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Exotiqa World #1
Exotiqa
Librarian's note: Alternate cover edition of ASIN B06WRWZRMN here.
The second YA SyFy dystopian Thriller released by the debut author M. Black, dubbed Divergent meets iRobot. This novel will appeal to a vast array of audiences. Filled with haunting questions of consciousness and artificial intelligence, identity and self-awareness, politics and love, life and death, the reader will be engaged in an entertaining story filled with futuristic technology.
Set in the year 2055 in British Columbia, Canada, where humans are part robotic and robots are becoming more humanlike, the line dividing the two is becoming less clear.
When sixteen-year-old Fione meets Maci, a twenty-one-year-old Flexbot who escapes from ImaTech located along the crust of the Coast Mountains, Fione’s life is taken on a roller-coaster ride of events that begins with trying to save Maci from ImaTech Corporation and ends with trying to save the country.
With Fione's best friend and love interest, a Flexbot named Pix, Fione and Maci must come face-to-face with the greatest dangers their country has ever seen and learn the disturbing secrets of the popular online program Exotiqa—which her friends, family, and most of the country has downloaded onto their Cerebral Slabs. This won’t be easy, since Maci’s only love and greatest enemy, nicknamed Thirty, is tracking her every move.
Told from two points of view: Maci’s and Fione's, this dystopia is filled with plenty of futuristic technology, and tells a story of a world that could eerily mirror our own one day.
Fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games will love this dystopian world with two young but strong female heroines who must save the fragile system crumbling around them. This story will even satisfy those looking for something with more philosophical themes and it is a perfect fit for readers interested in sci-fi, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Flexbot dialogue is told in Synchro Let text in print (10 font size in ebook), and human dialogue is told in Baskerville text (12 font size).
“Sunday passes too quickly. Approaching the mall in Mom’s jeep I almost forget I have a bot fugitive hidden away at my best friend’s house until we park and walk up to the glass front doors.”
The second YA SyFy dystopian Thriller released by the debut author M. Black, dubbed Divergent meets iRobot. This novel will appeal to a vast array of audiences. Filled with haunting questions of consciousness and artificial intelligence, identity and self-awareness, politics and love, life and death, the reader will be engaged in an entertaining story filled with futuristic technology.
Set in the year 2055 in British Columbia, Canada, where humans are part robotic and robots are becoming more humanlike, the line dividing the two is becoming less clear.
When sixteen-year-old Fione meets Maci, a twenty-one-year-old Flexbot who escapes from ImaTech located along the crust of the Coast Mountains, Fione’s life is taken on a roller-coaster ride of events that begins with trying to save Maci from ImaTech Corporation and ends with trying to save the country.
With Fione's best friend and love interest, a Flexbot named Pix, Fione and Maci must come face-to-face with the greatest dangers their country has ever seen and learn the disturbing secrets of the popular online program Exotiqa—which her friends, family, and most of the country has downloaded onto their Cerebral Slabs. This won’t be easy, since Maci’s only love and greatest enemy, nicknamed Thirty, is tracking her every move.
Told from two points of view: Maci’s and Fione's, this dystopia is filled with plenty of futuristic technology, and tells a story of a world that could eerily mirror our own one day.
Fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games will love this dystopian world with two young but strong female heroines who must save the fragile system crumbling around them. This story will even satisfy those looking for something with more philosophical themes and it is a perfect fit for readers interested in sci-fi, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Flexbot dialogue is told in Synchro Let text in print (10 font size in ebook), and human dialogue is told in Baskerville text (12 font size).
“Sunday passes too quickly. Approaching the mall in Mom’s jeep I almost forget I have a bot fugitive hidden away at my best friend’s house until we park and walk up to the glass front doors.”
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2018
29 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 7, 2017
This was super awesome! I'd give this a 9/10 on my grading scale. Just the description of this book alone should make you want to read it. But I know you have to read the review, so here goes.
In this world we have humans and androids. We have computer software downloaded into our brains! What could go wrong? Perhaps a man with a plan to enslave us through the computer software? Our heroine must save the world from becoming zombies under one man's control!
Plot deserves a 5/5. It is just such an interesting concept and is done in a non stereotypical way for sci-fi.
The pacing is a little slow. It takes some reading to build up to the main conflict. But if you're like me you like a slow rise. So I'd say it's a 4/5.
Characterization on point! Wow these characters are explored so well :) I also love the way they interacted with each other. Human and android teaming up to save the world!
This isn't a typical fast paced action sci-fi so if you're looking for that you may want to move on. But if you're into a cool plot with great characters and a slow to the punch rising action then this is the book for you!
In this world we have humans and androids. We have computer software downloaded into our brains! What could go wrong? Perhaps a man with a plan to enslave us through the computer software? Our heroine must save the world from becoming zombies under one man's control!
Plot deserves a 5/5. It is just such an interesting concept and is done in a non stereotypical way for sci-fi.
The pacing is a little slow. It takes some reading to build up to the main conflict. But if you're like me you like a slow rise. So I'd say it's a 4/5.
