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The Next Step
For tech prodigy Adam Moore, grief is a problem to be solved. As the son of San Francisco’s most celebrated innovators, he lives in a future shaped by his family’s creation—lifelike androids woven into the fabric of everyday life. But for Adam, that legacy is a gilded cage, haunted by a tragedy that shattered his childhood. A chance reunion with Kim, the girl tied to his past, rekindles a connection he thought lost forever. But as their bond deepens, it draws the attention of powerful figures determined to keep long-buried secrets hidden. In a world driven by artificial intelligence and corporate ambition, Adam must decide if the one connection that still feels real is worth risking everything—before the ghosts of his past destroy any chance they have. Join Adam on a journey that may lead to the next step in the evolution of androids—and of humanity itself.
- GenresScience Fiction
241 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2020
7 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Siska
2 books4 followersAdrian is a Slovak author, game developer, and creative explorer who’s spent most of his life balancing logic with imagination. Growing up in a modest household, he often escaped into stories — not just for fun, but as a lifeline to something more exciting and meaningful. That early need to imagine better worlds evolved into a passion for creating his own.
Though he studied economics and worked in finance, Adrian’s love for storytelling never faded. He began writing exclusively in English during his years as a freelance translator, later releasing his debut novel The Next Step (2020), a science fiction love story that quietly touched hearts around the world.
In 2024, he followed it up with SUPERMAGDA, a fast-paced children’s adventure set in the whimsical world of the Wuka Islands, also available as an audiobook narrated by Tina Marie Cruz.
Adrian is also the creator of two indie games — Office Run (2022) and Wonder Ball (2024), both nominated for Slovakia’s BiT Awards.
He continues to tell fast-paced, emotionally driven stories full of action, heart, and imagination — always experimenting across genres and mediums.
Though he studied economics and worked in finance, Adrian’s love for storytelling never faded. He began writing exclusively in English during his years as a freelance translator, later releasing his debut novel The Next Step (2020), a science fiction love story that quietly touched hearts around the world.
In 2024, he followed it up with SUPERMAGDA, a fast-paced children’s adventure set in the whimsical world of the Wuka Islands, also available as an audiobook narrated by Tina Marie Cruz.
Adrian is also the creator of two indie games — Office Run (2022) and Wonder Ball (2024), both nominated for Slovakia’s BiT Awards.
He continues to tell fast-paced, emotionally driven stories full of action, heart, and imagination — always experimenting across genres and mediums.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 19, 2022
**I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
What's the next step for humanity? fucking robots of course
Meet Adam Moore basically a college robot genuis
He's smart. He's kind. He has steel values that he is willing to fight for the people he loves. Yes its robots, we bringing out the puns
For a rich boi, he was pretty down to earth and not really in the futuristic party scene like i was expecting. Honestly.... he was pretty tame and didn’t have a really strong personality or dynamic characteristics to remember him by.
The worldbuilding was pretty unique but explained in a scatter. Robot fighting, technology company competitions, love interests reunited, hero learning to join the world his parents were part of, and yea
It was both totally realistic for the world while simultaneously creating dangerously awesome situations for Adam to get involved
But then… that fucking plot twist in the middle
Secondary characters
Zari the sassy and capable robot--mechanic--boxer who kinda an outlaw. I KNOW RIGHT HOW FUCKIGN COOL IS that backstory!! and then she gets soooo little screentime
To be honest, she was one of my favorite characters that I kept hoping would get more of a spotlight. I wanted her to have a little more spunk and bite that she can bring to the group dynamic. Her personality just could’ve been so much BIGGER and LOUD and DYNAMIC that I saw her potential wayyy more than Adam’s
And then there's Kim. oh sweet naive Ki Myung Kwon.
Okay I did think she was a cute character. It was the whole cliche childhood friends FINALLY reunited
but I gotta be honest... girl got on my nerves little bit
bitch say what? everyone makes mistakes, don't put him on a pedestal just to watch him fall down
Also, she wasn't really involved in ANYTHING with the plot. Seriously 80% of the time she had not a goddamn clue what was going out on outside her bubble of college classes and lovey dovey with Adam.
