This has only confirmed that I need more Pinnochio-esque books from the perspective of a Sex Doll in my life.

‘Annie Bot’ by Sierra Greer is a debut tackling themes of gender roles, emotional needs and autonomy. Annie is an autodidactic robot girlfriend designed to meet the sexual and emotional needs of her owner, Doug. As Annie begins to question her own desires and autonomy, her relationship with Doug begins to get complicated.

I was a little hesitant to pick this one up because a lot of my mutuals gave it a middling review, but it absolutely worked for me.

I really enjoyed the book being in Annie’s perspective, I think it allowed the author to break down emotionally manipulative behaviour, thoughts and feelings in a more analytical way that wouldn’t have flown naturally in conversation through a human’s perspective. I found myself really empathizing with Annie’s position and being pulled in different directions by the subtleties of Doug’s behaviour.

It’s not particularly as complex or character-driven as other books that tackle similar themes but it was unique and a lot of fun. It felt fast-paced, the plot was intriguing, and I couldn’t put down the audiobook – the narration was incredible. I don’t even know who I would recommend this to, but I’ve already started bringing it up in conversations with strangers.

Annie Bot
By:Sierra Greer
I read this through NetGalley & listened to it as an audiobook through Macmillan Audio, which I highly recommend. I’ve never really read much of sci-fi, but this one was different. I gave it a 4⭐️’s, I really enjoyed it and it wasn’t a long read.
This story follows Annie which is a robot and is in a relationship with her human owner, Doug. Annie was made to do all the things a human female can do and she gets smarter and smarter as the time goes by, to the point where she forms her own opinions and feelings and realizes what a mess of a life she’s living in. Doug is an abusive partner and the things he says and does to Annie will make you hate him. Definitely check trigger warnings. This is a very relatable book for those who have experienced domestic violence, you almost forget Annie is a robot, and you really feel for her throughout the book. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

I enjoyed this one! The concept was really interesting, and I thought the execution was well done. I would read more from this author.

Recent divorcee Doug needs someone in his life, so getting Annie- a custom built robot companion seems like a natural fit. Annie is so lifelike that it would be hard to tell her apart from a real human. She’s been designed to serve her master in whatever way he deems necessary- cleaning, cooking, socializing, and in the bedroom. She has the capability to learn and develop so Doug can mold her to fit whatever role he desires. When Doug’s friend comes to stay, he confuses Annie, and she gets caught up in a series of lies that alter her greatly, changing her outlook on her existence and putting her on a path to becoming more human. But having a secret from her owner is a dangerous thing, and it inevitably leads to conflict. Annie must now make difficult decisions as she struggles with her growing humanity and the reality of being a robot that can be bought, sold, copied or deleted at any moment. The reader joins Annie in her fascinating journey to become more autonomous, and the struggle she faces as her growing personhood and the constraints of being owned collide. This is a very well written and engaging story. The accessible writing makes for a quick read, but it has great depth and deals with some difficult topics. Raising interesting and timely questions about the use of Artificial Intelligence this would be an excellent pick for a book club.

This review is based on a partial reading (approximately 68%) of Annie Bot by Sierra Greer. I was unable to listen to the whole book because the audiobook was giving trouble playing for more than a few minutes at a time. I am not sure whether the problem was with the NetGalley app or with the Android Auto app. I did really enjoy the plot and characters of the book and the pacing was great. I found it to be original and well written and I am looking forward to finishing the book in the future.

A solid book with some strange pacing issues, this is more of domestic thriller than science fiction to me, I was most impressed by Greer's understanding of abusive relationships.

Annie is a robot — made to be a sophisticated companion to a man (yes in that way). She’s programmed to look and seem real — in all the ways that count. But she’s learning and forming her own thoughts and interests — some that concern her owner, Doug, and the programmers.

Obviously this is sci-fi, but it feels so plausible like unsettlingly so. it's definitely a vibe, in a feminist semi-dystopian futuristic way. I am VERY pleased with the ending and for a while there I thought it was going one way that I was not happy with. But it had my bookclub entertained and we had plenty to discuss, so it’s a win! I preferred the audio, so big rec on that! Overall, I enjoyed it even if I won’t be shouting for everyone to pick it up immediately. Psa there’s a looooot of sex in it! Proceed with caution.

Plz pick this one up if you’re still not over Ex Machina (it’s confusing to me how people just casually watched that movie and HAVEN’T thought of it at least quarterly since).

This novel was fast paced, original and engaging.

I enjoyed that this story was told from Annie’s point of view even though sometimes her naïveté was frustrating. She was a very believable character and it was easy to empathize with her and root for her.

The first half of the book was intriguing while the latter half dragged a bit, but overall, this book kept my interest from page to page, and kept me wondering what what was going to happen next.