Characterization on point! Wow these characters are explored so well :) I also love the way they interacted with each other. Human and android teaming up to save the world!
This isn't a typical fast paced action sci-fi so if you're looking for that you may want to move on. But if you're into a cool plot with great characters and a slow to the punch rising action then this is the book for you!
August 9, 2017
I won a free copy of Exotiqa from a Ripley’s Booklist giveaway. To be honest, I don’t even remember entering it, since it doesn’t sound like a book I would choose for myself. With a few exceptions, I tend to stay away from novels with a lot of robots and/or space travel, so I may not be the best audience for this book.
In Fione’s 2055 Canada, androids are normal. Flexbots roam the cities or work in factories, and technology has allowed for humans to acquire biotic limbs or connect mentally to the internet through a program called Exotiqa. With the exception of her Flexbot friend, Pix, Fione hates the androids and worries that they pose a danger to humans. When an escaped Flexbot named Maci comes to her for help, Fione discovers that Exotiqa may be more of a threat than she ever imagined.
I don’t read enough of this kind of science fiction to determine whether it’s a typical robot story, but it feels familiar enough, with similarities to things like I, Robot and even a little Terminator. The Exotiqa program reminds me most of a technological Invasion of the Body Snatchers though, and my favorite parts of the book were the creepy moments when Fione’s friends and family stopped acting like themselves. Sadly, there were much fewer of these than there were clunky robot fighting scenes.
The writing and characters leave something to be desired, and those are usually the two main selling points of any novel for me. The writing is distractingly bad on occasion, with an overkill of adjectives and some descriptions that left me shaking my head. (Once authors start comparing people to food, I’m usually done.) Fione is sort of a bland heroine, and I wish her Vietnamese culture came through a little more clearly. I don’t see what makes her particularly suited for this mission, since she doesn’t seem to have any actual hacking skills. Maci is (understandably) robotic, and there’s some awkward human/robot romance with Pix.
The novel entertains a number of philosophical questions, mainly what exactly is consciousness and when is it accurate to say that a robot is conscious (if it ever is). I feel like you could get the same ideas from an introductory philosophy class, and I don’t think Exotiqa brings anything particularly new to that conversation. It comes down pretty hard on the side of ‘yes, robots can have consciousness,’ but its main argument seems to be ‘because these robot characters have it.’ I’m not sure I’m convinced. No one in the novel can explain why Maci and Pix suddenly develop the ability to make choices that go against their programming, and I wish the novel would have explored that more. It’s a relatively quick read, but I was glad to be done with it and I’m not sure I’ll return to this world for the sequel.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
In Fione’s 2055 Canada, androids are normal. Flexbots roam the cities or work in factories, and technology has allowed for humans to acquire biotic limbs or connect mentally to the internet through a program called Exotiqa. With the exception of her Flexbot friend, Pix, Fione hates the androids and worries that they pose a danger to humans. When an escaped Flexbot named Maci comes to her for help, Fione discovers that Exotiqa may be more of a threat than she ever imagined.
I don’t read enough of this kind of science fiction to determine whether it’s a typical robot story, but it feels familiar enough, with similarities to things like I, Robot and even a little Terminator. The Exotiqa program reminds me most of a technological Invasion of the Body Snatchers though, and my favorite parts of the book were the creepy moments when Fione’s friends and family stopped acting like themselves. Sadly, there were much fewer of these than there were clunky robot fighting scenes.
The writing and characters leave something to be desired, and those are usually the two main selling points of any novel for me. The writing is distractingly bad on occasion, with an overkill of adjectives and some descriptions that left me shaking my head. (Once authors start comparing people to food, I’m usually done.) Fione is sort of a bland heroine, and I wish her Vietnamese culture came through a little more clearly. I don’t see what makes her particularly suited for this mission, since she doesn’t seem to have any actual hacking skills. Maci is (understandably) robotic, and there’s some awkward human/robot romance with Pix.
The novel entertains a number of philosophical questions, mainly what exactly is consciousness and when is it accurate to say that a robot is conscious (if it ever is). I feel like you could get the same ideas from an introductory philosophy class, and I don’t think Exotiqa brings anything particularly new to that conversation. It comes down pretty hard on the side of ‘yes, robots can have consciousness,’ but its main argument seems to be ‘because these robot characters have it.’ I’m not sure I’m convinced. No one in the novel can explain why Maci and Pix suddenly develop the ability to make choices that go against their programming, and I wish the novel would have explored that more. It’s a relatively quick read, but I was glad to be done with it and I’m not sure I’ll return to this world for the sequel.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
March 21, 2017
Enjoyable despite several typos and minor editing errors. In a world where AI is starting to become sentient, where does one draw the line between human and robot? And what is the experience like for both? These themes are lightly explored while the protagonists attempt to discover and stop a plot to control all humans and robots via a biomechanical interface program. The technical specifications and the philosophizing are nicely balanced and don't dominate the story which picks up the action and sustains its fast-pace through the second half of the book. Although this is the first book in a series, it stands well on its own and does not force the reader to read the next installment for resolution.
