The First Robot President: A Dystopian Adventure

by Robert Carlyle Taylor, Arvind Patel (Illustrator)

Fourth Edition of Robert Carlyle Taylor's Award-Winning Debut Novel
The First Robot President combines science fiction with political satire, making fun of Democrats and Republicans in equal measure. The novel centers around Thomas Jenkins, a lobbyist, and his robot wife whose political ambitions land her on the Green Party's 2520 Presidential ticket.
Winner, Science Fiction, 2022 Independent Press Award
Gold Prize, Humor, 2021 Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Awards
Distinguished Favorite, Science Fiction, 2021 New York City Big Book Award
Silver Prize, Audiobook-Fiction, 2022 Independent Book Publishing Association Benjamin Franklin Awards
Silver Prize, 2020-2021 Nautilus Awards
Finalist, 15th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards
"... a perfect combination of science fiction and politics." Paige Loveitt for Reader Views
“… an atmospheric and entertaining roller-coaster ride with high stakes. Plenty of twists and a satisfying finale make it an engrossing read.” BookView Review
“… a sparkling satire … a political comedy the reader can enjoy, whatever their partisan affiliation.” Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite
“A novel that makes you think and laugh … Taylor does an amazing job at keeping the reader hooked through this political satire…” Fay Gibb, Goodreads
“… a very enjoyable book and one that I’ve already recommended to a friend. The mix of politics and economics were fascinating … a well-thought-out novel.” Judge, 8th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published eBook Awards (refers to eBook edition)
"… In Taylor’s futuristic world, the rich, as ever, enjoy every privilege and the poor struggle to make ends meet. The plots, conspiracies, and revelations are embedded in a culture and politics dramatically familiar to today’s socio-political climate. The pacing is smooth and plotting tight. Esmeralda’s quest rockets the plot along toward an unexpected yet satisfying conclusion. Taking a subtle yet savage swipe at current political climate, Taylor weaves in a political satire with much food for thought on environmental concerns, poverty, and war. Lighthearted and fun, the novel makes for a page-turning read.” The Prairies Book Review
"...an entertaining science fiction satire made fascinating because of its behind-the-scenes looks at the bruising world of modern politics." Foreword Clarion Reviews
"...Such a strong opening and narration is truly fantastic! Clear, evenly paced, nice cadence, and very easily able to differentiate characters. These are the hallmarks of not only a great story, but a story that is enhanced and elevated by its narration. I found myself staying in the car long after I'd parked to keep reading!!" (refers to audiobook) Judge, Independent Book Publishing Association's 2022 Benjamin Franklin Awards.

Genres: Science Fiction

484 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2021

About the author

Robert Carlyle Taylor, also known as Bob Taylor, was born and educated in New England. His parents were both teachers, and he developed an interest in literature at an early age. Although he aspired to be a writer, he put this ambition aside for a stable job, first in retailing, then in banking, and finally in the Federal government. He retired from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in 2018 after a forty-year career that included nineteen years in SBA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., and ten years as SBA’s Area Director for Government Contracting in Fort Worth, Texas. The First Robot President is his first published novel.

Reviews

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The First Robot President” by Robert Carlyle Taylor is a Sci-Fi political thriller set in the 25th century. Disgusted with the Republican and Democrat parties, Esmeralda follows her family’s interest in the Green party. After her daughter is raised, she decides to run for congress. The issue? Esmeralda is a robot, designed to be a robowife! Many people scoff at the idea of having a robot in Congress, however, Esmeralda manages to win. Keeping her momentum going forward, she next runs for vice-president and again earns her seat. In addition to fixing the economy, she wants to deal with the huge homeless problem and the issue of overpopulation. Shortly after winning her office, a tragedy propels Esmeralda right into the president’s seat. She stirs up some drama when she tries to implement a birth lottery to reduce the population. The planet is running out of space and resources. When Esmeralda experiences her own crisis, she quickly learns who her enemies are. At the end of the day, family and true friends are her greatest asset.

