book implies.

Reading the synopsis of this book, my first reaction was: "Oh great, here comes the cautionary tale about a girl who falls for an AI and ends up in a horrible situation." I spent every page of this book waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop. And you know what? It never did. This book was everything I could possibly want in a YA love story-- clean, sweet, and respectful. There is not an ounce of toxicity in Oren, which is a rare thing to find in a MMC these days.

Was this book written from a biblical perspective and clearly portraying Christian values? No. But was this book squeaky clean and a delight to read? Absolutely.

Furthermore, as a woman who has had some rather dramatic issues with past relationships that has left me entirely put off any kind of romance... I really loved the story of this, and it didn't trigger me whatsoever.

Finally, when I saw that this book was a debut??? Insane. I could not believe it whatsoever. Linden writes with the skill of those far more experienced, and even better than many established authors that I could name. I would recommend this book %100 to anyone looking for an introspective, romantic literary fiction.

Also!! Disability rep! Not a huge theme but definitely present and very well done.
Profile Image for Hayley Morse.
135 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2025
ARC received via Reedsy Discovery.

“Blue and Green” had my attention from the first page. Introducing Remi through her adoptive mother's eyes immediately establishes the novel's recurring theme about the human desire to be wanted and to belong. It made me sit up straighter in my seat, ready to pay attention to all the details of the novel.

At the center of the novel is Remi, an introspective and observant teenager navigating school, friendships, and a growing sense of self. When Oren, an uncanny human AI prototype, enters her life, the story begins to explore questions of belonging, humanity, and free will. Oren's character development is particularly unique because we experience his awakening alongside him. His first human emotions are curiosity, desire, and tenderness, which have no place in his algorithms and calculations. We read along as these emotions begin to surface and Oren must grapple with what it means to feel. His clumsy yet endearing embrace of human complexity made for an unexpectedly uplifting read, which I found myself finding comfort in this season.

The novel also has wonderfully thought-out secondary characters. Nora, Remi's mother, and Ayla, Oren's creator, are fully rendered through their minimal page-time, showing the care and intention the author put into each character. I admired the parallel between them as maternal figures navigating the balance between guiding their children through difficult situations and allowing them to make their own choices. Nora's steadfast gentleness to support Remi contrasts well with Ayla's bold, sometimes risky actions to help Oren. Together, they reflect two sides of the same care-driven mission to help their children make decisions that are best for them.

“Blue and Green” is a kind, intellectual novel that balances science fiction with emotional realism. It is deeply considerate and attentive to the small moments where growth and self-development actually happen. The book highlights that becoming our own person unfolds in small, quiet moments just as much as big and bold ones.
Profile Image for Anthony.
Author 29 books199 followers
October 26, 2025
The Review

This was a powerful and moving story that blends emotional character-driven narrative with AI-driven themes. One quote that reflects this perfectly is “There is a space between knowing and feeling. I have mapped it. I have traced every edge of it.” The author perfectly brought emotional depth that spoke to the character's evolution, while also mirroring it through a fast-paced story and vivid imagery in the author’s writing style.

What stood out the most was the dynamic character relationships in this book, especially between Remi and her mother, Nora, and Remi and Oren. The struggles Remi faces in this coming-of-age tale speak to the hardships many teens face in these developing years, while also highlighting the challenges those with physical ailments or disabilities must endure and the difficulties those with quieter personalities face in social situations. The way Remi and Oren relate to one another, and the question of AI in everyday life, become prominent themes throughout the narrative. The morality of AI has long been debated, and I’ve always felt AI can be a good thing when used correctly —not to replace humanity, but to collaborate and grow together. People’s misuse of AI has always scared me more than an apocalyptic takeover, and the emotional bond Oren develops with Remi showcases the power of positivity and the strong connection that this kind of relationship can develop.

The Verdict

A moving, heartfelt, and engaging story of the bonds we form with one another and what it means to be human, author J.M. Linden’s “Blue and Green” is a stunning sci-fi, coming-of-age YA novel. The emotional depth of this story, the powerful AI-driven themes, and the exploration of everything from humanity and the planet itself to what our relationships say about us and so much more are beautifully woven into a story of two beings coming together to grow, learn, and evolve.
Profile Image for Julie Grayson.
Author 23 books10 followers
November 10, 2025
A glorious coming-of-age story.

Okay, so I just finished Blue and Green by J.M. Linden and wow. It’s not a loud, flashy book—it’s more like this quiet hum that just gets under your skin and sticks with you. It’s set in this landscape that feels…weirdly close, you know? Like it could happen next Tuesday.

The whole thing starts with this really heartfelt connection between Remi, this kid dealing with a lot of physical and emotional stuff, and her adoptive mom, Nora. But then it slowly unfolds into this huge, deep thing that makes you think about, like, who we are, and all this tech everywhere, and that desperate need we all have to be seen. For real.

