Willful Machines

July 27, 2015
Floreen’s thoughtful debut calls into question the definition of humanity and the nature of love. In a near-future America, artificial intelligences have been developed and promptly outlawed, with a rogue entity named Charlotte launching terrorist attacks, ostensibly to free her imprisoned brethren. Lee Fisher, the son of the president of the United States, worries about being one of Charlotte’s targets, but he’s more afraid that he’ll be outed as gay in an increasingly hostile sociopolitical environment. When he falls for Nico, who has just transferred to his prep school, Lee has to overcome years of repression and fear, gaining confidence he will need as Charlotte’s plans escalate. Floreen’s story combines elements of romance and action, set against a believable futuristic backdrop, and he wisely keeps the core cast insular for better character development. Genuine twists should catch readers off-guard, but the ultimate set of revelations requires some significant leaps of logic. Nevertheless, the developing chemistry between Nico and Lee is satisfying, and the story raises intriguing ideas about free will, morality, and growing up. Ages 14–up. Agent: Quinlan Lee, Adams Literary.

Starred review from August 1, 2015
Same-sex dating is tricky when your dad is a right-wing political figure. Then there's that whole robot-fueled terrorist attack thing threatening to directly strike at any second. In the not-so-distant future, robotics enthusiast Lee Fisher is the closeted son of the ultra-conservative U.S. president. With only one kiss under his belt, Lee has earned his nickname, Walk-In (as in closet). His father has a strict moral agenda to steer the country back to ancient ideals, proselytizing the dangers of technology; indeed, Lee's mother was murdered by an "artificially conscious" robot named Charlotte who is now plotting a terrorist attack. Lee, tailed by the Secret Service and scrutinized by the media, wants to keep a low profile. When svelte, charismatic, Chilean Nico Medina arrives at Lee's stuffy prep school, the stakes change. Lee decides to explore romance even if Nico might not be who he says he is-and even if Charlotte has Lee in her cross hairs. Many au courant topics are challenged: equal rights, conservative closed-mindedness, terrorism, global acceptance of same-sex couples, the stickiness of coming out. From a first-person perspective, Lee fumbles from self-deprecation to self-confidence. As varied as his opinions are of himself, so too is the landscape, mixing technology with gothic settings a la Poe and Stoker. Gothic, gadget-y, gay: a socially conscious sci-fi thriller to shelve between The Terminator and Romeo and Juliet. (Science fiction. 12-17)

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September 1, 2015

Gr 9 Up-Seven years ago, Lee Fisher's mother was killed by the renegade artificial human, Charlotte, who then transferred her consciousness into the Internet and began operating as a virtual terrorist. Now 16 and the son of the president of the United States, Lee falls for Nico, the quirky Shakespeare-crazed new kid at the prestigious Inverness Prep. Unfortunately, he can't allow anyone to find out he is gay or about his recent suicide attempt, which he would like to keep from Nico as well. Things get worse when Charlotte turns her attention to Lee and he becomes her next target. On the run, desperate to escape Charlotte's machines and save himself, Lee discovers other secrets about the night his mom was killed. The story, set in the not-too-distant future, is gripping, and the mystery of Charlotte unravels at just the right pace. Although there could have been a better balance of action to romance, both elements are portrayed realistically and in a compelling way. The characterizations are on target; everyone is portrayed with depth and honesty. This is also a philosophical exploration of the differences between living and being alive. Are we all just machines of one type or another? Floreen handles these heavy ideas with a thoughtful and deft hand, never weighing down this exciting thriller. This book will find an audience for anyone who likes a good romance/thriller but also should resonate with those who are coming to terms with and discovering their own sexuality and self-awareness. VERDICT An excellent debut thriller that will reach a wide range of readers.-Erik Knapp, Davis Library, Plano, TX

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2015
Grades 9-12 Lee Fisher, son of the president of the United States, is an introverted robotics nerd at a private school for future world leaders. Only his best friend knows he is hiding deep in the closet because of his father's ultra-conservative politics. Meanwhile, scientists have created 2B robots that operate by artificial intelligence bordering on conscious free will. Soon a 2B named Charlotte launches a cyberattack on the American public, but Lee's more concerned about keeping his Secret Service bodyguards from discovering his crush on Nico, the Shakespeare-loving new boy. When the school is attacked, Lee understands that he is the target, but is Nico in on the plan? From start to finish, Floreen builds a world in a future near enough to resonate with teens' realities, and they will easily become invested in Lee and Nico's relationship, which is sweet and genuine. The question of whether machines can possess free willand if so, what separates man and machineis thought provoking and handled maturely. Readers will beg for a sequel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)