“The First Robot President,” is a satirical glimpse into what I suspect could be our future. It provides a perfect combination of science fiction and politics. The author seamlessly blends lessons about economics and political science into the storyline. I found myself laughing out loud when things that happened during our current time are mentioned. Unfortunately, politicians themselves have not changed much, even after 500 years. I suspect this will be how it is in our own future.

I like that this novel is a fun read, but also offers some valuable insights into where we might be headed. Of course, five hundred years from now, it probably won’t matter to me! I recommend this story to people who enjoy futuristic tales. I would also recommend it to students who are studying economics and political science. It is intelligently written and even has flow charts and spread sheets included to back up the author’s ideas. It is a fun way to see theories applied to fictional life, that could actually reflect our true future.

“The First Robot President,” by Robert Carlyle Taylor left me with the feeling that we really need to make some huge changes now to insure the future of humankind and the planet.

[Michele Rice Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

IRobot meets Manchurian Candidate

The combination goes well together in this political thriller. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi or political intrigue.

[Rebeca Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot... it is easy to read... a visionary material that provides a good sense of direction of where society is heading towards technologically... it has humorous details... and is geared towards solutions on pressing issues, for example the risks of an overpopulated planet, unemployment, caring for the Earth and the importance of education, etc. I enjoyed the idea of having a robot as President, to face the challenges with an effective non-biased perspective. Great job!

[Gisela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. From the very beginning of the book the story pulls you in. The world building and character development makes you feel part of the world.
The plot itself was eye-opening. I believe it gives good understanding of where things are heading for us if we decide to ignore the real issues.
Moreover, I learned more than a few things about how politics work. It was definitely more fun than a classroom.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It's definitely a ride to a more realistic future of our society.

[Debbie Bellgraph]

I really enjoyed this book. I found it thought provoking. It is easy to read and entertaining. Kept me guessing what was going to happen next.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place 500 years from now. Homelessness and overpopulation are beyond out of control. Earth's population is 500 billion people (that's right, billion). America's population is 500 million. America has grown to 100 states, including Canada and Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.

Thomas Jenkins is a lobbyist for the Green Party in Washington DC. One day, he decides to purchase a RoboWife (robots that are indistinguishable from humans). He names her Esmeralda, and they get married. They adopt Sarah, a human child, who grows up to receive several college degrees, and become a college professor.

Living in northern Virginia, politics is the "family business" in the Jenkins household. After a number of years, Esmeralda runs for Congress. Her candidacy is treated as a joke, until she wins. She is put on the Small Business Committee, where she writes a large number of bills that will actually help small business.

It's presidential campaign time. The Green Party chooses Esmeralda as its Vice Presidential candidate. After a long and hard campaign, the Greens emerge victorious. Esmeralda is not Vice President for very long before she is pushed into the Presidency. Among her first Executive Orders is mandating a Birth Lottery for all federal employees. Congress is needed to expand it to all Americans. During a Cabinet meeting, disaster strikes. Esmeralda is unable to fulfill her duties as President. Those who want her out of the White House. permanently, spring into action. Can Esmeralda return to her duties in time?

This is satire; the author does a very good job with the society-building. It has things to say about present-day politics, and is very much worth reading.

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor’s absorbing debut is marked with political and SF intrigue, environmental concerns, and human drama.

It is 2484. Marrying advanced robots from General Google Motors is something only the rich and famous can afford. So, it’s only fitting that the affluent Thomas Jenkins, heir to a political Virginia family, buys Esmeralda, a robotic wife who is not only beautiful but has college education as well. When Esmeralda tells Thomas she wants to become a mother, Thomas has no qualms about adopting a human child. But Esmeralda’s plan to enter politics is met with skepticism.

Taylor delivers a story that is told in straightforward prose, one in which life-like robotics sometimes are revealed to be far better than the real thing, and he makes good use of usual SF tropes such as futuristic technology, space travel, and interplanetary politics among others. However, at its heart, this is a lighthearted political satire.

