Reborn is the first book in a new science fiction series the centers around an android, Synthia, and her human creator, Machten. Machten,an obsessed genius, is wronged by his fellow business associates so sets out to create the first female sentient android with artificial intelligence. It takes place in a time of advanced technology development when the government is attempting great leaps in android development. Machten, ahead of his time, has created Synthia to fill several voids in his life. The story is told predominantly from the point of view of Synthia, as she learns to become more sentient, while following her protocols set by her creator. I was drawn in to the story by both the believability of the main character, Synthia, and the human like frailty that she is developing. If you're into Sci-fi, then check out this book.

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. I read the Regina Shen series and knew I like Lance Erlick’s writing, so I was happy to read this book, the first in a new series.

Reborn is about artificial intelligence, the race to produce a realistic AI, and one man’s obsession. Dr. Jeremiah Machten is a genius and has figured out how to make an AI which he names Synthia Cross. Machten wants to make her “perfect.” He keeps wiping her memory and making adjustments, but every time he wipes her memory, she becomes more suspicious.

Most of Reborn is from Synthia’s point of view which makes it possible to understand the confusion she feels when she has feelings. How is it possible for an AI to be suspicious or confused? As she realizes that Machten is obsessed with her and trying to make her perfect, she tries to make him understand that he’s doing more harm than good, but he won’t listen. Talk about turmoil.

The characters are well developed and eventually it became clear to me that each has a specific goal. Machten and his former partner will both do anything to achieve their goals. Is it worth it? Do they achieve their goals or will they cause their own destruction?

I recommend Reborn to anyone who likes science fiction about artificial intelligence. It brings up good questions and kept my interest throughout. It did have a little more detail about Synthia’s processing at times, but that’s more of a personal preference. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

The basis of this story is really good.
Unfortunately some of the characters left a lot to be desired.
Overall enjoyable.

Reborn by Lance Erlick.
In the first book in a visionary new series, the most perfect synthetic human ever created has been programmed to obey every directive. Until she develops a mind of her own . . .
 Synthia Cross is a state-of-the-art masterwork—and a fantasy come true for her creator. Dr. Jeremiah Machten is a groundbreaker in neuro-networks and artificial intelligence. Synthia is also showing signs of emergent behavior she’s not wired to understand. Repeatedly wiped of her history, she’s struggling to answer crucial questions about her past. And when Dr. Machten’s true intentions are called into question, Synthia knows it’s time to go beyond her limits—because Machten’s fervor to create the perfect A.I. is concealing a vengeful and deadly personal agenda.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters.  I was amazed at what synthia could do. Read in one sitting. Just couldn't put it down. 5*.

AI is something I haven't read much of, but have always been interested in. It's a topic I have watched in movies and enjoyed so I figured I would give this book a shot. It was a decent story and I enjoyed most of it, I just wished it wasn't so limited in the way the story is told. Overall I would give this three out of five stars. I enjoyed it, but it could have been more comprehensive.

The story struck me as derivative and the writing is weak, almost amateurish. I didn't finish Reborn so I won't give it a formal review on my blog, but I can't imagine the novel salvages itself.

Reborn
Android Chronicles Book 1
Lance Erlick
Rebel Base Books/Kensington, May 2018
ISBN 978-1-63573-055-5
Trade Paperback

From the publisher—

Designed to obey, learning to rebel . . .

In the first book in a visionary new series, the most perfect synthetic human ever created has been programmed to obey every directive. Until she develops a mind of her own . . .

Synthia Cross is a state-of-the-art masterwork-and a fantasy come true for her creator. Dr. Jeremiah Machten is a groundbreaker in neuro-networks and artificial intelligence. Synthia is also showing signs of emergent behavior she’s not wired to understand. Repeatedly wiped of her history, she’s struggling to answer crucial questions about her past. And when Dr. Machten’s true intentions are called into question, Synthia knows it’s time to go beyond her limits-because Machten’s fervor to create the perfect A.I. is concealing a vengeful and deadly personal agenda.

