Book Review | Activation Degradation

Unit 4 is a soft-shelled organic maintenance robot tasked with overseeing a mine on Jupiter. However, it has inexplicably missing data files, and when its handler orders it to defend against alien invaders, Unit 4 begins to question its programming.

Activation Degradation by Marina J. Lostetter is a compelling space thriller that questions what makes humans human and what sort of rights do non-human sentient beings deserve.

I think what I enjoyed most about this book is seeing Unit 4’s inner conflict and natural progression from more cerebral robot to a robot with very human emotions. It’s a charming, sympathetic character who likes bees and cats, so I couldn’t help but root for the robot.

I admit, my first experience with Lostetter was through The Helm of Midnight, and while both books are introspective and emotionally-driven, I find this story has better focus and is more tightly written. At no point did it feel like a slog to get through.

Overall, this is a high-octane AI mystery thriller that’s grisly at times, and yet, it also has a touch of humor and heart.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details:

Publication Date : September 28, 2021

Publisher : Harper Voyager

ISBN : 0062895745

Pages : 384

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