In Taylor’s futuristic world, the rich, as ever, enjoy every privilege and the poor struggle to make ends meet. The plots, conspiracies, and revelations are embedded in a culture and politics dramatically familiar to today’s socio-political climate.

The pacing is smooth and plotting tight. Esmarelda’s quest rockets the plot along toward an unexpected yet satisfying conclusion. Taking a subtle yet savage swipe at current political climate, Taylor weaves in a political satire with much food for thought on environmental concerns, poverty, and war. Lighthearted and fun, the novel makes for a page-turning read.

[Abigail Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Carlyle Taylor’s The First Robot President is one of those rare novels that manages to be both wildly imaginative and sharply relevant. Set in the year 2520, the story follows Thomas Jenkins and his robot wife, Esmeralda, as they navigate an America that feels eerily familiar despite its futuristic setting. What makes this book so remarkable is Taylor’s ability to weave biting political satire with genuine human emotion.

It’s not just about robots or politics, it’s about ambition, identity, and what it truly means to be “human.” The dialogue crackles with intelligence and wit, and the pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish. Taylor lampoons both sides of the political spectrum with a masterful hand, exposing the absurdities of power, greed, and ideology without ever feeling heavy-handed.

Beyond the satire, there’s a depth here that surprised me. The moral and ethical dilemmas Esmeralda faces as a robotic presidential candidate are thought-provoking and oddly moving. Taylor’s world-building is vivid, his humor sharp, and his social commentary right on target. The First Robot President is not just a fun sci-fi romp, it’s a mirror reflecting our own fractured world. Highly recommended for readers who love intelligent fiction that makes you think and laugh in equal measure.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Robot President is the debut science fiction novel written by the author Robert Carlyle Taylor.

This is an interesting story about Thomas Jenkins and his robot wife Esmeralda. Thomas's mother and sister were shocked to know that he had ordered a robowife. He wants a wife with a high IQ with whom he can carry an intelligent conversation. General Google Motors is the manufacturing company in America where they make robowives. Thomas's mother Geraldine insisted Thomas and Esmeralda get married so they had a wedding.

Thomas's family is very centered on politics. His late father was a Congressman for forty years. Esmeralda has a knowledge equivalent to someone who has a college degree with a double major in political science and economics. Robots can't have their own babies so they adopted a kid. Esmeralda ran for the Congress and won. Read this story to know will there be any challenges in Esmeralda's path?

Esmeralda is the center of the story. The plot is written nicely. The storyline is unique and the author has done a wonderful job with the concept, technology, etc. Those who enjoy science fiction stories set in the future should get their hands on this book. Cover of the book is well designed. This is a story worth reading.

[Michael A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Carlyle Taylor’s The First Robot President surprised me in all the best ways. I expected a funny sci-fi satire and it is, but it’s also layered, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent. The premise alone is gold: a robot on the Green Party’s presidential ticket in 2520. But Taylor takes what could’ve been a one-note joke and turns it into a smart, biting commentary on power, ideology, and what it truly means to lead.

Taylor’s dialogue is razor-sharp and often hilarious, but it never sacrifices heart. The relationship between Thomas and his robot wife, Esmeralda, anchors the story with tenderness and complexity. I loved how Esmeralda’s logical yet morally driven perspective exposes the contradictions of human politics.

This book made me laugh out loud and also stop to think about free will, corruption, and progress. It’s rare for a novel to entertain and enlighten so seamlessly. Taylor’s world feels absurd yet believable, an eerie reflection of our present disguised as futuristic comedy.

I closed this book feeling exhilarated and oddly hopeful. If you like political satire that’s smart, fearless, and unexpectedly touching, The First Robot President is a must-read.

[Kylie Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you combined 1984, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and The West Wing, you might end up with something close to The First Robot President. Taylor delivers a razor-sharp satire that manages to be hilariously absurd and profoundly insightful all at once.

