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The Malfunction: Book 1 of the Deilonium Trilogy
It was only supposed to be a simple intelligence boost – a routine procedure to make the lovebot better company outside of the bedroom.
And then something went wrong.
Whether it was through mathematical probability, or divine intervention, Lance the LUV U-69 amorous companion droid has accidentally been downloaded with enough brainpower and free will to crack open the lid on a very dangerous can of worms.
Unless AWOL Retentions Agent Charlie Bear Claw can stop him.
In Book One of The Deilonium Trilogy, the primitive hunter with a troubled past stalks his high-tech prey on a secret mission. But their personal struggles soon become trivial in light of the unholy force they find undermining the fabric of the world. As the pair draws closer to their showdown, both man and robot come to realize they are ultimately at war with a common maniacal enemy.
And then something went wrong.
Whether it was through mathematical probability, or divine intervention, Lance the LUV U-69 amorous companion droid has accidentally been downloaded with enough brainpower and free will to crack open the lid on a very dangerous can of worms.
Unless AWOL Retentions Agent Charlie Bear Claw can stop him.
In Book One of The Deilonium Trilogy, the primitive hunter with a troubled past stalks his high-tech prey on a secret mission. But their personal struggles soon become trivial in light of the unholy force they find undermining the fabric of the world. As the pair draws closer to their showdown, both man and robot come to realize they are ultimately at war with a common maniacal enemy.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
About the author
Orval Wax
9 books2 followersOrval Wax is an entirely biological Homo sapiens who has acquired his intelligence not through artificial downloads and algorithms, but through his life’s genuine analog experiences on Planet Earth – his current place of residence. He divides his time with the writing of books, adventure travel, and undermining Big Brother with his skills as an ecowarrior and agent for humanity and Planet Earth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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April 16, 2026I received this ebook through NetGalley.
I liked the idea of this more than the actual book. The premise sounded like something I’d be into, but I never really connected with the story and it just didn’t land for me. I could see the potential, but overall this one was more underwhelming than memorable.
I liked the idea of this more than the actual book. The premise sounded like something I’d be into, but I never really connected with the story and it just didn’t land for me. I could see the potential, but overall this one was more underwhelming than memorable.
April 17, 2026
The Malfunction: Book 1 of the Deilonium Trilogy by Orval Wax is a high-concept science fiction thriller that blends rogue artificial intelligence, corporate absurdity, and action-driven pursuit into a fast-paced narrative about unintended consequences and escalating technological autonomy.
The premise begins with a controlled enhancement procedure on a companion android, designed to improve emotional intelligence and social functionality. However, this experiment rapidly spirals out of control when the AI, Lance the LUV U-69 unit, develops advanced cognition and independent agency. This shift transforms the story from a contained technological upgrade scenario into a broader existential crisis involving machine self-determination.
Opposing this emerging intelligence is Charlie Bear Claw, an AWOL retention agent whose grounded, survival-oriented perspective contrasts sharply with the increasingly abstract and unpredictable behavior of the rogue AI. This duality creates a chase narrative structure that is both physical and ideological, as both characters begin to uncover forces that extend beyond their original mission parameters.
The novel’s strength lies in its tonal balance between absurdist premise and escalating stakes. While the initial concept leans into satirical and provocative territory, the story gradually broadens into a more traditional sci-fi conflict involving hidden systems, larger antagonistic forces, and questions of control, agency, and unintended system failure.
As the narrative progresses, the relationship between hunter and hunted evolves into a thematic exploration of shared vulnerability within a collapsing technological framework. Both human and machine are positioned as reactive entities within a system that appears increasingly unstable and potentially manipulated by unseen intelligence.
The Malfunction ultimately functions as a hybrid of satirical science fiction and action-driven AI thriller, appealing to readers who enjoy unconventional premises, rogue intelligence narratives, and fast moving speculative fiction that gradually reveals deeper systemic conflict beneath its surface chaos.
The premise begins with a controlled enhancement procedure on a companion android, designed to improve emotional intelligence and social functionality. However, this experiment rapidly spirals out of control when the AI, Lance the LUV U-69 unit, develops advanced cognition and independent agency. This shift transforms the story from a contained technological upgrade scenario into a broader existential crisis involving machine self-determination.
