I like the concept, however I can't really connect with any of the characters. Maybe it's because I'm a mood reader, but I feel like each story is too short to get a true feel of the characters. Maybe in the future I'll be able to enjoy the story more.

This episode focuses on Arcadia, the AI behind the city.
It surprised me. I wasn't expecting such a complex system at play. I don't want to say much about what happens because I don't want to spoil anything. What I can say is that, after the way it ended, I have to read the next episode.
I can't wait to know what is going to happen next.

Yes, of course, we needed another character.

Granted, Arcadia isn't the usual sort, claiming a place among AI characters such as Illuminae's AIDAN, the poor... thing? (not really sure how to describe an AI) is starting to experience the very human feeling of loneliness. 

I love how Arcadia became this mother figure, wanting to protect the teenagers after her previous human occupants (centuries dead) left her alone. It was interesting seeing the group without the individual perceptions of its members distorting the view. Arcadia is an outsider and doesn't have feelings toward or against certain individuals. 

This episode worked like the last one to shed light on part of the overarching story but not all. The origin of the caretakers comes into light, as does their program failings. Yet much like the caretakers, Arcadia is starting to fade, unable to recall certain fragments of "memory." I found her slow descent into mechanical madness to be both refreshing from a unique idea standpoint, as well as expertly written. I can imagine it's hard to write an AI whose personality would be pretty objective, but written by someone with human subjectivity. 

Now that Arcadia can't remember certain bits of history, I wonder how much of a role those missing pieces will play in the final two episodes. As I mentioned in my review of the previous episode, this seasons appears to be leading up to a big cliffhanger. Information has been withheld for the bulk of the season, driving readers like myself crazy wanting to know the answers already. 

If this were a full novel, we'd be at the stage of the big reveal right before the final action scene and the conclusion. I just wonder if we're going to have a conclusion.

Arcadia knows what it means to be lonely; she’s had no visitors for an awfully long time. So when a group of haggard teens tumble unto her streets, she welcomes then with open arms and plays host the best she can remember. Of course, they have no idea she’s there watching, listening, helping. But she doesn’t mind – after all, hers is half lost anyway.

Arcadia has barely been introduced and she’s already one of my favorite characters. Technically an AI created to run the city, and essentially BE the city, she’s been around a long, long time. And is starting to experience what she can only assume is loneliness. Especially since her humans haven’t come back for her like they promised. With the kids’ arrival in Arcadia, she sees it not only as her mission to help what could possibly be the remainder of the human species, but also a chance to decide her own fate.

ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book 13: Memories of Arcadia
Star rating - ★★★★☆
POV – Arcadia
Would I read it again – Yes

** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **

This was a great addition to the series and a little more serious than some of the frivolous and pointless action/lingering that had been going on before. There's no chest-beating here, between irresponsible teenagers vying for attention, just the clinical, logical thought of a machine called Arcadia.

The premise of this episode is to offer us more information, yet it still leaves me with more questions than answers. However, I'm really glad to see that although we get to see various characters through Arcadia's eyes, we don't linger on the reckless, rude Inez, the romances or the unimportant people that are just lingering around in the vain belief that they're safe.

Once again, Holden is a shining light even when it's not his POV. His sense and his heart speak for itself.

I'm really glad that “In times of emergency, Arcadia is authorized to identify a deputy city manager.” Maybe if she does that, the group will realise how stupid and reckless they've been with themselves and those they've lost and finally wake up to reality.

~

Favourite Quote

“The decision has been difficult, but finally Arcadia choose the child she will contact. The one who is stepping outside, who is not preoccupied with himself or with his peers. The others are laughing, singing, enjoying their holiday ritual, but one has turned his back on that in favor of serious contemplation. One is asking the right questions.”