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Metal Chest
CAN A ROBOT SURVIVE A POST-APOCALYPTIC WASTELAND?
A devastating war between man and machine has left the world in ruins. Silas, a timid household robot, is left to roam the streets alone. Lacking in courage and confidence, Silas struggles to survive on his own as he searches for a new home. When he encounters Deacon, a human scavenger, he recruits the stranger to escort him to Limbys Technologies, the global giant responsible for creating Silas and other robots. Along their journey, the two develop a close friendship that defies their physical differences. Is this unlikely bond enough to keep them alive in a world full of violence?
For an exciting science fiction story about survival in a post-apocalyptic world, get Metal Chest today.
A devastating war between man and machine has left the world in ruins. Silas, a timid household robot, is left to roam the streets alone. Lacking in courage and confidence, Silas struggles to survive on his own as he searches for a new home. When he encounters Deacon, a human scavenger, he recruits the stranger to escort him to Limbys Technologies, the global giant responsible for creating Silas and other robots. Along their journey, the two develop a close friendship that defies their physical differences. Is this unlikely bond enough to keep them alive in a world full of violence?
For an exciting science fiction story about survival in a post-apocalyptic world, get Metal Chest today.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 16, 2025
3,5*
Metal Chest by Chris Yee is both what I came to expect from dystopian robot, sorry! the main character would hate being called a robot, so AI books, and yet a bit different in it's tone and execution.
I've read quite a few books with a similar topic, unintentionally all on the more cosy to light reading side. This was another one of those, with dark tones and some bloody scenes, but overall it felt more like a fun entertainment.
Our main character, a Home Unit trying to survive in a world were most humans were killed is very much refusing to do harm, if there's is any way to avoid it.
His human travel companion is not taking anything seriously. Not even certain death.
My main problem was consistency, or maybe just missing a it more padding to add depht.
I found some of the swings in opinions and behaviors too quick or unfitting the characters.
People go from 100% "I'll never trust X" to "No problem with this one" in about half a paragraph, and often I did not see why.
It was still an entertaining read and I liked the stones silly and fun tone, so I breezed through this.
Metal Chest by Chris Yee is both what I came to expect from dystopian robot, sorry! the main character would hate being called a robot, so AI books, and yet a bit different in it's tone and execution.
I've read quite a few books with a similar topic, unintentionally all on the more cosy to light reading side. This was another one of those, with dark tones and some bloody scenes, but overall it felt more like a fun entertainment.
Our main character, a Home Unit trying to survive in a world were most humans were killed is very much refusing to do harm, if there's is any way to avoid it.
His human travel companion is not taking anything seriously. Not even certain death.
My main problem was consistency, or maybe just missing a it more padding to add depht.
I found some of the swings in opinions and behaviors too quick or unfitting the characters.
People go from 100% "I'll never trust X" to "No problem with this one" in about half a paragraph, and often I did not see why.
It was still an entertaining read and I liked the stones silly and fun tone, so I breezed through this.
November 17, 2019
Not sure what I expected when from this book, but it certainly wasn’t what I got. A post-apocalyptic western buddy story is how I’d describe it. Plenty of humor, action, and heart. Throughly enjoyable.
The author did bring up some questions that went unanswered, but not in that awful cliffhangery, “buy the next book now!” way that makes you feel cheated after reading a whole book and not getting any pay-off. It doesn’t take away from the story at the center, and the ending is still quite satisfying as it is. Not sure if sequels or prequels were intended, or if we’re just meant to conjecture and fill in the blanks however our imaginations see fit. I generally prefer stand-alone stories to getting bogged down in a series, but I liked the characters (and writing) enough that I’d be interested in following them on more adventures.
The author did bring up some questions that went unanswered, but not in that awful cliffhangery, “buy the next book now!” way that makes you feel cheated after reading a whole book and not getting any pay-off. It doesn’t take away from the story at the center, and the ending is still quite satisfying as it is. Not sure if sequels or prequels were intended, or if we’re just meant to conjecture and fill in the blanks however our imaginations see fit. I generally prefer stand-alone stories to getting bogged down in a series, but I liked the characters (and writing) enough that I’d be interested in following them on more adventures.
