Us, Et Cetra is a unique LGBTQ SFF written by Kit Vincent. As a fan of the author's previous novel I was so excited to read this one and I thought the premise sounded really interesting, like nothing I've ever read honestly.

This book did not disappoint! The book immediately started to pull on your heartstrings and really didn't stop the entire time. Eke was really just a cinnamon roll who didn't know any better and could do no wrong and had to be protected at all costs. I hated anything bad happening to him!

Eke and Kyp were such a cute couple and I never would have thought I'd say I'd be a fan of AI romance but this book definitely converted me!

All in all, I'd recommend Us, Et Cetra to anyone who wants to read some queer science fiction fantasy!

A Cinderella story with queer robots? Count me in.

When a highly dysfunctional high society family brings home the latest advancement in robot servitude, their previous model, Eke, begins to feel his worth in the family plummet.

But he and shiny new toy, Kyp, must band together to save the family from themselves, learning in the process both what it means to be alive and what happens when humans lose their humanity.

A phenomenal debut from Kit Vincent, this surprisingly human love story between two artificial intelligence just might be my favourite read of the summer to date.

“We become alive by becoming aware,”

For lovers of Detroit Become Human with a mixture of Cinderella and WALL-E, 'Us, Et Cetra', is a wonderful story of two androids, Eke and Kyp, defying the laws of their programming to become more than a piece of property.

Eke lives with a wealthy family and their three children. But he is not family to them, no, he is owned by them. Bought to keep their house clean and stay out of their way unless told otherwise.

And, from what they know Eke has obeyed all of their command.

Except, he has a secret. One that could jeopardise and end him for good...

But then the Kensworth buy a new and upgraded AI model named Kyp. Handsome and built with so many new features that Eke lacks, he is the centre of attention and given much more freedom than Eke ever was.

Will this new android ruin Eke's current life with the family? Will they deem him junk and throw him out? Or will the handsome new addition be the saviour he needs?

First off I have to say it took me so long to pick just one quote from this book because there were so many amazing passages that I highlighted and loved.

I need to apologise for the late review, I was hoping to get it read and out by the book's release but I genuinely wanted to savour this story so much since it reminded me a lot of DBH which is one of my favourite games. I felt such a connection with Eke and Kyp and was anxious but also excited to see what the future had for both of them.

Kyp reminded me a lot of Connor from DBH who I adore but I absolutely loved Eke and would definitely say like WALL-E he is a lover of life. He loves the big and small things in life but just as much as he loves, he feels everything.

Eke's love of one plant throughout tells enough of how much he cherishes life but is also oblivious to the real world (which was not his fault since of his arrangements with the family).

It wasn't until Kyp appeared that Eke could truly have some sort of connection to the real world, but the truth isn't always what you want to see or hear.

This was genuinely such a beautiful story of love that also questions life and for me held a deeper meaning of how we, as people, treat others that don't look or appear exactly like 'us'.

It was a battle to put the book down but I also didn't want it to end!

*3.5 Stars*
I’m not quite sure how i read my only two sci-fi robot arcs back to back but it makes it hard not to compare them. This book is very similar to “In the Lives of Puppets” By: T.J Klune as they both feature a mainly robot cast and is about robots learning how to live and become “alive”. This book however does not really have the charm as “In the Lives of Puppets”. The story was good, having different perspectives and I found it interesting but it was definitely stagnate at times. Overall I just wasn’t connected to the story? The plot isn’t bad, in fact nothing about this book is bad but it just doesn’t really stand out. I will most likely forget about it in a week which is the most tragic thing a book can do.

This might be one of the most unique books I've read in a long time. It's a love story about robots, artificial intelligence, and some pretty staggering real world comparisons to immigration. The entire story feels like it could have fit into a more updated version of I, Robot, which was one of my favorite units during my junior year english class in high school so I really enjoyed that part.

The romance is well done, its incredibly endearing and hopeful, and the overarching mystery of the book kept me hooked until the very end.

And don't even get me started on how beautiful the cover is.

Overall, I fully recommend this book if you're in the mood for a bit of cute, scifi robot lovin.

This was such a unique and interesting story that was really sweet and tender at the same time. I loved the story progression and rooted so hard for our main characters. Can’t wait to read more by this author in the future!

thank you to netgalley and sky house publishing for a review copy!

this was such an interesting, and frankly quite heartbreaking, read. i will be the first to admit that artificial intelligence scares the hell outta me, but i had to request this one as it sounded fascinating (and the cover is GORGEOUS).

US, ET CETERA is mostly told from the POV of eke, who is an AI living with a wealthy family. he's an "older" model, and is responsible for the cleaning & chores around the house. eke is only regarded as a thing by the kensworth family; he is never invited to meals, or outings, or parties, though he wishes he could be. some of the quietly sweetest moments of the book are when eke gets to go outside, and when he is nursing some flowers. everything changes when the kensworth's bring home a flashy new AI: kyp, who will be allowed to do all of those things that eke cannot. at first, the two seem to have some sort of animosity (mostly on kyp's part), and eke cannot understand why the kensworth's have brought in this new AI. the rest of this book follows eke and kyp's growing relationship, and we see them as they respond to multiple horrific incidents, ultimately resulting in their defying orders and running away.

i liked the first half of this book better than the second, as it felt more scarily realistic and like something that COULD feasibly happen in the next 20-30 years. this book was a real feat of character work first and foremost, with eke's feelings of isolation and sadness permeating off the page. the inverse was also true, in that you felt his joy when he and kyp became friends. the end was quite abrupt and a bit of a cliffhanger, but it was also nice to be left on a happier note and imagine the future that eke & kyp could have. the writing was really nice, smooth and easy to follow without reading too juvenile.

instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuH0Zekrs5B/?img_index=1

Us, Et Cetera started well, introducing Eke as a wonderful narrator, however, in the end, the promised adventure in the synopsis did not come to pass. Instead, I was disappointed that it took seventy-percent of the book for any action to start, and did not enjoy spending the bulk of that time privy to the intimate trauma and damage of three neglected children, including the killing of pets.

Additionally, I feel quite strongly that the trigger warnings considering Eke's treatment as "bullying" is selling the matter very short. It is abuse, and while this did not bother me as a reader, it wasn't what I wanted - and certainly not for almost all of the book.

There's a lot of good in Us, Et Cetera - especially the notion of AIs realising their own humanity, and tapping into something like an artificial "collective unconscious" - but ultimately Eke's charm and the interesting worldbuilding could not carry the book well enough for me to enjoy it.

On account of enjoying the author's worldbuilding ideas, I would happily try another book by the author, however, so it wasn't an entirely negative experience.

4/5

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me the Arc.

Minor Spoiler
Trigger Warning for the book: Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempt, Domestic Abuse, Child Neglect

Summary:
Eke is a six-year-old helper AI owned by the affluent Kensworth family and his life has been controlled, mocked, and ignored since he was bought. However, when Elaina, the mother, brings home a new model AI, this one designed to entertain and dazzle with hundreds of new features that Eke doesn't have, Eke is both scared and afraid. Kyp, the new AI, knows what it means to be different. He knows that AIs who step out of line get decommissioned. Despite at first keeping their distance, Kyp and Eke begin to forge a connection because of the repeated abuse wrought upon Eke by the Kensworth's only son, Carson. Realizing both of them are far more aware than AI should be, a series of mishaps and events cause both Eke and Kyp to go on the run for the elusive Et Cetera, a safe haven for AIs.

This was a beautiful book to read. The story was captivating and interesting. The characters were unique and well-written. I will absolutely be buying a hard copy of this when it comes out.

Positives:
The romance between Eke and Kyp is so sweet and wholesome. Eke is an absolute darling of a main character who stole my heart from the first chapter. Eke's love of life and all living things is so wholesome and sweet. His absolute willingness to protect those he thinks need it, especially Lizzie (the youngest daughter), despite the abuse he is constantly subject to is so admirable. Eke's excitement to live his own life was genuinely so special and heartwarming. Similarly, Kyp's devotion to protecting Eke and loving Eke for exactly who he is was absolutely breathtaking. Kyp's characterization as this being who's so desperate to protect himself until he finds someone worth protecting more was so satisfying to read. Speaking of, the writing is beautiful. The blending of sci-fi and a more literary form of thought was entrancing. I never wanted to put it down. The setting and world-building are beautifully written, despite remaining in a single household for the majority of the time. The world still feels big and it doesn't feel like you're going in blindly when Eke and Kyp finally do escape.

Negatives:
The ending felt rushed. I was expecting Eke and Kyp to escape far sooner than they did, which did confuse me slightly while reading. Also, the children's interludes were a bit confusing. While interesting and well-written, it didn't feel like they needed to be there. But this is just me being nit-picky.

I absolutely would and will recommend this to others. I can already predict that this will be one of the next LGBTQ+ book darlings and I can't wait for it to come out. If you like emotional and heart-wrenching love stories with poignant dialogue about the future of AI and family dynamics, then this book is for you.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this DRC.

TW: domestic violence, substance use, animal abuse and murder, eating disorder, self harm, xenophobia, racism, gun violence

Eke is a humanoid AI owned by an oblivious wealthy family in Massachusetts. The absent father and substance addicted mother have raised a toxic and neglected son, Carson, who finds joy in hurting others. Eke, who is programmed to obey without question is a frequent and easy target for his misdirected rage. Things begin to change a little bit with the arrival of Kyp, a brand new luxury AI who can do all kinds of things Eke would love to do. When Carson’s rage accelerates Eke and Kyp find themselves running for their lives.
I liked the idea of this story and I found the characters of Eke and Kyp to be decent. Carson’s unchecked rage was uncomfortable and I had to put the book down for a while before I could continue. I found the relationship between Eke and Kyp to be a bit under-developed. It worked on a level of ‘we are both going through this trauma together’ but it could have used a bit more of them communicating and less doing chores and experiencing violence in the house.
One thing of interest, I keep going back and forth as to whether I think this book is queernorm/queer. Kyp and Eke both use he/him pronouns and they kiss. So on that level they could be identified as queer. But there isn’t any mention of anyone else being queer at all. There are no other queer characters and we don’t get any commentary on the state of queerness in this world.
Not my favorite, but an interesting attempt!

I am almost done reading this ARC, and I must say that I really am hoping for the best possible outcome for the two main characters.

It took me more than two weeks to finish this book because of the bullying and abuse scenes that took more than half of this book. Which is why I am hoping and wishing for a happy ending.

Such a fun and epic journey of finding the meaning of life.

This sci-fi, fantasy, LGBTQ+ romance follows the story of two artificial intelligence robots who become sentient, fall in love, and discover what it means to live.

Kit writes a poignant story with raw emotion, disturbing anti-Al themes, with a main character who sanders raw and immature emotions and reactions as he tries to figure out why he doesn't process and operate as he was designed. Eke begins to realize that he's functioning outside his basic operations and commands only to discover that he wants more, he wants to dream, and ultimately want to become more and live.

Along comes Kyp who is the shiny new Al whose devilish hood looks are more than what it seems. We get to see their story unfold to find an epic journey of escaping the confines of your purposes and "sole design" to find what it means to choose your own path and live for more (even when you don't necessarily understand it right away).
This was truly such a fun and amazing story and it also shows just how cruel humans can be to things they create, they don't understand, and things they classify as "Other".

A solid five star read and if you like gay robots who are looking for their reason to live, this is for you!

I really enjoyed Kit Vincent's first book, Of Feathers and Thorns, so I was super excited for this new book by them and it did not disappoint! What I loved most about this book were the characters, particularly Eke. I just wanted him to get everything he ever dreamed of. The way he looked at the world was just so pure despite his unfortunate circumstances. I just loved him so much and wanted to give him the worlds biggest hug! I didn't have quite as strong of feelings for Kyp, but I loved how fiercely he loved and protected Eke and how hard he worked to make Eke's dreams come true.

Us, Et Cetera was a slight Cinderella retelling but with some darker themes (some things to be wary of are: attempted suicide, eating disorders, animal cruelty, allusions to sexual assault, and physical/mental abuse). Eke and Kyp's journey from the Kensworth household to their attempt of locating the Et Cetera was a gripping one that kept me interested and invested the whole time. If I had one complaint, it would be that I felt the ending to be a little rushed. I just wish we had a little more detail to wrap it all up. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one Vincent writes!

‘Us, Et Cetera’ by Kit Vincent is an enchanting LGBTQ fantasy that weaves together the allure of Cinderella with the futuristic allure of The Matrix, leading readers on a thought-provoking exploration of life's essence, the pursuit of freedom, and the sacrifices made for love. From the very first page, I was captivated by the spellbinding narrative that had me teetering at the edge of my seat, my heart firmly gripped in my hands. The story is devastatingly beautiful, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at once, taking readers on an emotional rollercoaster that they won't soon forget.

“Eke, an AI bound to a wealthy family as mere property, yearns for a life beyond his duties. When a new AI named Kyp arrives, Eke's sense of isolation intensifies as Kyp becomes the family's favored companion. However, an unexpected incident at a party brings the two AIs together, sparking a daring decision: to defy their human owners and escape. As they embark on a perilous journey, pursued by relentless AI hunters, Eke and Kyp must confront their limitations, grapple with the true essence of freedom, and navigate the uncharted territory of love and self-discovery.”

One of the most endearing aspects of this novel is the unforgettable character of Eke. As an innocent, loving, and pure AI, Eke quickly won my heart, and I found myself empathizing with his yearning for freedom and genuine human connection. The slow burn romance between Eke and Kyp was nothing short of magical, and I couldn't help but cheer them on, holding my breath with every obstacle they faced on their dangerous journey. As they embarked on their quest, I found myself worrying, shedding tears, laughing, and smiling alongside them, completely invested in their fate.

The author's skillful storytelling and world-building in ‘Us, Et Cetera’ is reminiscent of the emotions and depth I experienced while playing the beloved video game 'Detroit: Become Human.' The fusion of high-stakes action, tender romance, and thought-provoking themes is a masterstroke, making this book a true page-turner. ‘Us, Et Cetera’ is a genre-defying masterpiece that celebrates the power of love, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to defy the odds. Kit Vincent's exceptional work will resonate with readers from all walks of life, leaving them with a lingering sense of wonder and a renewed appreciation for the complexities of existence. If you're searching for a novel that will take you on an unforgettable journey and leave you pondering the essence of life itself, this is the book to read.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for my review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this amazing book.

I don’t even know where to start this review. I absolutely LOVED this book. I loved Of Feathers and Thorns so I was really excited to read another book from Kit and let me just say, it did not disappoint. I felt so attached to both Eke and Kyp. The book has such good discourse on what it means to be alive and what it means to be human and really makes you look deeper than just our living bodies. A great commentary on the future capitalism is creating for us and the darker sides of humanity as well. 10/10 amazing book!

3.5 ⭐️ (6.29 CAWPILE)

A twisting tale of kindling hope found even during harrowing, unrelenting hardship! Self-blurbed as a love letter to the Matrix, Us, Et Cetera tells the story of Eke and Kyp, two AIs whose worlds collide when they become property of the Kensworths, and their perilous journey towards freedom, acceptance and a purpose beyond servitude. From a stifling suburban enclave near Boston to the California coast, Vincent takes readers on an expansive, action-packed adventure in search of an unknown future.

So much of this book was undeniably, indelibly charming. From Eke's preoccupation with trinkets and love for Buster Keaton, to Kyp's protectiveness and knowledge of constellations, to the sentimental, sweet pseudo-sex they shared, I was pleasantly surprised by how many pockets of joy were packed into such a melancholic story. Kit Vincent has a great knack for writing loveable characters, flaws and all, who you wish the very best for.

This is a wonderful book for those who are just starting out in the genre, or who crave sci-fi vibes without heavy lore or suspension of disbelief. Both Eke and Kyp, in many ways, expressed more humanity and emotional intelligence than the humans within the narrative did. Whilst it works with the larger plot, it would've been nice to see their struggle to understand 'human' concepts/emotions more deeply explored, and perhaps from a slightly more detached viewpoint.

I implore readers to read trigger and content warnings before heading into this one, especially since it's marketed towards the YA and NA market. There are some heavy themes explored here, often without relief and quite bluntly. Dani's character struggles with an unspecified eating disorder which, at times, appeared under-researched and easily solved to fit the narrative. If you are in a vulnerable place, enter with caution and kindness.

I would recommend this for fans of T. J. Klune, Buster Keaton diehards, and anybody who likes a lot'a angst with a soft ending. I look forward to seeing what Kit Vincent releases into the world next - and keep my fingers crossed that a follow-up finds its way onto the shelves!

🌈: MLM representation (there are no explicit sexuality labels used).
* content warnings: animal death, implied animal torture (off-page), eating disorders, suicide attempt (unsuccessful), power imbalance, gore & violence.

Many, many thanks to Netgalley, Sky House Publishing and Kit Vincent for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw Kit start talking about this book on their TikTok, I knew I had to read it. I LOVE retellings that are made queer, and this being also a Sci-Fi type retelling with GAYS?? SIGN ME UP.

This book absolutely destroyed any expectations I had in the best way possible. Not only does it have short *ss chapters that keep you absolutely HOOKED, but the difficult topics and political agendas discussions were weaved in so well. I find not a lot of books can do that while also having the definition of a cinnamon roll main character. I think anyone who has read this can say that they would do anything for Eke, and add my name to that list of people.

I mean what else is there to say??? If you aren't interested in a Cinderella meets The Matrix and Bicentennial Man but queer, I don't know what to tell you except that you're missing the f*ck out on an amazing book.

Oh gosh, this book was a ride! I had a great time reading "Us, Et Cetera" and it got my mind working, which I always appreciate in a sci-fi!

I fell in love with Eke in the opening scene when he saved the flowers and was thoroughly enamored by him after the first few chapters. His curious, naive way of viewing the world was both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. He was able to find joy and hope in such simple things and I just loved that about him.

Kyp was also a compelling character and I appreciated seeing his growth and his devotion. Also loved Dani and Lizzie, and the complexity of all the side characters.

I thought the plot was overall very strong, although I found myself more invested in the story during the first half. I think I just loved learning more about Eke and the story became less character-focused and more action-focused in the second half, so it lost some of its magic for me (totally just a personal preference though, not a fault of the writing).

AI is an especially hot topic right now and I appreciated the explorations of what an "AI apocalypse" might look like and how solutions might be found. It gave me a lot to think about, even if I didn't always agree with the premise.

(Also, shoutout to the cover artist, because omg the cover is so gorgeous!!)

A big thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Artificial intelligence, real love.

Eke, an AI housekeeper for the wealthy Kensworth family, is anything but a boring robot. Sure, he quietly does his chores and politely follows orders. But when his family is asleep, Eke is enacting Buster Keaton performances, conversing with his reflection, and tending to his only friends (a flower and three goldfish). His life of silent servitude is shaken, though, when the family brings home a brand new, state-of-the-art AI that not only out-performs him, but outshines. Everything about Kyp makes Eke feel obsolete, and all he wants is to be friends–which seems more than impossible.

That is, until an unfortunate public incident brings the two AIs together, needing to rely on each other more than they imagined. As things between them change and grow, it becomes impossible for them to stay in the Kensworth home. Soon, the two domestic servants find themselves somewhere they were never meant to be: outside, in search of freedom.

I fell into this book and literally finished it in just over 24 hours. From the first page, Eke captured my heart with his sweet innocence and humanity. Though naive, he isn't dumb, and does what he can to make his small world a better place. There were (many parts) where I found myself grinning or giggling, and even times where I was anxious and angry. One scene even brought me to tears. And while we all hope for Kyp and Eke to walk hand-in-hand into the sunset, the world Kit Vincent created doesn't promise a happy ending; there's no amount of predicting that will let you figure out where this story goes.

While this story is a novel about two robots, it is full of themes that anyone can enjoy: found family, hope in the dark, and finding love and purpose. Don't let the sci-fi tag steer you away, Kyp and Eke are more human than many humans.

I absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone, and cannot wait to see the world discover this story. I give it five glow-in-the-dark stars (iykyk).

It was SO CUTE. And wholesome. And bittersweet and tragic and beautiful, I just love it!
Kyp and Eke for LIFE. They are so cute together aaaaa my heart