I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

 I, Robot by Isaac Asimov-273 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is more a collection of somewhat related/connected short stories than a novel, at least in the strictest sense. I found some of the stories amusing and others thought-provoking. There are the 3 Laws of Robotics and robots can't directly disobey these Laws. The book is presented as flashbacks on Dr. Susan Calvin's (a renowned robopsychologist) long career at U.S.R. I liked this book and it's pretty good. This is the first book in a series on robots by Asimov. 

Robots and Empire by Isaac Asimov

Robots and Empire by Isaac Asimov - 383 pages
Book 4 of The Robot Series

Unlike the previous three books, a mysterious murder hasn't been committed to be solved.  This book is set many years into the future, after Elijah Baley's death.  Earth has sent people to settle new worlds in the galaxy.  Spacers are upset that they are being outshone by the Earthpeople and its settlers.  Robots Daneel and Giskard are tasked with using Giskard's special powers to ultimately stop a conspiracy planning to decimate the Earth, all while staying in line with the Three Laws of Robotics... and a fourth, unwritten law that they have discovered?

The Robots of Dawn by Isaac Asimov

The Robots of Dawn by Isaac Asimov - 448
Book 3 of The Robot Series

Once again, Elijah Baley is called in to solve a murder.  He is requested on the planet Aurora by some characters from the previous two books.  R. Daneel Olivaw helps Baley solve the murder once again, but this time, the victim is another humanoid robot.  Their mission is politically touchy and is likely destined to fail, but with Baley's differing Earthly views, will he solve the murder?

The Naked Sun by Isaac Asimov

The Naked Sun by Isaac Asimov - 288 pages
Book 2 of The Robot Series

Elijah Baley and his partner, R. Daneel Olivaw, are once again called in to investigate a murder.  This time, they are assigned to Solaria, a planet that has taboos against physical contact and other "Earthman" oddities and is the most advanced planet in regards to robotics.  If Solarians refuse to see each other in-person, then who committed the murder?  Robots are the only other "living" entities around Solarian estates capable, but what about the Three Laws of Robotics?  If robots can't let harm come to a human, how did a man get killed?

The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov

The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov - 288 pages
Book 1 of The Robot Series

Elijah Baley is a New York police officer assigned to solve the murder of a prominent Spacer scientist.  Also assigned to this murder is R. Daneel Olivaw, a humanoid robot who looks like the real deal.  Baley isn't fond of robots, but he and R. Daneel explore and adventure together to solve the murder.  They struggle with a group of Medievalists who believe all robots should be permanently shut down, a group of people with prejudices against robots.

The Bicentennial Man by Isaac Asimov

The Bicentennial Man by Isaac Asimov - 211 pages

Another anthology of robot-themed short stories.  This grouping consists of feminine robots, space adventures, a robot becoming a man, and even time travel.  This anthology focuses more on science fiction as a whole, rather than one-hundred percent being focused on robots.  Asimov makes sure to include references to his Three Laws of Robotics in almost, if not all of his short stories in this book.  He also includes commentary for each story, explaining the history and why he wrote each piece.

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov - 256 pages

A collection of robot-themed short stories as told by robopsychologist, Dr. Susan Calvin to an interviewer.  These short stories range from robots gone amok, to mind-reading robots, to robots who are secretly running the world.  Every story deals with Asimov's famed Three Laws of Robotics:  a robot may not injure a human, or through inaction, allow a human to come to harm; a robot shall obey any instruction given to it by a human; and, a robot shall avoid any situations that could bring harm to itself.

Clara and Clem in Outer Space

Clara and Clem in Outer Space
by Ethan Long
31 pages


When Clara and Clem build a robot out of blocks, they have no idea where the robot (and their imaginations) will take them. Soon enough they are in outer space.....

Humans, Bow Down by James Patterson

Humans, Bow Down by James Patterson, 373 pages

I saw this book on the shelf and thought it looked interesting. The book has pictures which I though was unusual for James Patterson.

