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!

An interesting addition to the AI/androids-as-companions sci-fi genre. Ultimately, these storylines are about evaluating our humanity and the question of how far humans are willing to extend our understanding of humanity to those who might not be biologically human. I think we resist this as a species a lot, probably because it would be a threat to how we perceive ownership, service, and ourselves. We resist extending empathy to animals who have proven to have human-like emotions and perceptions of themselves and pain and feelings, why wouldn't we also resist extending that empathy to machines we build then provide with computer programs that are able to learn and grow?

This book was also a really painful examination of an abusive relationship. Is Doug like this because Annie is his purchased sex-toy property? Or is he just a shitty man who needs a woman without her own mind and feelings and opinions? Hard to say which is completely true, and it may be a bit of both. I think we are forced to empathize with Annie through the first person POV style, so we share her thoughts and feelings and her growing confusion and grappling with who she is. Doug has some battle wounds from his previous relationship, that's clear, but the fact that Annie responds to his berating and punishment the same way as a human person who is abused into cowering obeisance made me feel more like Annie was a person. An interesting though experiment for sure. And this book really pushes us to examine this, I found.

The narration for the audiobook was also very good. The shift between characters was clear by the voices the narrator used.

One of the most captivating and engrossing novels I've read recently is Annie Bot. I thought Annie was a fantastic main character, and I got really angry at Doug a few occasions. This outstanding first book explores shame, remorse, and what it means to be a woman in a world dominated by men. Additionally, Annie Bot provokes deep thinking and asks, "What is it that makes us truly human?"

This was so … real.

Annie is a robot designed to make her owner happy. She is part discarded embryonic cells, part AI and she is controlled by Doug. Doug wants her to be as much like a human as possible but doesn’t consider all the things that come with being human.

It’s about control and autonomy and AI that’s probably right around the corner. So many parallels to how some men treat real women.

I’m not usually into sci-fi but this premise sounded so interesting. I’m glad I read it.

Thanks for the audiobook, NetGalley!

Loved this book! I knew after the first page that this would be a five-star read, and… it totally was.

Annie is a robot, bought and designed by a man named Doug. Annie and Doug are in a “relationship” — one that is completely one-sided and beneficial to the man and the man alone. Annie has to answer and act on Doug’s every beck and call in all areas: cooking, cleaning, and sex. Annie has no independence nor free will, and cannot leave Doug’s home.

Over the span of the book, Annie, although AI, shows tremendous character development and emotional growth. She also learns that she is such much more than Doug’s play thing (duh girl, Doug is a piece of shit and you deserve so much more).

It was easy to see how Annie’s story is commentary on a how today’s man views and treats human women (much the same, sadly) and really makes you think and visibly rage (or was that just me?). Again, lots to take in with this one… but that’s exactly the point. 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

(Thank you, Mariner Books, Harper Audio, and NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.)

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. This book was personally not for me. The majority of the book is quite graphic and not as empowering as I would have hoped. I was really yearning for some sort of redemption plot. The ending is quite anticlimactic but I can see its value for other readers. L

I enjoyed Annie Bot, although I do feel like it was a lot of sex which isn't usually my bag. I guess that was her main purpose for Doug. I wish it would have been fleshed out (ha!) a little better how she became so sentient, as it doesn't really make sense that she's so advanced compared to other stellas and I refuse to believe it's because of how kindly basic douche Doug treats her.

This was not for me. I just couldn't get into the story. I was too angry at Doug from the start! I've seen other reviews that were pretty positive so maybe Annie gets her due, but I couldn't stick with it to find out.

I really really enjoyed this audiobook. I found it compulsively readable (listenable?) and Annie is a very likable character. Who knew a robot could feel so human and go through her own emotional journey so similar to that of real human beings, at least as I experienced her?

I gave this book 4 stars because while a lot of it was great, I found the story inconsistent and my attention/desire to continue reading was highly variable as a result. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but the second half was challenging for me because it felt like her story and personal development hit a plateau for a long time... a time that felt boring at parts and/or frustrating to witness. It isn't until the last 20 minutes that things fast forward again to a place that makes sense, and the end result is jarring in many ways. This book was great, but not quite to a 5 star read for me. I look forward to reading other things by this author, though!

I selected Annie Bot by Sierra Greer for my BOTM pick and also got an ALC from NetGalley so I split this one between physical and audio. This was an intense read that delves into complex themes like intimacy, power dynamics, and autonomy. This isn’t an easy read if you struggle with reading about emotional and psychological domestic abuse. If you can handle it, this book will definitely make you think.

The concept of Annie, a female robot designed to be the perfect girlfriend for her human owner, Doug, is fascinating but also unsettling. Greer did a fantastic job of exploring Annie’s journey as she becomes more and more sentient and grapples with questions of identity and agency.

I wasn’t sure how I wanted to rate this. I think I liked it? I’m honestly still thinking about it. I’m not sure if I was satisfied by the ending but it keeps lingering in my mind.

If you’re thinking about this one, the audio is very well done and kept me immersed. I would recommend that format for sure!

Annie Bot was an incredible book that I was unable to put down. The story was fascinating and really made you consider what our future could look like in regards to AI and question at what point is something considered autonomous.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat! This book was better than I could have imagined. It's disturbing, intriguing, and thought provoking. I am already pushing for everyone in my book club to preorder a copy because I need to debrief this book with every woman I know.

Annie Bot follows Annie, a robot owned by a divorced man who wants to build a relationship with his "Stella" who he customized.... to look like a light skinned version of his ex-wife. Through Annie's eyes, we see his assessment of her ability to clean, her body, and her ability to please him. It's one of the most poignant and thought provoking books about the patriarchy I think I've ever read.