March 4, 2017
This was a good story, but it wasn’t really my cup of tea. It reminded me way too much of iRobot. It is a wonderful young adult story, though. It is very well-written and keeps a solid pace. It does start rather slow, but picks up steam quickly.
March 6, 2017
Whilst a little slow to get started once it does it leaves you wanting to know where it will go. Added into that some totally unexpected twists and turns. Definitely one to watch.
December 10, 2017
The thrilling opening scene of Exotiqa by M. Black (the pen name of Ami Blackwelder) finds Flexbot 001001F2050A running for her life. With the introduction of Exotiqa software, things have taken a sinister turn at the headquarters of the global robotics manufacturer ImaTech, and she is determined to make a new life for herself on Vancouver Island. Hunted by robots who were once her friends and monitored by the company’s airborne tracker spheres she steals into the bedroom of a young stranger to hide, to try and shake off her pursuers. The occupant of the bedroom is Fione, a young woman who has her own suspicions about what is happening with the Flexbots and Exotiqa - things which seem to be invading every part of daily life. At this time in the future, most citizens are fitted with ‘slabs’ (surgically implanted network interfaces) which enable them to communicate, work or access the internet, but also to download the latest software with the Exotiqa program proving to be hugely popular. Fione worries that the school friends who have downloaded Exotiqa seem suddenly distant, almost zombie-like, and resents the pressure everyone seems to be under to download this seemingly ubiquitous product. Discussing her doubts with Flexbot 001001F2050A (whom she nicknames Maci), her disquiet increases and when incidents of robots killing humans start to multiply they decide that something must be done. Together with Pix (a Flexbot friend of Fione) they embark on a rollercoaster journey to the headquarters of ImaTech. Pursued by robots and laser-armed tracker spheres, they push themselves and their Landrover to the limit using forest track roads to reach their objective. But is it remotely possible that they could overcome such a powerful, influential, multinational corporation and its robot army?
Robots trying to take over the planet has been a sci-fi staple for many years, and countless authors from the famous to the not so well-known have penned their dystopic visions of this possible future. Exotiqa makes a blockbusting entrance to the genre, even if Ms. Black’s robots come across as a little too human, with their ability to tremble, cry and even get a knot in the throat when distressed. The book is well-written and moves at a brisk pace through an intelligently-structured narrative. There are many novel ideas and concepts and for the young adult audience that Ms Black is targeting it is well balanced. A worthy addition to the literature of robotic Armageddon.
Robots trying to take over the planet has been a sci-fi staple for many years, and countless authors from the famous to the not so well-known have penned their dystopic visions of this possible future. Exotiqa makes a blockbusting entrance to the genre, even if Ms. Black’s robots come across as a little too human, with their ability to tremble, cry and even get a knot in the throat when distressed. The book is well-written and moves at a brisk pace through an intelligently-structured narrative. There are many novel ideas and concepts and for the young adult audience that Ms Black is targeting it is well balanced. A worthy addition to the literature of robotic Armageddon.
May 22, 2017
Imagine living in a world where humans are becoming like robots and flexbots are becoming like humans. Well Fione, Maci and Pix do just that. The humans have what they call slabs inserted into their brain and a device in their palms. A slab work more like computers and palms work more like a phone or tablet. Fione uses her slab for things like working with files and her palm for surfing the internet and texting her friends.
Maci has runaway/escaped from ImaTech and her creator. Maci is a Flexbot and all the bots are being downloaded with a program called Exotiqa and Maci wants no part of this new program. She has seen what it has done to her friend Thirty. He no longer recognizes her as his friend; he no longer feels the same way about her as he did before. Exotiqa takes away the part that makes him Thirty.
And now the human world has gotten a new update, Exotiqa including most of Fione’s friends. With this new update humans are now acting like robots. They no longer have any feelings. They walk around like zombies. But Fione and Pix have refused to download Exotiqa and are very glad they have after seeing all their friends.
Now Maci, Fione and Pix are all on the run from the people and Flexbots at ImaTech. Of course neither one wants to be downloaded with Exotiqa but Maci has other reasons for running as well. Someone has put out a hit on Maci’s life. But they are not only fighting for their own lives now they are fighting for the whole country, the whole world as well as their family and friends, human and flexbot alike.
If anyone knows me or follow my reviews then you know that I love a good dystopian or science fiction novel. So when I kept hearing about Exotiqa I just had to read it. And boy am I ever glad I did. I loved it beyond reason. I kept seeing it play out in my head like a movie. I wanted to see it on the big screen. The world of Exotiqa is so amazing I don’t have any words for it.
Maci reminds me of the characters Leeloo from the movie The Fifth Element and Starman from the movie Starman. Leeloo or Starman know how to speak to humans or their language. I loved watching them learn how to talk and pick up human characteristics like I loved reading about Maci and seeing her in mind trying to be sarcastic or making facial features.
I would recommend Exotiqa to anyone who loves science fiction and/or dystopian books. Come join Fione, Maci and Pix to see if they can save the world!
