The Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke

“Cat, this is Finn. He’s going to be your tutor.”

“He looks, and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task now is to tutor Cat. As she grows into a beautiful young woman, Finn is her guardian, her constant companion… and more. But when the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world.”

This novel is about a coming of age story for a young girl who has been raised and tutored by an android. It is also a romance with the usual elements of finding, losing and then rediscovery albeit with a twist.

Cat’s relationships reveal her outlook on the life: of being a selfish, conceited and impulsive character. Her interaction with Finn was one of trust with friendship coming later when she went to him in times of need. Some of those occurrences redefined Finn’s terms of service.

Finn’s personality is revealed in glimpses as he appears at various intervals. He is stoic, direct and mysterious. Although Finn insists he doesn’t have any feelings they are quite apparent to the reader. He has no smell, his movements and speech are slightly mechanical. Yet, there are those times when Finn vibrates that provide speculation.

Artificial intelligence has been developed in the robots and androids until it is recognized as a type of consciousness – thus, begins their demands for rights. Finn leaves his position at the Novak’s residence and begins employment and life on the moon at the research station.

As Cat continues her life without Finn, she struggles with the demands of society and happiness. Her behaviour remains the same, with no concern for the other person. It’s a sad state that her character does not improve with the passage of time or by the end of the novel.

My apologies to Angry Robot Books for not uploading a photo, but Blogger was unresponsive.


Book format: trade paperback, 400 pages

Publisher: Angry Robot Books, imprint of Osprey Publishing

Author website: Cassandra Rose Clarke

Available:

ISBN 978 0-85766-265-1

Amazon.com >

chapters.indigo.ca