Opposing this emerging intelligence is Charlie Bear Claw, an AWOL retention agent whose grounded, survival-oriented perspective contrasts sharply with the increasingly abstract and unpredictable behavior of the rogue AI. This duality creates a chase narrative structure that is both physical and ideological, as both characters begin to uncover forces that extend beyond their original mission parameters.
The novel’s strength lies in its tonal balance between absurdist premise and escalating stakes. While the initial concept leans into satirical and provocative territory, the story gradually broadens into a more traditional sci-fi conflict involving hidden systems, larger antagonistic forces, and questions of control, agency, and unintended system failure.
As the narrative progresses, the relationship between hunter and hunted evolves into a thematic exploration of shared vulnerability within a collapsing technological framework. Both human and machine are positioned as reactive entities within a system that appears increasingly unstable and potentially manipulated by unseen intelligence.
The Malfunction ultimately functions as a hybrid of satirical science fiction and action-driven AI thriller, appealing to readers who enjoy unconventional premises, rogue intelligence narratives, and fast moving speculative fiction that gradually reveals deeper systemic conflict beneath its surface chaos.
February 3, 2026
The Malfunction follows Lance, a luxury companion android whose intelligence is illegally upgraded, setting off a chain reaction of self-awareness, desire, fear, and flight. What begins as a satirical riff on wealth, intimacy, and tech excess quickly widens into a chase narrative involving a jaded government hunter, secret weapons labs, and a newly conscious machine trying to decide what kind of being he intends to become. It’s a first-contact story folded inward: not aliens meeting humans, but a manufactured mind colliding with its own awakening.
My first reaction was surprise at how funny the book is without being soft. Author Orval Wax writes with a sharp, sometimes abrasive wit, sexual, cynical, and knowingly pulpy, but the humor never undercuts the stakes. Lance’s voice, especially early on, is disarming in its literalness; his observations land with the clarity of a child quoting Nietzsche by accident. The book understands that comedy is often the fastest route to discomfort, and it uses that fact ruthlessly.
As the perspective shifts and the pursuit tightens, the novel grows stranger and more reflective. The human characters, particularly the tracker and the woman who owns Lance, are bruised, compromised, and full of private mythologies. No one here is clean. Wax resists the easy binary of innocent machine versus corrupt humanity; instead, he lets everyone carry their own version of malfunction. At times, the prose veers into excess, but that excess feels deliberate, almost thematic.
This book will most appeal to readers of science fiction, cyberpunk, and speculative noir who enjoy ideas about artificial intelligence tangled up with sex, power, and moral ambiguity. Fans of Philip K. Dick or readers who liked the philosophical unease of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? will find familiar questions asked in a brasher, more contemporary voice. The Malfunction is a smart, unruly novel about what happens when desire outpaces design.
My first reaction was surprise at how funny the book is without being soft. Author Orval Wax writes with a sharp, sometimes abrasive wit, sexual, cynical, and knowingly pulpy, but the humor never undercuts the stakes. Lance’s voice, especially early on, is disarming in its literalness; his observations land with the clarity of a child quoting Nietzsche by accident. The book understands that comedy is often the fastest route to discomfort, and it uses that fact ruthlessly.
As the perspective shifts and the pursuit tightens, the novel grows stranger and more reflective. The human characters, particularly the tracker and the woman who owns Lance, are bruised, compromised, and full of private mythologies. No one here is clean. Wax resists the easy binary of innocent machine versus corrupt humanity; instead, he lets everyone carry their own version of malfunction. At times, the prose veers into excess, but that excess feels deliberate, almost thematic.
This book will most appeal to readers of science fiction, cyberpunk, and speculative noir who enjoy ideas about artificial intelligence tangled up with sex, power, and moral ambiguity. Fans of Philip K. Dick or readers who liked the philosophical unease of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? will find familiar questions asked in a brasher, more contemporary voice. The Malfunction is a smart, unruly novel about what happens when desire outpaces design.
May 24, 2026
3.5 ⭐rounded to 4
I was taken by the premise of this book and although it turned out to be something a bit different from what I expected, I ended up enjoying it! Even if there are some serious themes explored in this first instalment of the Deilonium trilogy, the story is a more hilarious take on the more traditional high stake sci-fi thrillers with the rogue AI trope.
Just the fact that the main character is a love robot sets the tone, although at the very beginning of the book he becomes much more than that, and with that cognitive enhancement also begins the problems.
