Robotics student Brad Barkley has created the perfect woman. The only problem is she's an android, and her creator realizes too late he may have made her too perfect. After Brad's ultimate failure with women nearly consumes him, he discovers Tricia, his android, may be able to rescue him from a life of loneliness, if he and the human race are willing to pay the price.
Greg Dragon brings a fresh perspective to fiction by telling human stories of life, love and relationships in a science fiction setting. This unconventional author spins his celestial scenes from an imagination nurtured from being an avid reader himself. His exposure to multiple cultures, multiple religions, martial arts, and travel lends a unique dynamic to his stories. You can enjoy excerpts from his work by visiting his website at https://gregdragon.com.
Re-Wired tells the story of a lonely, disillusioned young man who tries to set right the wrongs in his life by creating the perfect android woman. Of course, things don’t go as planned and Brad must face reality and the consequences of his actions.
The idea and accompanying social commentary (human beings’ relationship to technology, mistrust of robots/androids/AI) are not new as we’ve seen them before in other stories, TV shows, and movies. I won’t go into a discussion on those issues, but I will say I appreciated that the novel raised them as I did consider points of view I hadn’t before. The strengths of the novel are in the relationship between Priscilla and Brad (which is also where the story gets most interesting), and when Tricia (android) has the narrative floor to herself. In the latter case, it was a pleasure to see her process human behaviour and draw her own conclusions, sometimes as a slave to her programming and others times as an enlightened, self-directed entity. Tricia is both a child and a woman, and she comes off as vulnerable, victimized, gentle, caring, confused and, eventually, strong. Priscilla is a dynamic character who lifts and drives the novel’s energy. In fact, I enjoyed reading these characters more than of Brad himself, who I found not overly interesting or sympathetic, and his dialogue often felt unnatural.
I also enjoyed the ‘twist’ in the story, though I did see it coming. It took the novel from a straight forward science-fiction story to something that bordered on fantasy. The only issue I had is that the blurred lines between reality and fantasy (psychosis) aren’t fully resolved so that I finished the story feeling confused. Lastly, the story felt short and, for a science-fiction story, it needed more detail both about the technology as well as the world in which it takes place. There is an epilogue that explains the social context and history, but it would have been better to have woven those details into the narrative so that the reader has a more immersive experience. I wanted a closer inspection of the devices, programming and materials which make Tricia appear real enough to pass as a human. Playing up the contrast between her android and human self would have added another dimension to the character as well as the psychological dilemma Brad faces. Thanks to Mr. Dragon for providing a copy of the book to review.
Perfecting a fembot Boys will always fantasize about creating the perfect female as evident in the movie Weird Science. Brad is a man with the intelligence to create the next generation of robotics. Defying his father's demand that he become a doctor, Brad knows his passion for robotics will give him the edge to create the perfect machine. One that can be independent and love a human to a degree. And definitely one where a human will fall in love with the robot. Tricia is the robot in question. She's new in that she can think for herself and feel. When Brad starts fixating on Tricia, things start to go south.
The twists and turns in this book are easy to follow. One of the main plot devices I figured out early on. This caused me to read the book with impending dread. It's frustrating to see someone with high potential lose it all. The way this story is set up, it's cleverly done. I enjoyed the plot. What I did not like is the main character. It is hard to like Brad, especially as he starts going down a dark path. Everyone can see the train wreck coming, yet no one is able to stop it. Every choice Brad makes after a pivotal one leads him further and further astray. When the big reveal occurs, it is no surprise. It is almost a relief that the secret is now out.
I can see this story turned into a Syfy original movie. It contains decent world building. The characters are well developed if a bit shallow and vain. The premise all works. Since Brad is so despicable for me, I had a hard time connecting with the book. If there was more of Tricia in the book, I probably would have liked it more. There are times where it is from her point of view. Those are the parts I enjoyed the most. This depressingly plausible downward spiral storyline is recommended for those who enjoy speculative fiction and robots with souls.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
INSANE! This is insane. And I mean that in a HOLY MIND FUCK THIS IS AMAZING sort of way. This novel will have you glued to it's pages from start to finish. Greg Dragon has created a unique, science fiction master piece that will confuse the hell out of you! The author uses a mix of robotics, romance, addiction, and those wonderful negative family relationships we all know and love to craft an original story you won't see coming. It starts off with the main nerd, Brad. He's a genius in his own right, but not when it comes to women. Like the description says, he becomes determined in creating an artificial woman to solve this problem. But at what cost? Lose yourself in this engaging sci-fi novel. I promise you, you haven't read anything like it before. I love how the author manages to explore the horrors of poor choices through such an engaging, off beat path I can honestly say I've never taken before. It keeps you invested in the characters, and despite the endless guessing on the reader's part, it will still manage to surprise you. Bravo, good sir. You've successfully made an AI nerd out of me.