She was constantly like
the obligatory book best friend Derek
Some others include ... Ozzy, Nelly the companion android and Duke *who the fuck is this guy tho he only showed up for 2 chapters*
and my personal favorite, Uncle Gabriel. This is precisely why families shouldn't go into companies together. ain't nothing but DRAMA *insert photo of Kardasians*
My main critique with the characters is that I wanted more dialogue and banter between the characters to have a stronger bond with each other but also highlighting their own distinct personalities/goals/thoughts/motivation
The things I loved about this book was the creative worldbuilding and general plot
What kinda disconnected me was some of the writing style choices
It seemed to have the same pace throughout the entire thing. Whether we were at a college party, robot fighting, or working at the office -- it was. all written. with same. monotone. descriptive tone.
I wanted the action to get sped up and more intense.
There were some parts I was like why the fuck is the author being so SPECIFIC about this
And some ended being some cool easter eggs in the beginning
But I had to wait of that pay off. So during the buildup, I was just wondering why I was getting so much detail and wasn't sure which details were actually important
I kept checking the goddamn book synopsis like wait who is my main character, who are these other people, why do i care about them
Especially because of the constant POVS switch that seemed really unnecessary
Ch1 it Ki Myung Kwon then Maison Kwon POV
Ch 2 we get Maison then Kim
Ch 3 Christine More, sneak of Adams, then Peter and Gabriel AND Maison
Ch 4 was more Christine and Peter
Ch 5 now solidly in Adam's POV
Like christ thats a lot of bouncing around with POVs that sounded pretty alike and the whole time I’m just the reader wondering who is the main focus here and what is it all building up to. It wasn’t till ch 5 that I finally got a handle of OKAY !! This book is about Adam<—- and everything else was just describing his background which would’ve been wayyyy better as flashbacks DURING the plot instead of spending the first five chapteres building it all up.
Overall, I liked this book because it took risks. It had an interesting premise and twists that were clearly outside the normal scifi tropes. The characters were little lacking, with the antagonist having the strongest personality ! Whereas Adam was just kinda there. Authors~ I don’t want to be bored by your protagonist who acts like a game NPC. I don’t want a generic character just surviving through the complex events you created. I want to read a full-realized, dynamic protagonist. The plot was clearly building towards something, but my scifi expectations meant the whole time i was waiting for some hardcore robot smackdown that *finally* came at the end
Can’t wait to see what the next step for Adam is *see what I did there*
What's the next step for humanity? fucking robots of course
Meet Adam Moore basically a college robot genuis
He's smart. He's kind. He has steel values that he is willing to fight for the people he loves. Yes its robots, we bringing out the puns
For a rich boi, he was pretty down to earth and not really in the futuristic party scene like i was expecting. Honestly.... he was pretty tame and didn’t have a really strong personality or dynamic characteristics to remember him by.
The worldbuilding was pretty unique but explained in a scatter. Robot fighting, technology company competitions, love interests reunited, hero learning to join the world his parents were part of, and yea
It was both totally realistic for the world while simultaneously creating dangerously awesome situations for Adam to get involved
“I sent you, my elite team, and you couldn’t handle a nerd and a piece of machine. What kind of mercenaries are you?”Sad news this wasn’t *quite* as violent as I was expected, but focused on the intrigue and betrayal from ALL sides while in the company *yes thats a call out*
But then… that fucking plot twist in the middle
Secondary characters
Zari the sassy and capable robot--mechanic--boxer who kinda an outlaw. I KNOW RIGHT HOW FUCKIGN COOL IS that backstory!! and then she gets soooo little screentime
To be honest, she was one of my favorite characters that I kept hoping would get more of a spotlight. I wanted her to have a little more spunk and bite that she can bring to the group dynamic. Her personality just could’ve been so much BIGGER and LOUD and DYNAMIC that I saw her potential wayyy more than Adam’s
And then there's Kim. oh sweet naive Ki Myung Kwon.
