Gen One

by Amy Bartelloni

Generations after robots conquered Earth, the remaining population survives in the ash of their defeat. Within their walls in Authority City, bots test and develop super soldiers. Rumors of horrible experiments are enough to keep humans in line. At least, most humans.

Eighteen-year-old Delilah O’Connor scavenges the ruins with her friend Zane, and Gen, a generation one bot they repaired off the grid. Gen’s curiosity gives Delilah hope for the future, but not enough hope to go against the Authority. She finds Zane’s dreams of a human resistance pointless, and it’s enough to keep their on-and-off relationship mostly off.

When they discover two dead guards in a shady trading stop known as the Banks, everything changes. Framed for the murders and pursued by Authority bots, Zane takes Delilah to the only safe space he knows—the headquarters for the Human Coalition. Even there Zane isn’t safe. When he’s captured, Delilah and Gen must join an unlikely alliance of bot and human to go in to Authority City and save him before he becomes another casualty. Things in Authority City aren’t as they seem, they’re worse. Delilah might lose more than her friend within its walls.

Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2018

About the author

Amy Bartelloni is a reader, writer, & coffee addict who lives with her 3 children, and various animals in the northeast US. When she's not playing mom-taxi, you can find her with her nose in a book or her head in the clouds. A people watcher and science fiction junkie, she still believes dreams can come true. Some of her favorite authors include Neil Gaiman, Jasper Fforde, and Grady Hendrix..

Reviews

[Melenia]

My rating depends on whether this is a series or a complete standalone... I haven’t been able to find out.

The world building was pretty great.

The story started out relatively slowly, but as with most of these types of books there is a lot to explain and information that needs to be given in the first several chapters.

It’s wraps up pretty well. It’s definitely not a cliffhanger, but does leave enough strings there to continue and make it a series. If it is not a series than there are a few too many strings left dangling.

I definitely recommend this book if you like this genre though. Pretty original storyline in my opinion.

[Jade Simcox]

After reading the blurb and seeing the cover for this book, I couldn't wait to read it. It's a genre I don't read that often but I love.
The story follows Delilah, and her 2 best friends Zane and Gen. Delilah and Zane are humans and Gen is a robot, the first generation robots that were made when they took over the world.
I found it hard to connect with the characters, even after finishing the book.
I found Delilah flipped between her emotions and decisions very quickly. I wouldn't say there was anything remarkable about her and for me that is something you need when writing a lead character.
Gen was probably my favourite character and I would like a story about her. She's a Gen One Robot, who has feelings and can think for herself unlike the newer built robots and that's why Delilah become's best friends with her.
I enjoyed the story but I wish there was more going on and more action. I found some of the chapters/paragraphs to be repetitive and not needed.
I so wanted to like this book because it had everything I would want when I would purchase a book and so much potential but it just feel flat for me.
I would be interested to see what the rest of the series holds.

[Erin Bartelloni]

Amazing book!! Great read, loved the concept!

[William J.]

Fans of the dystopian type worlds of The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner" will enjoy finding a new world to visit in "Gen One." Set in the not-too-distant future, probably of our earth, the world of Gen One is ruled by robots or "bots." For the most part, the "bots" are nameless, faceless forces of oppression who at best, leave the human survivors alone to live in those areas the robots are content to let them be. At worst, they - well, that is best left for you to read. There are a few exceptions, including the title character, a friendly and loyal robot who helps our main heroine. The book is very fast paced and takes place within a short time frame of a few days, following a few humans as they attempt to save their friends from the clutches of the bots. The author has done a nice job of world-building and as the story goes on, there are a few good twists. A raid on the bots stronghold produces some rather original and frightening images. While the story is complete, it leaves plenty of room for a continuation. Looking forward to a sequel.