The novel’s futuristic America feels both distant and disturbingly close to our own. Political corruption, media manipulation, environmental decline, Taylor holds nothing back. Yet amid the chaos, there’s warmth and wit. The relationship between Thomas and his robot wife, Esmeralda, grounds the story emotionally. Watching her rise from being a lobbyist’s companion to a Green Party presidential candidate is inspiring and thought-provoking.

What I appreciated most is Taylor’s refusal to take sides. Democrats and Republicans are both skewered with equal vigor, making this a refreshing read in a polarized age. The humor is dry, clever, and often laugh-out-loud funny. I also loved how the book uses Esmeralda’s AI logic to question human hypocrisy and ethics.

Taylor’s prose is crisp, the pacing brisk, and the ideas dazzling. This book deserves to be read not just as science fiction, but as a modern political fable. It’s satire at its finest, biting yet humane.

[Jessica Halle · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A powerful, emotionally intelligent read that stayed with me long after I finished.”

From the very first chapter, this book made me realize I was not just reading a story, I was stepping inside someone’s private reckoning with identity, purpose, and resilience. There’s a quiet strength in the writing that builds slowly, like a steady heartbeat guiding you through the character’s journey. What impressed me most was how seamlessly the author balances introspection with narrative momentum. Every scene feels intentional, and every line reveals something deeper about the protagonist’s inner world.

The emotional honesty is what makes the story land. It doesn’t rely on dramatic twists to keep you turning pages, instead, it offers a layered portrait of a person confronting both their limitations and their unrealized power. By the time I reached the final chapters, I felt like I had accompanied the character through something meaningful, almost transformational.

This is the kind of book you want to underline, dog-ear, and revisit when you’re searching for clarity or courage. A deeply satisfying, beautifully constructed novel that rewards attentive reading and lingers in your thoughts long after you close the last page.

[Jennyfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is the year 2520, and the United States of America is grossly overpopulated, with billions of people homeless and the environment on the brink of collapse.

And it is the year a sentient robot - and wife of a political lobbyist - runs for government.

The idea behind this book was really good - the concept of independent, sentient robots governing over the human population was intriguing, and the speculative technology introduced was a lot of fun (and, frankly, entirely plausible).

But overall I found the writing stilted, flat, and bogged down in unnecessary minutiae (how often do we need to red the interaction between a main character's mother and their digital assistant?), and side characters. As a non-American, I also found there was too much detail about the entire US political system - there are assumptions that can be made in this sort of futuristic speculative fiction that don't necessarily need the amount of detail that were given.

It was an OK read; not a great one. 3 stars.

~Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

[Camilla Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Carlyle Taylor has crafted something extraordinary in The First Robot President. From the very first chapter, I was captivated by the concept, a robotic first lady turned presidential candidate and by the author’s witty, incisive voice.

What sets this book apart from other political satires is its balance between humor and sincerity. It’s a hilarious commentary on power, bureaucracy, and the human tendency to self-destruct, but it’s also an exploration of love, loyalty, and the longing for purpose.

Taylor’s background in political observation shines through every scene. The dialogue is pitch-perfect, the characters memorable, and the world-building surprisingly rich. Every futuristic gadget, every campaign slogan, every absurd bureaucratic twist feels frighteningly believable.

This book reminded me of the best of Vonnegut, satirical but humane, funny but devastatingly true. The ending, in particular, left me reflecting on how close we might be to such a reality. Taylor has a rare gift: he can make you laugh and make you think deeply in the same breath.

For readers who enjoy speculative fiction with heart, humor, and brains, this is a must-read.

[Guy Wheatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, which is surprising considering my political views couldn’t be further from the authors. I needed more suspension of disbelief for the loopy politics working than I did for robots and flying cars.
The prose can get a bit clumsy describing minutia that doesn’t move the story along. Rather than simply stating that somebody took the oath of office, we actually have to read both the prompt and response - more than once.
But even with those flaws, I enjoyed the story. I suppose the idea of a robot reaching the White House was enticing enough. Also, I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. Though I disagree with these people politically, I think I would like them personally.
An incident occurs in the epilogue that I wish the author had been a bit more clear about. It happens because Thomas wants it, but Taylor doesn’t make it clear that Esmeralda was in agreement. That point, in my mind, really changes the end. I take it one way if she was in agreement, but quite differently if she wasn’t.
I’m glad I took the time to read it.

