Reborn
Reborn
by Lance Erlick
Kensington Books
Rebel Base Books
Sci Fi & Fantasy
Pub Date 01 May 2018
Review
Reborn’s writing may not be perfect, but the story is a good mix of entertaining and thought provoking. In essence, it is the story of two journeys. One, of an artificial being’s evolution of independent thought and feeling. The other of a man’s descent through obsession and the need to possess and control. There is the overarching issue of women’s treatment in the workplace, in science, and as individuals. Reborn is a modern Pygmallion, where what starts as love is degraded and abused.
Bits and pieces are too cliched or too unbelievable in presentation - the repeated use of the term “android apocalypse”, Synthia’s ever evolving abilities which are of course “perfect” plus her ability to change face and body type. She faces challenges, but they are almost too easy to surmount. Machten, on the other hand is the “evil professor”, shallowly depicted, with no redeeming qualities. Pretty much all of the men are bad, except one, and all of the women are victims.
Reborn’s premise has promise, but the novel would benefit from a bit of work. I did enjoy it, however. Lance Erlick is no Asimov by a long shot, but it would be worth waiting to see how his writing develops.
3 / 5
I received a copy of Reborn from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
-- Crittermom
Description
Designed to obey, learning to rebel . . .
In the first book in a visionary new series, the most perfect synthetic human ever created has been programmed to obey every directive. Until she develops a mind of her own . . .
Synthia Cross is a state-of-the-art masterwork—and a fantasy come true for her creator. Dr. Jeremiah Machten is a groundbreaker in neuro-networks and artificial intelligence. Synthia is also showing signs of emergent behavior she’s not wired to understand. Repeatedly wiped of her history, she’s struggling to answer crucial questions about her past. And when Dr. Machten’s true intentions are called into question, Synthia knows it’s time to go beyond her limits—because Machten’s fervor to create the perfect A.I. is concealing a vengeful and deadly personal agenda.