Maci has runaway/escaped from ImaTech and her creator. Maci is a Flexbot and all the bots are being downloaded with a program called Exotiqa and Maci wants no part of this new program. She has seen what it has done to her friend Thirty. He no longer recognizes her as his friend; he no longer feels the same way about her as he did before. Exotiqa takes away the part that makes him Thirty.
And now the human world has gotten a new update, Exotiqa including most of Fione’s friends. With this new update humans are now acting like robots. They no longer have any feelings. They walk around like zombies. But Fione and Pix have refused to download Exotiqa and are very glad they have after seeing all their friends.
Now Maci, Fione and Pix are all on the run from the people and Flexbots at ImaTech. Of course neither one wants to be downloaded with Exotiqa but Maci has other reasons for running as well. Someone has put out a hit on Maci’s life. But they are not only fighting for their own lives now they are fighting for the whole country, the whole world as well as their family and friends, human and flexbot alike.
If anyone knows me or follow my reviews then you know that I love a good dystopian or science fiction novel. So when I kept hearing about Exotiqa I just had to read it. And boy am I ever glad I did. I loved it beyond reason. I kept seeing it play out in my head like a movie. I wanted to see it on the big screen. The world of Exotiqa is so amazing I don’t have any words for it.
Maci reminds me of the characters Leeloo from the movie The Fifth Element and Starman from the movie Starman. Leeloo or Starman know how to speak to humans or their language. I loved watching them learn how to talk and pick up human characteristics like I loved reading about Maci and seeing her in mind trying to be sarcastic or making facial features.
I would recommend Exotiqa to anyone who loves science fiction and/or dystopian books. Come join Fione, Maci and Pix to see if they can save the world!
April 8, 2018
I normally open a review with a quote from the book I am reviewing, and without a doubt there are plants to choose from as the dog eared pages reflect. However, on that score, I’m coming out of left field with this quote:
“The needs of the many ...outweigh the needs of the few, or the one." [Spock tells Kirk towards the end of “The Wrath of Khan”-1982]
This quote more than any of the ones from the book sums up the ethical conundrum presented to the senscient beings inhabiting British Columbia Canada in 2055. What started as a wonderful idea to be “connected” to others in a world that is now partly run by Flexbots, and humans are becoming more like robots. Teenaged Fione and her Flexbot friend Pix meet Maci- a Flexbot who has developed beyond her programming and is now convinced the newest version of the Exotiqa program could allow ImaTech to take over the world!
Through extremely intelligent character driven dialogue, we are drawn into a world of Cerebral Slabs and megalomania as sometimes, there is no easy choice to make no matter the outcome could bring. Fione, Maci, Pix and Thirty will echo of current events and memories of how hard it is to grow up.
This is a book for SciFi “geeks” of all stripes; of teenaged angst, of high school boredom that simply comes with the age, and dreams of saving the world. My only problem is there are some definite spelling errors that can detract from the story. Recommended.4/5
[disclaimer:I won the series directly from the author, and am voluntarily reviewing them]
“The needs of the many ...outweigh the needs of the few, or the one." [Spock tells Kirk towards the end of “The Wrath of Khan”-1982]
This quote more than any of the ones from the book sums up the ethical conundrum presented to the senscient beings inhabiting British Columbia Canada in 2055. What started as a wonderful idea to be “connected” to others in a world that is now partly run by Flexbots, and humans are becoming more like robots. Teenaged Fione and her Flexbot friend Pix meet Maci- a Flexbot who has developed beyond her programming and is now convinced the newest version of the Exotiqa program could allow ImaTech to take over the world!
Through extremely intelligent character driven dialogue, we are drawn into a world of Cerebral Slabs and megalomania as sometimes, there is no easy choice to make no matter the outcome could bring. Fione, Maci, Pix and Thirty will echo of current events and memories of how hard it is to grow up.
This is a book for SciFi “geeks” of all stripes; of teenaged angst, of high school boredom that simply comes with the age, and dreams of saving the world. My only problem is there are some definite spelling errors that can detract from the story. Recommended.4/5
[disclaimer:I won the series directly from the author, and am voluntarily reviewing them]
November 24, 2017
EXOTIQA is an interesting science fiction story revolving around artificial intelligence. It is a time when boundaries between human and machine are diminishing. The machines are developing human like qualities like defying of orders and developing a sense of self, while the humans are developing machine like qualities like sensing the mood, heartbeat and temperature of another mortal without actual physical contact and browsing through internet, television and other gadgets by having a machine fit into their system. This blurring of boundaries is bringing some terrifying consequences where robots having AI are becoming aggressive and a threat to humanity. A young girl Fione observes the changes and is much aware and alarmed of the problems, but everybody else are either ignoring it or enjoying the upgraded technology. Fione tries to rectify the situation along with another female AI. However, challenges are too many and they face obstacles and opposition from all quarters.
The best thing that I liked about Exotiqa was the presentation of the advanced technology. I have read many AI based stories and still Exotiqa managed to surprise me by serving me new offerings which I had never read before. The author M Black is very creative and imaginative and skilled at presenting his vision. He painted a highly technological frame that presented a chaotic world.