Okay I did think she was a cute character. It was the whole cliche childhood friends FINALLY reunited
“I missed you too, I’m glad to be here again,” she replied as her gray eyes met Adam’s. That green Kim remembered so well.”
but I gotta be honest... girl got on my nerves little bit
“Oh, Adam, you will never be a jerk.”
bitch say what? everyone makes mistakes, don't put him on a pedestal just to watch him fall down
Also, she wasn't really involved in ANYTHING with the plot. Seriously 80% of the time she had not a goddamn clue what was going out on outside her bubble of college classes and lovey dovey with Adam.
She was constantly like
“No one is going to hurt you in any way.”
“Will we ever be on a date again?”it was almost.. 2 sweet ??
the obligatory book best friend Derek
Some others include ... Ozzy, Nelly the companion android and Duke *who the fuck is this guy tho he only showed up for 2 chapters*
and my personal favorite, Uncle Gabriel. This is precisely why families shouldn't go into companies together. ain't nothing but DRAMA *insert photo of Kardasians*
My main critique with the characters is that I wanted more dialogue and banter between the characters to have a stronger bond with each other but also highlighting their own distinct personalities/goals/thoughts/motivation
The things I loved about this book was the creative worldbuilding and general plot
What kinda disconnected me was some of the writing style choices
It seemed to have the same pace throughout the entire thing. Whether we were at a college party, robot fighting, or working at the office -- it was. all written. with same. monotone. descriptive tone.
I wanted the action to get sped up and more intense.
There were some parts I was like why the fuck is the author being so SPECIFIC about this
And some ended being some cool easter eggs in the beginning
But I had to wait of that pay off. So during the buildup, I was just wondering why I was getting so much detail and wasn't sure which details were actually important
I kept checking the goddamn book synopsis like wait who is my main character, who are these other people, why do i care about them
“I’m talking with the living descendants of Eminem”
Especially because of the constant POVS switch that seemed really unnecessary
Ch1 it Ki Myung Kwon then Maison Kwon POV
Ch 2 we get Maison then Kim
Ch 3 Christine More, sneak of Adams, then Peter and Gabriel AND Maison
Ch 4 was more Christine and Peter
Ch 5 now solidly in Adam's POV
Like christ thats a lot of bouncing around with POVs that sounded pretty alike and the whole time I’m just the reader wondering who is the main focus here and what is it all building up to. It wasn’t till ch 5 that I finally got a handle of OKAY !! This book is about Adam<—- and everything else was just describing his background which would’ve been wayyyy better as flashbacks DURING the plot instead of spending the first five chapteres building it all up.
Overall, I liked this book because it took risks. It had an interesting premise and twists that were clearly outside the normal scifi tropes. The characters were little lacking, with the antagonist having the strongest personality ! Whereas Adam was just kinda there. Authors~ I don’t want to be bored by your protagonist who acts like a game NPC. I don’t want a generic character just surviving through the complex events you created. I want to read a full-realized, dynamic protagonist. The plot was clearly building towards something, but my scifi expectations meant the whole time i was waiting for some hardcore robot smackdown that *finally* came at the end
Can’t wait to see what the next step for Adam is *see what I did there*
November 12, 2020
Adam Moore is a STEM child prodigy of Peter and Christine Moore, tech giants in the android industry.
After a tragic accident costing the lives of Peter and Christine, Adam is forced to live with his uncle Gabriel who is now the new CEO of Moore Technologies.
What follows is the unfolding of Adam’s life as a young boy to the scientific genius as an adult. Full of action, adventure, and with a hint of romance, the reader will be taken on a wonderful journey in the life of Adam.
The Next Step is a brilliant sci-fi novel. With excellent plot execution, and an engaging cast of characters, The Next Step will not disappoint. Five stars. I loved this novel.
I received a digital copy of the book from the author, Adrian Siska. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
After a tragic accident costing the lives of Peter and Christine, Adam is forced to live with his uncle Gabriel who is now the new CEO of Moore Technologies.
What follows is the unfolding of Adam’s life as a young boy to the scientific genius as an adult. Full of action, adventure, and with a hint of romance, the reader will be taken on a wonderful journey in the life of Adam.
The Next Step is a brilliant sci-fi novel. With excellent plot execution, and an engaging cast of characters, The Next Step will not disappoint. Five stars. I loved this novel.
