The robots in this futuristic novel fight back when threatened--in an ultimate battle of survival between man and bot.
The Bot Wars have left 12-year old Trout St. Kroix and his brother, Po, alone for the past two years after their soldier father went missing in Bot Territory. The war ends after thousands of casualties. The human citizens of the United District had grown too dependent on the services of robots, so they're dealing with a collapse of stores and factories after bots either fled or were dismantled. Some, like Po, suffer from the nerve-damaging Deeta disease, a result of the energy from X-bombs used in the war. But Trout just wants to find his father, and when his friend gets him media attention that goes viral, Po winds up missing. Trout must venture into Bot Territory with a robot named LT.
J.V. Kade's (a pseudonym for YA author Jennifer Rush) polished, fresh world-building brims with her own inventions and slang. The crux of the story comes with Trout learning about the Meta-Rise, a union of people and bots who support free will and the right to life. Exciting revelations surrounding his father's disappearance will keep young readers hooked.
This incredible 12-year-old hero rises out of the postwar wreckage to protect his family and prevent another breakout of violence. Kids will "gear out" for this one. --Adam Silvera, Paper Lantern Lit intern and former bookseller