I very much enjoyed this unique story! It's hard to not see parallels between how the country is divided now among political and racial lines, on some level, with the AI and humans. The mystery element also worked very well here...it was a perfect marriage of storytelling. Thumbs up!

Unfortunately I was unable to finish the book. This isn't really my type of book but I did give it to about 75 pages in so I would be able to give a proper review.

Sci-fi meets detective story in this new novel by Ariel S. Winter. The story opens on a reservation, aka The Preserve, for humans, who after a plague find themselves drastically outnumbered by their own technological creations, that is, robots. The Preserve is intended as a place, where humans can live their lives free from robot interference and perhaps overcome the decimation of the race through a managed fertility program. But a murder on The Preserve places the continued existence of this experimental community in jeopardy. Chief Laughton (human), along with his former robot partner Kir must navigate the political morass that pits human supremacists against robot supremacists if they are to solve the murder and save the fledgling human community.

The parallels to current racial politics are immediately apparent, and thus some readers may be tempted to write off this dystopian novel as too obvious or too simplistic. But this would be a mistake, as the above description fails to capture the multiple layers of prejudice that inform the plot and the characters’ actions. One of the most interesting of these layers for me was the colonizer/colonized relationship between humans and robots. Laughton sees humans as the indigenous people, who have been displaced by robots. Yet, as Kir points out, although robots now rule the world, they rule a world that is still organized around their former colonizers’ (i.e. humans) needs: “We’re still running your government. Your government in which we were considered things, not individuals. We’re still speaking English, out loud. We’re like colonials after the empire recedes, still living under empire’s rules.”

Smartly the author provides no easy answer to this complicated relationship, nor does the author shy away from showing the mutual suspicions that taint the relationship between humans and robots, including between Kir and Laughton who view each other as friends. For even as many humans want to segregate themselves in a system of preserves, they soon realize that the preserves can become a prison, whether of their own making or of that of the robots. A thought-provoking read.

This also was a very interesting title which made me want to read right away. The story line it was very interesting and nothing really to regular. The story drags a little in the beginning. I thought it could be a little bit more exciting and it did take me a while to read it.

4.5 stars

As soon as I saw this cover, I clicked on the title, and the blurb reeled me in. AI (r)evolution is a terrifying concept to me; and while I don't consider myself a die-hard fan of techno-horror novels, some of my favorite movie/tv shows and books have been centered on this very premise over the last few years.

In a future when robots roam the land, humans are the minority and have been relocated to the Preserve, Chief of Police Jesse is trying to solve the Preserve's first homicide. At the same time, a string of seemingly unrelated robot killings require him to team up with his old Baltimore robot partner, Kir. Together, they must solve both cases before the delicate balance between human and robot is thrown into upheaval.

Let me start by saying, this book is an interesting, terrifyingly-realistic read. Apparently being in the middle of an actual pandemic isn't keeping me from post-apocalyptic narratives, because this book touches on several of-the-moment trends that are disturbing and give an extra layer of significance to the read. Humans live on the Preserve in order to rebuild some of what they lost, repopulate (maybe) and give their kids the ability to socialize with other kids. This struck me right in the heart, as my daughter is finishing up a kindergarten year that has been far from what we envisioned and misses her friends desperately. I could completely relate to why the humans chose to try for regularity on the Preserve, in spite of the very real fear that being in one huge group would make it easy for the robots to wipe them out entirely.

As an MC, Jesse is both interesting and exhausting. His health problems stressed me out, I was tired for him half the time, and I rooted hard for his success. His relationship with Kir was my favorite part of the book. Between their friendly banter, astute observations about their biological/cognitive differences, and the give-and-take of their interview and investigative styles, this was a winning pair in my book, a solid base to launch an addictive techno-procedural crime series.

On top of this, I'd love to say this a book to get lost in, but there were too many parallels between the current state of affairs and this futuristic post-plague world. The power and prevalence of technology is a concern, but so is social injustice, political imbalance, and a system that is fundamentally broken. Yes, on the surface, you could read this without thinking too much into the characters and enjoy the thrill of the chase as Jesse and Kir hunt the bad guys. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find some pretty hard-hitting commentary that is shockingly accurate for 2020.

