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Re-Wired

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Brad Barkley is a gifted college student with a passion for robotics but a poor track record with the opposite sex. He is in love with Mika Scheider, an exotic beauty and fellow student in his Robotics class.

After learning Mika has a boyfriend, Brad focuses on his own android creation, Tricia, but there's something not quite right--Tricia is just a little too real, a little too not robotic and a whole lot like a human. Brad becomes obsessed with Tricia, never realizing the Pandora's Box he's blown wide open that can destroy them all!

Alternate-Cover Edition for ASIN B00RQUS36K

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2015

132 people are currently reading
887 people want to read

About the author

Greg Dragon

58 books233 followers
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.

Join Greg's mailing list for free stories/books & new releases: http://gregwrites.co
Facebook: http://facebook.com/anstractor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hobdragon

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5 stars
62 (29%)
4 stars
47 (22%)
3 stars
65 (30%)
2 stars
22 (10%)
1 star
16 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Dyane Forde.
Author 10 books34 followers
April 24, 2015
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.
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,945 reviews1,441 followers
October 10, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Mary Beth Devaney.
20 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2016
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.
Profile Image for Kel.
174 reviews8 followers
August 28, 2016
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.
Profile Image for Mark Gardner.
Author 20 books53 followers
June 30, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Christine Lowe.
624 reviews4 followers
February 26, 2015
Re-Wired

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.
Profile Image for A. Powers.
Author 12 books26 followers
May 10, 2015
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!
1,484 reviews39 followers
May 16, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Dave.
638 reviews9 followers
September 23, 2018
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.
117 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2015
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.
16 reviews
March 9, 2015
Enjoyed the book!

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.


Profile Image for kathleen detherow.
98 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2015
A BOOK that makes you think !!

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.
Profile Image for Lynne.
870 reviews13 followers
February 1, 2018
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.
391 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2022
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.
301 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2025
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.
2,881 reviews11 followers
April 18, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
237 reviews
December 21, 2023
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.
426 reviews
July 17, 2021
Thought Provoking

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.
Profile Image for Scott Shjefte.
2,266 reviews76 followers
March 20, 2025
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.
1 review
September 21, 2018
Wired Female

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.
43 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2018
Drugs are bad man they damage your brain.Very different book

Good read very intertaing ,not you're normal robot book. I am not sure the wold is ready for full AI robots that look like humans
28 reviews
January 15, 2019
Endless regurgitated drivel

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.
4,419 reviews38 followers
March 17, 2022
Looking for love in all the wrong places.

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?
42 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2018
Very blaa

This is NOT worth reading. And short for using it as a form of torture It is not worth the time used to read.
13 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2018
A good read for those interested in the future of AI

This is not about the nuts and bolts of AI. This Is, about how society reacts to robots that get smarter and smarter.
72 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2018
Nice new idea

Fun to see a new glimpse into the future. The twist was unexpected and believable. The next book should be interesting.
652 reviews10 followers
April 25, 2022
This book made me think, in a positive way. It also entertained me. I highly recommend.
46 reviews
September 28, 2020
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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