The first book of the Man-Made trilogy, our story centers around Betty, the original G-4 prototype. Programmed with empathy and her code having been tweaked, she discovers there is far more to life than what she was originally designed for. Partly organic yet still part machine, she finds herself caught between two entirely different worlds, when she inadvertently develops the equivalent to having real human emotions.
After the death of her favorite patient, Betty leaves the comfort of her place of creation, embarking on a new life journey. Along the way, she encounters the "real world", which is also inhabited by abusive humans, hijackers, and con artists. Always positive and cheerful, she still manages to help others, as she continues on her own quest of self-discovery. We follow Betty's unique "Cyber-ella" story, as we watch her continue to grow and evolve.
About the Author :
Cassie Cluster grew up having many different pets, but has always had a special love for cats, hence her previous reference book "Potty Training for REAL Cats." Another of her affections are for science fiction. Some of her first memories was watching "Lost in Space" at three years old, and she even had an animated Robot toy at that time in the late 1960s. The love of the genre gradually developed as a fan of "Planet of the Apes" and later "Dr. Who". This was intermingled with a fascination of mystery and crime dramas starting at age seven on. She combines her love of science fiction, a fascination with AI, and a penchant for research with the Man-Made trilogy of books. Cassie thoroughly enjoys creating books with important details and clues sprinkled throughout, yet leaving just enough to the imagination of the reader. Her fictional stories are full of relatable and lovable characters, and written in a style that is exciting and engaging, with a futuristic twist. Cassie is writing more upcoming books based on Man-Made and many of the various characters. She has two series in the works, and hopes to bring them to life within the coming year. "At least that is her plan."
Review :
A taut, urgent read...Cluster's series kicker in the Man-Made trilogy is a sharp, intense dive into the heart of AI, identity, and freedom. The story follows Betty, an AI caregiver who breaks from her programming to experience emotions and fight for autonomy.
In a near-future society where AI caregivers are ubiquitous, Betty's emotional evolution sets her apart, driving the narrative's relentless tension. As her internal conflict escalates, so does the novel's momentum, culminating in a gripping courtroom battle for recognition. Cluster's prose is sharp and unyielding, each line probing the thin boundary between human and machine.
The characters reflect society's divided views on AI, adding depth to Betty's raw struggle for personhood. Drawing parallels to works like Philip K. Dick's 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, ' Cluster explores the nature of humanity and empathy, creating a thought-provoking narrative that forces readers to question what it truly means to be human. Bold, timely, and intensely relevant, the novel delivers a chilling glimpse into a future where the boundary between human and machine blurs.
-- Neena H. Brar, The Prairies Book Review
Tense, philosophical, and deeply human: A breathtaking blend of emotional depth and ethical inquiry.Cluster's Man-Made trilogy is an intelligent, emotionally charged exploration of artificial intelligence and its intersection with humanity. Over three tense installments, the story follows Betty, the original G-4 prototype, as she navigates a world where machines are not meant to feel. Programmed with empathy, she develops genuine emotions, igniting a struggle for identity, freedom, and survival.
In the first installment, 'One of a Kind, ' Betty's journey of self-discovery takes center stage as she leaves the safety of her creation and ventures into a hostile world. Here, she faces human cruelty and grapples with her own awakening. Cluster masterfully builds tension as Betty confronts abusive individuals, hijackers, and the existential crisis of transcending her programming...
Cluster deftly blends emotional depth with philosophical inquiry, creating crisp, natural dialogue that breathes life into Betty and Mack's relationship while probing the complexities of AI's place in an increasingly fraught world. Tough questions about the morality of creating sentient life are confronted with unflinching honesty, presenting a landscape where easy answers do not exist...
At its core, the series a deeply personal narrative, anchored in the bond between Betty and Mack-a relationship forged in trust, loyalty, and shared hardship. Their evolving connection propels the story through a landscape filled with ethical dilemmas and pulse-pounding twists. More than a glimpse into the future of AI, this is a profound exploration of what it means to be alive, to love, and to seek belonging. Lovers of genre-bending tales that merge sci-fi, romance, and deep philosophical exploration will find the trilogy's intricate and compelling narrative irresistible.
-- Avira N. The Prairies Book Review