I received a copy of this book free Via reading alley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided a free copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review. Re-Wired by Greg Dragon-I’m just going to cut to the chase… Brad irritated me so much. I really wanted to like him, and at first I thought that I might be able to, but he was just so whiney. Brad is a college student that creates an android for his own personal use at a time where androids were commonplace to have in your home serving your meals, cleaning your things, driving your taxis… but to love and care for? The overall theme is catchy… in the end who has the right to tell another person who they can and can’t love? Who can and can’t have rights? These statements alone can open a huge can of worms if taken out of context so let’s not. Androids are seen as property to serve their masters… they are used and abused and discarded. When someone takes the time to show what started out as a simple machine a little TLC it can change so much. At times it was a little hard to keep with the story, especially at the end it almost seemed rushed. Overall I did like the book.
I’m an avid sci-fi fan. One of the things I like the most about sci-fi, is that it has the ability to tackle modern-day issues, but disguise them under the guise of aliens or other non-humans. Star Trek did this frequently from TOS through Voyager.
What I like best about Re-Wired, is that it takes themes of discrimination and frames it under the guise of androids. There is also the added warning of changing yourself to make someone else happy. Those themes are conveyed nicely without being preachy, or pummeling the reader.
The story itself is an interesting read that is a mix of romance and a quasi-whodunit. I may have never read Greg Dragon if I hadn’t won a giveaway, and I’m glad I’ve discovered him. I expect great things from this author and look forward to reading more from him.
Greg Dragon has created a new world in Re-Wired that is totally different and believable. This is a world that we could find ourselves living in if the brilliant minds of today become focused on turning robots into undetectable androids. Some say we are already started on that path.
Brad is a lonely geek who has never had a date and gets tongue tied when a woman is near. He is in college, supported by his parents who expect him to become a doctor like his father. Brad has other plans. He is excited by his Robotics class where he was given a basic robot and told he was to assemble this robot and make it unique to it's creator. Brad had big plans for his creation. Unfortunately, his bank account was not big enough to support his ideas.
Desperate to create the woman of his dreams, Brad turns to the black market to find a way to make the money. He finds what he thinks is a relatively safe way to get what he wants, all he has to do is to take these little pills and record his response to them. In return they will supply the product he needs to give his android life like skin.
I'll have to stop here or risk spoiling a good read for you. There is an interesting mystery in this book that I couldn't figure out on my own. I kept reading until I turned the last page. To me this is the sign of a good story. I hope you'll give this one a try.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review over at OnlineBookClub.org, and you can read my full, official review here: http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
I happened to glance at another reviewer's opinions about this book, which stated something along the lines of the main character being difficult to like. I have to agree with this opinion. At first I felt bad for him, but as the story went on, I just grew to despise him more and more. However, it's when he is at his most dis-likable that he really needs someone to care for him. He wouldn't get that sympathy from me at that point, and maybe that is my own fault as a human.
But fortunately for Greg, he does have someone to be there for him. And that someone isn't a human. It's the android he built for his robotics class, but he had to throw away his own life in exchange...
This is a well-written story with a very interesting concept and plot. As I mention in my full review, I think the twist is a bit predictable, which is my only complaint about the story. Other than that, it's a great read!
I thought this was a very interesting book. When the college student events a woman robot then meets a real woman and falls in love. Then the real woman disappears and his robot has learned to function on her own. This book turns in to a who done it.
Interesting concept but not a very good story. The author is onto a subject which is going to be on everyone's minds in the future - what do we do about robots becoming more human? This book describes the results if we proceed down one of those possible future paths. I feel like the story could have been a lot more interesting and/or entertaining than it turned out to be. None of the characters (human, android, or imaginary) were likeable or interesting. The story became muddled and disjointed as the protagonist's mental state declined (probably intentionally, but not very satisfactorily!) I thought the one-chapter epilogue was the best part of the book - a fictional past history of the evolution of human-android interactions. I probably won't bother reading any more books by Greg Dragon.
The author has sent me a copy of this book for a free unbiased review. "Re-wired" is a dystopian novel about an android with feelings. Brad Bradley creates his personal android and names her Tricia. He agrees to become a guinea pig for an experimental drug in exchange for the perfect skin for Tricia, meddles with her memory and controls and she ends up as perfect female-like android with feelings. Then Brad begins to attract girls like a magnet, falls for a real girl Priscilla, then begins to lose his memory, and complications begin. Brad comes out as the protagonist with feet of clay, while Tricia is stronger, and displays more empathy. Awkward points like the android having painful joints could have been eliminated with some editing. Some trimming would make this more thrilling. Other than that, it has been well edited. This is a pretty good novel which sets one thinking. The end is ambiguous, so will there be a sequel? Has Greg unleashed a dragon? Only time will tell.