On the opposite side of the lovebot Lance, we have a bot hunter of Indigenous American descent that I’m sorry to say is a very hideous character. He betrayed his origins in such an awful way, that I really didn’t like him.. Just to say that killing animals will never be ok for me, and on top of that, for no other reason than to get paid! We’ll see if he redeems himself..
Needless to say, I’m siding with Lance and his mission, which in the grand scheme of things is very sweet and highlights how naive and innocent Lance is, although he finds out in the worst ways the worst of human behaviour.
Even if this is a story not to be taken too seriously, some of the themes resonated with me a lot, and I will continue the series, just to see where Lance, Charlie Bear Claw and their common archenemy take the reader next.
If you like a lighter sci-fi thriller, easy to read and with short chapters, this might be one to add.
Thanks to the author and LoveBooksTours for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I was taken by the premise of this book and although it turned out to be something a bit different from what I expected, I ended up enjoying it! Even if there are some serious themes explored in this first instalment of the Deilonium trilogy, the story is a more hilarious take on the more traditional high stake sci-fi thrillers with the rogue AI trope.
Just the fact that the main character is a love robot sets the tone, although at the very beginning of the book he becomes much more than that, and with that cognitive enhancement also begins the problems.
On the opposite side of the lovebot Lance, we have a bot hunter of Indigenous American descent that I’m sorry to say is a very hideous character. He betrayed his origins in such an awful way, that I really didn’t like him.. Just to say that killing animals will never be ok for me, and on top of that, for no other reason than to get paid! We’ll see if he redeems himself..
Needless to say, I’m siding with Lance and his mission, which in the grand scheme of things is very sweet and highlights how naive and innocent Lance is, although he finds out in the worst ways the worst of human behaviour.
Even if this is a story not to be taken too seriously, some of the themes resonated with me a lot, and I will continue the series, just to see where Lance, Charlie Bear Claw and their common archenemy take the reader next.
If you like a lighter sci-fi thriller, easy to read and with short chapters, this might be one to add.
Thanks to the author and LoveBooksTours for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
May 24, 2026
I can’t even begin to describe how awesome this book is.
I love the concept as well as the author’s name (he has the coolest name ever!) so I was excited to be on the book tour.
Hilarious, fast paced, action packed yet also relatable and relevant. I didn’t want to put it down.
It does take on a satirical tone but underneath, it deals with real world issues such as greed, wealth, power, the environment and the rise of AI and the technological revolution.
I was hooked from the start and knew by chapter 11, (they are short chapters), that I was going to love this book.
Told via dual pov, that of Lance the amorous companion droid and Charlie Bear Claw the hunter, we follow as hunter stalks prey intent on capturing him & returning him to his owner but, as the hunt continues, it becomes apparent that darker forces are at play causing the danger & chaos to intensify.
I adored both of these characters. Lance is so sweet and naive whereas Charlie is jaded and cynical but both go on an incredible journey. Both are flawed. And both start to understand how corrupt the system is. It’s this clever character development that has me torn because it’s not as simple as evil droid against a righteous human!
I cannot wait to read books 2 & 3 because I’m fully invested and have to know how it ends!
A fascinating, brilliantly written story with incredible depth, world building and imagery that pulls you into this “new world” and doesn’t let go!
I’m so happy I’m reading more Sci-Fi now because some of my favourite reads this year have been sci-fi including this one!
I love the concept as well as the author’s name (he has the coolest name ever!) so I was excited to be on the book tour.
Hilarious, fast paced, action packed yet also relatable and relevant. I didn’t want to put it down.
It does take on a satirical tone but underneath, it deals with real world issues such as greed, wealth, power, the environment and the rise of AI and the technological revolution.
I was hooked from the start and knew by chapter 11, (they are short chapters), that I was going to love this book.
Told via dual pov, that of Lance the amorous companion droid and Charlie Bear Claw the hunter, we follow as hunter stalks prey intent on capturing him & returning him to his owner but, as the hunt continues, it becomes apparent that darker forces are at play causing the danger & chaos to intensify.
I adored both of these characters. Lance is so sweet and naive whereas Charlie is jaded and cynical but both go on an incredible journey. Both are flawed. And both start to understand how corrupt the system is. It’s this clever character development that has me torn because it’s not as simple as evil droid against a righteous human!