September 10, 2021
Between the cover and the title, I was curious enough to look a little closer at this standalone dystopian sci-fi that read like an old western in tones.
A gentle domestic simmie (robot) has been thrust out into a brutal, raw post-war world to make do on his own. Silas is running out of oil for his moveable parts and his battery is in desperate need of re-charging. He no sooner comes across what he needs for survival when he is interrupted by a pack of humans getting ready to string up another human. The human waiting for a hanging taunts the others and shows no fear even when they punch and kick him. Being timid, Silas is a bit in awe of this behavior even though his common sense shakes its head at the antagonistic behavior that will just make it worse.
Deacon turns out to be a roving opportunist who scavenges and steals what he needs and wants. But, he doesn't care if Silas is not human and they become travel partners as they make their way to
the valley where simmies were created and Silas hopes to finally find a home. They are waylaid by other humans, combative simmies, and all sorts of adventures along the way. Will the valley turn out to be their dream place?
I enjoyed this 'road trip' western where two loners find their way together and form an unlikely partnership. Silas' journey is also a time of growing as he goes from timid and scared to a being with convictions and inner strength as well as a courage that others start to see. Deacon is a laissez-faire rough-mannered human who has lost a great deal and keeps those losses at bay by living in the moment. They are good for each other.
The world of Metal Chest isn't detailed out in lots of descriptive words. Yet, I had no trouble seeing it in my mind's eye. It's hardscrabble, dusty and a wasteland after the war the simmies fought to be free of the humans and the simmies won- though the world was destroyed as a result.
The plot is not crystal clear much of the time though there is a point- a few points, actually, that are there. The end is sort of open, but it suits the 'ride into the sunset' tone of some westerns.
This was my first listen in to Markham Anderson's narration work. I thought he was a fab match for the tone of the book and the characters. It was easy to start and I was captivated by all his voices and style of narration-work.
All in all, this impulse choice turned out to be a rough-shod gem that combined the good stuff in dystopian, sci-fi, and western.
A gentle domestic simmie (robot) has been thrust out into a brutal, raw post-war world to make do on his own. Silas is running out of oil for his moveable parts and his battery is in desperate need of re-charging. He no sooner comes across what he needs for survival when he is interrupted by a pack of humans getting ready to string up another human. The human waiting for a hanging taunts the others and shows no fear even when they punch and kick him. Being timid, Silas is a bit in awe of this behavior even though his common sense shakes its head at the antagonistic behavior that will just make it worse.
Deacon turns out to be a roving opportunist who scavenges and steals what he needs and wants. But, he doesn't care if Silas is not human and they become travel partners as they make their way to
the valley where simmies were created and Silas hopes to finally find a home. They are waylaid by other humans, combative simmies, and all sorts of adventures along the way. Will the valley turn out to be their dream place?
I enjoyed this 'road trip' western where two loners find their way together and form an unlikely partnership. Silas' journey is also a time of growing as he goes from timid and scared to a being with convictions and inner strength as well as a courage that others start to see. Deacon is a laissez-faire rough-mannered human who has lost a great deal and keeps those losses at bay by living in the moment. They are good for each other.
The world of Metal Chest isn't detailed out in lots of descriptive words. Yet, I had no trouble seeing it in my mind's eye. It's hardscrabble, dusty and a wasteland after the war the simmies fought to be free of the humans and the simmies won- though the world was destroyed as a result.
The plot is not crystal clear much of the time though there is a point- a few points, actually, that are there. The end is sort of open, but it suits the 'ride into the sunset' tone of some westerns.
This was my first listen in to Markham Anderson's narration work. I thought he was a fab match for the tone of the book and the characters. It was easy to start and I was captivated by all his voices and style of narration-work.
All in all, this impulse choice turned out to be a rough-shod gem that combined the good stuff in dystopian, sci-fi, and western.
August 1, 2020
Not bad, but I was kinda bored :/ wished the horses had appeared sooner.
Read the full review on the blog!
Content warnings include: violence, death, theft, oppression, dystopia, public execution by hanging.
My biggest issue lay with the worldbuilding. So many things weren't explained, which, okay, not everything needs an answer, except I really wanted to know more about simmie history. It was hard to understand the nuance behind human and simmie relationships when barely any of the history was explained.