The best thing that I liked about Exotiqa was the presentation of the advanced technology. I have read many AI based stories and still Exotiqa managed to surprise me by serving me new offerings which I had never read before. The author M Black is very creative and imaginative and skilled at presenting his vision. He painted a highly technological frame that presented a chaotic world.
September 4, 2017
I rated this book 4 1/2 of 5 stars. I really enjoyed reading this book. Exotiqa is the the first book in the Exotiqa World series. I feel this book is very well written and the characters are very well developed. I found myself becoming attached to the characters and cheering them on through out the story. It was very hard to put the book down! The story follows a young human girl named Fiona, who is growing up in a world where robots are a part of life and a person can access the internet, make phone calls, and send text messages with only a thought. Her best friend is a bot named Pix. Pix's 'parents' bought him when their son died and had him programmed to be as close to their son as they could get. Pix is the only technology in their house. They become friends with Maci a bot that has run away from ImaTech. A company that makes and programs bots and also produced the most advanced implantable technology and programs to run them. When Pix and Fiona find out why Maci ran away they vow to help her.
December 18, 2017
Intense excitement and adventure.
Exotiqa is the first book in the Exotiqa World series by M Black. I don’t usually get into robots and such but I actually found this book to be quiet interesting. Black drew me in and held me captivated for the entire book. Imagine a world where humans are more robot like and robots are more human like everyday and you have Exotiqa. The book centers around the human names Fiona and the robot named Maci. Fiona is on a mission to stop Exotiqa before her friends and family are destroyed by a program which will completely control them, and Maci is a robot on the run from ImaTech who has decided that Maci needs to be destroyed because she rejected some of her programming. Once the two meet they are off on a crazy adventure together! I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in robotics, it brings forth and interesting perspective! I’m looking forward to checking out the rest of the Exotiqa World series!
Exotiqa is the first book in the Exotiqa World series by M Black. I don’t usually get into robots and such but I actually found this book to be quiet interesting. Black drew me in and held me captivated for the entire book. Imagine a world where humans are more robot like and robots are more human like everyday and you have Exotiqa. The book centers around the human names Fiona and the robot named Maci. Fiona is on a mission to stop Exotiqa before her friends and family are destroyed by a program which will completely control them, and Maci is a robot on the run from ImaTech who has decided that Maci needs to be destroyed because she rejected some of her programming. Once the two meet they are off on a crazy adventure together! I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in robotics, it brings forth and interesting perspective! I’m looking forward to checking out the rest of the Exotiqa World series!
November 28, 2017
I found Exotiqa, book 1 of the Exotiqa World, fascinating from the very beginning. When a rogue robot enters Fione’s bedroom at night, she is unsure of what she should do. More “accidents” are happening when humans step out of line and the robots go too far in controlling the situation. Fione searches for ways to sway the general public on this topic and just maybe this robot, Maci, is her key in unraveling the uneasy feeling she has around the robots uploaded with the Exotiqa.
Maci, on the other hand is a rogue robot running for her life. She has characteristics that are human-like, and she is scheduled for termination as a dysfunctional robot. Together, Fione and Maci team up to take down the creator, but they mistakenly miss a more important player in the game. I love Pix, for some reason I think of Astro Boy.
Maci, on the other hand is a rogue robot running for her life. She has characteristics that are human-like, and she is scheduled for termination as a dysfunctional robot. Together, Fione and Maci team up to take down the creator, but they mistakenly miss a more important player in the game. I love Pix, for some reason I think of Astro Boy.
May 7, 2017
This is a book you shouldn't miss. It already starts with an interesting event: a suspenseful escape. I read Thirty first and I don't regret choosing this order. It works both ways. The advised order is Book 1 and then Book 1.5, but like stated you can start with either one. Personally I liked knowing who this two in the beginning were exactly. Yet it is not necessary to know this background, after all Exotiqa is book 1.
I wish I had read this as soon as I heard of this series. It's great. And most of all a thoughtful series, you don't have simply a story. I enjoyed reading this and I can highly recommend this as well as the rest of this series. My advice if you're not sure: take a lot at the preview of Exotiqa. If you like those first pages then you'll definitely enjoy the whole book.
I wish I had read this as soon as I heard of this series. It's great. And most of all a thoughtful series, you don't have simply a story. I enjoyed reading this and I can highly recommend this as well as the rest of this series. My advice if you're not sure: take a lot at the preview of Exotiqa. If you like those first pages then you'll definitely enjoy the whole book.
May 27, 2017
A free read for a voluntary review...my benefit!
This is one of those books that really gets you to think about the world we live in today and the potential near future's we could all face if we are too blase about tech and where it's going!
As you can tell, I loved this story telling and the different perspectives that it is written in...very different viewpoints...each v.valid.
Give this book a chance to capture your imagination as it has mine...you won't be disappointed!
Your work grows on me M.Black. Well done!
