I, Robot: To Protect

Author: Mickey Zucker Reichert

Reichert's novel is amongst a trilogy of novels inspired by Asimov's I, Robot. A tough gig, I'll admit, given the hordes of hungry sci-fi, robot nerds ready to devour poor, unsuspecting authors. In my opinion, Reichert carries this off with aplomb, giving a modern infusion to the genre, and a genuine female voice which, depending on your sub-genre, can be severely lacking in science fiction. This is a book that female sci-fi fans won't cringe at (unlike some of the earlier female stereotypes in robot science-fiction), and will appeal to audiences outside of the sci-fi genre as well, being part medical-thriller. In 2035, Susan Calvin (who you may recall from Asimov's I, Robot, the chief robopsychologist telling events to our narrator), begins her residency at Manhattan Hasbro Hospital. A group of patients receive an injection of nano-bots into their spinal fluid, aiming to unlock and map the human mind. Susan investigates her patients' cases and the abilities of robots and nanotechnology, while inadvertently becoming involved in an anti-robot conspiracy conflict surrounding the hospital. Reichert maintains Asimov's tradition of introducing a new robot in each story whose name is inspired by a model number, and in this novel we have N8-C, "Nate". Nate is so technologically advanced that humans have a hard time telling if he's a robot or a person. Nate's humor makes him one of the most likeable characters, but personally, my favorite was the four year old serial killer sociopath. The characters have depth to them and it's easy to empathize with the relationships they engage in. The description of medical syndromes and nanotechnology are believable, plot is gripping, and the pacing is tight. This novel will have you eager to read the other Asimov inspired installments.

Books in I, Robot (reichert) Series (2)

Isaac Asimov's I Robot: To Obey