Note to self: if I ever see a strange little box that starts talking to me? Yeah I’m out. And I’m side-eyeing my old Teddy Ruxpin. I see you bro.
Shortest Summary Ever: 4 teens, all different, with no apparent connection are summoned to a classroom one day after school. In the room sits a small black box. It starts delivering messages such as “do not leave the box unattended” and “do not ignore me” …or else. From there the box, named Aizel, leads each student in different directions into their different and complicated lives…
My thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed the taut suspense and the questions raised about technology and social media. This isn’t Sci-fi… this technology exists now and there are lawsuits pending for such things as the selling of data, spying, hacking etc – and this AI technology is real. That’s the part that makes the hair rise. I applaud the author for this intriguing idea.
I’ll never look at “learning toys “ the same way and I think that’s the quality in this novel – it’s a “thinker.” Remember The laughable Chucky doll from the 80s? It was laughable because no – nobody will be resurrected in a doll with voodoo. But can something “live” in “the cloud” forever? What IS Aziel? Could something technological become so advanced that it does as it’s programmed – learns for itself until it’s aware of the programming… and then what? Now cue the next 80’s movie – The Terminator and your mind will be in my realm. Fascinating questions all from this book.
Also enjoyed the diverse characters – Marwan, facing xenophobia, Eli – a quiet gamer who is better at his fake game lives than his real one, Eden – overcoming the death of her father, and Ilanka – pretty and social media savvy but mostly lonely.
All my reviews available at scrappymags.com
Genre: Mystery/thriller in the tech world.
Recommend to: Book clubs – some great controversial topics to explore here, my students, and honestly best-seller fans or those looking for a book that brings forward issues. A YA book thoroughly enjoyed by this not-so-young person!
Not recommended to: if you hate technology (though note I’m NOT techy and loved it).
Thank you to the author, Bloomsbury USA and Netgalley for the ARC and my always-honest reviews. Thanks for making me side-eye my old Teddy Ruxpin too.