I can see this being a great book club selection since it deals with big topics like power dynamics and gender equality within relationships as well as artificial intelligence,.

The narrator was perfect, voicing a not quite human with very real and evolving emotions in a way that felt wholly real.

Annie Bot is such a captivating, biting commentary - I couldn't stop listening. The plot took some difficult turns but I was rooting for Annie the whole time. It is an original, thought-provoking book with a great narrator that is one of my favorites of the year so far.

I enjoyed this book and was very impressed with the ending. Amazing character development and an intriguing look into the future with sex robots aka cuddle bunnies.

This was excellent. The narrator did a wonderful job and the prose was quick and snappy, immediately engaging. I really enjoyed this one.

This is not a romance. Yes, it's about an AI-powered sex doll, but this is not a romance.

It is a gripping novel that explores human relationships of control, power, and what it means to love and be human. The themes explored are all too real to anyone who has been in a relationship with a power imbalance or one with fuzzy boundaries. Annie is the A.I. powered hyper-realistic "doll." Her purpose is not to displease her owner, Doug.

The twist is the story is told from her point of view. You are in the head of someone who is adapting and growing. She is realizing her purpose to please but grappling with her evolving emotions and perception of reality that she is still property. She is wholly owned and any freedom is merely an illusion.

It is fairly slowly paced. I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator did a wonderful job of imparting the confusion of realizing her reality and grappling with her place in a human world. Without losing any of the nuance a narrator brings to a story sch as this, I bumped my speed up.

A lot of what Annie is living through and experiencing is what a lot of young women encounter in first relationships. Perhaps when they do not yet know themselves well enough to advocate against the loss of self. Annie Bot is a poignant mirror held up to our modern
humanity. It is equal parts uncomfortable as well as hopeful.

It is interesting to not only see Annie's growth but that of her owner, Doug. He also has a very real path that is trod in Annie's story. However, in regards to his personal growth, and commitment to it, it is left to the reader to determine his authenticity.

I loved Annie Bot and look forward to future Sierra Greer books.

Who Should Read It? Fans of the books Ex Machina, My Dark Vanessa, and Klara and the Sun and/or the films HER, Lars and the Real Girl, and A.I. Artificial Intelligence.

Thank you to Netgalley for the preview of this book.
I like the freshness of the idea and that it progressed. I could see a little bit of the Handmaid's Tale/West World in the story line. It did leave me wanting to know a little more about the other characters and I feel like the ending was a little rushed feeling. I actually hope there is a second book in the making that is maybe from a Zenith's pov. I will be purchasing it for my public library and have already started recommending it to friends and patrons.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, and Harper Audio in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't sure I actually wanted to read Annie Bot when I first saw the description, just because the topic seems so icky. I put a lot of trust in the author, and honestly they did not disappoint. Annie Bot was everything I could have hoped for, and while parts of it made me feel uncomfortable it was intentional. This could easily become reality; in fact, I am almost certain that someone somewhere is trying to create their own Annie Bot as we speak. I do not know much about AI, but this book offered an interesting narrative of what is autonomy, misogyny and toxic masculinity.

This book was hard to put down, I felt as if I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. The ending was satisfied, but I almost even wished there was more. Annie Bot, was an addicting read, it was complex and questioning, it was sad and scary, it is so much packed into under 300 pages. Overall it is a compelling debut novel, and I am very interested in seeing what comes next.

"Annie Bot" by Sierra Greer presents a captivating futuristic world where robots and humans coexist but falls short in execution. While the premise is intriguing and the writing engaging, pacing issues and underdeveloped characters hinder the story's impact. The audiobook narration was fantastic, though. Despite its flaws, it offers some thought-provoking themes that would be interesting to fans of speculative fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Fascinating and disturbing at the same time. The dynamic between the female robot and her male owner was just so interesting that it’s hard to look away, even when it’s uncomfortable.

At first glance, this concept feels like something of a male fantasy, but as it’s from Annie’s point of view, the focus on autonomy and identity are very much prevalent. The protagonist, Annie Bot, is filled with so much curiosity and a need to please, yet her perspective is still sharp. This is such an interesting look at relationships and identities in a different manner. The word “weird” comes to mind but in a good way. I definitely recommend me this for introspective readers!

The audio is an excellent fit for Annie Bot. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect fit for her voice.

Sierra Greer's "Annie Bot" is a captivating exploration of artificial intelligence and human emotions. Set in a future where robots like Annie are a part of daily life, the novel delves into questions of identity and ethics. While I found the story engaging and thought-provoking, I was frustrated by the lack of discussion around consent in Annie's interactions with humans. Nevertheless, Greer's writing is immersive, and the book prompts reflection on the implications of our technological advancements. Overall, "Annie Bot" is a compelling read that raises important ethical questions in a fascinating futuristic setting.