Reading this as an audiobook took it to the next level. It made it so hard to think of Annie as an AI bot because the narrator's voice is so warm and relatable as the story goes on. I highly recommend it.

This is like a weird combination of dystopian fiction, romance, and female empowerment…and it works. Annie is a robot, created to be the perfect girlfriend for Doug, her human owner. She appears human as well…many of Doug’s friends don’t realize she’s a bot, and she fits her entire being to Doug’s needs, whether that means a boost to her libido or warming her body temp as they cuddle, to maintaining the perfect weight and keeping their home spotless. As she continues to “live”, her AI is able to develop and grow and she gradually desires to be free and on her own, especially as her relationship with Doug becomes strained. This questions the possibility of robots developing their own free wills, the power to love, and bodily autonomy.
I found this to be a really interesting story and plot line, often sympathizing with Annie as she navigated her developing mind. I think the ending left a lot to be desired though and would’ve loved a more clear conclusion. Much of it felt rushed in the last couple minutes. Jennifer Jill Araya was an excellent narrator, not only providing a personality to Annie, but also navigating the perfect balance of giving an automatic-like voice to the other bots.
Thank you to Harper Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 238 / Genre: Fiction
Audiobook Narrator: Jennifer Jill Araya / Duration: 9 hours 31 minutes
Release Date: March 19, 2024

Annie is a custom robot programmed to be Doug’s perfect girlfriend. He even had her designed to look like his ex. As Annie learns to anticipate Doug’s moods and needs, her AI also grows, making her think about her own moods and needs. So much so that she starts to think more about what she wants than what Doug wants. And if she can’t put his needs above hers, something must be wrong with her, right?

This was an OK read for me. Doug was such a prickly, whiny bitch of a man. He didn’t physically hurt her so he could say he wasn’t a bad guy, but he was manipulative and controlling and he did punish her in ways that could only hurt her. It was suffocating to have her not be able to get away from him. I probably would have DNFed this if I didn’t have to write a review for it. I stuck it out though and the ending was better than I thought it would be but… meh.

I listened to the audiobook on this one and Jennifer Jill Araya did a great job narrating.

Thank you, @NetGalley and @HarperAudio for the advanced copy of this audiobook.

This was such a unique and entertaining book and I was so hooked while reading it! I had to know where the story was going and although it is a very strange read, I do recommend it. It’s somewhat of a sci-fi book about an AI robot created to be the perfect girlfriend. She’s a learning robot and as she becomes more intelligent, she starts to act up and do things that her owner doesn’t want.

Annie exists solely to please Doug. She’s not even
really alive. Or is she? Where does AI end and humanity begin?
Annie Bot sucked me in from the start and kept me entranced the entire novel.
A killer debut, Sierra Greer explores what it means to not just be alive, but to be free.
Annie Bot may be AI, but her experience of womanhood is so real, relevant, & relatable.
Annie Bot explores relationships, intimacy, autonomy, and yes, patriarchy.
This book feels like if Barbie were AI, and I am here for all of those vibes.
I genuinely loved the character of Annie and wanted to see her happy & fulfilled.
The audiobook narration is very well done, and I think audio is a great format for this book.

“You want to know danger? Try living with a man who creates you just so he can eat your soul.“

Did I just find my favorite book of the year? There’s still a lot of 2024 left, but I foresee Annie Bot being in the running for my book of the year.

I loved this raw look into the experience of womanhood through the lens of an AI girlfriend. What makes a person? What about power? What about freedom, and love, and desire, and dreams, and the right to own your own life?

I’ll be thinking about Annie Bot for a while, and I’ll definitely need a copy for my forever shelves.

Thank you @sierra_greer_writer @netgalley & @harperaudio for this ALC!

#AnnieBot was an AI story in a future where you could get a robot for virtually any need. You need a nanny? You got one. You need a housekeeper/cook? You got one. You need a sex doll WAIIIIT A MINUTE…. Yep you got one of those too. And they are infused with natural skin/tissue/hair so they look real and when their intelligence is turned on, supposedly they are hard to tell from a natural human.
In this story, Annie gets sent to a man I’ll call jerk weed because he is everything I find gross in a man: he’s chauvinistic, insecure, controlling, narcissistic with a tinge of sadistic to boot. Annie’s intelligence mode has got her confused by him. She knows how to please him sexually but every other aspect is where her AI tends to fail her. Or DOES IT???? She isn’t used to feeling inept and in fact, her hard wiring makes her have negative feelings whenever her “owner” (gag) is displeased, so she keeps trying harder and harder to figure out how to be “real” and in the process, kinda becomes real as she navigates how to be in a relationship with jerk weed. This story felt so REAL to me and at times I felt like Annie was a real woman just trying her hardest to honestly be all for her man. It rang true albeit over the top with the obnoxious scale of the man, but yeah, it felt like been there done that felt that way and fuck that!!! That feeling that you are misunderstood, unappreciated, used, abused, unloved, etc. The fact that an AI woman MADE to please could still experience and feel displeasure or pain or emotionality was such an interesting concept. I think the idea of a doll is what a lot of men see us as: just a means to what they want: a housekeeper, a mother, a whore; and god forbid you don’t do all those things to their liking.
Not all men are like this, I’m talking in extremes but there’s a touch of jerk weed in every man. He had this “doll” doing sex acts like many times a day and could set her libido to whatever “number” would have her participation to be more… enthusiastic? lol 😝 Stepping into her 👠 shoes was so telling as she “learned” how to doubt herself and be disappointed in her perfection. So much to say, so much to ponder. Read this!!

This was an interesting read. I found myself really sympathizing with Annie and her desire to be more human, while she worked through what that actually meant. Overall, I would recommend this to those who enjoy discovery and sci-fi books.