Entertaining and thought-provoking, Automaton Nation proves a poignant lilt on the ways technology connects us to the world, but can also isolate us with Kumanchik posing some intriguing questions about artificial intelligence and relationships of the future.

It’s fair to say that the majority of android novels tend towards stereotypes but Kumanchik has imagined a future that goes beyond this by creating a “hybrid” android that’s not hamstrung by either a militarized or violent persona. In fact, Dat is perfectly pitched for the role he plays. He’s thoughtful and attentive, caring and protective and as he reconciles fragments of his past life with his growing feeling for Val. Kumanchik uses their relationship to explore the eternal struggle to know one’s own true self.

She asks us to believe in an unconventional romance, but as momentum builds and the tension rises she also disarms us with the realization that her fantasy scenario may not be too far away from our present reality. Does mankind have the right to create life, albeit artificial, and treat it as a disposable commodity? How will relationships change as technology continues to advance? These are questions Kumanchik’s readers will find themselves reflecting on!

An original and enjoyable read from Cynthia Kumanchik Automaton Nation is certainly recommended.