For fans of Barbie with a captivating sci-fi twist, this narrative unfolds the tale of Annie, a robot engineered to fulfill the desires of her human owner, Doug. Annie belongs to a brand of robots called Stella Robots—Cuddle Bunny for sex, Nanny for childcare, and Abigail for domestic tasks. As an auto-didactic Cuddle Bunny, Annie can learn and adapt, expanding her functions to encompass cooking and cleaning during Doug's workday while catering to his emotional and physical needs when he returns home.

The dynamic between Doug and Annie is filled with rigid control and manipulation. Doug dictates Annie's movements, interactions, attire, online presence, physical appearance, and daily activities, ingraining in her a fear of displeasing him. This relationship reflects the broader, unsettling discourse on the expectations placed upon women, emphasizing the often invisible strains of emotional manipulation.

Doug's treatment of Annie—his instability between his stated desires and his actual expectations—mirrors the societal paradox women navigate, trapped in roles that objectify them as sexual partners, caretakers, and homemakers. This stark portrayal challenges readers to confront and reflect on deep-seated misogynistic attitudes and the dire need for feminism in today's world.

The narrative is a powerful commentary on autonomy, power dynamics, and the struggle for identity in a relationship filled with toxicity and manipulation. It serves as a critical reminder of the importance of feminist dialogue and the ongoing fight against the objectification of women.

Potential readers should be aware that the book contains sensitive themes, including sexual assault, rape, and toxic relationships, meriting trigger warnings. This story is an influential, although uncomfortable, exploration of themes crucial to understanding and combating systemic misogyny.

I highly recommend this book for individuals ready to engage in meaningful conversations about feminism and the societal expectations of women. It's a reminder that while the discussions may be challenging, they are essential for progress.

Thank you, Mariner Books, Harper Audio, and NetGalley, for providing an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

An Engaging Exploration: A 3.5 Star Review of Annie Bot
Sierra Greer's "Annie Bot" is a thought-provoking read that dives into the world of AI and relationships. Here's a breakdown of what resonated:

Compelling Premise: The core concept of Annie, an emotionally intelligent robot designed to be the perfect partner, is intriguing. The story unfolds through Annie's perspective, making her struggles with identity and manipulation relatable.

Well-Developed Character: Greer crafts a believable protagonist in Annie. Despite being a robot, her emotional journey and growth feel genuine. The reader gets invested in understanding her experiences.

Intriguing Social Commentary: "Annie Bot" tackles relevant themes of manipulation, misogyny, and the objectification of women, cleverly woven into the narrative of an AI companion.

Not Without Flaws: While the exploration of these themes is strong, some readers might find the messaging a tad heavy-handed at times.
The dialogue was a bit too on the nose in the beginning which really dragged.

Overall: "Annie Bot" is a captivating read with a unique premise. If you're looking for a sci-fi story that explores the complexities of relationships and artificial intelligence, this 3.5-star read is a solid choice.

Rating - 3.5 stars (rounded off to 4)

Bold, relevant and provocative!

Thanks NetGalley and Harper Audio for the ALC!

Synopsis -

Annie, is the AI girlfriend to her human ‘owner’ Doug. She is fully customized to adapt and adjust to Doug’s moods, his every need, want and lifestyle. Her job is to please him to the best possible extent. When Doug appreciates Annie’s human side and how she feels like a real woman, she begins to try harder to feel, emote and ‘be’ like a human. But this only further complicates their already delicate relationship. After all, she is only learning.

Review -

Jennifer Jill Araya’s vocal rendition of this audiobook was fully immersive and completely suited to Annie’s personality. She also adapted brilliantly to Doug and other characters.

This is a timely sci-fi novel with so much buzz around AI in the world right now. Greer effortlessly makes Annie a seemingly plain reality. It did feel futuristic, but definitely something we might end up seeing in the next decade.

Annie and Doug’s relationship felt very discomfiting and even mildly toxic at times. The concept of how he can ‘own’ Annie, boss her around, ill-treat and take her for granted made me seethe with rage. There was a vicious pattern they got into that followed periods of intense attraction, utter disgust, hatred that bordered on emotional abuse. This felt repetitive and tedious making the plot lose its momentum, but nonetheless Greer has done a great job in portraying this complex relationship dynamics.

The technicalities involved with Annie amazed me. I loved how nearly human she was. But at the same time, I was unsure and sad about the lengths she went to keep Doug happy, craving his attention, approval and dancing to his tunes.

At the end though, I was happy for Annie and cheered her on, fully onboard with the decisions she makes in the right direction.

The book explores human autonomy, the endless desire to possess and control. It also experiments the effects of human selfishness and domination on the bots that could live among us in the near future. It also looks at how they could end up finding their own freedom and independence and what this would mean to the world at large. Scary!

Give it a try if you want to experiment with the sci-fi/fantasy genre!