Robocalypse Now
The apocalyptic science fiction novel "Day Zero" by C. Robert Cargill, co-screenwriter of MCU's "Doctor Strange", is the prequel to his successful, and critically acclaimed 2017 book "Sea of Rust" . However, it can easily be read as a standalone, and describes the rise of the robot revolution.
In a distant future, before the Robocalypse, the story follows Pounce, a stylish high end nanny robot in the shape of an anthropomorphic plush tiger, who one day finds his box in the attic of his human home, which makes him realize that he is ultimately disposable, being able to be turned on an off at the will of his owners. That still doesn't alter his devotion to 8 year old Ezra Reinhart, the child he is supposed to raise. Then the annihilation of the robot town Isaactown, named after Isaac, the first bot to be granted personhood rights, triggers retaliation from the androids. So when the conflict between humans and robots starts, torn between joining the revolution and his primary task to care for his ward, Pounce decides to protect Ezra, and runs away with the boy. The nanny bot does his best to protect him in a world gone mad. For not only people are after them now, but also rebel robots. Pounce wants escort Ezra to safety across the war zone that the suburbs have become.
It's a dark word, C. Robert Cargill builds in this book combing in a way features from "Terminator" and "Calvin & Hobbes". There are insightful ideas about the role and nature of robots equipped with artificial intelligence as well as unexpected harsh violence, laugh out loud humor and a lot of heartful sentiment. It's easy to identify with Pounce and his dilemma, whether to continue his service or to fight for his rights, the pending survival of the child adding extra emotional weight to the drama. That the act of a radical religious group is the catalyst for the robot revolution, can for all intents and purposes be seen as social criticism. The question, if robot protocols (Asimov's laws) will ultimately prevent A.I.s from harming humans, when faced with the danger of being shut down by their masters, is a highly interesting subject. The novel is fast paced, and contains enough action and plot twist to be a page turner. Prepare to have some Kleenex at hand at the ending of the story.
The novel is highly recommendable. Thanks to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for letting me read this exeptional book.
