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The Wrong Unit
I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HUMANS ARE SO CRANKY ABOUT. Their enclosures are large, they ingest over a thousand calories per day, and they're allowed to mate. Plus, they have me.
An Autonomous Servile Unit, housed in a mobile/bipedal chassis. I do my job well: keep the humans healthy and happy.
"Hey you."
Heyoo. That's my name, I suppose. It's easier for the humans to remember than 413s98-itr8. I guess I've gotten used to it.
---
Rob Dircks, bestselling author of Where the Hell is Tesla?, has a "unit" with a problem: how to deliver his package, out in the middle of nowhere, with nothing to guide him. Oh, and with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. It's a science fiction tale of technology gone haywire, unlikely heroes, and the nature of humanity. (Woah. That last part sounds deep. Don't worry, it's not.)
"Hey you."
Heyoo. That's my name, I suppose. It's easier for the humans to remember than 413s98-itr8. I guess I've gotten used to it.
---
Rob Dircks, bestselling author of Where the Hell is Tesla?, has a "unit" with a problem: how to deliver his package, out in the middle of nowhere, with nothing to guide him. Oh, and with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. It's a science fiction tale of technology gone haywire, unlikely heroes, and the nature of humanity. (Woah. That last part sounds deep. Don't worry, it's not.)
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2016
456 people are currently reading
901 people want to read
About the author
Rob Dircks
14 books291 followersRob Dircks is the #1 Audible bestselling author of
You're Going to Mars!
, the
Where the Hell is Tesla?
series,
The Wrong Unit
, and more (including the anti-self-help book
Unleash the Sloth! 75 Ways to Reach Your Maximum Potential By Doing Less
). He's also got a drawerful of screenplays and short stories, some of which appear on his original audio sci-fi short story podcast Listen To The Signal, also narrated by the author.
Rob's a member of SFWA (Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America), and is a big fan of classic science fiction. When not writing, he's helping other authors publish their own work with Goldfinch Publishing, writing and designing for the award-winning ad agency he owns with his brother (appropriately called Dircks Associates), and generally doing what he calls "sampling": video production, audio production, app development, photography, guitar, reading, cooking. (Note the absence of the phrases "going to the gym" and "running iron-man triathalons.") He lives in New York with his wife and two kids. You can get in touch at robdircks.com.
Rob's a member of SFWA (Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America), and is a big fan of classic science fiction. When not writing, he's helping other authors publish their own work with Goldfinch Publishing, writing and designing for the award-winning ad agency he owns with his brother (appropriately called Dircks Associates), and generally doing what he calls "sampling": video production, audio production, app development, photography, guitar, reading, cooking. (Note the absence of the phrases "going to the gym" and "running iron-man triathalons.") He lives in New York with his wife and two kids. You can get in touch at robdircks.com.
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November 13, 2021Hi, I'm the author. I had a blast spending the better part of 2015/2016 writing this tale of AI gone wrong, our shared humanity, and the things we might learn about ourselves 800 years from now, and I'm totally proud of it. And I hope you enjoy it too!
March 21, 2017
The Wrong Unit is a dystopian science fiction read that takes place about 850 years into the future. Heyoo "Hey you" is an Autonomous Servile Unit, a sort of AI in a somewhat human chassis that was meant to be a help on the farm in the area that is controlled by CORE. CORE is a computer system that has taken over and holding what humans are left in the world captive and controlling them.
When Heyoo goes in for repairs he ends up captured by some rebelling humans and transported out of the area that he knows and then finds that it was a case of mistaken identity, he wasn't the robot meant to be captured. Along with finding himself in the middle of nowhere Heyoo finds that he was sent with a "package", a human infant, to deliver to someone called Iceman. Since Heyoo's job has been to serve and protect humans he does everything to keep the young child alive and complete the mission.
This was a rather lighthearted science fiction read being told from the point of view of an android in the future. Heyoo has a rather developed personality already in the beginning of the story but as he goes on his adventure his personality grows along with the infant he finds himself caring for that he cleverly names "Wah" due to the amount he cries.
Buried beneath the humorous narration though was an interesting plot to go along with the humor of the story. The whole idea behind the story is that humans created these computers but they end up eventually taking over the world and now the humans are trying to rebel. Heyoo being accidentally caught up in the rebellion is fitting due to his own rebellious nature.
