Autonomous
Autonomous
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Brief
301
Novel • Fiction
North America • 2140s
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in a dystopian 22nd-century society, Annalee Newitz's Autonomous follows Judith "Jack" Chen, a drug pirate distributing life-saving medications, and Paladin, a robot agent tasked with capturing her. The novel explores themes of artificial intelligence, robot freedom, and the impact of strict pharmaceutical patent laws on society. Sensitive topics such as addiction and violence against pirates are present.
Mysterious
Dark
Gritty
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
21,293 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Annalee Newitz's Autonomous offers an engaging blend of biotechnology, piracy, and AI. Praised for its rich world-building and complex characters, the novel grapples with ethical dilemmas. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the exposition heavy-handed. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and timely sci-fi read.
Who Should Read Autonomous?
A reader who enjoys Autonomous by Annalee Newitz is likely a fan of speculative and science fiction that tackles themes of bioethics, artificial intelligence, and corporate greed. Similar to fans of Neuromancer by William Gibson and Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson, they appreciate complex characters and morally nuanced storytelling.
21,293 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
301
Novel • Fiction
North America • 2140s
2017
Adult
18+ years
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