I really enjoyed Extinction Reversed, it was an incredibly clever and creative read with some very well thought out characters who brought the story to life.
Brain Recyclers is better.
Extinction Reversed was a story about the history of the robots, what had happened to Earth, the invasion, the death of humanity, and the subsequent rise of the Robots who have spent the last 1000 years rebuilding the Earth so that it is ready for the re-emergence of Humans. This is where we also learnt that there are those robots that have been experimenting with humans, bringing them back early, before the technology was ready, resulting in humans that are not quite right. And this is where we met Eve14 and her Creator Evelyn11, one of the robots that have been experimenting. Evelyn11 is trying to create a perfect vessel so that she can shed her robotic skin and return to human form, regardless of the moral and ethical ramifications of this plan.
The other major character was Charlie7, the architect of the robots, possibly the oldest of the robots, and Eve’s friend and helper. Of course at the end of Extinction Reversed, Charlie7 sacrifices himself to save Eve, and they also believe that Evelyn11 has been destroyed.
Brain Recyclers is again, a wonderfully unique story, incredibly clever and totally brilliant in its story telling.
This time around, it is more of a Human story, as we see it told from Eve’s perspective, rather than from Charlie7’s and Evelyn11’s perspective (or the many other robots encountered in book 1).
This is where we really get an understanding of how the true talent of Morin as well. Whereas the first book had a very analytical, un-emotional feel to it, this book is far more emotional, the decisions made are more erratic and illogical, made by human instinct, rather than by the cold logic of a machine. Even though each of the robots is a certain percentage of a selection of human memories, they are centuries old, and have lost the ability to think and feel as humans once used to. They do not need to eat, sleep, or need the comfort of another human being.
Whereas we clearly feel this in the second book when we can feel the characters tire, their need for sustenance, and their needs for physical and emotional support from other human beings. The contrast is rather amazing, and although subtle at times, gives a real depth to the story, and separates the Humans from the robots.
In this 2nd book, although Eve has secured her freedom from Evelyn11, she is still trying to come to terms with her new existence. She has been placed with the rest of the Eve’s, although each of them has taken a new name as they want to have their own individuality. Eve14, as the oldest of the clones, has taken a position of the Human Rights Committee, but with so few humans on Earth, her still being a child, and what few humans there are being outnumbered 100’s to 1 by robots, Eve has little to no power in any meetings she goes to, and she soon realises this. It comes even more obvious when the future of Plato comes up in a meeting, and she only barely manages to save his life and realises that the robots can quickly turn from saviours to executioners in the time it takes to blink.
And thus begins a one of the many storylines in this tale as Eve begins her mission to save Plato’s life and free him.
This leads to a very interesting adventure for Eve, and an incredible learning curve for her, not only about life outside of Evelyn11’s lab, but also about the many types of robot.
She runs into many different characters for the first book, as well as a new Human character Gemini.
I don’t want to give too much away here, but the character of Gemini is exceptional. The development from the initial introduction and then through the story is masterful, and is a true highlight of the story. The interactions between Gemini and Eve are outstanding as this part of the story unfolds.
As well as the unfolding Eve story, there is the continuing Evelyn11 story weaving through as well. Added to this is several other subplots of not just a few robots, but there are now a couple of Humans added to the mix as well now, creating a fascinating story that is not just engaging but incredibly clever.
Morin has out down himself this time around, this is one of the best books he has every written, not just for the incredible character work, but for the riveting story line that just keeps twisting in such amazing ways that you will not want to put this down.
If you have not read Extinction Reversed – get it now and read it and if you have then make sure you read the sequel Brain Recyclers as soon as possible – you won’t be disappointed!!
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Top reviews from other countries
Nigel Greenhill
If you loved Asimov, give this series a try.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 20, 2017
dadfap
Great follow on from the first book
Reviewed in Australia on January 28, 2021