3.5 stars, Metaphorosis Reviews
Summary
At the dusk of the world, two trash scavengers find a functional robot. That discovery sets off a complex journey across lands and cultures to find a way to escape the end of everything.
Review
There’s a host of interesting ideas in this book. Probably too many, in fact. They never feel very fully explored. There’s obviously more to see in future volumes – some of the intriguing cultures mentioned barely get a look in here, but clearly will later in the series – but I found myself wishing that there was less to see and more to focus on. The problem is somewhat exacerbated by a moderately large cast of characters. There, however, Welker does a good job of keeping them straight for despite a dizzying array of permutations and settings.
Despite being far, far in the future, gender roles seem to have reverted to those of the late 1900s – not just in one culture, but broadly. There are strong female characters, but they’re clearly operating largely in patriarchal societies. To be fair, there are some indications that there may be other societies in future volumes.
Perhaps because we’re rushed so fast through so many situations, there are a number of weak points and downright gaps that aren’t well papered over. A valuable robot in an impoverished, desperate society gets few looks and no attempts to take it. A sizeable army approaches without anyone really noticing. Some (re)inventions appear to come out of the blue, very conveniently. The robot is extremely human in his (yes, his) emotions and introspection. A miner in an isolated community somehow has context and even terminology for a host of surprise discoveries, including advanced science.
Keeping in mind that this is an ARC, the book needed substantial proofreading, including some consistent errors that made me worry a bit what the final, polished product may look like. While the prose is broadly smooth, there are some semantic errors that caused me concern. I did like some of the moments of humor that helped leaven a pretty long book.
Overall, I liked the accoutrements, but found the overall story too thin and patchy, with too many weak points, too many convenient saves, and too little patience. I think the book would have benefited from several more rounds of editing, and a little more narrative discipline. Promising, but not quite ready.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one. The writing style was definitely my kind of read. I enjoyed the plot. Could not put downer.

This author has a great imagination. With 4 other books in print, he's got the experience to write a good tale. I'm confident, many fantasy fans will enjoy this one. I stayed mostly engaged, and liked many of the characters, as well as the story. Recommended.

I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!

Dark Theory

[Blurb goes here]

This is a very interesting story. The long journey of a robot, and the friends (and foes) he finds on his path to meet with his creator, the only directive still in his empty mind. While observing every one around him, the robot starts to form a personality of sorts.

This is not your run of the mill adventure. The complex plot and subplots, the world building, the evolving characters, all makes for a fast paced and rich story.

I enjoyed it, and truly recommend it.

Thank you for the free copy!

Sci-fi is my home, my cozy place, my everything.
Dark Theory filled that spot just fine - an epic story of a self aware robot, what could possibly go wrong...
Thankfully, nothing really did. I enjoyed the story and the characters felt very real. I enjoyed the complexity, the wit, the science...
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced e-copy. I'll be sure to pick up the sequel.

A robot awakens with no memories except find his creator. The robot is self aware and slowly gathers a group of people who join his on his quest. Welker's book takes one into another world of good against evil.

Dark Theory is the ULTIMATE adventure novel.

I don't usually invest in Science Fiction novels because I struggle finding the storyline entertaining. Yet Dark Theory had zero issue encapsulating my attention and keeping me invested. The slight issue I found with Dark Theory was the length and complicity of the story. This novel took me FOREVER to finish and if I hadn't found it so entertaining, I no doubt would have given up. There were also so many variables that contributed to the plot, not necessarily bad, but at times I found it overwhelming. This novel is like a puzzle, intricate and complicated, but everything works in a satisfying harmony.

The main character, Beetro, is a lost and naïve robot who comes into the world with a raging desire to learn and care for those around him. Yet the world he is born into is cruel and full of people who will teach Beetro what it means to suffer. The most alluring part of Welker's tale is the characters he creates; each with their own demons and aspirations. The development these characters undergo is just, amazing. I cannot accurately communicate all the feelings storming inside my mind but I know that this novel was incredible.

I will be astonished if Dark Theory does not dominate the SciFi genre.

This book is a magnificent sci fi epic, a brilliantly described bright visual universe with a whole cast of believable unique characters .It is witty ,fast moving and incredibly inventive I really loved it from start to finish
Reading the book filled my head with images ideas and pictures rather like playing a beautiful ethereal video game ,one where you never got stuck trying to complete a task but constantly moved forward in a seamless effortless fashion .A dream of a book the inventiveness was continuous ,you never felt overwhelmed by the intertwined story lines which effortlessly wove round each other in a clear and eminently readable fashion
I fell in love with the robot character immediately as I did with the child characters in the beginning of the story and was sucked into this alternative reality immediately and fully
I can see this book as a tv series or film and would be very surprised if its rights hasn’t already been grabbed .it is rare to read a novel so incredibly visual as this book which sparkles with its originality and potential
I found the book highly amusing in places when the wit and quality of the writing and the circumstances the group of characters find themselves in are amusing even bordering on slapstick at one moment to move futilely onto some rather horrific scenes of torture that are horrendous and at the same time exciting
I’d strongly recommend this novel which I’m delighted to discover has a planned sequel to sci fi lovers of all ages .Young adults will like it Im sure as much as I have
I read an early electronic copy non NetGalley Uk and have published this review on there in full

I'm sorry, this wasn't really grabbing me, I didn't care much for the characters or the storyline. Then when Miree had her arm cut off and eyes put out I decided this isn't something I should continue with. I was a little bit intrigued by why there are only five stars though.

First review . . . no pressure right 😉

Firstly scifi isn't my normal got to but how could I go past this cover?! 👏

No matter where on earth the adventure took me I felt I was right there along side the characters, the way Welker brought the world to life was amazing.
From Ribcage to Arym, they all were from different walks of life with incredible back stories.
(Hanging to hear more about Meric).

How ever I did get a little lost with all the science talk, i still understood enough to enjoy it.
Also don't let the size put you off reading it.

I saying that I won't hesitate to pick up book 2!

Special thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review

The plot outline sounded intriguing - a self-aware robot with no memory and a human thief with regrets join forces on a quest in a world that is slowly unraveling. Unfortunately, I found the writing lacked flow and the scenes felt disjointed. I wasn't able to find many points of connection with the main characters. Perhaps their characters would have deepened through the story, but I wasn't able to finish it. The story has a lot of potential but needs editing to reach it.