[Patricia Finnegan]

I am one of the lucky ARC readers. For me the book is a winner. Already I am anxiously awaiting the next installment.
This is a world of robots and humans but the robots are ruling this little section of the world. Delilah doesn't know if the whole world is like this or if its just her home. Her best friends are a generation one robot she named Gen and Zane. Together they roam the wilds around the Rez in search of old tech they can trade for money. Gen looks human and seems to be able to learn and feel emotions. The ruling robots are classic scary silver robots. Each generation seems to get stronger and more deadly.
The everyday scramble for survival is a life or death situation. Zane and Gen had kept Delilah safe and somewhat innocent. Little do they know that she is a fighter and stronger than they think. A chance encounter at The Banks leads Delilah to the resistance and the struggle to help her fellow humans. She will not leave anyone behind. She will bring down these robots and save Zane anyway she can.
Lots of twists and unexpected turns kept me reading and wanting more.

[Risa]

This book was pitched as Defy the Stars meets Divergent, and as a reader and fan of both of these series, I just HAD to read it. In addition, I felt this novel was also a Terminator meets I-Robot. 

We follow Delilah in a post-apocalyptic world where robots essentially rule over the humans and society. When Zane, Delilah's best friend, introduces her to essentially a human resistance against the bots, a fight breaks out and Zane is taken away to Authority City. Authority City is run by bots, and the humans that are there are in "zoos". Delilah sets out to save him, and all the others to put an end to the bots reign.

This novel was one of those that has never ending action. Start to finish, there isn't a spot in the plot that slows down. It's a constant pull into the storyline and you're constantly flipping the pages to find out what happens next. The downside to the constant action I felt, was that I wasn't really given a chance to process the information. So much was being thrown at me and I felt a bit confused at times, trying to understand what had just happened. A lot of the times things were moving so fast I couldn't figure out where the characters were. So I wish there had been more of a slow down to give the reader a chance to understand the setting and what exactly was going on. Despite that, in the end I was able to piece things together.

As for the characters, most of the story follows Delilah. Gen, Delilah's Gen One robot who doesn't follow the hive mind of the other bots, was one of my favorite characters and I desperately wished there had been more of her in the story! Whenever she re-joined Delilah, I adored their interactions, and really wish she had been a bigger part of the story. Zane, the best friend and love interest, was also missing for a chunk of the plot, and I also wished there had been a little bit more of him because I don't know much about him, and can't form too much of an opinion. However, I REALLY liked Brute/Luke. He was probably my favorite character of the whole novel, and I don't know how old he is in comparison to Delilah, but if they're around the same age....I would totally ship it. They have some moments together in the end where I was like HMMMM. Haha. Not really a fan of the Zane/Delilah ship is all I'm saying. So I hope to see more of Brute in the sequel, if there is a sequel(???) I hope there's a sequel!

Regarding the world building, I think this was a very clever idea. It really does remind me of The Terminator / I-Robot storylines, and I-Robot happens to be one of my favorite movies. Only because that move, as well as Gen One, both explore the whole idea of humanity. Are robots/artificial intelligence capable of emotions? In our world, no, but in these worlds, some of the robots have their own way of thinking, they care. And in the end, Delilah has to decide between controlling the bots, or letting them think for themselves. So that was an interesting theme I saw in this book and enjoyed.

Overall, I give this 3.5/5 stars - only because I did feel confused and felt part of the world building was lacking regarding the bots. However, not at one point in this book did I want to put the book down and not finished. I was hooked from the beginning, drawn in by the characters and the storyline, intrigued from beginning to end. It's been a while since I've read a post-apocalyptic/dystopian kind of sci-fi novel, but I really liked this one and highly recommend it.

[Paperbacks]

I had read Andromeda by Amy Bartelloni a couple of months ago and I absolutely loved it so I was excited to receive an ARC of Gen One as the blurb sounded right up my street.  A post apocalyptic world, a war with robots and a cat and mouse style.  I have however, found this a really hard review to try and put together.  Firstly though, the world created by the author is phenomenal, a true dystopian hell for the survivors.  The backdrop of the Rez and the Banks had an almost Clockwork Orange feel to it, hardly a home with little to get by on and the constant threat of capture and punishment. The stories of Authority City are told as tales to keep younger children in line, never quite sure of the truth behind the tales - but the threat of it is enough. For me each scene played out in an almost cinematic way it, it really felt like a film playing out in my mind at times.  One thing this story has is that there is never a chance to breathe in the writing, every scene has something going on; be it important information or an action packed sequence. The world created is truly bleak and horrifying at times, don't be fooled by the upper YA tag, this story has some big shocks along the way.  The ending, without wanting to give things away, is nothing short of cataclysmic....