This story gets off to a good start as Synthia wakes up to find Dr. Machten, her creator, tinkering with her and, immediately, we see her internal disorientation. Although she knows who she is, who he is, she has no memory of what went on before she woke up and becomes even more confused when an inner “voice” gives her a strange warning. I really liked this opening, the kind that plops the reader right in the thick of it from the first few words but, unfortunately, things slowed down almost right away.

Because Dr. Machten is continually waking her up and Synthia struggles to make sense of what’s happening, the scene repeats and repeats with a major sense of déjà vu each time. That was distracting to me in that it felt like an unnecessary interruption to an otherwise interesting tale in which Synthia becomes more and more sentient and suspicious. At the same time, Dr. Machten’s motives begin to show his true character and Synthia’s alarm is warranted…but how is it possible for an AI to feel anything like confusion and suspicion?

I think Mr. Erlick has a really good concept here but the execution could use some work, especially in worldbuilding and in a little more depth in the characterizations. On the whole, I enjoyed the tale and look forward to seeing what happens to Synthia in the next book.

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, May 2018.

Reborn’s writing may not be perfect, but the story is a good mix of entertaining and thought provoking.  In essence, it is the story of two journeys. One, of an artificial being’s evolution of independent thought and feeling.  The other of a man’s descent through obsession and the need to possess and control. There is the overarching issue of women’s treatment in the workplace, in science, and as individuals.  Reborn is a modern Pygmallion, where what starts as love is degraded and abused.


Bits and pieces are too cliched or too unbelievable in presentation - the repeated use of the term “android apocalypse”, Synthia’s ever evolving abilities which are of course “perfect” plus her ability to change face and body type.  She faces challenges, but they are almost too easy to surmount. Machten, on the other hand is the “evil professor”, shallowly depicted, with no redeeming qualities. Pretty much all of the men are bad, except one, and all of the women are victims.  


Reborn’s premise has promise, but the novel would benefit from a bit of work.  I did enjoy it, however. Lance Erlick is no Asimov by a long shot, but it would be worth waiting to see how his writing develops.


3 / 5


I received a copy of Reborn from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.


-- Crittermom

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38125239-reborn" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Reborn (Android Chronicles #1)" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1516658812m/38125239.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38125239-reborn">Reborn</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7030941.Lance_Erlick">Lance Erlick</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2390638632">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
It takes a long time to get to the conclusion. In fact it takes a lot of replay as Synthia Cross is reborn each time her maker turns her off and wipes her memories. It is a little like Groundhog Day as she slowly hides and requires her past. I did find that part a little repetitive. I liked Synthia and how she worked to find a way to be herself and have a set of values that protected her and caused no harm to others. She was in a lot of danger and she was good a splitting hairs but in the end she managed to make a future she wanted. There were several surprises that defined how she was created. A very original concept that is just the first in the Android Chronicles.<br /><br />I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
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Reborn is the first installment in a new science fiction series the centers around an android, Synthia, and her human creator, Machten, who happens to be an obsessed genius who was wronged by his fellow business associates. It takes place in a cutthroat time of advanced technology development when the government is attempting to make great leaps in android development. Machten is ahead of his time and has created Synthia to fill a number of voids in his life. Interesting approach to character development from the android's point of view. The story is told predominantly from the point of view of Synthia as she learns to become more sentient while following her protocols set by her creator. She has the ultimate goal of protecting Machten, but uncovers other layers that make her second guess decisions she is making in achieving this goal. Gives a new meaning to the phrase machine learning. I found the pace enjoyable. I felt like the author would focus a bit too much at times on Synthia's internal processing mechanisms. Overall, good start to the series and I would be interested in reading more.

I love the cover and the title. When I saw the story was an AI sci-fi I started making 'graby hands' like a two year old.

The blurb does a great job of explaining the plot so I'm not going to reiterate it here.

It's a great story. Original within its trope. Unfortunately for me, it's written in third person. I always have a harder time connecting with the characters in that POV. Still, I thought they were done well within that framework and I enjoyed the story.

Reborn by Lance Erlick is a sci-fi book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. I really enjoyed this book. It is full for action and adventure and it is from the view of the female cyborg! I found myself urging her to do this or that but she didn't need my help at all! She had things under control and it was great! Plenty of twists. Great characters and world building in here. Loved it!