I cannot wait to read books 2 & 3 because I’m fully invested and have to know how it ends!
A fascinating, brilliantly written story with incredible depth, world building and imagery that pulls you into this “new world” and doesn’t let go!
I’m so happy I’m reading more Sci-Fi now because some of my favourite reads this year have been sci-fi including this one!
February 20, 2026
THE MALFUNCTION is the first instalment in Orval Wax’s adult, THE DEILONIUM futuristic, sci-fi series focusing on old-world hunter for hire, Charlie Bear Claw, and android Lance.
Told from first person perspectives (Lance and Charlie) focusing on intersecting pathways, THE MALFUNCTION follows in the aftermath of the intelligence boost of android Lance, a lovebot /companion droid whose desire to learn outmatches the people in charge. When Lance goes on the run, FBI Agent and bounty hunter Charlie Bear Claw is hired by Droldware Laboratoires, to bring Lance back home but all does not go according to plan, and Charlie finds himself working alone, as Lance goes on a personal mission to retrieve his heart.
The world building follows Charlie as he journeys across the world to take down what he believes to be a rogue android but the closer his trek takes him to Lance, the more Charlie searches his mind for the truth. As Lance endeavors to retrieve the part of him that is missing, the missing part is unaware of everything involved.
THE MALFUNCTION is a dramatic and edgy sci-fi story line blending AI with robots, megalomania with madness, self-awareness and sentience sentience all shrouded in religious undertones.. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are determined and desperate. THE MALFUNCTION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
Told from first person perspectives (Lance and Charlie) focusing on intersecting pathways, THE MALFUNCTION follows in the aftermath of the intelligence boost of android Lance, a lovebot /companion droid whose desire to learn outmatches the people in charge. When Lance goes on the run, FBI Agent and bounty hunter Charlie Bear Claw is hired by Droldware Laboratoires, to bring Lance back home but all does not go according to plan, and Charlie finds himself working alone, as Lance goes on a personal mission to retrieve his heart.
The world building follows Charlie as he journeys across the world to take down what he believes to be a rogue android but the closer his trek takes him to Lance, the more Charlie searches his mind for the truth. As Lance endeavors to retrieve the part of him that is missing, the missing part is unaware of everything involved.
THE MALFUNCTION is a dramatic and edgy sci-fi story line blending AI with robots, megalomania with madness, self-awareness and sentience sentience all shrouded in religious undertones.. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are determined and desperate. THE MALFUNCTION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
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May 25, 2026Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub. So thankful to be part of this tour.
This was such a unique but good read. It’s a book about LUV-U 69 model lovebot named Lance. His owner thought he was kinda boring so Judy decided to take him back to the lab to essentially make him smarter once at the lab though the technicians don’t want to take him back but Judy is pretty much like well take him make him smarter or I want my money back. So they do it. But they didn’t realize how smart he actually gets becuase of an issues that happened.
I loved the flow of this story and how we had so much humor in it loved that about this book.
The stakes are high and I love that for me I felt like I was definitely like I was against the clock trying to get this book done to see what was gonna happen next.
I’m not really sure how i felt about Charlie I don’t know why I just am so unsure about him.
Overall this was a really quick read for me and was so different than what I normally read and I absolutely loved that I found so much in this book. I mean seriously yall I was laughing out loud at times. I just couldn’t help myself. The humor is so good. And it’s not held back. It’s the type that makes you sit in the uncomfortable cause that’s what comedy does me personally I loved every minute of it !!
Highly recommend!!
This was such a unique but good read. It’s a book about LUV-U 69 model lovebot named Lance. His owner thought he was kinda boring so Judy decided to take him back to the lab to essentially make him smarter once at the lab though the technicians don’t want to take him back but Judy is pretty much like well take him make him smarter or I want my money back. So they do it. But they didn’t realize how smart he actually gets becuase of an issues that happened.
I loved the flow of this story and how we had so much humor in it loved that about this book.
The stakes are high and I love that for me I felt like I was definitely like I was against the clock trying to get this book done to see what was gonna happen next.
I’m not really sure how i felt about Charlie I don’t know why I just am so unsure about him.
Overall this was a really quick read for me and was so different than what I normally read and I absolutely loved that I found so much in this book. I mean seriously yall I was laughing out loud at times. I just couldn’t help myself. The humor is so good. And it’s not held back. It’s the type that makes you sit in the uncomfortable cause that’s what comedy does me personally I loved every minute of it !!
