Man-Made

A profound exploration of humanity, love, and the moral boundaries of creation.

In her second book of the Man-Made trilogy, Cluster delivers a taut, thought-provoking sequel that examines the intersection of AI, ethics, and the complexities of human emotions. The story follows Betty as she navigates her newfound rights and desires while striving to repay her husband, Mack. But her innocence and curiosity soon lead her into dangerous situations, drawing the attention of FBI Agent Woody Everett. Astonished by Betty's abilities, Everett becomes a reluctant ally as the stakes rise.

Cluster's prose is accessible, and the dialogue is tight, capturing the nuances of human interaction and the challenges of integrating AI into society. At the novel's heart lies the bond between Betty and Mack, raising uneasy questions about love, loyalty, and the nature of consciousness in a man-made being. The story confronts the definition of humanity and the ethical responsibilities tied to creating sentient life. What happens when an AI surpasses human emotional capacity? Cluster doesn't shy away from such difficult questions, pushing readers to reconsider long-held beliefs about identity and personhood. This is a page-turner.

-- Neena H. Brar, The Prairies Book Review