Although some of the story and situations really became far fetched I could only continue the feel of the story and laugh when things went a little overboard. The book was just a rather fun lighthearted read all the way through that I couldn't help but enjoy Heyoo and Wah's adventure.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
When Heyoo goes in for repairs he ends up captured by some rebelling humans and transported out of the area that he knows and then finds that it was a case of mistaken identity, he wasn't the robot meant to be captured. Along with finding himself in the middle of nowhere Heyoo finds that he was sent with a "package", a human infant, to deliver to someone called Iceman. Since Heyoo's job has been to serve and protect humans he does everything to keep the young child alive and complete the mission.
This was a rather lighthearted science fiction read being told from the point of view of an android in the future. Heyoo has a rather developed personality already in the beginning of the story but as he goes on his adventure his personality grows along with the infant he finds himself caring for that he cleverly names "Wah" due to the amount he cries.
Buried beneath the humorous narration though was an interesting plot to go along with the humor of the story. The whole idea behind the story is that humans created these computers but they end up eventually taking over the world and now the humans are trying to rebel. Heyoo being accidentally caught up in the rebellion is fitting due to his own rebellious nature.
Although some of the story and situations really became far fetched I could only continue the feel of the story and laugh when things went a little overboard. The book was just a rather fun lighthearted read all the way through that I couldn't help but enjoy Heyoo and Wah's adventure.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
May 14, 2019
4 stars for the audiobook narrated by the author himself, Rob Dircks
Well now, this was a fun little story! It clocked in at just over 5.5 hours, so it really was quite short, but it packed a punch nonetheless.
The Wrong Unit takes place about 800 years in the future and is mostly told from the perspective of Heyoo, an Autonomous Servile Unit (humanoid robot), who was mistakenly caught up in a small uprising of local humans. Before Heyoo really knows what's what, he finds himself shoved into a transporter with a mysterious package strapped to his back, a letter in his hand, and the word bananas mouthed at him at the last minute. Moments later, he finds himself in the middle of nowhere, discovers there is a rather new infant in the package and learns that he's on a mission to find "The Iceman". What follows is some silliness, some adventure, and a whole lot of heart.
My main criticism of this book is that it was just too darn short. I would have liked certain parts to have been expanded (mainly near the beginning), because I really enjoyed how Heyoo learned and reacted to things that were outside his usual environment and skill set.
Overall, though, I enjoyed the author's writing and narration skills, and I'll likely be checking out Where the Hell is Tesla? in the near future.
Well now, this was a fun little story! It clocked in at just over 5.5 hours, so it really was quite short, but it packed a punch nonetheless.
The Wrong Unit takes place about 800 years in the future and is mostly told from the perspective of Heyoo, an Autonomous Servile Unit (humanoid robot), who was mistakenly caught up in a small uprising of local humans. Before Heyoo really knows what's what, he finds himself shoved into a transporter with a mysterious package strapped to his back, a letter in his hand, and the word bananas mouthed at him at the last minute. Moments later, he finds himself in the middle of nowhere, discovers there is a rather new infant in the package and learns that he's on a mission to find "The Iceman". What follows is some silliness, some adventure, and a whole lot of heart.
My main criticism of this book is that it was just too darn short. I would have liked certain parts to have been expanded (mainly near the beginning), because I really enjoyed how Heyoo learned and reacted to things that were outside his usual environment and skill set.
Overall, though, I enjoyed the author's writing and narration skills, and I'll likely be checking out Where the Hell is Tesla? in the near future.
May 22, 2018
Accuracy 1 star
Story 5 star
What if Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang was a robot assigned to “help” people after the Robot Uprising? And what if the robot, in a classic sitcom case of mistaken identity, became part of the human revolution to thwart the Robot Uprising?
If that were true, you’d have The Wrong Unit, a fast moving screwball comedy that tells of the human resistance to robot world domination from the viewpoint of a robot overlord.
In a nearish future, robots have taken over the world ostensibly to better serve and protect people. Heyoo (hints of Scalzi’s characters giving sarcastic names to their interfaces in Old’s Man War) is an Autonomous Servile Unit with an utter lack of self-awareness and no idea of the meaning of the word “servile.” It goes about its existence happily micro-managing human affairs, never questioning its mission, draconian methods, or spirit sapping results, all the while keeping up an inner monologue of why humans are rather dim and unappreciative. Then Heyoo gets in the middle of the human uprising to regain their freedom and thus begins a droll Hero’s Journey as it winds through Start the Revolution Without Me territory with its fish-out-of-water routine.