[Conscientious · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Robot President by Robert Carlyle Taylor is a thought provoking, brilliant political satire with science fiction. Thomas Jenkins orders a robot wife who wants a to be a mother and run for Congress. No one takes her latter ambition seriously, but little did they know she does become the President of the United States. The author skilfully presents many issues with wit and humour set 500 years into the future which presents us with a glimpse on our choices today will have huge impact on our tomorrow.

I am totally captivated by the book as it is a masterpiece with its unique concept and storyline. The author has done a commendable job by bringing about so much together in a great story. I am sure even people without political interest will enjoy it immensely. The comedy delicately weaves around the story which pulled me in till the last page. The characters are well developed, and they make it an easy and engaging read. I totally loved Esmeralda's character! This one should not be missed; it is a must read.

[Felicia M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely write long reviews, but The First Robot President deserves it. I started it expecting light satire; I finished it genuinely moved. Taylor’s futuristic America is both ridiculous and painfully real, a society driven by technology and political theatre rather than truth or compassion.

Esmeralda, the robotic presidential candidate, is easily one of the most compelling characters I’ve encountered in recent sci-fi. She’s logical yet compassionate, mechanical yet profoundly human. The moral and political implications of her candidacy, can a robot have empathy, or moral authority?, are fascinating.

Taylor doesn’t lecture; he entertains. The humor ranges from subtle irony to laugh-out-loud absurdity, but underneath the jokes lies a serious critique of modern society. The parallels to our current political climate are impossible to miss.

By the final chapter, I found myself both grinning and reflecting on my own views about leadership and humanity. That’s a rare accomplishment. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves satire with substance.

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Robot President is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. You start reading for the laughs and end up staying for the ideas. Robert Carlyle Taylor’s writing is so sharp, so vividly imaginative, that you can’t help but get swept into his futuristic political circus.

The dialogue is pure gold, fast-paced, witty, and full of hidden truths. I found myself underlining passages that made me laugh and others that made me pause to think. The way Taylor uses a robot protagonist to explore the essence of morality and governance is simply brilliant.

It’s not just a political parody, it’s a genuine reflection on what it means to lead, to believe, and to exist in a world dominated by technology. I can easily see this book becoming a cult favorite among fans of Catch-22, Idiocracy, and The Man Who Fell to Earth.

Taylor’s storytelling is confident and cinematic, and his humor is as intelligent as it is biting. If you’re looking for a book that entertains your imagination while challenging your mind, look no further.

[Susan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Robot President feels like the book we need right now, witty, bold, and unafraid to poke fun at the world’s hypocrisies. Robert Carlyle Taylor writes with the ease of a seasoned humorist and the insight of a philosopher.

The concept, a robot first lady turned presidential candidate, could’ve been pure comedy, but Taylor turns it into something richer. Esmeralda isn’t just a gimmick; she’s a fascinating, deeply realized character who forces humanity to confront its flaws. Through her, Taylor examines identity, morality, and technology’s role in shaping truth.

The humor lands perfectly. It’s political without being partisan, clever without being pretentious. Every chapter sparkles with sharp wit and biting social commentary. I was especially impressed by how balanced the satire is, Democrats, Republicans, and the media all come under fire, yet the tone remains playful and humane.

This book reads like Fahrenheit 451 meets Veep, a futuristic farce with real emotional weight. I can’t recommend it enough to readers who appreciate intelligent, character-driven satire.

[Abigail MIla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing, intelligent, and downright entertaining book! The First Robot President might be set in the distant future, but its themes are timeless. Robert Carlyle Taylor has crafted a story that’s equal parts political farce and philosophical thought experiment.