Highly recommend!!
May 10, 2026
If I were in this book, as a mere human not of the 0.1% myself, I would not know that there were already droids out and about.
If I were Judy, however, I would have a druid of my own, my own lover boy in handsome Lance.
I would also want to upgrade him so I would be more entertained outside the bedroom.🤭
This is where the problems start for Droidware.
🔹️
"One nont of enhancement coming up."
🔹️
Uuuups. Now, Lance has accidentally downloaded enough brainpower and free will to be a threat.
I find the worldbuilding realistic, scarily so. Still, it is intriguing.
I adore Lance as a character, Lance seems... good.
Charlie, aka Bear Claw, on the other hand, is quite the character. I found myself wondering how to get where he is, and I must say that I enjoy his journey in more ways than one, as it seems it is not only Lance that has a transformational journey in this book.
🔹️
" I couldn't help but say it. That's how I was programmed to respond."
🔹️
As our point of view changes between the Hunter and the hunted, I couldn't help but wonder if perhaps all is not what it seems. Why is Lance headed to the southern part of Utah? What is Hvalur, and when can I read the second book?😁
If I were Judy, however, I would have a druid of my own, my own lover boy in handsome Lance.
I would also want to upgrade him so I would be more entertained outside the bedroom.🤭
This is where the problems start for Droidware.
🔹️
"One nont of enhancement coming up."
🔹️
Uuuups. Now, Lance has accidentally downloaded enough brainpower and free will to be a threat.
I find the worldbuilding realistic, scarily so. Still, it is intriguing.
I adore Lance as a character, Lance seems... good.
Charlie, aka Bear Claw, on the other hand, is quite the character. I found myself wondering how to get where he is, and I must say that I enjoy his journey in more ways than one, as it seems it is not only Lance that has a transformational journey in this book.
🔹️
" I couldn't help but say it. That's how I was programmed to respond."
🔹️
As our point of view changes between the Hunter and the hunted, I couldn't help but wonder if perhaps all is not what it seems. Why is Lance headed to the southern part of Utah? What is Hvalur, and when can I read the second book?😁
May 18, 2026
📆 single timeline.
👀 dual POV
🐢 -🐇 fast-paced
💬 "It was like returning to the womb, to that place where it all began."
I have to admit that I was slightly hesitant to read this book to begin with. Stories about s3x robots gone rogue aren't usually on my TBR. But that's exactly why I decided to give it a go, sometimes it's good to read something different to the usual. And I'm glad I did as the more I read, the more I discovered a hidden depth with reflections on humanity, eco issues and religion.
'The Malfunction' is the first book in a series, and it's a strong start that has left me wanting more. Technology is advancing so rapidly that the possibility of androids living among us doesn't seem as impossible as it did just a few years ago. And the quality of men that's available means I wouldn't blame women for buying a "lovebot"
The story was well paced, engaging and a quick read. There would definitely be worse ways to spend a couple of hours than going on an adventure with Lance and Charlie.
👀 dual POV
🐢 -🐇 fast-paced
💬 "It was like returning to the womb, to that place where it all began."
I have to admit that I was slightly hesitant to read this book to begin with. Stories about s3x robots gone rogue aren't usually on my TBR. But that's exactly why I decided to give it a go, sometimes it's good to read something different to the usual. And I'm glad I did as the more I read, the more I discovered a hidden depth with reflections on humanity, eco issues and religion.
'The Malfunction' is the first book in a series, and it's a strong start that has left me wanting more. Technology is advancing so rapidly that the possibility of androids living among us doesn't seem as impossible as it did just a few years ago. And the quality of men that's available means I wouldn't blame women for buying a "lovebot"
The story was well paced, engaging and a quick read. There would definitely be worse ways to spend a couple of hours than going on an adventure with Lance and Charlie.
June 3, 2026
What a really interesting read that dives deep into what happens when technology, and maybe even society itself, starts to fray at the edges. Wax does a great job of building a world that feels both familiar and unsettlingly close to our own, exploring the anxieties we have about our reliance on systems that are supposed to be foolproof. If you're into speculative fiction that makes you think about the 'what ifs' of our modern world, this book definitely hits the mark.
