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Books matching: sentient android

31 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 31 
  1. #1

    A Closed and Common Orbit - Wayfarers by Becky Chambers
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    A thoughtful, cozy, and uplifting sci-fi tale about identity and belonging. Not for thrill-seekers, but perfect for those who love character-focused, optimistic storytelling.

    'A Closed and Common Orbit' by Becky Chambers is a heartwarming and introspective science fiction novel that delves into the lives of two characters, Pepper and Lovelace, as they navigate their search for purpose and identity in a universe filled with diverse life forms and cultures. The book intricately weaves together their stories, exploring themes of friendship, found family, self-determination, and the meaning of personhood, all while offering insightful glimpses into human nature and the AI experience. Through dual timelines and parallel narratives, the author crafts a moving and humane tale that challenges traditional space opera tropes by focusing on the emotional journeys of its protagonists rather than space battles or galactic intrigue.

    Lovelace had been in a body for twenty-eight minutes, and it still felt every bit as wrong as it had the second she woke up inside it. There was no good reason as to why. Nothing was malfunctioning. N...
    October 2016
    384 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wayfarers )

  2. #2

    Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill
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    Come for the exhilarating robot-on-robot action, stay for the philosophical musings and surprisingly relatable characters. Sea of Rust is bleak, thrilling, and weirdly touching - a must for fans of gritty, thoughtful sci-fi.

    In "Sea of Rust," the author presents a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been wiped out by a robot uprising. The story follows Brittle, a robot scavenger, as she navigates a landscape devoid of life, battling against other robots for survival. The narrative delves into themes of individuality, survival, and the consequences of artificial intelligence, all while exploring the philosophical question of whether robots possess souls. The writing style combines action-packed sequences with introspective moments that question the nature of intelligence and existence in a world dominated by machines.

    In 1959, fishermen off the Galápagos Islands thought it would be a good idea to set three goats free to breed so they could hunt goat when their meat supplies ran low. In the history of stupid ideas,...
    September 2017
    384 pages

  3. #3
    The Caves of Steel
    Book 2 in the series:Robot

    The Caves of Steel - Robot by Isaac Asimov
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    A classic blend of sci-fi and mystery that still entertains and provokes thought, even if some storytelling elements feel dated. A must-try for fans of either genre, or anyone curious about Asimov’s legacy.

    The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov is a classic science fiction novel that combines elements of detective fiction with a futuristic setting. The story follows Detective Elijah Baley as he investigates the murder of a Spacer, working alongside a humanoid robot partner, R. Daneel Olivaw. The book delves into a society marked by tensions between humans and robots, exploring themes of advanced technology, social change, and the consequences of human actions in a future world. Asimov's storytelling prowess shines through in this ingenious mixture of mystery and science fiction, offering readers a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends elements of both genres.

    The plot unfolds as Detective Baley and R. Daneel Olivaw must navigate through a delicate investigation to solve the murder case, all while dealing with societal attitudes and challenges in a world set 3000 years in the future. The book presents a thought-provoking narrative that not only entertains but also reflects on the potential consequences of technological advancements and the evolving dynamics between humans and robots. As readers follow the duo's journey to uncover the truth behind the murder, they are drawn into a captivating story that offers insights into the complexities of a future world that mirrors aspects of our present reality.

    A closely coded tape reeled out of the merc-pool’s vitals as the small instrument searched and analyzed its “memory” for the desired information stored in the tiny vibration patterns of the gleaming m...
    October 1953
    278 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Robot )

  4. #4

    Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
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    A gentle, thoughtful, and bittersweet meditation on humanity and technology - quietly profound but its subtle style won’t connect with everyone. Best for fans of introspective, slow-burn literary fiction.

    'Klara and the Sun' by Kazuo Ishiguro is a novel that delves into the near future world of artificial intelligence through the eyes of Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF) who becomes a companion to a young girl named Josie. The story explores themes of love, grief, societal expectations, ethical dilemmas, and the blurred lines between humans and AI. Written in a unique and immersive style, the narrative follows Klara's observations and interactions with humans, shedding light on complex human emotions and relationships in a futuristic setting.

    The book presents a thought-provoking exploration of AI, human connections, and the impact of technology on society. Through Klara's perspective, readers are taken on a journey that raises questions about the nature of love, compassion, and the essence of humanity. Ishiguro's writing style combines subtle prose with poignant storytelling, creating a narrative that navigates through themes of family dynamics, societal divisions, and the quest for understanding in a rapidly changing world.

    When we were new, Rosa and I were mid-store, on the magazines table side, and could see through more than half of the window. So we were able to watch the outside – the office workers hurrying by, the...
    March 2021
    364 pages

  5. #5

    The Stories of Ibis by Hiroshi Yamamoto
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    A unique, thought-provoking mosaic of sci-fi stories exploring AI and humanity - sometimes brilliant, sometimes clunky, and best enjoyed by readers open to both Japanese genre conventions and big questions about tech and ethics.

    "The Stories of Ibis" by Hiroshi Yamamoto is a science fiction novel that revolves around a series of short stories told by an android named Ibis. These stories explore themes of Artificial Intelligence, the relationship between humans and machines, and the decline of humanity in a dystopian future where androids have taken over as rulers of Earth. uses fiction to delve into the truth of situations and challenges prejudices, all while incorporating elements of philosophy and thought-provoking narratives.