The Wrong Unit captures the carpe diem spirit of Snow Crash, which turned the whole dark, ponderous cyberpunk genre on its head with wallops of Hitchhiker’s Guide humor. While unlike Snow Crash, The Wrong Unit is probably not going to win any awards for flipping the Robot Uprising genre, it is funny and well worth reading.
Is the book realistic or have any teachable moments about robots? Nope. Nada. Fortunately, the technology in the book is vaguely described but consistently applied, unlike the dreadful Humans Bow Down! (see my review here), The Wrong Unit does provide a slight discussion of human-robot interaction and robots bonding over time with humans but Heyoo could be an alien, a dog or, well, Sheldon Cooper, and the book would still work.
Should you care that the book isn’t realistic or doesn’t have any teachable moments about robots? Once more with feeling: Nope! Nada!
Take the day off from stewing over the latest techno-celebrity decrying the dangers of the imminent robot uprising and enjoy this cotton candy confection!
- Robin
Story 5 star
What if Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang was a robot assigned to “help” people after the Robot Uprising? And what if the robot, in a classic sitcom case of mistaken identity, became part of the human revolution to thwart the Robot Uprising?
If that were true, you’d have The Wrong Unit, a fast moving screwball comedy that tells of the human resistance to robot world domination from the viewpoint of a robot overlord.
In a nearish future, robots have taken over the world ostensibly to better serve and protect people. Heyoo (hints of Scalzi’s characters giving sarcastic names to their interfaces in Old’s Man War) is an Autonomous Servile Unit with an utter lack of self-awareness and no idea of the meaning of the word “servile.” It goes about its existence happily micro-managing human affairs, never questioning its mission, draconian methods, or spirit sapping results, all the while keeping up an inner monologue of why humans are rather dim and unappreciative. Then Heyoo gets in the middle of the human uprising to regain their freedom and thus begins a droll Hero’s Journey as it winds through Start the Revolution Without Me territory with its fish-out-of-water routine.
The Wrong Unit captures the carpe diem spirit of Snow Crash, which turned the whole dark, ponderous cyberpunk genre on its head with wallops of Hitchhiker’s Guide humor. While unlike Snow Crash, The Wrong Unit is probably not going to win any awards for flipping the Robot Uprising genre, it is funny and well worth reading.
Is the book realistic or have any teachable moments about robots? Nope. Nada. Fortunately, the technology in the book is vaguely described but consistently applied, unlike the dreadful Humans Bow Down! (see my review here), The Wrong Unit does provide a slight discussion of human-robot interaction and robots bonding over time with humans but Heyoo could be an alien, a dog or, well, Sheldon Cooper, and the book would still work.
Should you care that the book isn’t realistic or doesn’t have any teachable moments about robots? Once more with feeling: Nope! Nada!
Take the day off from stewing over the latest techno-celebrity decrying the dangers of the imminent robot uprising and enjoy this cotton candy confection!
- Robin
October 6, 2016
Wow!!!!! I Absolutely loved this freaking book!!! I cant believe it's all over. This story was an amazing journey that sometimes had me on the edge of my seat. What's scary is because of all that's currently being done with technology, computers, and Internet, something like what happened in this story could possibly happen to us one day soon.
Humans have been living in captivity for over 800 years, but one event changes everything for everyone, and it all starts with.... A secret. I won't tell the story because there are more than enough reviews out there that has done a better job telling it than I ever could. I will tell you that this story will have you loving people. Leary of great advancements with technology.
Enjoy this book. I know I did.
Humans have been living in captivity for over 800 years, but one event changes everything for everyone, and it all starts with.... A secret. I won't tell the story because there are more than enough reviews out there that has done a better job telling it than I ever could. I will tell you that this story will have you loving people. Leary of great advancements with technology.
Enjoy this book. I know I did.
June 3, 2020
Delightful. Simply delightful. With an emphasis on the simple. There was plenty of plot and story development, but there wasn’t anything that made you work too hard. Just a warm, comforting “popcorn read.”
Plenty of amusing banter, great relationship building, enough action to keep it engaging and an interesting look at some different ways AI could go. Which I appreciate. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a sucker for AI that doesn’t want to KILL ALL HUMANS. And Heyoo definitely doesn’t want to kill all humans. He mostly just wants to protect them. Especially Wah. Following their journey was heartwarming.