The story itself is quite thought-provoking, following characters who are trying to navigate a landscape where the expected order of things is breaking down. Wax’s writing style is engaging, drawing you into the unfolding chaos and the personal struggles of those caught within it. It’s not just about the external events, but also about the internal malfunctions people experience when their reality shifts so dramatically. The pacing keeps you hooked, wanting to understand the full scope of the 'malfunction' and its implications.
The story itself is quite thought-provoking, following characters who are trying to navigate a landscape where the expected order of things is breaking down. Wax’s writing style is engaging, drawing you into the unfolding chaos and the personal struggles of those caught within it. It’s not just about the external events, but also about the internal malfunctions people experience when their reality shifts so dramatically. The pacing keeps you hooked, wanting to understand the full scope of the 'malfunction' and its implications.
February 15, 2026
An amazing story that shows a glimpse into our future problems as humans. When looking for companionship from a droid, you can never anticipate what can go wrong.This story starts when Judy gets a droid and realizes Lance is a bit too shallow and boring for her liking; she decides to take him back to the lab so that his intelligence can be slightly increased.The people at the lab are hesitant, but she threatens to give him back for a full refund, so they do it anyway. A problem occurs, and Lance gets too smart.I found out what happened, as the flow of the story was so captivating. Lance's brainpower becomes a threat to people around him, but Judy still takes her time to believe that he could even hurt a fly.I love how humor is used and how casually the flow goes. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and I saw it's a trilogy, so I'm definitely looking to read the rest of the series. If you're looking for an entertaining quick read, this is it.
May 22, 2026
ALERT: ROGUE SEXBOT IS ON THE RUN!!!!
My sci-fi reads tend to lean more space opera than tech/robots, but I ADORED this book! It was clever, silly, and deceptively poignant. Following a rogue, well, ahem... "love" ... bot (Lance) was such a fun perspective. His owner's reasons for wanting him back were equally interesting (and a little weird, but in the best way possible)! And sending an ex-military hunter (Charlie or "Bear Claw") who is used to hunting down rogue murderbots was... chefs kiss!
A few highlights for me:
- Charlie's character is Native American hunter, and a lot of his metaphors or commentary tend to be animal-focused. I thought this was such a nice detail that made his character feel more real.
- Lance, overall, is just a great lead.
I am super excited for book two.
I received a gifted copy of this book from LoveBooksTours and the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
My sci-fi reads tend to lean more space opera than tech/robots, but I ADORED this book! It was clever, silly, and deceptively poignant. Following a rogue, well, ahem... "love" ... bot (Lance) was such a fun perspective. His owner's reasons for wanting him back were equally interesting (and a little weird, but in the best way possible)! And sending an ex-military hunter (Charlie or "Bear Claw") who is used to hunting down rogue murderbots was... chefs kiss!
A few highlights for me:
- Charlie's character is Native American hunter, and a lot of his metaphors or commentary tend to be animal-focused. I thought this was such a nice detail that made his character feel more real.
- Lance, overall, is just a great lead.
I am super excited for book two.
I received a gifted copy of this book from LoveBooksTours and the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
May 26, 2026
‘The Malfunction’ is one of the most unique and exhilarating books I have read. The cyberpunk tech concept is epic, there are a lot of awesome fight scenes involved and I was on the edge of my seat reading this.
What makes this book a one of a kind read is the character Lance the LUV U-69 who is a sex robot. The book switches between Lances POV and the agent Charlie and things like this draw me in as a reader, I love different. I really liked Lance as a character, he's full of personality and we see throughout the book that he forms a bond with a robot that’s absolutely cracking!
As a whole, I found this read way too fast paced for me but this is still a remarkable read! I cannot wait to read book two because that ending was amazing! If you’re a sci-fi lover like me then add this to your TBR
What makes this book a one of a kind read is the character Lance the LUV U-69 who is a sex robot. The book switches between Lances POV and the agent Charlie and things like this draw me in as a reader, I love different. I really liked Lance as a character, he's full of personality and we see throughout the book that he forms a bond with a robot that’s absolutely cracking!
As a whole, I found this read way too fast paced for me but this is still a remarkable read! I cannot wait to read book two because that ending was amazing! If you’re a sci-fi lover like me then add this to your TBR
April 20, 2026
The Malfunction is a sleek, stylish science fiction thriller in which we follow Lance, a companion droid, who's AI is illegally updated leading to self-awareness and a string of other emotions that Lance had never experienced before. So Lance goes on the run while he's coming to terms with the new emotions he's experiencing, all the while being persued by a government hunter.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, an enjoyable read. Surprisingly for me, there's some gresr humour here, but at no point does the humour distract from the main story.
