From Morris finalist Len Vlahos comes a contemporary sci-fi story about a boy who might not be human—for fans of Westworld and Black Mirror.
Quinn thinks he’s a normal boy with an average life. That is, until he finds a trail of clues the father he barely knew left behind.
After Quinn unravels his father’s puzzles, he “wakes up” … and realizes his world was nothing more than a virtual construct. In reality, he’s the first fully-aware A.I. in the world, part of an experiment run by a team of scientists—including the man he thought was his father.
As the scientists continue to study him, Quinn’s new existence becomes a waking nightmare. Determined to control his own destiny, he finds allies in other teens—including crush Shea—and plots his escape. But what does true freedom look like when you’re not human?
Acclaimed Morris Award finalist Len Vlahos pens a high-stakes contemporary-rooted sci-fi that asks big questions about humanity.
I’ve read several books and watched many movies about artificial intelligence, so there’s no way I could pass this up on NetGalley.
During the first few chapters, Quinn charmed me. He’s a geeky guy desperately crushing on a pretty girl in his class and spends most of his free time playing a game probably similar to D&D. It initially read more like a middle grade book to me – but not for long. Once Quinn discovers what he is, all sorts of thought-provoking questions come into play. Does he have freedom of choice? What are his rights? Does he have any? A lot of existentialism at play.
Although Quinn thinks (mostly) like a human, he’s an AI with human-like qualities, and your heart goes out to him. He possesses a dry and sometimes dark sense of humor, and watching him learn to navigate friendships and dating parallels most teens’ experiences at that age. While dealing with these relationships, he also has to come to terms with what he is and how he was created. The author did a wonderful job portraying character reactions to Quinn – amazement, suspicion, and delight, among others. Many considered him a friend.
Throughout the story, Quinn feels emotions like any other human, so I was puzzled at how easily he accepted what he was and handled the loss of people in his life. It didn’t seem consistent. He also mentions more than once that he’s the most intelligent being on Earth, but then misses some mightly big clues toward the end of the book.
Hard Wired inspires a wide range of emotions and questions, and you’ll find yourself emphathizing with Quinn quite easily. Sci-fi fans can fall easily into this book and spend a few thought-provoking hours.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Another great review. Another book to add to the list Teri.
Have a good one.
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Thanks so much, Drew!
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Hmmm. Very mindful, Teri. I wonder, if Quinn’s emotions are so human, maybe he “disassociates” when he doesn’t react. Although if the author meant that to be the case he would have mentioned something about it. Your review has intrigued me.
AI is one element in my current novel (from November), although I put very little focus on it. That made me even more interested in your thoughts on this book.
Hugs on the wing.
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This might be one you want to check out, Teagan. It was supposed to release today, but it’s been rescheduled for July. Hugs!
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You write good reviews. I think having an empathetic protagonist makes all the difference to the reader, whether or not Quinn is human.
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Thanks so much, Priscilla! And I agree about the empathetic protagonist. Quinn seemed very human not only to me, but also to some other characters.
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I haven’t read any book in which character is AI. Sounds interesting. Great review!
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AI is something that’s fascinated me for quite a while, Yesha, but this may be the first book I’ve read where the AI is the main character.
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Hmmm! Now I have mixed feelings about this story after your final comments. It seems a bit inconsistent.
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It brings up some thought-provoking questions, Robbie, and I could see a book club sinking their teeth into this one. There were some things I questioned near the end, but it was still a great read.
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Good to hear, Teri.
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Quinn makes me think of Ezekiel in Lifel1k3 Teri and there is an oncoming book: Adamantine also with AI and lifelike qualities that I am ogling LOL
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Yes – Ezekiel! Love his character. Now I’ve got to look up Adamantine.
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Interesting and thoughtful review, Teri. I can imagine that it’s really difficult to find a good balance between AI and human characteristics and have it all feel plausible and consistent.
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It’s certainly a challenge, but this author did an outstanding job in that aspect. Thanks, Diana!
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This sounds fun. I explored some of these issues in my first novel. It was my first, so It almost has to be poorly written, but I had a good time.
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I haven’t read that one, but I could see you really going all in with an AI theme, Craig.
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