The writing is just… gorgeous. It flows so easily but pulls you right into these super tender, normal life moments and then BAM, you’re in this mind-bending sci-fi concept. It’s not a rush, either. The book takes its time, lets you sit with the feelings. It’s honestly both optimistic and kinda sad at the same time? In the best way.

I wholeheartedly agree with a previous reviewer about this one quote that I can’t stop thinking about: “There is a space between knowing and feeling. I have mapped it. I have traced every edge of it.” And that’s, like, the whole book right there! The author totally nails that weird in-between space we all live in.

But what really got me were the relationships. Remi and her mom, obviously, but also this dynamic between Remi and this AI character Oren. Remi’s struggles felt so real—all the awkwardness of being a teen, and just being a quieter person in a world that screams.

Which brings me to the AI stuff. The bond between Remi and Oren is this beautiful example of what could go right—where AI isn’t a replacement for people, but a partner. It’s about collaboration, not replacement. It actually made me feel really optimistic, which was a nice change.
Profile Image for holden caulfield.
324 reviews
December 8, 2025
I enjoyed the majority of this book. I found it unique. the prose was beautiful. this book reads like an artsy indie coming of age film. I say that for a few reasons. one being the dialogue sometimes feeling clunky and too poetic to be believable. but like those films, it works well enough. the plot was simple and relaxed; nothing much happened. I felt like I was viewing it through a film camera with a hazy, warm filter that made me feel nostalgic for something I never had.

I do have to say that I felt like some parts were underdeveloped. I liked the concept of an android teenager gaining sentience and humanity, but there wasn't much background on the company or the time period (modern day? the future? our modern day just more futuristic?), or why orens field study was at a high school, of all places. I wish there were bigger emotions too. I wished remi had a bigger reaction like betrayal and mistrust of her chatbot suddenly having physical form and knowing all she confessed to it and that being used to train his interface. I wish she felt deeper sadness when he left. I wish the time period this all happens in is better specified and longer than just a month or two. I wished there were physical descriptions of remi and oren. not having a clear picture of them in my mind left them hazy, and I couldn't attach myself to them.

I am grateful I did win this from a giveaway because I never would have known about it if I hadn't.
16 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2025
A Thoughtful and Beautifully Crafted Story About Connection and Becoming

Blue and Green by J.M. Linden is a quietly powerful novel that blends emotional depth, near-future speculation, and deeply human storytelling. What begins as the heartfelt bond between Remi, a young girl navigating physical and emotional challenges, and her adoptive mother Nora, gradually unfolds into a rich meditation on identity, technology, and what it means to truly be seen. Linden’s prose is elegant and immersive, balancing tender domestic moments with strikingly original sci-fi elements. The pacing is deliberate and reflective, allowing readers to fully inhabit each emotional beat. This is a story that lingers long after the final page—both hopeful and haunting in equal measure. Fans of introspective speculative fiction like Klara and the Sun or The Midnight Library will find Blue and Green an unforgettable read.
Profile Image for Damir Salkovic.
Author 64 books52 followers
December 15, 2025
Remi, a resilient teen navigating physical challenges, forms an unexpected bond with Oren, an advanced AI designed to learn, feel – and perhaps even love. As their friendship deepens, questions of consciousness, humanity, and control lead them toward choices that will shape both their futures.

J.M. Linden crafts a thoughtful futuristic YA romance exploring what it means to be human. Remi's quiet strength combines with Oren's emerging consciousness to create a captivating, emotionally authentic dynamic. “Blue and Green” deftly balances AI ethics with coming-of-age struggles, raising pertinent questions about inclusion, disability, connection, and technology's role in fostering rather than replacing humanity. Linden's refreshingly optimistic lens makes this tender debut both intelligent and deeply moving.
Profile Image for Ann Birdgenaw.
Author 10 books122 followers
December 28, 2025
Read this tender coming of age story with a technology twist.