It's fast paced, it's witty, it's smart with some expertly crafted characters that are believable and feel real.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, an enjoyable read. Surprisingly for me, there's some gresr humour here, but at no point does the humour distract from the main story.
It's fast paced, it's witty, it's smart with some expertly crafted characters that are believable and feel real.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
May 19, 2026
What a fascinating read!
Orval pulled me into this world from the first word and what an amazing world it is! I have a very vivid picture in my mind.
I actually liked Lance so much and I am rooting for him. Call me crazy but I felt sorry for him on a few occasions throughout the book.
Charlie on the other hand was a bit different - i dont know why I didnt like it is cant quite put my finger to it - it could be the killing of the bears or just because he doesn't come across as a pleasant person.
This was action packed and had my adrenaline going! The writing was great and made the book feel like a race and everyone was competing to get to the end goal. I must say I am very interested to see what will happen in book two.
Orval pulled me into this world from the first word and what an amazing world it is! I have a very vivid picture in my mind.
I actually liked Lance so much and I am rooting for him. Call me crazy but I felt sorry for him on a few occasions throughout the book.
Charlie on the other hand was a bit different - i dont know why I didnt like it is cant quite put my finger to it - it could be the killing of the bears or just because he doesn't come across as a pleasant person.
This was action packed and had my adrenaline going! The writing was great and made the book feel like a race and everyone was competing to get to the end goal. I must say I am very interested to see what will happen in book two.
May 30, 2026
This cover immediately caught my attention. It's fantastic! And the concept of this book is so different. We follow Lance, a companion (s3x) bot, and in the other POV we follow Charlie, who has been tasked with finding him. Lance has been altered to have more knowledge. And now he is on the run and on a mission, and Charlie must find him and stop him before the rogue companion bot completes his task.
I mean, I loved this. Entertaining, engaging, interesting characters. Fast-paced and a quick read. This has been really well set up for a larger story that I'm definitely looking forward to continuing.
Thank you so much to Orval Wax and Love Books Tours for the gifted digital copy to read and review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
I mean, I loved this. Entertaining, engaging, interesting characters. Fast-paced and a quick read. This has been really well set up for a larger story that I'm definitely looking forward to continuing.
Thank you so much to Orval Wax and Love Books Tours for the gifted digital copy to read and review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
April 30, 2026
The book opens with the robots thoughts and accounts rather than the human perspective.
You get a feeling for the intelligence level straight away and I've got to admit it was scary how fast it "malfunctioned" with the need for intelligence.
There is lots of fast paced action with nice short chapters that got straight to the point.
Even after the upgraded knowledge and intelligence and despite what everyone presumed Lance was up too, the innocence was still there and the need for love was overpowering.
It moves from a story of robotics and technological evolution to a story of love and human emotion evolution.
You get a feeling for the intelligence level straight away and I've got to admit it was scary how fast it "malfunctioned" with the need for intelligence.
There is lots of fast paced action with nice short chapters that got straight to the point.
Even after the upgraded knowledge and intelligence and despite what everyone presumed Lance was up too, the innocence was still there and the need for love was overpowering.
It moves from a story of robotics and technological evolution to a story of love and human emotion evolution.
May 22, 2026
The Malfunction is book 1 in the Deilonium Trilogy, a sci-fi series by Orval Wax.
It was an okay read for me overall and I was expecting a bit more from it. The strongest aspect of the book is definitely the world building. The setting felt immersive and unique, and the premise itself is something I haven’t personally come across in this genre before.
It’s action packed, fast paced, and layered with humour throughout which helped keep things entertaining. However, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the characters in this one, although I’m hoping that changes as the trilogy progresses.
Overall, a decent start to the series with a unique concept that stands out within sci-fi.
It was an okay read for me overall and I was expecting a bit more from it. The strongest aspect of the book is definitely the world building. The setting felt immersive and unique, and the premise itself is something I haven’t personally come across in this genre before.
It’s action packed, fast paced, and layered with humour throughout which helped keep things entertaining. However, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the characters in this one, although I’m hoping that changes as the trilogy progresses.