So why have I found it a hard review?  You may have noticed that above I have focused on the world building and that is because I have to say that I really struggled to connect with the characters. In my opinion, I felt like I was thrown into a story part way through where characters had already been established and because each page is so action packed I never really got the chance to get to know what makes each of them tick. I have seen a couple of reviews which indicated that this is a series, I have to say that I'm not sure where that came from - I read this story very much as a stand alone and to me that fits in with the way things pan out.  If I'm right in this, then it seems that there was just perhaps too much content to fit into one book.  We had so much to go through with what the characters were doing we didn't get much of a chance to get to know them and to develop that relationship with them.  This is a real shame as I felt that much more could have been made of the friendship between Delilah and Gen, and given the books title I would have thought Gen would have got a lot more time on the page than she did. I felt the character I connected most to was in fact Brute, time was taken to show the changes within him and his back story was via a trickle of information that really helped settle his character in.

The romantic element is rightly played down, it's there, but it isn't in a context that would be unbelievable in a situation wrought with the peril that they are in.  I found this a really refreshing move by the author as often a romantic element can feel in poor taste if the surrounding situation makes that type of interaction unlikely.

I have taken a bit of time to sit back and consider my rating, because ultimately Gen One is a phenomenal story with fantastic world building and had I connected with the characters it would have been a 5* for sure, but in fairness I think this is a 4* read for me.

[Kelly Marie]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Sometimes you had to get dirty to survive. It was a trick she’d learned in the Banks.” This is a post apoc thriller full of the human spirit along with super bots that may have souls. Delilah’s life goes from a life of plain grimness scavenging in the outer lying areas with her best friends Zane and Gen (a generation one bot) to being an outlaw with everyone trying to kill her. Her life just went from one extreme to the next. After she and Zane find a couple of bodies that were murdered she is abruptly brought into the life of the human coalition and once she is in and understands what they are fighting for she has no other desire but to join them after Zane has been taken. Zane has been trying to protect her and not have her get in the middle of the fighting between the humans and the bots but now that she is in she comes to the realization that this is bigger than her and she must fight to help save humanity for the humans and bots alike. She has come to realize that some of the bots may have souls as she sees this with Gen everyday with her curious nature and human feelings. Not all bots are bad. Delilah has a dormant strength that comes out in full force as she is forced to decide what the right thing to do is. She goes from being fragile and needing protection to being a brave and fearless protector. The transformation was amazing! There is tons of action as they have to infiltrate Authority City where the bots reside and maintain the rule over humans. As they are basically planning a suicide mission they have to get as much intel as possible. As more of the plan comes forth she finds that more people are involved than she ever thought they would. It is so full of twists and turns that you absolutely have to keep reading just to get to the next part and find out what else is going to happen. I can’t tell you any more about the actual story because I don’t want to give anything away but the plot twist is INSANE!

The author does an amazing job with the world building and character building as well. This is one of those stories that you can’t help but being able to feel like you are there right in the middle of the action. You start to feel like you really know the characters and that they are real. The emotions run strong and are heartfelt. The story is rather mind-boggling and a little scary (in a good way) because it makes you think about all of the what-ifs as our technology advances….just something to think about, haha! The end of the story is set up perfectly for a second book. Amy Bartelloni is a new author for me and she has me hooked! I can’t wait to see what happens next. Bravo!

[Tonja Drecker]

While the idea of robots taking over humans might seem regurgitated, this book takes some interesting and very unique spins.