This is one of those books that really gets you to think about the world we live in today and the potential near future's we could all face if we are too blase about tech and where it's going!
As you can tell, I loved this story telling and the different perspectives that it is written in...very different viewpoints...each v.valid.
Give this book a chance to capture your imagination as it has mine...you won't be disappointed!
Your work grows on me M.Black. Well done!
August 10, 2017
Great Page Turner – I Want More!
I was entirely captured by this book. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. One reason that I read YA books is that they tend to be on the clean and cozy side. This one is surely that. The story is riveting and complex, I needed to take my time and savor it. There is plenty of action, love and robotics! The story has several different layers going on and I enjoy that level of complexity. This author has done a wonderful job of overlaying her world onto ours. I will be reading a lot more of this author’s work
I was entirely captured by this book. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. One reason that I read YA books is that they tend to be on the clean and cozy side. This one is surely that. The story is riveting and complex, I needed to take my time and savor it. There is plenty of action, love and robotics! The story has several different layers going on and I enjoy that level of complexity. This author has done a wonderful job of overlaying her world onto ours. I will be reading a lot more of this author’s work
March 1, 2018
You will definitely want to have plenty of allotted reading time before starting this one. It was hard to put down. I was so engrossed in the story that I put off many of my important things to do. M. Black does a great job of creating a Plot that keeps the reader invested and guessing.
I really liked the balance that was present between these characters.
We are given a novel that does not unravel predictably and will keep the reader guessing and enjoying the ride the whole way through. The story itself was engaging and the romance added to that.
I really liked the balance that was present between these characters.
We are given a novel that does not unravel predictably and will keep the reader guessing and enjoying the ride the whole way through. The story itself was engaging and the romance added to that.
August 2, 2017
An accidentally rogue human, who used to hunt violent bots, a FlexBot with Consciousness, a MetaBot and some geeks save the world from a program designed to erase and redo everything: Exotiqa.
An edge of your seat action adventure. The characters speak from various perspectives. Someone who is a tech phobe has close friends who are various types of bots. Dedicated super nerds are both rebels and somewhat obsessed geniuses. Average citizens buying into a Progom without really recognizing it.
The differing perspectives and sympathetic characters help to make it clear that sometimes folks who might later be decried as collaborators are really just everyday folks who are looking to make their lives a little easier and better.
Some haunting parallels to the Third Reich.
In the end, this band of friends and family are The People.
How many are humans, how many are bots or bot hybrids, and what that might mean for their common future remains a mystery I hope to find part of the adventures in the next books in this series.
An edge of your seat action adventure. The characters speak from various perspectives. Someone who is a tech phobe has close friends who are various types of bots. Dedicated super nerds are both rebels and somewhat obsessed geniuses. Average citizens buying into a Progom without really recognizing it.
The differing perspectives and sympathetic characters help to make it clear that sometimes folks who might later be decried as collaborators are really just everyday folks who are looking to make their lives a little easier and better.
Some haunting parallels to the Third Reich.
In the end, this band of friends and family are The People.
How many are humans, how many are bots or bot hybrids, and what that might mean for their common future remains a mystery I hope to find part of the adventures in the next books in this series.
February 19, 2018
What a vivid new world M. Black has brought us into!
Be prepared to become addicted to this story from the very beginning. Black has created characters who are engaging and unique. The story itself has so many aspects you would not expect. Yes, its a Cyberpunk Story, but there is so much more woven throughout.
The twists and surprises are plenty and will keep you flipping pages til the very end.
Be prepared to become addicted to this story from the very beginning. Black has created characters who are engaging and unique. The story itself has so many aspects you would not expect. Yes, its a Cyberpunk Story, but there is so much more woven throughout.
The twists and surprises are plenty and will keep you flipping pages til the very end.
February 27, 2018
Connecting with the main character is key for a reader to determine whether they will not only relate, but be invested in the story itself. Fione has one of those personalities that really drew me in. She was witty, entertaining, and real. Maci and Pix are just as endearing.
The plot flowed smoothly and I didn't feel like anything was forced or majorly missing anything.
I loved this novel in its entirety.
The plot flowed smoothly and I didn't feel like anything was forced or majorly missing anything.
I loved this novel in its entirety.
September 15, 2017
Robot Dystopia
Fiona 16, meets Maci, a flexbot who is escaping from ImaTech. Fiona's friend Pix is also a flexbot, but is undercover. The software program Exotiqa is being pushed for both bots and humans but appears to have undesirable side affects for both.
Good charectorization and plotting.
Fiona 16, meets Maci, a flexbot who is escaping from ImaTech. Fiona's friend Pix is also a flexbot, but is undercover. The software program Exotiqa is being pushed for both bots and humans but appears to have undesirable side affects for both.
Good charectorization and plotting.
January 2, 2018
The technology of the world in 2055 has given humans the ability to easily connect with others using integrated robotic parts. The technology has also created robots that are more human-like than ever. For Fione, as a human, she doesn't think that the robots are still obeying their fundamental laws. For Maci, as a robot, she has found a way to elevate her consciousness outside of the parameters of the robotic laws. And now her creators are out to shut her down.