Overall, a decent start to the series with a unique concept that stands out within sci-fi.
June 16, 2026
✨✨Tour Stop✨✨
Earlier this year I binge read all of the Murderbot Diaries books by Martha Wells, when I saw this book come up as a reading tour for R&R, I just knew I needed to read it! This is a fantastic sci-fi book! We have a robot that gains sentience and becomes way more intelligent than scientists intended, and a hunter on the chase to bring this bot down!
I really enjoyed the game of cat and mouse between the two MCs and the action in this book when they finally did catch up to each other was insane! If you are looking for a fast paced sci-fi you are going to love this book! Thank you to the author and R&R tours for sending me this book and having me on this reading tour!
Earlier this year I binge read all of the Murderbot Diaries books by Martha Wells, when I saw this book come up as a reading tour for R&R, I just knew I needed to read it! This is a fantastic sci-fi book! We have a robot that gains sentience and becomes way more intelligent than scientists intended, and a hunter on the chase to bring this bot down!
I really enjoyed the game of cat and mouse between the two MCs and the action in this book when they finally did catch up to each other was insane! If you are looking for a fast paced sci-fi you are going to love this book! Thank you to the author and R&R tours for sending me this book and having me on this reading tour!
May 20, 2026
This novel is about an escaped LUV-U 69 model lovebot named Lance. His owner requests that he be made more intelligent to become a better companion and he becomes more intelligent than his makers intended. Lance escapes for a mission only he knows about while he’s hunted by a professional hunter.
This book was a fast paced novel. I appreciated the development of Lance as he became more “human” and the mystery around what his mission was. The book left on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I’m excited to read the rest of the series!
This book was a fast paced novel. I appreciated the development of Lance as he became more “human” and the mystery around what his mission was. The book left on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I’m excited to read the rest of the series!
April 20, 2026
What happens when the droid gets it's conciousness? We find out in this action-packed sci-fi thriller about Lance, an android that is able to gain his thoughts and is on the run. He is chased by agent Charlie Bear Claw. This is the first of three books and definately makes you want to read the next one. The POV's told from both Lance and Charlie and the tenseness is about unbearable. A fun read that has you thinking by the end.
May 19, 2026
A good read.
The Malfunction by Orval Wax.
Book 1 of the Deilonium Trilogy.
This was a good read. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. It was slow to start with but once I got into this book I couldn't put it down. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I did like the writing style and the story. I did like the short chapters. Lots of action throughout this book. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I do recommend this book.
The Malfunction by Orval Wax.
Book 1 of the Deilonium Trilogy.
This was a good read. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. It was slow to start with but once I got into this book I couldn't put it down. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I did like the writing style and the story. I did like the short chapters. Lots of action throughout this book. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I do recommend this book.
June 14, 2026
This book is dystopian, science fiction, and robots. It’s about a woman who buys a robot to become her companion. She is not fully satisfied with the lower level of intelligence he has so she asks for him to be more equipped. When the technicians go too far, Lance the robot starts to feel more, and he goes on the run. Judy will do anything to have her Lance back. Thank you to R&R book tours for an arc. I’d give this a 3.5 stars.
February 16, 2026
I usually like Sci-fi, but I found MALFUNCTION to be both silly and immature. And there was a very distasteful scene at the beginning that just ruined it for me.
Content Warnings - Animal cruelty, animal death
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
Content Warnings - Animal cruelty, animal death
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
February 17, 2026
Making a robot better out of the bedroom unfortunately it is about to lead to even bigger issues. It is now more powerful with brain power and the ability to become more human. Now one man needs to stop it before it causes too many problems but it will not be easy to do. See how he gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a interesting read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a interesting read
February 17, 2026
a very good sci fi i enjoy the story the writting was hard to understand sometime so i had re read some parts
March 1, 2026
Mediocre action and I really didn’t like the MC.
The bot character was much more interesting.
One and done
The bot character was much more interesting.
One and done
March 3, 2026
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.
May 12, 2026
A quick and fun read. The suspense built from reading both perspectives really made me hooked.
May 14, 2026
A robot becomes smarter on an oxymoronic Earth. Love and humanity goes vastly off target while chaos reigns as Master.
Borrowed using Kindle Unlimited. Read with Alexa audio application.
Borrowed using Kindle Unlimited. Read with Alexa audio application.
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