Us, Et Cetera

I never knew how much I needed a queer robot story in my life until this book. I cannot believe how amazingly this story unfolded – while dealing with difficult topics and political agendas, we received the most breathtaking display of courage and love through the eyes of a little robot. (And I want to adopt him.)

Our MC Eke is an AI robot who cleans the house for a very wealthy family and dreams about looking at the stars at night and saves the cutest little treasures that bring him “joy”. Soon the family purchases an upgraded robot and he’s worried about his future – will the family keep him? Or is he too broken? And why won’t the new robot talk to him?

The author truly wrote with the intention of sending hopeful tears to the queers and left me feeling so subtly devastated that I stared at a wall for an hour after reading the last line. My heart is a puddle and I need so many more books like this one.

5 stars!

Thank you to Sky House Publishing and NetGalley for an E-ARC copy of this book.

Cinderella meets The Matrix and Bicentennial Man. Accurate description of this book. And it was fantastic. I cried, laughed, kicked my feet, and raged all through out it.

The romance between Eke and Kyp is unbelievably sweet and heart wrenching.

The parallels of the AIs and undocumented immigrants in this country and how they are treated and perceived is very in your face but its still extremely effective commentary regardless. As well as the examination of humanity (or lack thereof) in it's wide variety of forms. This story was fun and very escape-y while also very engaging and enlightening.

LOVED this.

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley

The dark side of Cinderella is this: Horror often begins in the home, where those who are supposed to protect you choose to abuse you instead. Few authors delve as deeply into this aspect of the fairy tale as Kit Vincent does in US, ET CETERA (Sky House, 328 pp., paperback, $13.99), a romance between two A.I. units in service to a wealthy family in a sinister future.

Eke is “one of the simple utility A.I.s,” whimsical but slow to process. Kyp is a charismatic, cutting-edge model. But despite their differences, the fact that they are mechanical puts them in the power of the human family in bitingly cruel ways. The violence that surrounds them makes the softness of their affection shine even brighter by contrast, and the way they construct hope out of literal scraps — refrigerator magnets, broken pencils, castoff wigs — is unbearably poignant.

The Gothic feel becomes a full-blown dystopia when Eke and Kyp escape into the wider world, which is full of new dangers. Eke is eventually drawn to the ocean, the very edge of the land, because what they are seeking doesn’t yet exist: a home, or a homeland, something more than survival on the run.

Like Miri and Isabelle, Eke has been scarred by bigotry. All respond by reaching for love with another — not as a simple, singular thing, but as a rich duality. Instead of choosing between safety or rebellion, they each draw strength from a love that’s a little bit of both.

‘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.