What was even worse than that was the overall themes. Ultimately the simmies are a marginalized people, with humans being the oppressors. Yet it's never portrayed that way. Until the very last page, simmies are seen as needlessly violent and anti-human, while Deacon referrs to simmies with a term that Silas said multiple times was a slur to them, and Deacon clearly doesn't think of simmies as people. That made the events of the ending very uncomfortable, and the story felt kind of pointless.
I received an ARC and reviewed honeslty and voluntarily.
Read the full review on the blog!
Content warnings include: violence, death, theft, oppression, dystopia, public execution by hanging.
My biggest issue lay with the worldbuilding. So many things weren't explained, which, okay, not everything needs an answer, except I really wanted to know more about simmie history. It was hard to understand the nuance behind human and simmie relationships when barely any of the history was explained.
What was even worse than that was the overall themes. Ultimately the simmies are a marginalized people, with humans being the oppressors. Yet it's never portrayed that way. Until the very last page, simmies are seen as needlessly violent and anti-human, while Deacon referrs to simmies with a term that Silas said multiple times was a slur to them, and Deacon clearly doesn't think of simmies as people. That made the events of the ending very uncomfortable, and the story felt kind of pointless.
I received an ARC and reviewed honeslty and voluntarily.
August 16, 2018
“Robots With Character”
After robots rebel against their human creators, leaving the world in apocalyptic stage, a house-bot and human form a strange partnership. Salis belonged to a human family that it cared for before the world went crazy, now he (it?) seeks only to survive. But Salis needs oil and new batteries to continue his life as a robot, and he’s having trouble these until he meets Deacon, a human scrounger also wanting to survive. They run into trouble after trouble, either from the human element led by a cowboy, or warrior-bots wanting to rid the world of humans. Everyone is heading for New Valley and Limbys Technologies, where robots were created. But there also is Riley, the leader of the rebel robots. What will happen when they all converge?
This was a fascinating story, character driven with a simple plot. It’s a “planet of the apes” against mankind story, but in this case, robots that can think and act on their own. And the reader cares for the characters. It would actually make a wonderful movie, as Salis and Deacon make their way to New Valley, and become close buddies on the journey. Highly recommended.
After robots rebel against their human creators, leaving the world in apocalyptic stage, a house-bot and human form a strange partnership. Salis belonged to a human family that it cared for before the world went crazy, now he (it?) seeks only to survive. But Salis needs oil and new batteries to continue his life as a robot, and he’s having trouble these until he meets Deacon, a human scrounger also wanting to survive. They run into trouble after trouble, either from the human element led by a cowboy, or warrior-bots wanting to rid the world of humans. Everyone is heading for New Valley and Limbys Technologies, where robots were created. But there also is Riley, the leader of the rebel robots. What will happen when they all converge?
This was a fascinating story, character driven with a simple plot. It’s a “planet of the apes” against mankind story, but in this case, robots that can think and act on their own. And the reader cares for the characters. It would actually make a wonderful movie, as Salis and Deacon make their way to New Valley, and become close buddies on the journey. Highly recommended.
April 11, 2019
I enjoyed this book, despite having a few problems with some of it (why I knocked off a couple of stars). Anyway, if you can put aside your need for Asimov's three laws of robotics, and shove aside any need for scientific accuracy, you will find a lovely little "old west" robot coming of age story. As I said, this book does have some problems, but, this author has a wonderful talent for getting you to empathize with the characters -and that's hard for even the best writers out there- you like them, especially Silas, and find yourself rooting for them. Overall? Worth a read for something a little different.
Read
April 27, 2023DNF a clear reminder that I don't read dystopian stories. I didn't realize it was, until I got bummed out from the first scanario.
February 1, 2022
Well, the ending wasn't very satisfying but it was worth it to have met Silas.
August 23, 2018
Metal Chest is a story about a robot and a guy roaming an apocalyptic wasteland (that's the best kind of wasteland.)
But it feels like a Western, and the characters behave like they're in a Western. By that, I mean the characters and the setting are clearly established through dialogue, which is such a refreshing change from paragraphs and paragraphs of descriptions.
Here's an example: "Clunkers like you won't get very far if you stick to being friendly all the time. You got to look after yourself. Put everybody else second. They'll all leave you dead in the dirt."
