Robopocalypse review
by:Seth K.
Robopocalypse is a science fiction novel written by Daniel H. Wilson that focuses on the prospect of technology becoming sentient. In the novel the main antagonist which is an A.I. named Archos grows to despise humanity and believe that they are an inferior race. Archos then takes control of the abundance of technology in the futuristic society and attempts to eradicate humanity. This leads to the remaining humans forming a resistance movement in an attempt to destroy the A.I. which has made its home in the center of the arctic.This novel is told from multiple points of view but centers around Cormac Wallace the leader of one of the resistance squads.
One point that i'm very glad of is that Mr. Wilson isn't preachy about the dangers of technology. He is much more concerned about telling an enjoyable story with a few little warnings about the dangers of taking science to far. I also appreciate the fact that he kept this story within the logical confines of current technology, For example cars are still using fossil fuels and there aren't any great flying cities. It makes the story more relatable because there is a high possibility of the human race seeing many of the technological advancements become reality within the next 50 years or so. Finally I loved the fact that in the end of the story Archon begins building humanoid robots for the most difficult tasks, It has just the right amount of irony as his reason for hating humanity is the belief that we are inferior beings.
On the other end of the spectrum however there are a few things that fall flat. Firstly while I do have to admit that giving Archos something resembling emotions does make him slightly more relatable, I feel that it detracts from his character if the reader can relate to him as he should be a cold machine based entirely in logic. Another aspect that i felt was lacking in this story was the view of these events from the position of under developed countries. I say this because even though the story dose address other countries such as japan we never see how this affects places like the more war torn areas of africa or the like where technology is not particularly pervasive.
In a general sense this book hits all the right spots as far as a good entertaining story goes. its not so slow that the reader gets bored and has to stop reading but it doesn't move too quickly to follow. It also cares a meaning without battering its readers with an onslaught of Quote, Unquote mystic wisdom. I would absolutely recommend this book to another reader without a second thought.
Robopocalypse, by Daniel H. Wilson, Doubleday publishing, June 7th 2011, 368 pages
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