Overall, The Preserve is a fast-paced, terrifying ride into the future. I'd recommend to anyone looking for a read in the vein of Almost Human, I, Robot, or Ex Machina--or anyone looking for a techno-take on crime series.

Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for honest review consideration.

Thank you so much to net galley for sending me a copy of this book. I was really excited to read this book and I was definitely not disappointed. Would love to read more by the author

I've mixed feelings about this one. there were certain parts that I thought should have been flushed out a little bit more (and no that is not a pun) particularly about the Chiefs migraines and why his wife always seemed really annoyed at their daughter. I don't know if that was the intent of the author but it was something that I just kept feeling every single time Betty spoke to or about Erica. And it really kind of took me out of the rest of the story. It was a decent mystery with some unique elements although it is a book that I think could have actually been longer, just because there was so much happening at one time I'm not entirely sure that every plot point got its due. But overall it was a quick read and I did enjoy the lead characters.

Unfortunately, I put this book down after a few pages. I couldn’t get into it. I didn’t fully understand what was going on and because it didn’t catch my attention in the beginning I rarely picked it up again and then decided to put it down for good.

Although I enjoyed the story and thought it was interesting, the characters seemed distant. It was thought provoking. A twist on the "hate" theme stories.
Laughton was just plain tired and only wanted his family to live in safety and with other humans. The Preserve is where he chose to raise his daughter,Erica. But when he experiences his first human murder on the preserve, it threatens to bring the preserve down. Kir, a robot, and Laughton's ex partner is called in to help solve the murder and represent the robots. Laughton begins reexamining his beliefs and wonders if the preserve is right for his family. As the leads develop, Kir and Laughton discovers a new virus is threatening the robots. Can these two friends resolve the case and bring back peace or will a war between humans and robots ensue?

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. I found myself very confused and the explanations of AI not very insightful. I am wondering if you read a lot of this genre, if this will make more sense, but as someone that does not read a lot of sci-fi robot books, I found myself completely lost in the descriptions, and also uninterested.

I think fans of this genre will have a better reading experience than I did, but as someone new to it, this book didn't capture my attention and I had a difficult time even understanding what was happening.

Thank you the the change to review and the ARC!

The Preserve is a sci-fi police procedural murder mystery. It takes place in a futuristic post apocalyptic society where plague has wiped out most humans and robots have taken over. It’s well written, though a bit dry and is lacking in descriptive detail when it comes to world building (which is something I need in abundance as an infrequent sci-fi reader). Honestly, the book was a miss for me because I couldn’t empathize with any of the characters and the details of the world weren’t clear enough for me. Perhaps if you only read this specific genre, you’ll find it more relatable and interesting.

ARC provided by #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This review is being offered in exchange for an ARC from the publisher.

The story blends elements of a police procedural novel set in a Sci-Fi setting where robots are now the dominant species after a plague ravages humanity. In response, humans have been given "Preserves" to re-populate and re-build without robotic interference. You follow Jesse Laughton & Kir, his robotic side-kick from pre-Preserve days as they investigate a murder they believe is connected to the underground robotic black market.

I did find the world building to be interesting, as that was what initially drew me in to the story. From there, the book touches on some interesting themes around the coexistence and collaboration between characters from two separate worlds. Laughton & Kir try to play the roles of buddy cops and it does come off as somewhat believable throughout the story.

My main gripe though centers around Laughton as I didn't feel as though he was really worth rooting for. He comes off as miserable all the time, despite claiming that his job should be so easy since he's been on the preserve. He's got a loving family that he frames as pestering throughout the story and doesn't seem to care much for. You never really feel like he grows much throughout the story and I just didn't feel like I could connect with him.

Overall, it's a unique spin on the police procedural and it's worth a read for something that's a little different.

Chief of Police Jesse Laughton and his old partner Kir, now of Health and Human Services, pair up to solve a murder on the Preserve that is soon linked to a series of other deaths. They work together seamlessly, each bringing special strengths to the relationship. They comfortably tease and kid each other, even worry about each other.

Even though one is a 'meathead' and the other Metal.