I was struck by how vividly the world is built. Every technological detail feels plausible, and every political maneuver feels familiar. Taylor’s wit shines through every line, but he’s not just joking, he’s holding up a mirror to society.

Esmeralda is one of the most original characters in recent sci-fi: logical, ethical, and unflinchingly honest. Her journey forces readers to ask hard questions about leadership, morality, and the role of empathy in governance.

Taylor’s background in humor and politics show, his satire cuts deep, but his compassion keeps it human. It’s the kind of book that makes you laugh at the absurdity of the world while realizing how close we already are to his imagined future.

An absolute gem for readers who appreciate both brains and wit.

[Georgia Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightfully unexpected book! The First Robot President is both absurd and profound, hilarious and deeply human. Robert Carlyle Taylor’s satire hits every note, it’s political without being preachy, futuristic without being far-fetched.

I was completely drawn in by the premise: a robot who runs for president on the Green Party ticket. What could’ve been simple parody becomes an exploration of ethics, love, and progress. Esmeralda’s journey from creation to candidate is fascinating, she’s logical, empathetic, and surprisingly relatable.

Taylor’s humor sparkles throughout, but his commentary is what lingers. The novel exposes how fragile our systems are, how easily truth becomes performance, and how leadership often favors charisma over competence. Yet Taylor does all this with warmth and laughter.

I closed the book feeling both entertained and enlightened. It’s rare for a political novel to leave me smiling, this one did. I’d love to see more of Taylor’s work; his voice is unique, his satire timeless.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading The First Robot President, it was a little "I Robot" meets "The Manchurian Candidate". Good imagination on the author's part to put it all together the way he did, made for an easy read. At times I got distracted with conversations between the humans and their virtual assistants. At other times I got a bit perturbed with some of the political satire, as I saw it, again had to reminded myself that it was only the author's views. For this story to be taken place 500 years from now I found it a little hard to believe that some of the current government agencies to be still in place in the year 2524. Ending was surprising, I thought with the ending fast approaching that the president elect was going to have a heart attack during his inauguration and pass away, opening the door for Esmeralda to become president. I much more enjoyed the author's ending. Good job and highly recommend.

Fred Lagunas

[Kathleen R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Carlyle Taylor’s The First Robot President might be set in the distant future, but it feels tailor-made for today’s readers. The satire is razor-sharp, but it’s never cruel; the humor lands without losing the story’s emotional core.

Esmeralda’s political rise feels like a metaphor for everything we’re grappling with today, automation, ethics, environmental collapse, and the blurred lines between humanity and technology. Yet Taylor tells this story with such humor and heart that it never feels heavy.

Every character, from the well-meaning Thomas to the absurd political elites, feels alive and exaggerated in just the right way. The dialogue is intelligent and often laugh-out-loud funny. Taylor has a gift for turning complex ideas into digestible, delightful storytelling.

I came away from this book entertained, enlightened, and oddly hopeful. For a satire, that’s saying something.

[Mellissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something profoundly refreshing about a novel that can make you laugh one minute and question society the next. The First Robot President is exactly that kind of book.

Taylor’s world feels futuristic, yet uncomfortably close to our own, a place where technology and politics have merged into one great spectacle. His portrayal of Esmeralda, the robotic presidential hopeful, is both hilarious and poignant. Through her, Taylor examines everything from gender and power to the nature of consciousness.

What impressed me most was how well-researched and intellectually grounded the story feels. The book references philosophy, science, and modern economics in a way that feels natural, not forced. The satire is intelligent, layered, and timeless.

This is not just science fiction, it’s political literature with a pulse. Taylor has created something rare: a novel that’s fun to read yet impossible to forget.

[Victor Praise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Carlyle Taylor achieves something special with The First Robot President: he makes you laugh, think, and care, often all within the same page.

The futuristic setting provides plenty of room for absurdity, but it’s the humanity of the story that shines brightest. Thomas Jenkins and Esmeralda are an unlikely but endearing couple, navigating a political world that’s as corrupt as it is comical. The beauty of the book lies in how Taylor uses humor to explore profound questions, what does it mean to be conscious, ethical, or truly alive?