It’s a quick read. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something hopeful, funny and sweet to take your mind off the world.
Plenty of amusing banter, great relationship building, enough action to keep it engaging and an interesting look at some different ways AI could go. Which I appreciate. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a sucker for AI that doesn’t want to KILL ALL HUMANS. And Heyoo definitely doesn’t want to kill all humans. He mostly just wants to protect them. Especially Wah. Following their journey was heartwarming.
It’s a quick read. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something hopeful, funny and sweet to take your mind off the world.
July 31, 2016
The "Right" Wrong Unit!
Wow! What a hilarious, heart-warming, and though provoking story! Set in the future, where technology and programs rule humanity, the "wrong" unit was selected to deliver humanities last hope to gain their freedom. This fast paced story follows the journey of the "wrong" unit, and it's human companion, who it's raised since an infant, to an unknown destination. Their journey was filled with many laughs, and heart-warming moments watching the unit known as Heyoo learn to care for the human he named Wah.
I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review, and have to say Rob's a talented, and versatile author/narrator whose even got a great singing voice! He did an amazing job in both creating and narrating this story. I'm definitely recommending this one to my friends, and will be on the lookout for future books written or even narrated by Rob. Kudos, on a well written and narrated story! The Wrong Unit was very entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Wow! What a hilarious, heart-warming, and though provoking story! Set in the future, where technology and programs rule humanity, the "wrong" unit was selected to deliver humanities last hope to gain their freedom. This fast paced story follows the journey of the "wrong" unit, and it's human companion, who it's raised since an infant, to an unknown destination. Their journey was filled with many laughs, and heart-warming moments watching the unit known as Heyoo learn to care for the human he named Wah.
I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review, and have to say Rob's a talented, and versatile author/narrator whose even got a great singing voice! He did an amazing job in both creating and narrating this story. I'm definitely recommending this one to my friends, and will be on the lookout for future books written or even narrated by Rob. Kudos, on a well written and narrated story! The Wrong Unit was very entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
April 2, 2018
The audiobook version is read by the author, and I thoroughly enjoyed his narration. The story was simple, but well-paced and entertaining.
April 13, 2017
My original The Wrong Unit audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
The Wrong Unit by Rob Dircks is set in a dystopian far future where humanity is controlled by Core, or a computer overlord. 413s98-itr8, or Heyoo as he is more commonly referred to by humans, is a loyal Servile Unit or a humanoid robot that is charged with interacting with and helping humans on a day to day basis. One day, he goes in to get repaired when his existence as he knows it is changed forever. Instead of day to day tasks of helping humans go about their days, he is thrust onto a journey to deliver a fragile package to a location unknown, with no path or instructions. Little does Heyoo know, he’s is now wrapped up in a quest to overthrow the computerized overlord that he actually believes to be infallible. On this journey, Heyoo’s primary goal is to figure out how to get home, but as time passes he begins to wonder if this rebellion may not be such a crazy idea after all.
Dircks’ has delivered a fantastic novel that is charming, thoughtful, both heart wrenching and heart warming, thought-provoking, and ultimately just hilarious. Heyoo’s character as a robot attempting to interpret human motivations and actions is just captured so well and with a lot of amusing thoughts from the robot. Beyond the humor, there is fantastic character development. Heyoo and the other two main characters really grow and change throughout the novel. In fact, Heyoo’s slow change, both physical and intellectual, during his long journey is truly transformative. While the premise for the story isn’t unique, the perspective is really novel and I like that throughout, it is slowly revealed how humanity got to the point that it became controlled by Core. Also, while the timeline extends over many years, the story does not drag at all. Dircks’ achieves a great balance between action and reflection. Ultimately, this is a humorous story about humanity and freedom.
The narration was also done by Rob Dircks and it was spot-on. His voice capture of Heyoo and the units was really well done. All of the human characters were also really well captured and distinguishable. He was really able to make the listening experience immersive. The production quality was good as well. I would highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys funny novels about robots, overthrowing robot overlords, and humanity at large.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
The Wrong Unit by Rob Dircks is set in a dystopian far future where humanity is controlled by Core, or a computer overlord. 413s98-itr8, or Heyoo as he is more commonly referred to by humans, is a loyal Servile Unit or a humanoid robot that is charged with interacting with and helping humans on a day to day basis. One day, he goes in to get repaired when his existence as he knows it is changed forever. Instead of day to day tasks of helping humans go about their days, he is thrust onto a journey to deliver a fragile package to a location unknown, with no path or instructions. Little does Heyoo know, he’s is now wrapped up in a quest to overthrow the computerized overlord that he actually believes to be infallible. On this journey, Heyoo’s primary goal is to figure out how to get home, but as time passes he begins to wonder if this rebellion may not be such a crazy idea after all.