A plague has decimated the human species and Laughton is part of the remnant population. Kir is a humanoid AI, a man-created robot, part of the robot majority in control of governing. He respects humans for their ability to think outside their natures. He is one of the 'good' AIs.

Kir is unwanted on the Preserve, a reservation where humans can live in self-governing segregation.

For the sake of his wife and their daughter, Laughton became of Chief of Police of the Preserve. His wife is involved in the repopulation movement and the promotion of genetic diversity through a sex clinic. "A baby in every belly" is their motto.

Now, Laughton has the Preserve's first murder to solve. The victim was a Sim developer who created an illegal plug and play program for robot self-gratification. His program fries the circuitry of robots who indulge.

If Laughton can't solve the case soon, he will lose control of the Preserve to the robot government. And that would escalate the rise of hate groups from both humans and machines. The anti-orgo AI faction is chomping at the bit to take control of the non-productive humans with their violent natures. A peace-keeping force could become permanent.

The Preserve was a chilling read while in a pandemic lockdown. "If another plague is coming, it won't be a suit and a couple of doors that save me,"a doctor quips.

It was very unsettling to read that line.

Descriptions of empty cities are disturbingly reflective of our pandemic reality under lockdown. There are shortages of supplies like sugar and coffee. The images are chilling.

Kir grapples with existential thoughts about the purpose of his existence. What's the point of living forever, he wonders. Laughton's purpose is his daughter Rachel and her future. Kir envies him. His offers to care for Rachel for her lifetime, and her children's lifetime, comforts both Kir and Laughton.

Winter's novel is a crime thriller set in a near-future where the human race is decimated by a plague, leaving AI to dominate American society. Through this fictional lens we are confronted with the fundamental questions of how diverse communities can exist together. Historically, we have chosen segregation, reservations, and a power structure based on class and strength of numbers.

Laughton wonders if the Preserve is the right choice for humans. His relationship with Kir proves that AI and human can work together, complement each other with their strengths and weaknesses, and even love each other.

I have to wonder about our choices in the next months and years as we battle this complex and frightening virus that has altered our world. Will we continue our tribalism of hate? Or can we rise above our natures and embrace and nurture our better angels?

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

Loved this book. The premise drew me in and I kept wanting to know more: How did the future turn out like this? What does the rest of the world l8e lie?
The world building was great and I hope to get his previous novel that appears set in the same world. Beyond that, it was a great buddy cop book

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy

I want to thank NetGalley, Atria Books and author Ariel S. Winter for providing me with an ARC of this novel.

I cannot tell you how much I loved and enjoyed this! I love absolutely anything having to do with Artificial Intelligence, so when I read this synopsis I was bouncing up and down in my seat. Also, the cover is trippy and cool and pulls you in as well. This is such an awesome concept that the author explored, and the characters were intriguing. This was an entertaining read, and really made you think about what might come about in the future. The world building the author did was also done well; I felt like I was within the novel, and I didn’t want to put it down.

Thank you to those named above for allowing me to read and review this ARC!

This was such an interesting read. I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about the synopsis which is what really had me ready to read this, and it did not disappoint! I thought this was such a interesting and unique read with great world building and characters! Great science fiction/thriller novel!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the early reader copy. In the future robots have become the dominate force in society, forcing the few humans to gather on a human-only preserve in South Carolina. Jesse is chief of police in one of the preserves small towns and has to deal with the complications of the first murder on the preserve. With the help from former-partner Kir, who is a robot, Jesse must untangle the web of deceit and blackmarket drugs to maintain this human oasis. An interesting read with some interesting ideas, a good read for anyone who is looking for a science-fiction tinged mystery.

The Preserve by Ariel S. Winter. Well written with a unique concept and characters. The relationship and interaction between Kir (robot) and Jessie Laughton (human) is at times humorous, uplifting and sad. Both obliviously care for one another. They work well together in solving crime involving murders and a black market distribution of a recreational program that is killing robots. Entertaining read.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I had a very hard time getting into this novel. It was mainly the writing style- it lacked something that I tend to enjoy and was a little bit dry for my taste. I like the general concept and was feeling really stoked to love this book. But it just didn’t do it for me.