The prose is crisp, the pacing tight, and the world-building incredibly vivid. Taylor paints a future where technology dominates politics, yet human emotion remains the ultimate wild card. Esmeralda’s logical reasoning often exposes human foolishness, but she also reveals compassion beyond code.

It’s satire with heart, science fiction with meaning. If you’re tired of generic dystopias and want something witty yet hopeful, this is your book.

[Cecilia Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, The First Robot President grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Robert Carlyle Taylor’s writing is electric, smart, sharp, and genuinely funny. But beneath the humor lies a surprisingly moving reflection on modern politics and human behavior.

I loved how the story blends futuristic imagination with today’s realities. The political world Taylor creates is absurd, yet it mirrors our current system frighteningly well. Esmeralda’s campaign speeches, public debates, and private reflections are some of the most clever and memorable scenes I’ve read this year.

Taylor’s genius lies in his tone. The book is comedic without being silly, philosophical without being heavy. It manages to be both cynical and hopeful, no small feat in satire. By the end, I was laughing, nodding, and thinking deeply about what it truly means to be “fit to lead.”

This is political fiction at its finest: daring, imaginative, and deeply relevant. A remarkable read.

[Eliza Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books manage to balance humor, heart, and intellect as perfectly as The First Robot President. Robert Carlyle Taylor turns what could have been a gimmicky premise into a masterclass in satire.

The future he imagines feels all too real, corporate control, media spin, and political theater amplified by technology. And yet, it’s hilarious. I laughed out loud multiple times but also found myself reflecting on how power and truth are manufactured.

Esmeralda’s robotic logic often exposes the hypocrisy of the human world around her. Her moral clarity and surprising warmth make her one of the most memorable protagonists in recent fiction.

Taylor’s writing flows effortlessly, balancing quick humor with deep insights. Every page feels purposeful. Whether you read it for its laughs, its intelligence, or its biting commentary, you’ll come away satisfied and maybe a little unsettled.

This is futuristic satire at its best, witty, wise, and wonderfully weird.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Political Satire

Set roughly 500 years in the future Thomas spends over $1000000 on the buying himself a robo wife. He names her Esmeralda and she is incredibly lifelike as most models are at the time. What Thomas doesn't count on is that with this higher price tag comes higher IQ. And Esmerelda has political Ambitions with sitter on the course to become the first American president who happens to be a robot. This story is definitely science fiction and it also is a satire. Wild vet conversations sometimes are a bit predictable and cringe-worthy, the overall plot and execution of the story. Meaning how well did this story read for me and how much did I enjoy it, did I predict most of the events Etc. All of that was well done. I certainly wouldn't say no to reading another book from this author.

[Dani Savante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novel set 500 hundred years in the future which considers and argues the possibility of having human-robots as president and first lady.
The First Robot President develops as a political satire which incorporates science fiction and comedy. I have never been interested in politics or positioned myself on a particular side, but I am sure that readers that are like me and also those who have a determined stand in politics will enjoy this novel a lot.
Entertaining and dynamic, it kept me hooked until the last page. The author, Robert Carlyle Taylor, manages to maintain that delicate balance between reality and fiction that characterizes a great book. His clever reading of the political and social present, allowed him to construct a believable and probable future. A great job indeed.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was super excited to read The First Robot President when I first came upon this story. I started to read it and was thrown off. There was so much sexism written into the story. I didn't like how Thomas treated Esmerelda, his sister and his mother. He bossed each of them around.

I found the author to have written the story in a misogynistic way. I found the political aspect to be written in a way that clearly showed that author doesn't like either of the political parties. The author was definitely showcasing his opinion on many things throughout this book.

I did read the whole thing as I was curious as to how it ended. It skipped around a lot, especially in the future. I wish it explained more of what happened instead of this happened during this year and then this year.

ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.