This was a really entertaining read! The idea of facing off against technology that his dad created-using other technology-was pretty interesting. And even though they're forfeiting terminally ill bodies, it's still sad that they were terminal in the first place.

The idea of these kids becoming robots, basically, so that they can fight this rogue A.I. was a pretty intriguing idea. That Adam's dad was one of the ones that worked on the A.I. gave some added stakes, because his dad has been the one to take care of him.

I really enjoyed the moral questions that this book brought up, because they are taking their consciousness, basically, and putting them in machines. They're also fighting an A.I. that was created by humans. They were really great discussions, especially for a YA book!

The fight scenes were something that I was looking forward to, to see what they were like. They were creative and I was entertained reading them, and oh, that final battle! There were some costs, and some events that I need to know how are going to affect things in the future!

I had a great time reading this book, and I can't wait to continue!

I LOVE THIS BOOK! At first, I thought this was going to be a great story and I knew what I was in for. Srsly this book was so much more than just a great story. This was a book filled with so much emotion and amazing storytelling. I loved reading this book so much. I can't say enough amazing things about it.

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Adam's muscular dystrophy has stolen his motility, his friends, and in less than a year, it will take his life. Virtual reality games are Adam's only escape from his wheelchair. In his alternate world, he can defeat anyone. Running, jumping, scoring touchdowns: Adam is always the hero.
Then an artificial intelligence program named Sigma hacks into Adam's game. Created by Adam's computer-genius father, Sigma has gone rogue, threatening Adam's life- and world domination. Their one chance to stop Sigma is using technology Adam's dad developed to digitally preserve the mind of his dying son.
Along with a select group of other terminally ill teens, Adam becomes one of the Six who have forfeited their failing bodies to inhabit weaponized robots. But with time running short, the Six must learn to manipulate their new mechanical forms and work together to train for epic combat...before Sigma destroys humanity.

Still not really sure how I feel about this book. While it certainly ticks a lot of the boxes for a great YA sci-fi novel, there were elements that were either confusing or completely unnecessary.

What's to love: there is a definite feeling throughout this book of "Boy's Zone" - I am not trying to be sexist or anything like that but a lot of dystopian novels seem to focus a lot on romance and a female lead. This book is all about technology and how things work. Certainly girls can read this, too, but the focus is more on the action and less on the other stuff.

What's not to love: the romance! It was just so unnecessary. Why can't these teenagers work together without having the need to fall in love? Why can't we just have a novel that's only plot device is the action itself? It just feels so out of place in the context of this story, it almost made me stop reading.

I am certainly going to follow this series - there is plenty to like and I look forward to the character - and technology - development.


Paul
ARH

Wow this book was just like the movie Avatar! 4.4 mind warping stars!

There is a classified military project, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, hackers, realistic characters overcoming terminal illnesses, disabilities, mental health issues...

AND... THE WORLD IS GOING TO END!!!

So… pretty wicked awesome!!! This book has it all!

The beginning is kinda slow because all the characters and their different illness, disabilities and other challenges are introduced. But there is that emotional appeal, so I was hooked. And even though story is centered around the AI theme it also briefly shows the physical and emotional challenges of living with a doctor disability and terminal disease the lost not only of mobility and independence but also of relationships the isolation.

In YA books usually parents are taking out the equation. The kids are often either orphans or the parents are absent or neglectful. I really liked that it wasn't the case here. It was great that Adam's dad was an important character in the story.

I loved, loved, loved Adam! He is funny, smart and caring. I loved how he still wanted to have a joyful life despite his debilitating terminal disease while still finding the strength to be patient and understanding with his mom's depression!

I Love Adam! Period!

Also the premise was very intriguing because, though I have read some stories about robots becoming humans, I hadn’t read any where the opposite happens.

And when this happens… when this terminally ill teenagers take “the jump”… Oh lord. There were some mind boggling and emotional moments! Those thought-provoking moments that twirl around humanity and identity… what makes us human? What makes is who we are? Is it our thoughts? Our memories? Mind? Body? All of the above? Is there soul? If so, where is it?

Unfortunately the next part of the story, when they are training in the military compound, fell a little flat for me. There were a few "omg" moments and even some emotional moments but most o fit it felt like reading a scientific American article.
Then the last 30% of the book gets very exciting . Artificial Intelligence (both human and not human) jumping back and forth and controlling all kinds of robots and military devices like tanks, helicopters and nuclear weapons. I didn't research them to confirm they accuracy but The description of military technology devices weaponry and procedures was pretty convincing and the descriptions of the human consciousness being transferred from one device to another just blew me away!!!

As an adult reader I would have liked more showing and less telling about the disability and terminal illness impact on the characters lives. You know like show me the character crying instead of telling me he is sad but I think the fact it's not overly emotional makes it a good book for to introduce young readers to this topics

So I'm buying this book for my kids! That's it!