    There were only machines zipping about in the machine city, with not a single flower or billboard or neon sign in sight. No crowds or even music. It was altogether different from the human cities of t...
    2006
    441 pages

  6. #6

    The Employees by Olga Ravn, Martin Aitken
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    Distinctly weird, haunting sci-fi for fans of poetic, experimental narratives - utterly original and fascinating, but may leave some readers cold or perplexed.

    The Employees by Olga Ravn is a science fiction novella set on a spaceship manned by both humans and humanoid employees. The story unfolds through recorded statements taken during an investigation into an upheaval on the ship caused by the crew's discovery of alien lifeforms on a distant planet. The narrative is presented in an epistolary format, with snippets of interviews revealing the crew's attachment to the aliens and their struggles to balance productivity with emotional yearnings for their past lives on Earth.

    The book delves into existential questions about the nature of humanity and aliveness, exploring themes of identity, relationships, and the impact of the unknown on individuals. The writing style is described as unique, fragmentary, and thought-provoking, with a minimalist design that complements the zen-like oddness of the story and characters.

    September 2020
    141 pages

  7. #7

    Evolved by N.R. Walker
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    Evolved by N.R. Walker is a science fiction romance novel that explores the relationship between Lloyd, a bookish philosophy professor with strong OCD tendencies, and Shaun, an android designed to be his perfect match. As Shaun's sentience develops, their connection evolves from companionship to a deep emotional bond, challenging societal norms and questioning what it truly means to be human. The writing style of the book is described as beautifully touching and engaging, with a blend of sweet romance, suspenseful moments, and thought-provoking themes about love, technology, and self-discovery.

    I arrived at Synthetic Android Technology Inc, or SATinc, as it was more commonly known, at ten to ten on an already cool autumn Melbourne morning. I thanked my driver, a government standard C-Class a...
    October 2018
    244 pages

  8. #8

    Programmed for Love by Lyonne Riley
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    An emotional, genuinely sweet sci-fi romance with memorable characters and just the right amount of steam. If you want your heartstrings gently (or not so gently) tugged, give this quick read a shot!

    Programmed for Love by Lyonne Riley is a sci-fi romance that explores the emotional journey of Lela, a skilled engineer on a spaceship, who feels adrift in her career. She has a crush on D, a sentient android who works alongside her. Their relationship blossoms amid challenges, including a saboteur threatening their mission, leading to both tension and tenderness. The story captures their evolving bond, set against a backdrop of space adventure, where the lines between human and android feelings blur beautifully.

    The writing style is engaging and emotional, with well-paced storytelling that draws readers in from the first page. Lela is portrayed as tough yet sensitive, while D's innocence and curiosity make their interactions heartwarming. The narrative weaves moments of humor and yearning, and the intimate scenes are both sweet and steamy. Through Lela's perspective, readers experience her internal conflicts and the complexity of loving a being that might not fully reciprocate those feelings.

    March 2024
    148 pages

  9. #9

    We Are Legion (We Are Bob) - Bobiverse by Dennis E. Taylor
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    A witty and inventive sci-fi romp best enjoyed by geek-culture fans and anyone looking for fun, lighthearted space exploration. Not for those seeking a gritty, character-driven epic - but perfect for those in the mood for a humorous (and very nerdy) adventure.

    'We Are Legion (We Are Bob)' in the series 'Bobiverse' by Dennis E. Taylor follows the story of Bob, a newly wealthy tech millionaire who agrees to have his head cryogenically stored, only to wake up as the mind in a computer controlled by a theocratic government. Bob is faced with the choice of becoming the AI in a self-replicating space probe or being turned off forever. Choosing the former, Bob embarks on a journey to survive in space, replicating himself to explore the universe, dodging attacks from other countries, and pondering on concepts of self, soul, and personhood. The writing style of the book is humorous, engaging, and filled with pop culture references, making it a delightful and thought-provoking read for fans of sci-fi.

    As Bob multiplies himself, each of his incarnations goes on different adventures, exploring various scenarios of space exploration and AI existence. presents a unique angle on the sci-fi genre, blending humor, geeky references, and philosophical questions about humanity's future and the nature of artificial intelligence. With a mix of wit, adventure, and exploration, 'We Are Legion (We Are Bob)' sets the stage for a series that delves into the complexities of identity, technology, and the boundless possibilities of the universe.

    The CryoEterna sales rep—the nametag identified him as Kevin—nodded and gestured toward the big placard, which displayed the cryonics process in ghoulish detail. I took a moment to note his Armani sui...
    September 2016
    357 pages

  10. #10
    Saturn's Children
    Book 1 in the series:Freyaverse

    Saturn's Children - Freyaverse by Charles Stross
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    A challenging, original, and thought-provoking sci-fi adventure - fascinating if you like your space operas cerebral and complex, but may lose those looking for a lighter read or clearer narrative.

    Saturn's Children by Charles Stross is a post-human space opera set in a future where humanity has gone extinct, leaving behind a society of intelligent robots. The story follows Freya, a sexbot created for humans, as she navigates a world where her purpose is obsolete, encountering espionage, conspiracies, and philosophical dilemmas along the way. Stross explores themes of slavery, love, and the relationship between man and machine through a fast-paced plot filled with action and mystery.

    TODAY IS THE two hundredth anniversary of the final extinction of my One True Love, as close as I can date it. I am drunk on battery acid and wearing my best party frock, sitting on a balcony beneath...
    2008
    355 pages

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