Though, I have to say, I did not care for this book.  I really wanted to stop reading it.  The beginning sucked me in and then I felt the book became bland and predictable.  The premise of the book is that the robot nation won the Great War and humans are banished to the Reserve.  Six is a feisty young lady with a friend named Dub, who try to fight back against Micky Bo, a Robocop.  I think James Patterson was trying to write a good dystopian novel but I believe it was an epic failure.

Star Wars: Jedi Twilight- Coruscant Nights I

368 pp.

In the months after the Jedi Order was destroyed, fugitive Jedi Jax Pavan become embroiled in a conspiracy after his life is saved by a sentient droid named I-5.

Wizard: the Life and Times of Nikola Tesla

 

Wizard: the Life and Times of Nikola Tesla

By Marc J. Seifer

542 pages

Nikola Tesla is one of the founders of modern electrical technology. His studies inspired such inventions as the radio, radar, wireless robots, etc. I enjoyed the book. However, at times it was too detailed for my liking. 

 

Camelot Burning by Kathryn Rose

Camelot Burning by Kathryn Rose  375 pages

By day, 17-year-old Vivienne is the lady-in-waiting to the future queen Guinevere; at night, she is an apprentice to Merlin. The famed wizard has given up magic and is teaching her the secrets of alchemical machines. Guinevere and Arthur are to be married soon, and Vivienne is kept busy during the preparation for the wedding. Her feelings for Marcus, a knight in training, are a welcome distraction to her double life. Suddenly, Morgan Le Fay returns to attack Camelot and claim the throne. Vivienne soon learns that magic always comes with a price. At the exact moment she begins her attack, Merlin's protection spell begins to expire, and he must be careful not to resort to magic.

Lio: There's a Monster In My Socks by Mark Tatulli

Lio: There's a Monster In My Socks by Mark Tatulli - 224 pages

This is a collection of comics about Lio, a small boy who likes monsters, robots, and hates school.  I almost didn't pick up this book -- but I am really glad I did.  The comics are hilarious.  Several made me giggle out loud while reading.  I also loved how "demented" Lio is.  I definitely need to look for more of the comics.

MSCHMITT--- Snowbots by Aaron Reynolds 32

MSCHMITT--- Snowbots by Aaron Reynolds 32

The Snowbots live in Clacckentown and are preparing for a record blizzard to hit. Their day begins with cereal and gasoline, sledding on the peak of the scrapyard, snow carvings with chainsaws, and at last a hot oil bath to help squeaking gears.

Chobits, vol 1, by Clamp, 185 pages

Chobits, vol 1, by Clamp, 185 pages

The easiest way to convince me to read a book is to tell me that it's been banned or that people take issue with it.  So of course I put this on my to-read list after Amy talked about it at Staff Day during her manga/anime presentation. :)  Chi is a personal computer- who looks like a girl- and came into Hideki's life by means of a garbage pile.  She is more than meets the eye, though, and Hideki is trying hard not to fall in love with her while finding out what her secrets are.  Also while trying to get into school, work, and continually embarrassing himself in front of his landlady and teacher.   I thought this was a cute beginning and could go in a good direction; but it's definitely for older teens or adults (some nudity, lots of suggestive-ness).

MBROGDON, Reboot- Amy Tintera- 365 pages

POSTED FOR MBROGDON, Reboot- Amy Tintera- 365 pages

In the future, instead of someone dying, they can be brought back as a "reboot" (like robots).  They are way less human.  Wren, a reboot, is really good at what she does, but things change when she meets another reboot who brings out the human in her. YA.

Pluto (v 1), by Naoki Urasawa (inspired by Osamu Tezuka)

Pluto (v 1), by Naoki Urasawa (inspired by Osamu Tezuka), 192 pages

First of all, let me say that I totally thought this book was a work of Tezuka that I had just never heard about-- and I was slightly disappointed when I realized that it is, in fact, inspired by Tezuka's Astro Boy series.  But that's ok- it's still a fascinating read.  This world is full of robots- some more human-like than others, but all are integrated into human society.  When indestructible robots are found destroyed, it takes a robot detective with a secret past to save the world's other robots.  This had a very Philip K Dick-ensian feel to it.