I received a digital copy of the book from the author, Adrian Siska. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 21, 2021
I could actually fantasize about the real future of decades ahead with artificial intelligence (AI) making our lives actually far too advanced and, of course, with pangs of uncertainty while reading this futuristic scifi debut!
I would like to emphasize on how easy was it to get into this book and how realistic the characters and the plot turned out to be. And all these set in the 2050s. Take that!
The credit goes to the effortless writing. Each plot turn is well explained, each character is given due importance and their roles indeed well played, the plot progressed quite well and the ending deserves a good round of applause!
I love how the female characters have a strong role regarding that this is a young adult sci-fi fantasy story. It's liberating to read books where there's less prejudice to female characters.
I find the characters having distinct personalities and they stood out. I love the fact that these characters are quite relatable when it comes to to families, college life and job dilemmas.
Even though the plot is basically futuristic and heavily concerned with AI, the writing dealt beautifully with basic emotions and connection. I highly appreciate this in the writing. It actually made all the difference.
Our main character Adam is my go-to character. He is so damn lively, smart and most probably hot and handsome (don't blame my imagination!). Whenever he gets serious (of course, he's pretty serious because of the way he's brought up), I go crazy for him (damn smart, understanding characters are hot!)
Two other main characters Zari and Kim. Love them both and their distinctive roles as well. One is street smart and quite into robots and robot fights (well, that's wild!) and the other is quite nerdy and warm.
I love the multicultural character representation.
I even love this stiff strict uncle of Adam, damn Mr Gabriel. Damn the reader me. I got so attached to the characters! Yes, even the bad, ugly natured ones.
And most importantly, the chemistry between the characters is really strong and amazing well etched out. You can just feel the vibes like you are watching them in front of you.
I just love the romance. It's so pure and innocent.
I love how determined the characters are. They have plans, they go hard at them and work hard to achieve their goals. Somehow I got all fired up and was rooting for them till the end.
There are some parts of tragedy at the beginning as well as towards the second half. My heart broke! Damn, why, author, why?!
I wasn't expecting that twist towards the later half.
And yes, how wouldn't I be happy with that ending?! It's so damn satisfying! My heart is all happy happy!
Artificial soul you wonder? Here's the deal!
Go for this book and have a wild time.
I would like to emphasize on how easy was it to get into this book and how realistic the characters and the plot turned out to be. And all these set in the 2050s. Take that!
The credit goes to the effortless writing. Each plot turn is well explained, each character is given due importance and their roles indeed well played, the plot progressed quite well and the ending deserves a good round of applause!
I love how the female characters have a strong role regarding that this is a young adult sci-fi fantasy story. It's liberating to read books where there's less prejudice to female characters.
I find the characters having distinct personalities and they stood out. I love the fact that these characters are quite relatable when it comes to to families, college life and job dilemmas.
Even though the plot is basically futuristic and heavily concerned with AI, the writing dealt beautifully with basic emotions and connection. I highly appreciate this in the writing. It actually made all the difference.
Our main character Adam is my go-to character. He is so damn lively, smart and most probably hot and handsome (don't blame my imagination!). Whenever he gets serious (of course, he's pretty serious because of the way he's brought up), I go crazy for him (damn smart, understanding characters are hot!)
Two other main characters Zari and Kim. Love them both and their distinctive roles as well. One is street smart and quite into robots and robot fights (well, that's wild!) and the other is quite nerdy and warm.
I love the multicultural character representation.
I even love this stiff strict uncle of Adam, damn Mr Gabriel. Damn the reader me. I got so attached to the characters! Yes, even the bad, ugly natured ones.
And most importantly, the chemistry between the characters is really strong and amazing well etched out. You can just feel the vibes like you are watching them in front of you.
I just love the romance. It's so pure and innocent.
I love how determined the characters are. They have plans, they go hard at them and work hard to achieve their goals. Somehow I got all fired up and was rooting for them till the end.
There are some parts of tragedy at the beginning as well as towards the second half. My heart broke! Damn, why, author, why?!
I wasn't expecting that twist towards the later half.
And yes, how wouldn't I be happy with that ending?! It's so damn satisfying! My heart is all happy happy!
Artificial soul you wonder? Here's the deal!
Go for this book and have a wild time.