Delilah and Zane have been best friends for as long as Delilah can remember, and Gen, one of the first AIs, is almost like a sister to her. Together, they search for what they can find in the ruins to sell for things they need. Since the robots took over, life for humans hasn't exactly been easy. On their way to sell that day's goods, the authorities start to hunt them down thanks to a huge secret Zane has been keeping from Delilah. Soon, Delilah finds herself in the most dangerous spot she could be, at the headquarters for the Human Coalition...the rebellion. And it's too late for her not to fight for humanities survival.

The world building in this book draws in right away and holds the entire way through. It's easy to fall into the ruins as the main characters search for valuable objects, and intriguing to dive into the market and the surrounding industrial areas. The descriptions are brief but well done enough to let the smell, feel, and taste of the world come to life. It was simply fun to dive right in.

As to the characters, there is a nice array of personalities. Even the side characters have their own stories, making it easy to cheer for several of them. But, of course, Delilah, holds center stage. She's spunky but not overly so, brave yet not careless and caring. Although she comes across a little naive in the beginning, she grows right along with the circumstances and holds her own while still remaining believable. She's a character to root for on every page.

Many layers of secrets and intrigue hide behind the rule of the robots, and there are some unexpected twists which change the entire view on the book near the end. It's intriguing and opens the question as to when an AI is more than just a machine.

While the plot is engaging, the writing sometimes misses a bit on flow, which could have made it really sit. Certain aspects come a bit suddenly and hiccup, while others are a little repetitive. But it's still an interesting read. Science fiction fans will enjoy diving into this world.

[Flora Viggiano]

I was pleasantly surprised by this first in a series book. Usually first books are not exciting because they need to set up the backgrounds of the characters and setting. This one did that and so much more. The book pulls you in with the family just before an invasion of Earth. The heroes are a strong female character, Delilah and a rebel spirited male character, Zane and the most human robot I have ever read, Gen. The story tells of the invasion of the world in which the humans live in fear of their overlords. The fear of terrible crimes against humanity and missing people among the citizens make it hard to rally up a rebel and even worse to have a romance. I was intrigued by these people and their lives. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series. I would recommend this series to seven grade level or higher reading level children. The theme of how to survive balanced with wanting freedom is an interesting concept. I found the story adventurous and romantic and thoughtfully written and I look forward to the next book. What will happen to our heroes and the world?

[Kathy]

When robots rule the world.....this is great book for SciFi lovers and anyone looking to take a step into the world of artificial intelligence without drowning in metal emotionless robots. Sure there are hive mentality robots seemingly running the show, but the main characters are anything but cold metal. There is a rich warmness in the human main characters and you will find yourself cheering them on, wishing for them, and crying with them. The air between the two main characters Delilah and Zane is at times so emotionally charged that you can cut it with a knife. It's a fight to survive adventure with a young, thick love story. The friendship bonds that form within the human coalition are equally as deep. There is the perfect balance of metal and flesh and bridging the gap between, Gen. You will fall in love with Gen, a generation one robot who is anything but cold, and who by the end of this book you will believe to have a soul. The scenery is intense as are the battles and the emotions are raw. The ideas in this book are fresh, twisted and dark with the perfect balance of light and hope.

[Shayne]

This book was beyond intense. At first I wasn't sure it would be as chapter one is a bit slow but as soon as they reach the Banks the book digs into you and doesn't let go.

I love that the author shows differing forms of bots, the ai kind that wish to live beside humidity and the hive mind super bots interested in experimenting on and then destroying humanity.

There's so much emotion and intensity in these pages. At times, I'd have to put the book down and walk outside just to show myself it wasn't real. There's romance but it's not graphic, there's violence but it's not gory. So much skill and balance went into making this a book that teens and adults would be hooked.

I want to tell you so much about Delilah, Gen, Zane, Smoke, Shadow, Brute, Sunny and the rest of this very diverse cast but I can't find sentences that don't spoil the adventure for future readers. All I can say is clear a day or two, depending on how fast you read, and dive in.