That tells you everything you need to know about the speaker and the one he's talking to. And it's just one line. The book contains lots more than one line.
The whole thing is a terrific exercise in subverting tropes. More than that, it celebrates Westerns while also being a fine example of one.
I'm going to need to see more from author Chris Yee. But in the meantime, Metal Chest is worth a reread, preferably with your boots kicked off by a campfire.
But it feels like a Western, and the characters behave like they're in a Western. By that, I mean the characters and the setting are clearly established through dialogue, which is such a refreshing change from paragraphs and paragraphs of descriptions.
Here's an example: "Clunkers like you won't get very far if you stick to being friendly all the time. You got to look after yourself. Put everybody else second. They'll all leave you dead in the dirt."
That tells you everything you need to know about the speaker and the one he's talking to. And it's just one line. The book contains lots more than one line.
The whole thing is a terrific exercise in subverting tropes. More than that, it celebrates Westerns while also being a fine example of one.
I'm going to need to see more from author Chris Yee. But in the meantime, Metal Chest is worth a reread, preferably with your boots kicked off by a campfire.
May 17, 2020
Reading Method: Kindle eBook (ARC)
Reading Time: 2 hours
ARC provided by Hidden Gems ARC Program in exchange for an honest review.
I had an absolute blast with this story by Chris Yee. I flew through it in 2 sessions over 2 days and enjoyed it quite a bit.
I really loved both of the main characters, Silas and Deacon. I thought they were both varied in their thoughts and beliefs and grew and changed quite well over the course of the story. Some of the side characters were also depicted as very deep, interesting characters as well. While some of the remaining side characters fell a little flat as one note and a bit unbelievable, overall I was impressed.
I think that the overall setting and dynamic of the world we find our main characters in is pretty unique and not something I've encountered all that often. I don't want to say too much about it in order to prevent spoilers but the gist of it is the Earth is now in a post-apocalyptic state after a war between humans and human-like robots which makes scavenging and inter-group conflict the name of the game.
Chris Yee also does a very good job depicting the general atmosphere and feeling of decay and disrepair of this post-apocalyptic world without having to reiterate it constantly.
The one area where I feel Metal Chest fell a bit flat was the overall story in general. While it set up its path well and moved steadily from start to finish, it really wasn't all that interesting or compelling and mainly took a side act to the wonderful characters and setting.
Even with its flaws the rate at which I sped through Metal Chest and the enjoyment I felt while reading it told me all I needed to know when it came to my rating and review.
Reading Time: 2 hours
ARC provided by Hidden Gems ARC Program in exchange for an honest review.
I had an absolute blast with this story by Chris Yee. I flew through it in 2 sessions over 2 days and enjoyed it quite a bit.
I really loved both of the main characters, Silas and Deacon. I thought they were both varied in their thoughts and beliefs and grew and changed quite well over the course of the story. Some of the side characters were also depicted as very deep, interesting characters as well. While some of the remaining side characters fell a little flat as one note and a bit unbelievable, overall I was impressed.
I think that the overall setting and dynamic of the world we find our main characters in is pretty unique and not something I've encountered all that often. I don't want to say too much about it in order to prevent spoilers but the gist of it is the Earth is now in a post-apocalyptic state after a war between humans and human-like robots which makes scavenging and inter-group conflict the name of the game.
Chris Yee also does a very good job depicting the general atmosphere and feeling of decay and disrepair of this post-apocalyptic world without having to reiterate it constantly.
The one area where I feel Metal Chest fell a bit flat was the overall story in general. While it set up its path well and moved steadily from start to finish, it really wasn't all that interesting or compelling and mainly took a side act to the wonderful characters and setting.
Even with its flaws the rate at which I sped through Metal Chest and the enjoyment I felt while reading it told me all I needed to know when it came to my rating and review.
June 3, 2020
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
There isn't a whole lot to say about this novel. What you see in the blurb is pretty much exactly what you get - a robot and a human team up in a post-apoc world and go on a short little journey. That's pretty much it. There's not a lot of worldbuilding, and no real character arcs, aside from the main robot becoming braver. The other characters are pretty much in the background - Deacon in particular seems to just change personality based on what the scene needs. I did like the main simmie leader once we met her, as she ended up actually being pretty reasonable and chill, but there's not really any other memorable characters.