The difference in thought, character, personality, and dialogue/speech patterns between the humans and the robots was very distinct. I loved the very different voice of Fione versus Maci and very much appreciated having both distinct voices in alternating chapters. I loved how even Pix differed in personality and thought process from Maci, even though both were robots. Not all ascended robots are equal and this novel does a great job layering in their personalities seamlessly with their voices and not overpowering the ongoing plot.
This book contained a lot of action. The setup for the main premise of the story happened a bit abruptly at the beginning, but the storytelling was fairly seamless from that point on. Fione does not jump at the chance to help Maci immediately and she has her doubts. Fione's character is built on the mistrust of the robotic infiltration into her world. She is sympathetic to them, as her best friend is also a robot, but she distrusts them as a whole.
I loved the subtle hinting of a potential romance between Fione and her best friend Pix, as if he really is a human.
I did feel that Fione's overpowering of her mother was a bit off-putting and her mother's inability to think for herself made her a flat character, but other than that this book was a sound and juicy addition to science fiction and cyberpunk in particular.
The difference in thought, character, personality, and dialogue/speech patterns between the humans and the robots was very distinct. I loved the very different voice of Fione versus Maci and very much appreciated having both distinct voices in alternating chapters. I loved how even Pix differed in personality and thought process from Maci, even though both were robots. Not all ascended robots are equal and this novel does a great job layering in their personalities seamlessly with their voices and not overpowering the ongoing plot.
This book contained a lot of action. The setup for the main premise of the story happened a bit abruptly at the beginning, but the storytelling was fairly seamless from that point on. Fione does not jump at the chance to help Maci immediately and she has her doubts. Fione's character is built on the mistrust of the robotic infiltration into her world. She is sympathetic to them, as her best friend is also a robot, but she distrusts them as a whole.
I loved the subtle hinting of a potential romance between Fione and her best friend Pix, as if he really is a human.
I did feel that Fione's overpowering of her mother was a bit off-putting and her mother's inability to think for herself made her a flat character, but other than that this book was a sound and juicy addition to science fiction and cyberpunk in particular.
March 1, 2018
Holy wow. This novel is unique and vivid and so different than other novels out there that it really takes you out of the box and book and into a completely different time and place. I loved the conflict in the story and the fact that these characters were different from each other yet found common ground. These three were so fun to follow!
May 26, 2017
Fantastic storyline, sort of a mix of Stepford Wives and Invasion of the Body Snatchers! You will love this fast-paced YA book of sentient robots and how software can infect them as well as humans. I did.
May 22, 2017
Wow, amazing fantasy. Slow to start but happy I continued. Just loved it. First from this author but definitely not the last. Received an ARC
July 29, 2017
I received free copy in exchange for review. I loved the book!
January 15, 2018
M. Black's "Exotiqa" is the first tale in the Exotiqa World series. I don't usually read this genre, but this story really hooked me in! This is an interesting dystopian future. Make it a movie! The AIs are well thought out. Feels like Short Circuit for the modern era. I would love to read more by this author.
March 13, 2017
M. Black has pulled me into her futuristic world - Fione lives with her parents in 2055 - an age where robotic creatures live among humans. Some of the "Bots" are developing consciousness. Evil forces are trying to take over the world through the program Exotiqa. Join Fione and her bot friends, Pix and Maci, on a quest to save the world. Awesome climatic ending and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
March 9, 2017
This story is a mixture of I, Robot and A.I. Artificial Intelligence. There is a mixture of emotions that go throughout this whole story and gets you thinking that quite possibly it may actually happen in the real world. The robots and humans I had the pleasure to meet throughout this whole story intrigued me and kept me wanting to learn more of their stories. Love is very prominent as well. M. Black really pulls you in with this strange world, I can't wait for more.
April 18, 2024
First, I’d like to share a few quotes that really nail the gist of this book:
“…her lips spreading like melted butter in a large, appreciative smile.”
“I watch her big lips move like ocean waves, so unpredictable.”
“Every time she gets technical, I feel my concentration go blurry.” – This describes my feelings toward this novel.
Exotiqa had a killer premise. Rouge robots. Questions of humanity. Friendship and love – what could possibly go wrong?
Well, everything.
This novel had everything that I hate:
Poorly enfolded exposition
Info-dumps
Character Stew
Tedious repetition
Stage-direction narration
Character appearance revealed through that character looking into a mirror
Mentioning every character’s shirt/pants color/eye color
Eye color every time that character looks/notices/watches/or other eye-related verb at anything/anyone else
Let’s expand: there was SO MUCH exposition in the first two chapters, that I almost stopped reading. There’s a Slab that people have installed into their brains like little computer? Ok, cool. I don’t need this Slab explained THREE TIMES within a single chapter, and then again in the dialog.
The main character also got dressed twice in one morning.
Exotiqa did that thing where something would be implied or hinted at, then completely explained in the next line, which took me right out of the story. (I don’t need contractions explained to me.) It would give some new cool tech in this novel’s world, then needlessly explain what it was, what it did, and who invented it, and so on. And then explain it again in a few paragraphs.
