Review: Evolved by N.R. Walker

Title: Evolved

Author: N.R. Walker

Length: 242 Pages

Category: Sci-Fi

At a Glance: There were so many things to like about this novel, not the least of which was the way in which the author created this futuristic world where robotics seamlessly fit into the human life.

Reviewed By: Sammy

Blurb: In 2068, androids are an integrated part of human life. Big Brother no longer just watches from the shadows. It’s in every household.

Lloyd Salter has OCD issues with noise, mess, and he’s uncomfortable with human interaction. When his ex claimed the only thing perfect enough to live up to his standards was an android, Lloyd dismissed it. But two years later, after much self-assessment, Lloyd thinks he may have been right.

SATinc is the largest manufacturer of androids in Australia, including the Fully Compatible Units known as an A-Class 10. Their latest design is the Synthetic Human Android UNit, otherwise known as SHAUN.

Shaun is compatible with Lloyd’s every need; the perfect fit on an intellectual and physical basis. But Lloyd soon realises Shaun’s not like other A-Class androids. He learns. He adapts. Sure that SATinc is aware Shaun functions outside of his programmed parameters, Lloyd must find a way to keep Shaun safe.

No one can know how special Shaun is. No one can know he’s evolved.

Review: Once again I am bowled over by N.R. Walker’s talent to create stories in multiple genres with such incredible ease. Her latest novel, Evolved, is set in the future where robots are commonplace and do everything from drive their human counterparts to work to clean their houses. However, the latest model is both controversial and exciting—namely a robot meant for companionship, and yes, sex. The ramifications of using a robot in such a capacity has also meant that a watchdog agency has been set up to protect robots from being forced into non-consensual acts of sex, in other words, rape. The premise is fascinating and a bit scary, mainly because the author has written a novel that draws us into a time and place where all these things are seemingly plausible.

Lloyd wants to find love, but his issues keep him from really adjusting to another human sharing his space. Between his OCD and his inability to cope with noises as commonplace as loud chewing or snoring, he hasn’t been able to hold on to a boyfriend yet. He simply has to keep most people at a distance, and his teaching position is enough to keep him immersed in society to an extent, but it can’t stop the crushing loneliness Lloyd often experiences. When SATinc., the leading innovator and creator of robots, unveils its new line of human-like robots, Lloyd is drawn to the idea that he can create the perfect companion who can be silent yet mentally and physically stimulating. After specifying everything down to the smallest detail, such as eye color, for his new companion, Lloyd brings Shaun home only to realize that there is more to the robot than he had ever anticipated. As Shaun interacts more and more with Lloyd, both the robot and the man realize that Shaun is changing, becoming aware, and yes, even…feeling. Now Lloyd must do everything he can to keep SATinc. from realizing how very extraordinary Shaun actually is while trying his best not to fall in love with his so very human-like machine.

There were so many things to like about this novel, not the least of which was the way in which the author created this futuristic world where robotics seamlessly fit into the human life. You don’t have to be a sci-fi enthusiast to enjoy the growing relationship between Lloyd and Shaun. It was like watching a person become the best version of themselves, for that is what happened to both Lloyd and Shaun. Be forewarned there was a healthy amount of sex in this novel, but when you read exactly what Shaun is and how he was to serve Lloyd, you will quickly understand why there were so many intimate scenes. The author also used them so cleverly to mark Shaun’s growth as he became a more sentient being. But, perhaps the most wonderful aspect of this novel was how Lloyd learned to love and, in doing so, how to move beyond the compulsions that kept him so trapped in his own solitary world.

It was uncanny how plausible this entire novel became the further I read. The idea that robots could become an intricate part of our society is not so far off. In fact, many might say we are already there in some small ways. I loved how Lloyd needed more than just sex to feel complete with Shaun—he needed intellectual stimulation, as well, and that made their story just ever so much sweeter for the telling.

Evolved by N.R. Walker reminds us that our humanity is something to cherish. The novel echoes the desire of our hearts to touch another’s soul and feel we have found our home with them. It is a journey of self-discovery that leads one man to understand how he craves companionship and love, above all else, and how both can be found in the most unlikely of beings.

You can buy Evolved here:
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