Dircks’ has delivered a fantastic novel that is charming, thoughtful, both heart wrenching and heart warming, thought-provoking, and ultimately just hilarious. Heyoo’s character as a robot attempting to interpret human motivations and actions is just captured so well and with a lot of amusing thoughts from the robot. Beyond the humor, there is fantastic character development. Heyoo and the other two main characters really grow and change throughout the novel. In fact, Heyoo’s slow change, both physical and intellectual, during his long journey is truly transformative. While the premise for the story isn’t unique, the perspective is really novel and I like that throughout, it is slowly revealed how humanity got to the point that it became controlled by Core. Also, while the timeline extends over many years, the story does not drag at all. Dircks’ achieves a great balance between action and reflection. Ultimately, this is a humorous story about humanity and freedom.
The narration was also done by Rob Dircks and it was spot-on. His voice capture of Heyoo and the units was really well done. All of the human characters were also really well captured and distinguishable. He was really able to make the listening experience immersive. The production quality was good as well. I would highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys funny novels about robots, overthrowing robot overlords, and humanity at large.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
June 10, 2019
An enjoyable tale of boy meets robot and off they go on an adventure.
October 30, 2021
Heyoo!!!!! This is one of the books I've read all year. I could have read 1,000 more pages!!
October 4, 2016
A quick read. Fun, funny, delightful.
Humans have been imprisoned by an artificial intelligence devoted to keeping them safe and happy. They wish to be free. The plan: Send a a sympathetic service unit named Heyoo (think Wall-e from the Disney movie of the same name) and a child (named Wah) to awaken the resistance. Along the way, child grows to man, robot becomes human, adventures abound. Much it learned about life, love and the meaning of family. Short chapters (most only a few pages long) and snappy writing keep the tone light and entertaining. Has a Christopher Moore (Lamb, Fool, A Dirty Job) writes sci-fi feel. Recommended for when you are in the mood for a bit of silly. I'll be adding Mr. Dircks to my reading list.
Humans have been imprisoned by an artificial intelligence devoted to keeping them safe and happy. They wish to be free. The plan: Send a a sympathetic service unit named Heyoo (think Wall-e from the Disney movie of the same name) and a child (named Wah) to awaken the resistance. Along the way, child grows to man, robot becomes human, adventures abound. Much it learned about life, love and the meaning of family. Short chapters (most only a few pages long) and snappy writing keep the tone light and entertaining. Has a Christopher Moore (Lamb, Fool, A Dirty Job) writes sci-fi feel. Recommended for when you are in the mood for a bit of silly. I'll be adding Mr. Dircks to my reading list.
May 12, 2017
Very Sentimental but witty. Hey You and Wa journey to free humans from robot domination.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2018
Enjoyable mind candy.
April 26, 2020
The protagonist of this book isn’t even human, yet his story was enough to make me cry.
The plot is a combination of quest, coming of age, and thriller. It’s set in a future where machines rule the planet and humans are slaves. It’s not quite as depressing as that sounds, but humans are absolutely not in charge anymore. They live in plantation compounds, working for robots, and have very little freedom.
Never fear, there’s a revolution in the works. It’s just taking a lot longer than expected.
For most of the book, the point of view is that of Heyoo, a caregiving android forced into a dangerous and puzzling circumstance. His charge is a human baby, and he’s totally unprepared for it. However, his common sense and compassion go a long way to save a bad situation.
The writing was excellent and the humor was well-placed; I laughed out loud several times (that’s saying a lot).
The author narrated his own work, which can sometimes leave a lot to be desired. However, Mr. Dircks did a fine job, and he certainly knew where to put the emphases.
It’s a simple story that will stay with you. Highly recommended for readers of all genres.
The plot is a combination of quest, coming of age, and thriller. It’s set in a future where machines rule the planet and humans are slaves. It’s not quite as depressing as that sounds, but humans are absolutely not in charge anymore. They live in plantation compounds, working for robots, and have very little freedom.