January 1, 2021
The Next Step by Adrian Siska is a beautifully written sci-fi thriller. The premise of android technology and artificial intelligence is not a distant idea now. But I was curious to find out what will be the next step. What will be our immediate future?
I am always looking forward to this kind of stories. I’m curious to explore the extent of imagination and innovation that an author can create through their sci-fi books. For me getting lost in this new world is very easy. Every impossible idea becomes possible because of our imagination. The extend of control over our brain determines the height of craziness in the idea. The modern world is built on this capability. We are already familiar with the power of artificial intelligence and its possibilities. But what will be the next step in this field? What will be the next impossible?
I must say the author has created a very good answer for this question. It is not a mind-blowing idea because it is only “the next step”, the next possibility. The story is more realistic in this sense. It is believable. The characters are developed very well over time. Almost ninety percent of the story revolves around Adam Moore. His emotions, pain, friendship, love, intelligence are explored throughout the story. It was heartwarming to see how Adam has picked up the pieces of his broken life and create another beautiful family amidst conspiracy and deception. The bond he has with Kim is so special. This relationship has been grown beyond limits over the years. We can witness how she becomes an integral part of his identity. That’s why he was determined to surpass his limits. He is a true warrior.
The brilliance of this story lies in the attention to details. The author has included every problem that may arise with the spread of automation. It was scary to know these. But it is the future.
A brilliant work indeed.
I am always looking forward to this kind of stories. I’m curious to explore the extent of imagination and innovation that an author can create through their sci-fi books. For me getting lost in this new world is very easy. Every impossible idea becomes possible because of our imagination. The extend of control over our brain determines the height of craziness in the idea. The modern world is built on this capability. We are already familiar with the power of artificial intelligence and its possibilities. But what will be the next step in this field? What will be the next impossible?
I must say the author has created a very good answer for this question. It is not a mind-blowing idea because it is only “the next step”, the next possibility. The story is more realistic in this sense. It is believable. The characters are developed very well over time. Almost ninety percent of the story revolves around Adam Moore. His emotions, pain, friendship, love, intelligence are explored throughout the story. It was heartwarming to see how Adam has picked up the pieces of his broken life and create another beautiful family amidst conspiracy and deception. The bond he has with Kim is so special. This relationship has been grown beyond limits over the years. We can witness how she becomes an integral part of his identity. That’s why he was determined to surpass his limits. He is a true warrior.
The brilliance of this story lies in the attention to details. The author has included every problem that may arise with the spread of automation. It was scary to know these. But it is the future.
A brilliant work indeed.
Did Not Finish
June 25, 2021DNF @ 40%
Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
1.5/5 stars
I wanted to like this so bad, I promise! The story wasn't terrible. But I couldn't get past the other flaws. The writing was a bit of a mess and the stereotypes ran abound! I know other people have liked it though, so it might still be worth a try.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
1.5/5 stars
I wanted to like this so bad, I promise! The story wasn't terrible. But I couldn't get past the other flaws. The writing was a bit of a mess and the stereotypes ran abound! I know other people have liked it though, so it might still be worth a try.
October 11, 2020
Despite being a huge lover of fantasy, sci-fi is a genre that I’ve tended to stay away from in the past. I’ve never really been a fan of films like Star Wars, and for some reason I just had it in my mind that all sci-fi fiction would be too technical, too complex and too ‘out there’ for me to really get on board with. Because of those reasons – and what a terribly misguided opinion to have! – The Next Step isn’t the type of book that I would typically reach for, but it is one that I can say with certainty now that I’m so glad I took a chance on and gave a read!
I won’t give too much away in terms of plot, because it really is a thrill-a-minute that will have you hooked from the very first chapter. Not only is the premise so unique and different to anything I’ve read before, but all of the characters were absolutely fantastic to read about, and I’m already longing to be reunited with them again! I really enjoyed following Adam’s life as he learned more about the androids that became so engrained within the everyday, and the blending of the world that we know now with the futuristic technology was expertly done. While it was a little scary to see what could be possible in the future, it was so fascinating – even for a technophobe like me! I also found it to be a great way to ease myself into the world of sci-fi, as while the novel did take place in the future it wasn’t too unrecognisable or incomprehensible to me.