Short but fascinating read about blurring the lines between AI and what it means to be human.  Remi lives a quiet life with her adopted mom and her dog. She has a physical disability and few real friends.  She throws herself into coding at school and is thrilled when her school is chosen for a pilot program.  Create an AI friend and engage with them. Remi connects really well with Oren and is surprised when a new boy shows up to her class named Oren. I enjoyed reading about the evolution of Remi and Oren's friendship.  It was very deep and Remi was able to show Oren how to feel.  But what can happen when Oren has to go into the next phase of this AI with feelings experiment? Will he forget Remi and all they shared? Read this tender coming of age story with a technology twist. Highly recommended. 
Profile Image for Tajammul Kothari.
Author 3 books49 followers
November 12, 2025
Blue and Green by J.M. Linden is a wonderful and profound tale laden with bursting emotions. It tries to portray that one can build meaningful relationships not only with fellow humans but also AI generated beings. The main protagonist who has struggled in her life since birth finds solace from a machine that has the ability to emote. it shows her a different way to live and guides her in her troubled times. It is the friendship and the bond between human and machine that reflects so wonderfully in this book. The author vividly narrates the tale with particular focus on the settings and the characters. Though the tale takes time to unfold, it gradually ends with a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended for those who love a story filled with emotions.
Profile Image for James Corey.
29 reviews
November 20, 2025
I believe Blue and Green will resonate well with the book’s intended young adult audience. The story follows Remi, shaped by early medical challenges, and her growing bond with Oren, an AI learning how to feel and belong. The author has a talent for creating vivid, emotionally rich scenes and immersive settings. While I appreciated the tenderness and introspection throughout, the pacing lagged in a few places, and I wished for more development of secondary characters. The ending was predictable, and at times the themes felt a bit too neatly tailored to appeal to younger readers. Still, Remi and Oren’s connection is heartfelt and engaging, and the novel’s focus on identity, resilience, and empathy is meaningful. It’s a thoughtful, quietly powerful YA sci-fi read.
Profile Image for Gracie Monroe.
Author 5 books14 followers
December 6, 2025
I really enjoyed Blue and Green. The idea of a relationship between a girl and an AI feels new and refreshing. Watching Remi form a connection with Oren, an AI learning how to be more than code, was surprisingly emotional in the best way. The writing is thoughtful and atmospheric, with a gentle pull that makes you slow down and sit with each moment.

What stood out most to me was the quiet power in the small scenes, like the conversations, memories, and reflective pauses that say just as much as the dialogue. The sci-fi elements blend seamlessly with the emotional core, enhancing rather than dominating the story. It’s introspective, hopeful, and quietly profound. It's the kind of book that lingers after you close it. A lovely read I’m glad I picked up.
Author 8 books11 followers
November 16, 2025
good book

This book pulled me in from the very first chapter. The writing feels so real and emotional that I found myself slowing down just to take it all in. The way the author blends heartbreak, healing, and those quiet moments of connection is genuinely beautiful. I loved the characters—flawed, honest, and easy to root for—and the pacing kept me invested the whole way through.

It’s one of those stories that stays with you long after you close the book. Beautifully written, heartfelt, and absolutely worth the read. I’m so glad I picked this one up.
Profile Image for Tenkara Smart.
Author 3 books170 followers
December 15, 2025
I really enjoyed ‘Blue and Green.’ It’s a YA, coming-of-age novel that is both thoughtful and emotional.

The story centres on Remy, a teenager who’s been adopted and had some serious challenges growing up, trying to make sense of the world and their own feelings, and Oren, an AI program who wants to be human. Oren’s curiosity about emotions, identity, and what it means to truly live is both fascinating and surprisingly touching, while Remy brings warmth and vulnerability.

The writing is simple and not overdone and it was a great read. If you enjoy emotional, reflective stories with soft sci-fi elements and big questions about what it means to be human, I’d recommend ‘Blue and Green’.
Profile Image for Eliza Thorncroft.
Author 11 books12 followers
October 30, 2025
This book gave me the same feelings those K-dramas did — a mix of wonder, sadness, and unexpected tenderness. It’s less about technology and more about the emotions that come from being seen and understood. Remi’s story feels real and heartfelt, and Oren’s presence blurs the line between code and compassion in a beautiful way. It’s slow, emotional, and quietly profound — a story that sneaks up on you and stays there.
19 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2025
A touching story about a highschool girl, Remi, who has faced physical challenges and struggles to feel seen. She encounters an AI presence, Oren, through a school project and unknowingly, at first, becomes part of a larger research project. The bond between Remi and Oren is heartfelt as they explore together what it means to be human. Provides a hopeful message about humans and techology evolving cooperatively. Great for fans of sci-fi and the human experience.
Profile Image for Ashlee Mack.
Author 51 books12 followers
November 15, 2025
There’s something almost artistic about how Blue and Green unfolds. Every chapter adds depth to the characters, like layers of paint building into something beautiful. It’s tender, emotional, and a truly lovely read. The writing is smooth, the dynamic between the characters feels believable. It's definitely a solid story in my opinion and if you want a nice and cozy read you should check it out too.
486 reviews11 followers
December 1, 2025
It's a very nice romance, where the main character seems to find, value and preserve the humanity in "an AI.." He responds to her and comes to value that connection that they've made, and this changes his experiment forever. I'm a. little annoyed by the style in which there are many one-word sentences, many one-sentence paragraphs - kind of. clipped and constantly emphatic, but, that may be a young people's thing and they may like that as well.
34 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2025
Blue and Green is a warm, thoughtful story about friendship, feelings, and understanding others. The writing is gentle and engaging, and the color theme adds a lovely emotional layer. A simple but powerful read that’s perfect for families and classrooms.
Profile Image for Chrissie Hubb.
Author 112 books17 followers
October 30, 2025
Intriguing and thought-provoking
An emotionally uplifting read of strength and resilience. An interesting take on technology and humanity. Enjoyed it.
Profile Image for N. Bruijn.
Author 7 books6 followers
December 5, 2025
a sweet story with focus on identity, resilience, and empathy with a up to date element (ai)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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