Never fear, there’s a revolution in the works. It’s just taking a lot longer than expected.
For most of the book, the point of view is that of Heyoo, a caregiving android forced into a dangerous and puzzling circumstance. His charge is a human baby, and he’s totally unprepared for it. However, his common sense and compassion go a long way to save a bad situation.
The writing was excellent and the humor was well-placed; I laughed out loud several times (that’s saying a lot).
The author narrated his own work, which can sometimes leave a lot to be desired. However, Mr. Dircks did a fine job, and he certainly knew where to put the emphases.
It’s a simple story that will stay with you. Highly recommended for readers of all genres.
December 31, 2017
It took me a while to finish; a combination of family emergencies and a fair part of the story taking a leisurely stroll to the good bits and the good bits coming up like an unexpected large wave from the ocean. It slams into you and while you're looking for the bus that just hit you the wave slides, unseen, back to sea. That's not to say there aren't knuckle biting moments early in the story, there certainly are. And if you've ever handled a small child there are some moments that will make you laugh with sympathy. The very ending? A little bit too easy, it felt rushed like the author had another idea and just couldn't get it out there right. It's not a bad ending just. . . I guess I expected it to be harder. I like this author his two book, likely to expand, Tesla series was rather good and one of the bright spots of 2017. This book was good, the others were better. Still, it's got something that kept me reading.
August 31, 2016
I listened to the Audible version of The Wrong Unit. The author does a great job narrating his own book. I particularly loved the sound effect used for when the robot accesses its own internal programming.
The Wrong Unit takes place far in the future, many, many years after an apocalyptic event. Some of the surviving humans are kept alive by robots in a sort of prison camp. An AI program called "Core" controls everything. It is the job of service unit 413s98-itr8, commonly referred to as Heyoo ("Hey You"), to take care of the humans' needs. Everything is going just fine, until the humans decide to revolt.
I loved it. It is the perfect mix of humor and seriousness for me. It's also a nice blend of science fiction and post-apocalyptic fiction.
Disclaimer: I received a free Audible copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Wrong Unit takes place far in the future, many, many years after an apocalyptic event. Some of the surviving humans are kept alive by robots in a sort of prison camp. An AI program called "Core" controls everything. It is the job of service unit 413s98-itr8, commonly referred to as Heyoo ("Hey You"), to take care of the humans' needs. Everything is going just fine, until the humans decide to revolt.
I loved it. It is the perfect mix of humor and seriousness for me. It's also a nice blend of science fiction and post-apocalyptic fiction.
Disclaimer: I received a free Audible copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2021
A wonderful book about a farming servile unit, Heyoo and his surrogate human son, Wah and their journey to save humanity. Rob Dircks has a wonderful talent for making one lose themselves in the narrative and fall in love with the characters. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys witty sci-fi and stories about A.I./robots.
March 31, 2020
In a jarringly paradisiacal dystopian future, the small remaining community of humans lives in Sanctuary, a pastoral habitat maintained by an artificial intelligence named CORE. The humans are protected, controlled and helped by servile robots called “units”. It is a gilded cage where CORE is an absolute ruler. A violent insurrection uses a teleporter to transport a clandestine baby and a servile unit far away. But a mistake has been made. Instead of the selected unit, pre-programmed with valuable information about the long term plan, the wrong unit has been sent. This unit, named “Heyoo” (there’s a joke in there) nevertheless rises to the challenge. Together with baby “Wah” (yes, another joke there), Heyoo embarks on an epic quest to save humanity from its misguided captor.
This novel is an absolutely delight. An epic adventure for certain, with action, suspense and buddy comedy vibes. On a deeper level, it is an interesting twin Bildungsroman. In parallel with Wah’s growth from baby to man, Heyoo develops from rather unsophisticated pre-programmed robot into something new; something aspirationally human. A real person. The even deeper theme is that humanity, compassion and sacrifice can be expressed in many ways.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/2020/03/...
This novel is an absolutely delight. An epic adventure for certain, with action, suspense and buddy comedy vibes. On a deeper level, it is an interesting twin Bildungsroman. In parallel with Wah’s growth from baby to man, Heyoo develops from rather unsophisticated pre-programmed robot into something new; something aspirationally human. A real person. The even deeper theme is that humanity, compassion and sacrifice can be expressed in many ways.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/2020/03/...