[Patrick Keithahn]

I thoroughly enjoyed Gen One, a young adult dystopian novel that strikes at the heart of that popular genre with its powerful and imaginative storyline. The complex realm of Gen One is as vivid as any I’ve read, from the hodgepodge trading center of the Banks to the terrifying Authority City. The characters are rich, especially Delilah, the headstrong protagonist in pursuit of rescuing Zane, her mysterious love interest. Just as engaging are the bots, operating through a hive mind, intent on exterminating, torturing, and pillaging the human race. Then there’s Gen, a sophisticated first generation bot with many human-like qualities. This series is off and running with its adventurous, at times bleak, premise of a future where humans and bots struggle through a deadly coexistence. I’m eager for the next installment in what promises to be a fascinating epic!

[Nicole Buckley]

Can’t wait to see what happens next!

This is an exciting young adult science fiction book that has many twists and turns-the story keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next. I’d recommend this book to upper middle school readers and above and really anyone who likes dystopian novels. This book centers on the main character Delilah who is living in a world where robots (bots) have taken over and humans are not in charge. During the course of the book Delilah changes from being someone who wants to stay out of the way to someone who fights for someone she loves and doesn’t back down until he is found and safe. There is are themes of friendship, loyalty and love . The ending leaves room for a second book.

[John]

An excellent book for all Sci-fi readers

Gen One is a thoroughly enjoyable story. The action-packed plot centers around Delilah as she sees her best friend Zane captured and taken prisoner by robots (bots) who control humanity. That’s the last straw for her. We see the young girl take an active role in a fight against the bots as they ratchet-up their cruelty. I especially admired how Amy Bartelloni took an often-used Sci-fi plot about evil robots as masters of the world, and spun it into a unique story. The writing is superb, and the worldbuilding is exceptional. I could clearly visualize the grit and decay in this war-torn world. The plot left me wanting more. Gen One is the first book in a series, and I’m looking forward to the next

[Nicholas Garret Jenson Catersbie]

This novel will pull you into a post apocalyptic world like no other. With boys ruling the world, Delilah teamed up with an old ally name Zane, as well as a first generation bot named Gen. But where will they go, what adventures will occur? Reading this perfect piece is the only way to find out. Pick up your copy today, and be thrown into a world of chaos, hope, and possibly love?
It’s been several years since I’ve read something by Amy Bartelloni, so when I was approached about getting an ARC, I was overly excited! Gen One is one of my favorite novels by her, and you will live it to!
Original, breathtaking, a sweep you of your feet adventure for all ages!

[Hope Douglas]

Gen One was sent to me as an ARC.

I read the book over the course of a few weeks. I kept misplacing my Kindle and life kept intervening. I finally got into the book and discovered it to be quite captivating. I wanted to see where the story took the characters next. It was a good, solid read. I'm not usually much to read a futuristic tale but am glad I did read this one. I still find myself mulling bits of the story over even though it's been a few weeks since I finished it. Definitely stuck with me.

[J.M. Celi]

Amy Bartelloni paints a chilling and gritty future in a world where intelligent robots are the dominant denizens of the land. It felt a little like Stephen Spielberg's movie "AI" crossed with "The Terminator" in all the best ways. The world building was visual and well fleshed out. For me, this robot dominant world felt more sensible than something like the Matrix or Terminator, and the uneasy cohabitation between androids and humans added to the tension and stakes. Loved the characters, and I loved how the androids themselves were depicted.

[Penny lurkykitty]

Gen One was a creative, interesting and fast-paced dystopian sci-fi novel. The world building was good and the story had some unanticipated twists and turns. Amy Bartelloni has created a dystopian society with an out-of-control AI making human life frightening and miserable. There are some descriptions that are not for the faint of heart. I liked the characters and hope that there is a sequel coming.

[Lisa P]

This story pulled me in right from the start. You immediately get the sense of struggle and hardships that people are dealing with. The variations in the types of robots- structurally, physically, and personality-wise makes this story stand out from many others. There are several twists thrown in. This was a fast paced, action packed dystopian that will leave you looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Holly Hawkins]

This is my first read it this author and it definitely will not be the last! The characters captivate you and propel you forward every step of the way. It had my heart racing and mind wondering what was going to happen next. A GREAT read! I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Nancy (The Avid Reader)]

The bots have taken over the world and now rule over the humans. The bots take humans against their will and use them to run horrible experiments on. This is how they keep most of the humans in line. But there are some humans that don’t take much to lying down as they say.