Sci Fi or Fantasy......couldn't decide which. Neither are my favorite genres, but this was very well written & it kept my attention up to the end. Blame it on my lack of powers of observation, but I didn't realize right away that this was supposedly taking place in the future. The irony is, that in this ever evolving world of technology, I could see all this coming to pass as normal in our future world. It would be amazing & at the same time, very scary. It may be sooner than we think. I would recommend this book. If there was no mention of sex, I'd give it to my grandchildren (ages 11-13) to read.
This book had my imagination running wild as does any good book that can truly become a possibility and /or likely is.A lonely nerd builds the perfect droid robot that is more lifelike looking than the others owned by people and she's a free thinker.But is the price he has to pay worth it?You read it then tell me!!Disclaimer...this book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
This pseudo-Pygmalion book was intriguing but the writing drifted off in the middle. The epilogue was unnecessary and detracted from my enjoyment of the rest of the story.
Brad Barkley was a geek in all sense of the word. He had problems relating to other humans, especially of the female variety. Brad had a utopian-like dream. To build a human life like android and revolutionize the android-building world. So, he started building himself a girlfriend, but to accomplish this task, he would need more money, so he subjected himself to a drug trial to get the items he needed. This affected not only his mind but his personality.
This was an interesting perspective on making a sentient program and putting it in a mobile framework that had the ability to manipulate its surroundings and pass for a human. So, it could go anywhere it wanted. I liked the idea that the evolving personality was loyal to its creator, but the abuse it endured from a drugged creator made the independent an illusion because it was dependent on him.
Still, I liked the story, but for a few optimistic logical jumps. I give this read four stars out of five stars and look forward to reading book two. Anyone who likes Clark and his three laws might like this one like I did.
Re-Wired by Greg Dragon is a smart, seductive collision of technology, obsession, and the human need for connection. At its core, it’s a chilling exploration of how far genius and loneliness can go when creation blurs into desire.
Brad Barkley, a robotics prodigy, channels heartbreak into invention, building Tricia an android that feels too real, too human. What begins as an act of escape soon spirals into something far darker, as Dragon deftly asks: when we build perfection, do we destroy what makes us human?
The pacing is electric, the tone cinematic, and the themes unsettling in the best way echoing Ex Machina, Her, and Frankenstein alike. Dragon’s writing balances the precision of science with the ache of longing, making Re-Wired as emotionally charged as it is thought-provoking.
A haunting, intelligent sci-fi thriller that forces readers to confront the cost of creation — and the dangers of loving what we make.
Brad Barkley is a lonely robotics engineering student. All of the few relationships have failed to pan out. Thus, he decides to make the perfect woman to love him: Tricia. Unfortunately, costs lead him into a bargain on the shady side. His addiction is leading him to the grave. Now, it's up to her to save him.
This title falls into multiple genres including Metaphysical Science Fiction, Cyberpunk Science Fiction, and Dystopian Science Fiction. It appears to be a retelling of Pygmalion's story with some twists. Through a few troublesome moments, the tale holds up well.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Romantic. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Um. Wow. I got this book on Kindle for free through one of my email newsletters, and it sounded far more interesting. Even the “genre” it belongs to sounded interesting, as did the concept, even if I rolled my eyes a little.
Now that I’m finished, the following phrases are the result: Teenage boy’s wet dream/pity party Men deserve every woman they lay their eyes on Women need to be protected by their jealous owners Men are owed something Women only exist to play games with men’s minds Dudebro wannabe
Absolutely disgusting writing of a likely ambien-inspired dream. Whatever point was trying to be made was smothered in gross whining from start to finish.
I started reading this story expecting another robot novel about possible future technologies. Surprisingly what we have is really a dissertation about the philosophical changes we have to make in our developing world. Should human/mechanical beings be allowed to have relationships? What limits should we put on mechanical beings ,if any? Do you need to be made of flesh and bone to be human? The future will tell.
I enjoyed this story but can only rate it 3 stars. The book explores the intense interactions between an inventor of Android robots and his creation, however in trying to explore so many aspects of those interactions the story becomes fragmented and threadless. Purchased a Kindle edition on March 20, 2025, for free. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
Interesting account of sentient female android wanting to be human(why)???. It tries to become a philosophical treatise on the potential difficulties of technology and man android love.
This book is plotless, with no actual story and nothing being solved. The same story loop is recycled throughout. No character development, no actual resolution. It was a complete waste of time reading it and also money wasted.
Spoilers Greg Dragon is quite talented. He presents a complex tale of drug abuse and the galatea complex. The story of a robot becoming aware as her creator descended into madness?
I enjoyed the book, although it seems like it wasn't finished. There was one point that the story line was slow, but picked up after a few pages. Maybe book two will continue to complete the story.