I found the reliance on gas a little weird - humanity is so advanced that they can imprint human minds onto robots, but apparently never invested more into wind/solar/etc.? And the robots themselves never figured out that it might be a good idea to use such things in the middle of a hot, windy desert, vs generators that are slowly deteriorating? Really, the robots are a bit confusing. Our main guy is basically just a human, in terms of his personality, feelings, etc., but there's a reoccurring minor baddie who is stupid/obedient based on his programming. Why is ours such an individual, whereas this other robot isn't? Why can't the robots create anything on their own, vs just scavenging what the humans left behind?
Overall, not a lot to write home about. If you want a short, easy read about a lil robot paling around with a human, this'll do fine. If you want anything deeper, this probably won't do it for you.
There isn't a whole lot to say about this novel. What you see in the blurb is pretty much exactly what you get - a robot and a human team up in a post-apoc world and go on a short little journey. That's pretty much it. There's not a lot of worldbuilding, and no real character arcs, aside from the main robot becoming braver. The other characters are pretty much in the background - Deacon in particular seems to just change personality based on what the scene needs. I did like the main simmie leader once we met her, as she ended up actually being pretty reasonable and chill, but there's not really any other memorable characters.
I found the reliance on gas a little weird - humanity is so advanced that they can imprint human minds onto robots, but apparently never invested more into wind/solar/etc.? And the robots themselves never figured out that it might be a good idea to use such things in the middle of a hot, windy desert, vs generators that are slowly deteriorating? Really, the robots are a bit confusing. Our main guy is basically just a human, in terms of his personality, feelings, etc., but there's a reoccurring minor baddie who is stupid/obedient based on his programming. Why is ours such an individual, whereas this other robot isn't? Why can't the robots create anything on their own, vs just scavenging what the humans left behind?
Overall, not a lot to write home about. If you want a short, easy read about a lil robot paling around with a human, this'll do fine. If you want anything deeper, this probably won't do it for you.
April 13, 2019
Metal Chest! This book! It's the robot spaghetti western you never knew you needed.
I picked this up because it was like 1$ and the cover of my kindle edition had a robot (Silas) on a horse. That was enough to sell me, honestly. I didn't expect much, no offense, some indies are gems and some are, well, not. Spoiler alert: this one is. I was blown away with this story. I fell in love with Silas on page one and never looked back. It's a buddy story, a bromance, if you will, about a dude and a robot setting out to find their place in an aggressive post-war apocalyptic setting where simulated intelligence rules the world.
The danger feels real, the stakes are high, and above all, the action is so COOL. There's no other word to describe it, really. The characters are good and believable, the pace is fast even though the story is told mostly through dialogue. This book checked a lot of boxes for me and I had fun the entire time I was reading it. Thank you, Mr Yee, for this sugar ripping, gun totin', grease-blasting ride. <3
I picked this up because it was like 1$ and the cover of my kindle edition had a robot (Silas) on a horse. That was enough to sell me, honestly. I didn't expect much, no offense, some indies are gems and some are, well, not. Spoiler alert: this one is. I was blown away with this story. I fell in love with Silas on page one and never looked back. It's a buddy story, a bromance, if you will, about a dude and a robot setting out to find their place in an aggressive post-war apocalyptic setting where simulated intelligence rules the world.
The danger feels real, the stakes are high, and above all, the action is so COOL. There's no other word to describe it, really. The characters are good and believable, the pace is fast even though the story is told mostly through dialogue. This book checked a lot of boxes for me and I had fun the entire time I was reading it. Thank you, Mr Yee, for this sugar ripping, gun totin', grease-blasting ride. <3
April 20, 2019
Terrible
What started out as a decent book, a devastated earth trod on by the remnants of humans and simmies (clunkers) rolls downhill to bad as the characters go from one silly, ridiculous situation to another. Really what could have been as good as Sea of Rust, was just a chore to get through. It's not that the writing is bad - it's not - but the plotfalls the characters fall into are silly beyond belief - it's almost a bad comedy, which is too bad because the main character, Silas the simmie (clunker, another term for a mobile, artificial intelligence) is a good character. His human companion, Deacon is more of a cariacture than a character. Could and should have been much better.