This novel felt rushed – it hurried to explain the setup of the world and the new tech, and by doing so forfeited character depth. Right from the start, I was left wondering why? how come? what?
The novel started out really cool. A runaway robot (Maci) who feels, but isn’t supposed to feel. Then, she picks a random house and decides to hide. Conveniently, this is the house of the other protagonist, Fione. Luckily, after a short conversation, Fione decides she’s going to help Maci hide.
But… what brought her to that house in the first place? Why not stowaway on the BOAT SHE RAN PAST? Sigh – there was just too many little plot holes in this novel to get behind it. There was way too much explanation for the tech, but so little for the character motivation. It felt more like a manual at some points, not a novel with characters that I should care about.
The dialog was… for lack of a better word, cheap and useless. It propelled the plot a little, but it felt so much like forced exposition that I couldn’t fall into the story. Each character sounded exactly the same, and often the dialog explained things that had already been explained.
“Hey, did you hear about this event that happened that’s going to be super important later in the story?”
“Oh, yeah, that event where Character A did this and that this other thing happened that I’m explaining now instead of artfully instilling it somewhere more convenient in the story?”
Exotiqa had great potential, a cool premise, and a good start – but it went downhill fast.
When I saw that Exotiqa had 47 reviews on Goodreads and a 4.6 average rating – I expected a much better novel. Here’s the gist: I did not care about Fione or Maci. I wanted to, I really did. But while the novel started out really great, every page and tedious narration and useless, cardboard side character lost it points. After the first chapter, I would have given this novel a 4/5, but three chapters in, it had lost enough points to land it with a 1/5 status.
“…her lips spreading like melted butter in a large, appreciative smile.”
“I watch her big lips move like ocean waves, so unpredictable.”
“Every time she gets technical, I feel my concentration go blurry.” – This describes my feelings toward this novel.
Exotiqa had a killer premise. Rouge robots. Questions of humanity. Friendship and love – what could possibly go wrong?
Well, everything.
This novel had everything that I hate:
Poorly enfolded exposition
Info-dumps
Character Stew
Tedious repetition
Stage-direction narration
Character appearance revealed through that character looking into a mirror
Mentioning every character’s shirt/pants color/eye color
Eye color every time that character looks/notices/watches/or other eye-related verb at anything/anyone else
Let’s expand: there was SO MUCH exposition in the first two chapters, that I almost stopped reading. There’s a Slab that people have installed into their brains like little computer? Ok, cool. I don’t need this Slab explained THREE TIMES within a single chapter, and then again in the dialog.
The main character also got dressed twice in one morning.
Exotiqa did that thing where something would be implied or hinted at, then completely explained in the next line, which took me right out of the story. (I don’t need contractions explained to me.) It would give some new cool tech in this novel’s world, then needlessly explain what it was, what it did, and who invented it, and so on. And then explain it again in a few paragraphs.
This novel felt rushed – it hurried to explain the setup of the world and the new tech, and by doing so forfeited character depth. Right from the start, I was left wondering why? how come? what?
The novel started out really cool. A runaway robot (Maci) who feels, but isn’t supposed to feel. Then, she picks a random house and decides to hide. Conveniently, this is the house of the other protagonist, Fione. Luckily, after a short conversation, Fione decides she’s going to help Maci hide.
But… what brought her to that house in the first place? Why not stowaway on the BOAT SHE RAN PAST? Sigh – there was just too many little plot holes in this novel to get behind it. There was way too much explanation for the tech, but so little for the character motivation. It felt more like a manual at some points, not a novel with characters that I should care about.
The dialog was… for lack of a better word, cheap and useless. It propelled the plot a little, but it felt so much like forced exposition that I couldn’t fall into the story. Each character sounded exactly the same, and often the dialog explained things that had already been explained.
“Hey, did you hear about this event that happened that’s going to be super important later in the story?”
“Oh, yeah, that event where Character A did this and that this other thing happened that I’m explaining now instead of artfully instilling it somewhere more convenient in the story?”
Exotiqa had great potential, a cool premise, and a good start – but it went downhill fast.
When I saw that Exotiqa had 47 reviews on Goodreads and a 4.6 average rating – I expected a much better novel. Here’s the gist: I did not care about Fione or Maci. I wanted to, I really did. But while the novel started out really great, every page and tedious narration and useless, cardboard side character lost it points. After the first chapter, I would have given this novel a 4/5, but three chapters in, it had lost enough points to land it with a 1/5 status.
July 21, 2017
highly unique
received this book in exchange free, am voluntarily reviewing
Brilliantly written in the style of Issac Asimov's I Robot, intriguingly surprising, highly unique, is an
engaging read, with beautiful characters
highly recommend.
received this book in exchange free, am voluntarily reviewing
Brilliantly written in the style of Issac Asimov's I Robot, intriguingly surprising, highly unique, is an
engaging read, with beautiful characters
highly recommend.
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