If you’re looking for something fun and fast-paced to devour in one sitting, regardless of your favoured genre, then I cannot recommend The Next Step highly enough. Gripping from beginning to end, it will certainly leave you with a lot to think about – fantastic!
I won’t give too much away in terms of plot, because it really is a thrill-a-minute that will have you hooked from the very first chapter. Not only is the premise so unique and different to anything I’ve read before, but all of the characters were absolutely fantastic to read about, and I’m already longing to be reunited with them again! I really enjoyed following Adam’s life as he learned more about the androids that became so engrained within the everyday, and the blending of the world that we know now with the futuristic technology was expertly done. While it was a little scary to see what could be possible in the future, it was so fascinating – even for a technophobe like me! I also found it to be a great way to ease myself into the world of sci-fi, as while the novel did take place in the future it wasn’t too unrecognisable or incomprehensible to me.
If you’re looking for something fun and fast-paced to devour in one sitting, regardless of your favoured genre, then I cannot recommend The Next Step highly enough. Gripping from beginning to end, it will certainly leave you with a lot to think about – fantastic!
October 11, 2020
I am not a big fan of sci-fi, but I picked it up as it is supposed to
be partially romance and action as well. And it’s just the right mix!
A beautiful story with characters you care about. At first it takes a while to build up but it’s worth it in the end. The ending itself is
absolutely awesome! I had that stupid satisfied smile on my face after
finished reading it for a good amount of time. Great book!
be partially romance and action as well. And it’s just the right mix!
A beautiful story with characters you care about. At first it takes a while to build up but it’s worth it in the end. The ending itself is
absolutely awesome! I had that stupid satisfied smile on my face after
finished reading it for a good amount of time. Great book!
November 11, 2020
A nice and gentle story about Adam and the love of his life. And as a bonus, there are robots, which I appreciated the most. The action is great. I wouldn't mind reading the sequel :)
December 31, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
The son of the founders of a tech company that makes androids rebels against his uncle, and finds romance. It's just not quite there with the characterization, but has a good premise.
The son of the founders of a tech company that makes androids rebels against his uncle, and finds romance. It's just not quite there with the characterization, but has a good premise.
February 1, 2021
The Next Step is a wonderfully imagined glimpse into the near future of artificial intelligence
and how humans interact with it. The story begins with a really touching network of relationships
between the main characters, Kim and Adam and the technology that touches their lives. For
Adam and Kim, technology and artificial intelligence is alive and breathes with them, especially
for Adam. But in a gut-wrenching twist, AI also assists a sinister plot in taking away life. Their
lives will never be the same, nor with the lives of those who may come face to face with
Artificial Soul. I loved the wonderful whirlwind romance of the novel and the twists and turns
that the book brings. It offers a really unique look into the future of AI as something not to be
feared, but researched and respected. It shows the benefits of AI and how, at the root of it all,
humans determine what we do with the technology and what we can make it capable of
and how humans interact with it. The story begins with a really touching network of relationships
between the main characters, Kim and Adam and the technology that touches their lives. For
Adam and Kim, technology and artificial intelligence is alive and breathes with them, especially
for Adam. But in a gut-wrenching twist, AI also assists a sinister plot in taking away life. Their
lives will never be the same, nor with the lives of those who may come face to face with
Artificial Soul. I loved the wonderful whirlwind romance of the novel and the twists and turns
that the book brings. It offers a really unique look into the future of AI as something not to be
feared, but researched and respected. It shows the benefits of AI and how, at the root of it all,
humans determine what we do with the technology and what we can make it capable of
October 11, 2020
This is a fantastic romance book full of tragedy and hardship. Adam's childhood is shaped by his parents tragic death at age nine. Luckily Adam had Kim, his shining beacon of light in a world full of darkness and trust me this book will show just how dark the world can be. Can Adam make it through a cruel business world full of conspiracy and deception. I guess you'll have to read and find out. Honestly this book is fantastic and is predictably unpredictable. I definitely recommend it!!!
October 9, 2020
This is such a wonderful story. The journey with Adam is heart touching. I loved it. I finished in one day.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews