Much like A Clockwork Orange, I felt this was outdated and not of this time. I won't go into more about it but if you do like Kubrick, this is for you. If you can see the problematic sides of Kubrick, steer clear.

As someone who's a HUGE fan of android media like Detroit: Become Human and Ex Machina, I was excited to read this novel based on the synopsis! Unfortunately, I think the plot/narrative was a touch too convoluted for me. I know worldbuilding can be difficult to explain subtly to readers, and I appreciated that I never felt babied while reading, but being thrust into the depths of this very interesting world right off the bat had my mind racing to keep up.

I had a very clunky entry into this. I think there are incredibly interesting ideas here, and I never want to feel like I'm having my hand held, but I felt a certain lack of linguistic clarity that left me more distanced than curious. I'm sure there are people who click in right away, I just wasn't one of them!

Alien Nation by Raymond King

From the onset, the two main characters are on a different trajectory. One is of lowly beginnings, Jason, our trusted service android, whose sole ambition is to pass the trials and escape replacement. Jason is more than just a robotic puppet; he feels compassion, an inherently human trait. Readers then turn their attention to Marcus, the Prince of Anthem, a generally likeable man with all the amenities afforded by the wealthy. Raymond King, our author, writes a novel based upon a power struggle between the monarchs and deviants. With a flip of a switch, an event swings the pendulum, and those who were controlled are now in charge. I beg the question: does it matter who is in charge if they decide to use their position for their own personal gain?

The forest trees swayed, mocking me. Closing in, I felt claustrophobic. Where was the path to the trail? I was lonely, cold, and lost. Similarly, to my experience reading this tale. By the end, I had a basic understanding, but there was plenty to unpack. The book dodged and weaved in my mind, fighting me. Just stand still, for heaven’s sake. The hand-holding was at a minimum, and at various times I felt strangely untethered. What was I missing? Deviants, psychopathic behavior, the All-Father, the All-Mother, and various forms of secret police. Religious anarchy, multiple spy arcs, backstabbing, romance, deaths, and wings? Yes, I said wings, as in angels or bats. A lot of things were happening. Though somewhat mind-boggling, I would not be deterred. As the end approached, I had this underlying takeaway. The majority of society does what it must to survive, including losing its integrity and sanity, while those who wish to rule cowardly watch and lie to support their positions.

Ambitious in scope, Raymond King wrote creatively. So in the end, I was split down the middle; I loved the overall message, but perhaps I needed a bit more guidance. The author should be commended for taking chances, and for that I am appreciative. I am giving this 3 out of 5 stars and can recommend this for individuals who like the unconventional.

A disturbing science fiction novel about androids. I struggled with the narrative and the characters but hardened enthusiasts of the genre will enjoy it.

This was a strong start to the Alien Nation series, it had that plot element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this world. The characters were everything that I was hoping for in the scifi element. I thought it was great that this was about an android and was invested in what was happening. Raymond King wrote this well and left me wanting to read more in this series.