Delilah and her friend Zane are scavengers and they get their scrapes to sell in the ruins and then they take it to the banks to sell. Zane knows a few people there and knows where he can get the best deals.

Delilah and Zane have a generation one bot that they found and repaired. They call their bot Gen. Delilah has learnt a lot from Gen and is becoming to wonder if maybe Gen has a soul as she does seem to have feelings and can think for herself.

After discovering two human bodies under a bridge Delilah and Zane find themselves in a heap of trouble and running from the bots. Zane takes Delilah to the only safe place he knows of and that is the headquarters of the Human Coalition. If the bots catch them it could mean the end of their life or the end of life as they know it.

Zane has kept his involvement with the Human Coalition a secret from Delilah because he wants to protect her. But he soon learns that Delilah is a lot stronger than he thought her to be. Delilah is little upset with Zane when she finds out about his involvement in the Coalition.

After he is captured by the bots Delilah and the Human Coalition make plans to infiltrate Authority City to find Zane and help him to escape the bots before they use him in one of their experiments.

Delilah has never wanted to fight but after everything that she has now seen she can’t just walk away she has to help save the human race. She may not be able to save Zane without a fight.

Gen One has action, love, bots with feelings, fighting, murder and bots that rule the humans. Gen One is a fast paced read that will keep you hanging on wanting to know where the characters are going next and what they are going to do. Will there be war? A war between the humans and the bots. Who will win? The humans or the bots? Pick up your copy today to find out all the answers.

[Michelle Schroeder]

Although I liked the premise it lacked depth. There were many unanswered questions and unexplored opportunities. Each story string I expected to take me deeper just didn't.... The romance between Delilah and Zane barely gets a G rating. With the book titled "Gen One" the bot herself plays a very small part in the story. Thor was a great character addition but never expanded on and cut short too quickly. A little "Tom and Jerry" could have been fun. If Thor stowed away with one of the characters and ended up on a fishing boat that was home to a cat. I liked the friendship development between Brute and Delilah but wished he'd played more of a behind-the-scenes surrogate father to Zane as well. I was a bit disappointed that the Human Coalition didn't play a bigger part, like stealing weapons and ammo from offline bots and teaming up with more gen one's. This was like seeing a movie based on a good book you read but they cut out a lot to shorten the run time.

[Erin]

Don’t let my rating fool you as far as how good this story is. This author most certainly has a creative imagination and a story that is uniquely interesting. Yes, there are plenty of dystopian stories out there about wars between humans and AI, or robots, and the humans lose and become the slaves. BUT Bartelloni goes into much more detail in her story, where there is more to it than one against the other, and who will win. To go into further detail would be to go into spoilers and ruining the fun surprises.

Unfortunately, as much as I liked the idea behind the story, the character development and a good portion of the execution of the story made it hard for me to get pulled in, and to really feel invested in what I was reading. Delilah is one of the main characters, yet I never felt like I really knew her and was following her along her path. She was childish and scared, but then in a matter of just a few days she was super tough and becoming a leader. Sometimes life events could make someone grow up quickly, but I just didn’t feel it in this story. I’m big on character development and feeling like I know the characters I read about, and although I LIKED them, I didn’t feel like I knew them or felt the family bond between them that they had said to have quickly built. This and many things that were repeated that could have been mentioned once or twice were what forced me to give this a lower rating.

As I mentioned before, this was a very good story, and much more creative than I could ever try to be myself, and I certainly don’t want to distract from that. And there are many people out there that focus more on story, and character development isn’t as important to them. If you are one of those people, you will very likely enjoy this book very much. This is certainly not a book I would label as one not to read at all. It will be one that some like and some don’t, so if the story appeals to you, I would recommend giving it a try – I certainly didn’t hate it, and it has great potential to be worth the time.