What started out as a decent book, a devastated earth trod on by the remnants of humans and simmies (clunkers) rolls downhill to bad as the characters go from one silly, ridiculous situation to another. Really what could have been as good as Sea of Rust, was just a chore to get through. It's not that the writing is bad - it's not - but the plotfalls the characters fall into are silly beyond belief - it's almost a bad comedy, which is too bad because the main character, Silas the simmie (clunker, another term for a mobile, artificial intelligence) is a good character. His human companion, Deacon is more of a cariacture than a character. Could and should have been much better.
November 6, 2019
The war between humans and human-created simulated intelligence beings (simmies) was over. The simmies had won. Now there is not much left of either culture, let alone organized civilization. Deacon (a human) and Silas (a simmie) get thrown together by circumstance and decide to hang around together for awhile. Thus begins the adventures of the human and the simmie in an environment hostile to either one or the other (or both) wherever they go. They are each looking for "home". Do they find it? Will they even know what it is when they encounter it? You have to read the story to find out. (I'm not telling.)
May 13, 2020
I chose this novel to review because it's post-apocalyptic science fiction, and because I liked the premise. Smart choice: I REALLY like it! Despite the fact that the protagonists are one human and one damaged household robot, trekking a post-apocalyptic wasteland (destroyed by robotic war against humans), METAL CHEST is a heartfelt and human story that frightens, warms, and excites, with lots of adventure and chills (not least of which are certain self-righteous humans who claim to be restoring civility and rule of law, and certain Simulated Intelligences who are every bit as elitist and disdainful as some humans). It's an adventurous and highly enjoyable read.
September 15, 2020
This was a pretty great idea even though the execution was a bit up and down. Silas is a "house" robot with a timid, pleaser personality. He's left all alone among a desolate landscape of fleeing humans and aggressive robots who seem to have won the war between man and machine. Deacon is a human just trying to survive but still has a genial attitude and a joke at the ready (as well as a sarcastic remark). Somehow the pair help each other out of a couple of tough situations and even though they would be considered enemies they begin to travel together. The ending was a bit jumbled in my opinion but I liked the interactions between these two characters.
May 8, 2023
When I noticed this book, I thought it would be like Sea Of Rust by Cargill. There were similarities, i.e., world conquered by robots/AI but the difference is that there are human survivors in Metal Chest. The characters were relatable and the story line followed the plot line of a quest, the robot trying to find and join his own kind, the human finding the robot to be nothing like he expected and one he befriends. Their experiences and challenges along the way to a city of robots (simis) keep you turning pages and the ending leads one to believe there could be a sequel. If there is, I would buy it, this was an enjoyable read.
November 22, 2019
Good characters in an inconsistent world. Chris Yee does a good job of creating characters that you have feeling for. Unfortunately he didn't seem to put as much effort into the world he created around them.
Silas is plagued by battery problems throughout the first half of the book but seems to go through the whole second half on one 'charge'. There were some similar inconsistencies in the minor characters.
While I enjoyed the read, I don't really care enough to wonder if there might be further adventures.
Silas is plagued by battery problems throughout the first half of the book but seems to go through the whole second half on one 'charge'. There were some similar inconsistencies in the minor characters.
While I enjoyed the read, I don't really care enough to wonder if there might be further adventures.
March 1, 2026
It's sort of a cross between Terminator and a Western buddy movie. AI's derived from human templets rebelled against their masters, killing off most humans except those good at hiding. Silas was a house robot, all alone now, scavenging for oil and power. He is timid as can be, sort of a C3PO, who falls in with a man while trying to make it to the promised land of New Valley. Looks like the author's first novel and is a bit superficial but has some good ideas going for it. I might buy another by Yee.
October 12, 2018
Silas was alone and wandering the wasteland that was post-apocalyptic America. Then he made friends with Deacon. The unusual part of this friendship was the fact that Silas wasn't human. He was a simmie - simulated intelligence or android. Deacon was still upset that simmies had killed most of humanity. Chris Yee writes and interesting and evocative tale of the bonding between the two and their adventure in finding the home of the simmies.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read.