June 21, 2019
Oh, Mr. Dircks, how your stories do delight me! The Wrong Unit was a completely fresh perspective on AI, robotics, and the future of the human race. The simplest details, like a robot (or "unit") thinking his name is Heyoo because that's how everyone addresses him--brilliant! The book went in directions I never expected. "Predictability" is simply not in Dirck's vocabulary. Avoiding any story details or spoilers, I will simply say: read this!
February 15, 2020
Excellent little sci-fi novel about a AI taking over the protection of humankind after disaster strikes and an uprising involving a baby and, well, the wrong farming unit.
It's also a surprisingly good novel about what it's like to be a parent, though my perspective on parenting is a lot different from the Unit who does most of the parenting in this novel.
It's also a surprisingly good novel about what it's like to be a parent, though my perspective on parenting is a lot different from the Unit who does most of the parenting in this novel.
March 23, 2024
(english version below)
Das Buch hat mir anfangs gut bis sehr gut gefallen, aber ab etwa der Hälfte, , war dann alles etwas zu "gewöhnlich" und leider auch vorhersehbar. Je weiter die Geschichte voranschreitet, desto mehr wird es dann "zu viel des Guten". Gegen Ende wird es für meinen Geschmack auch etwas arg kitschig.
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I liked the book well to very well at the beginning, but about halfway through, , everything became a bit too "ordinary" and unfortunately also predictable. As the story progressed, it became a bit overkill and towards the end, it became a bit too cheesy for my taste.
Das Buch hat mir anfangs gut bis sehr gut gefallen, aber ab etwa der Hälfte, , war dann alles etwas zu "gewöhnlich" und leider auch vorhersehbar. Je weiter die Geschichte voranschreitet, desto mehr wird es dann "zu viel des Guten". Gegen Ende wird es für meinen Geschmack auch etwas arg kitschig.
--------
I liked the book well to very well at the beginning, but about halfway through, , everything became a bit too "ordinary" and unfortunately also predictable. As the story progressed, it became a bit overkill and towards the end, it became a bit too cheesy for my taste.
April 4, 2019
I don't run across many SF books that have me laughing out loud, but this one did through the first half. Some of the 2nd half too, but that had more suspense than humor. I don't think I can say anything else that wouldn't give away the plot, but I think you'll love it.
November 18, 2020
I wasn't planning on reading this book now, but the book I had to read was the wrong book, and you can't read the wrong book. So, it was on my kindle and I started it. Yesterday.
Full of humor and kindness and caring. Action packed adventure that you thought the world had lost the capacity for. What a great journey.
Read this book. Dive in, and believe in the good of humanity again.
Full of humor and kindness and caring. Action packed adventure that you thought the world had lost the capacity for. What a great journey.
Read this book. Dive in, and believe in the good of humanity again.
September 28, 2021
In the kindle era you don't always know how long or in this case short a book is unless you specifically look. I did not and was surprised at how much story was packed into such a short book. This is one of those books I will tell all of my friends and family about. Its not quite Practice Effect/Postman/Enders Game level but its the shelf right under that.
May 20, 2017
Crazy good book!
Lost sleep over this book but it was worth it. Someone needs to make this story into a movie, but please don't ruin it! Terrific, hilarious, touching book! Well done Mr. Dircks!
Lost sleep over this book but it was worth it. Someone needs to make this story into a movie, but please don't ruin it! Terrific, hilarious, touching book! Well done Mr. Dircks!
October 20, 2019
Totally funny
Totally funny. So wish I had a badass unit like that! Definitely a good read or listen on Audible. Will be recommending to my friends.
Totally funny. So wish I had a badass unit like that! Definitely a good read or listen on Audible. Will be recommending to my friends.
December 5, 2020
A light quick read.
January 11, 2021
I loved it! The robot's personality is hilarious. I love the relationship with the boy as well as the name he gave the boy. It's definitely not the first story where A.I. goes awry "saving us" but the story is fresh, humorous, intelligent, snd original. And as always with Dirks, narrated perfectly!
March 16, 2018
Heartwarming, intelligent, fun and silly; with enough action and daring for anyone. I could not recommend this highly enough. There is just enough science and tech for a die hard sci-of fan, heart and soul for the romantics, self discovery, questions of morality and ethics... just a fabulous fun read. 5 stars.
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