According to Kovac

by Andrew Bannister

What do Robots dream of? Four leading science fiction authors explore this intriguing question in four stand-alone novellas ROBOT DREAMS Andrew Bannister introduces us to Kovac, an agent of the Mandate, assigned to a world whose inhabitants have no idea that their whole society is an experiment. When a young pregnant woman turns up at his door fearing for her life, Kovac is drawn into deadly intrigues that soon make it apparent there are agencies at work on the world that have no right being there...

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2020

About the author

Born in 1965, Andrew Bannister grew up in Cornwall. He studied Geology at Imperial College and went to work in the North Sea before becoming an Environmental Consultant. For the day job, he specialises in green transport and corporate sustainability, but he has always written - initially for student newspapers and fanzines before moving on, encouraged by creative writing courses, to fiction. He's always been a reader and has loved science fiction since childhood. From the classics of the 50s and 60s to the present day, he's wanted it all: space, stars, astonishment and adventure - and now he's discovered that writing it is even better. Andrew lives in Leicestershire.

Reviews

[Andrew]

This is the latest Newcon novella series for me to start and I have to say that I didnt click with this one as quickly or as seamlessly as I would have hoped - the premise is pretty straight forward although you do have to read the story with an open mind (you have several narratives going on at the same time)

However I think that impressed me the most was the world building - I know that in the scheme of things my science fiction reading is still very limited but I thought the world that Kovac inhabited was incredibly creative and unique and I have to say one that I would be interested in seeing further explored.

I think for me the nature of the novella was both the boon and bust of this story for me - with limited pages to work with you have to be economical with the word count the challange comes in where is that compromise made.

[Jorgon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent novella that takes place in the Spin universe of Bannister's previous books. Definitely shades of Banks especially in Bannister's treatment of AI/ship minds, but the universe is all his own and becoming more lived in and interesting with each new entry.