April 15, 2019
If it's possible to apply the word "fun" to a dystopian novel, this would be the one. In a post-apocalyptic Earth where our worst fears come to life, the robots revolted & killed off most of the human population, one man and one "simmie" find common ground and friendship. Fans of western movies will also enjoy this story with a western theme. Not sure I entirely buy the ending, though riding off into the sunset does seem apropos.
August 20, 2023
Murderbot meets post apocalypse. The storyline is similar to other apocalypse books, hide, scavenge, servive, repeat. The main difference is the story centers around a self aware robot traveling a post apocalyptic America after a war. I liked Silas and Deacon a lot, their friendship being the best best part of the story. I found the conversations between Deacon and Amber annoying and tedious. The ending was good but anti climactic.
April 16, 2019
Great road trip
Reading Metal Chest was like taking a great road trip. I loved the western sci-fi feel of the story. This is one of those stories that you find hard to put down once started. I bought this book on a whim and boy am I happy I bought it. Treat yourself and take this book for the ride it is.
Reading Metal Chest was like taking a great road trip. I loved the western sci-fi feel of the story. This is one of those stories that you find hard to put down once started. I bought this book on a whim and boy am I happy I bought it. Treat yourself and take this book for the ride it is.
May 15, 2020
A housie and a renegade meet along the way to a far off place. Along the way they meet with danger, friendship with a couple of extra surprises.
I enjoyed the writing and the pace. The humour was well placed with pop culture references here and there. I had a lot of fun reading this book. Definitely a reread.
I received a free arc copy from hidden gems in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed the writing and the pace. The humour was well placed with pop culture references here and there. I had a lot of fun reading this book. Definitely a reread.
I received a free arc copy from hidden gems in return for an honest review.
August 19, 2020
Chris Yee writes an engaging book that integrates science fiction and western themes. The book provokes thought about relationships and insiders/outsiders that is especially relevant to society today. At times the main characters display paradoxical behavior, too bold in one episode and too conservative in the next. Also the brashness of some characters leads them into conflict, but that provides the foil of the story action. Lots of twists, turns and surprises.
September 16, 2020
This was unexpectedly fun! I am not really a fan of westerns or post apoc sci-fi, but got the audio book on sale and was impressed at how much the characters drew me in! It follows a robot and his friend through the dangerous landscape of post apocalyptic America, still reeling from a robot-human war. I'm hopeful there's some sequels, or maybe some planned sequels. Fluff or bust!
September 18, 2020
Consumption method: audio
I feel that the story was way better than the narration. Actually, the narrator, Markham Anderson, was pretty good but his distance conversation was terrible.
I don't know how it ended. The end was disjointed, making me feel that the chapters for mixed up. And the final chapter lost.
I feel that the story was way better than the narration. Actually, the narrator, Markham Anderson, was pretty good but his distance conversation was terrible.
I don't know how it ended. The end was disjointed, making me feel that the chapters for mixed up. And the final chapter lost.
January 23, 2023
It was ok. Kind if a Zane Grey or Loius Lamour in a ost apocalyptic USA with robots.
It was a quick easy read, entertaining, lots of corny dialog and cliches. A few too many miraculous escapes and out of character behavior.
I guess the ending is all set up for sequels, but I doubt I’ll read any more.
It was a quick easy read, entertaining, lots of corny dialog and cliches. A few too many miraculous escapes and out of character behavior.
I guess the ending is all set up for sequels, but I doubt I’ll read any more.
May 5, 2023
Easy Read
Nice to sink into a "novel" world...future sci-fi road trip with a western twist. The characters were engaging, especially the relationship between the two main characters. Not much to the plot, and some of the character motivations did not ring true, but was an easy read and entertaining.
Nice to sink into a "novel" world...future sci-fi road trip with a western twist. The characters were engaging, especially the relationship between the two main characters. Not much to the plot, and some of the character motivations did not ring true, but was an easy read and entertaining.
May 11, 2023
Silas is a refugee of the Robot war which whipped out most of the robots and humans. He's a robot, but he's not good on his own. He wants to find the haven for his kind and he teams up with human, Deacon. They face dangers and find friends and finally Silas is home, but it's not at all what he was hoping for.
It's a quick read, but I fell in love with the characters.
It's a quick read, but I fell in love with the characters.
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