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vN
416 pages, 2012
Amy Peterson is a von Neumann machine, a self-replicating humanoid robot. For the past five years, she has grown slowly as part of a mixed organic/synthetic family. She knows very little about her android mother’s past, so when her grandmother arrives and attacks her mother, little Amy wastes no time: she eats her alive.
Now she carries her malfunctioning granny as a partition on her memory drive, and she’s learning impossible things about her clade’s history – like the fact that the failsafe that stops all robots from harming humans has failed… This means that everyone wants a piece of her, some to use her as a weapon, others to destroy her.
In vN, Madeline Ashby introduces us to a world where self-replicating robots, known as vN, coexist with humans. This concept challenges us to think about the implications of creating life-like machines that can reproduce and evolve on their own.
The protagonist, Amy, is a vN who struggles with her identity and autonomy. She's different from other vN's and this journey of self-discovery forms the crux of the story. It's a great read if you're interested in exploring themes of identity and individuality.
Ashby does a fantastic job of blurring the line between humans and machines. She makes us question what it means to be human and how we define consciousness. This is a thought-provoking theme that will make you see technology in a new light.
vN isn't just about robots and technology. It's also a deep exploration of morality and ethics. The book raises questions about the rights of artificial beings and the ethical implications of creating self-replicating machines. It's a must-read if you're into books that make you question societal norms.
One of the key takeaways from vN is its unique blend of science fiction and thriller. The book is filled with suspense and plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you're a fan of both genres, you'll definitely want to check this one out.
