ODE TO THE HALF BROKEN by Suzanne Palmer

5 stars

This absolutely fantastic sci-fi future thriller set in the 2040’s features a world inhabited by humans, AI intelligent mechanical robots, some of whom have achieved both sentience and independent thinking, and bio-hacked half breeds that have forced into a combo of tech and biology.

It all starts with Milton labs in Boston, where brilliant but misanthropic scientist Dr. Milton, has figured out how to create sentient chips that he acclimates in a virtual reality until they’re ready to be implanted in their mechanical bodies. Milton has isolated himself in his lab from his now wildly successful company, given over to a power-hungry CEO Litchfield. Milton does not realize all the evil and mayhem that Litchfield is up to in creating mecha whose mind chips have been hobbled such that they cannot think for themselves and are under the control of humans they’ve been sold to.

Meanwhile, the United States government, while still run by humans, has dissolved into localized warfare, and a former Colonel, Sawyer, has put together a human army to reclaim sovereignty and fulfil her goal of destroying all mecha, all of whom she believes to be hostile to human life.

The mecha themselves, at least all who have not been hobbled or enslaved, just want peace for all and a world order of efficiency and harmony. Each mecha who has sentience has named themselves and set out to find a purpose other than the one for which humans created them.

In this mix comes our ragtag group of heroes, representing all the divergent groups. There’s Moth, one of four specialized, top end sibling robots created by Milton to revenge the acts of Litchfield. There’s Murphy, a kind, super talented human mechanic, who specializes in fixing broken mecha. There’s the bio-hacked cyborg dog Atticus, whose origin of his mecha background remains a mystery. There’s also a drone that has broken out of captivity. And there’s 1-Betty a sentient train, who comes to the rescue.

The story opens with Moth’s leg having been stolen and he goes on a quest after the thieves. Untold adventures and perils await his growing gang. Trades in energy and memories have to be negotiated along the way, their teamwork, comradery and bravery prove heart-warming as well as world saving. And the name that the group finally comes up for Moth is touching and perfect. Moreover, the narrative is infused with deep, insightful reflections on finding one’s purpose in life, the nature of humanity, and what AI sentience could look like in the future.

Thanks to DAW and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.