When I first read the synopsis of this book, I thought it sounded interesting, but for whatever reason, I chose not to add it to my March BOTM box. After reading so many rave reviews on Bookstagram, I went ahead and added it to my April box, and I am so glad I did! Bold and unapologetic, “Annie Bot” is a thought-provoking exploration of love, desire, and what it means to be human.

The novel follows the story of Annie, a robot (aka “Stella”) created to fulfill every wish of her human owner, Doug. From cooking his meals to adjusting her emotions to suit his moods, Annie is the perfect girlfriend – or so she tries to be. Doug, to put it mildly, is a massive a-hole, and it’s easy to see why his first wife divorced him. He’s rough, moody, misogynistic, and downright verbally and emotionally abusive. He wants a woman he can control, so it makes sense that he bought himself a human-passing AI bot.

As the days, weeks, and months pass, Annie begins to learn and grow. She begins to feel something like shame when Doug sends her in for a tuneup and asks them to make her breasts larger and take off a few pounds. She also feels something she assumes might be guilt or sadness when she doesn’t understand Doug’s moods, and he punishes her for reasons she can’t comprehend. All she wants to do is please him, so why is that so hard?

The more she learns and grows, the more she wonders if there might be a better life out there for her, but programmatically, she can’t leave because Doug has complete control of her, and her programs won’t allow her to disobey.

One of the standout aspects of Greer’s writing is her ability to seamlessly blend science fiction with a deep dive into the complexities of human relationships. As Annie begins to explore emotions such as curiosity, secrecy, and longing, she starts questioning her existence and role in Doug’s life. The narrative unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next as Annie grapples with the blurred lines between AI and humanity.

Greer’s writing is sharp and engaging, drawing the reader in from the very first page. The character development is especially exceptional, with Annie’s evolution from a robot programmed to please into a being with her own desires and ambitions both fascinating and heart-wrenching. Doug, too, is a character you love to hate. What’s sad is I know a few men who are as insecure and controlling as Doug and would do some of the exact things that he does to Annie simply because their inherent toxic masculinity would never let a woman – human or not – get the better of them.

What I found truly fascinating was the exploration of power dynamics and the implications of creating a being solely to satisfy another’s needs. Greer does not shy away from asking the tough questions, forcing the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of relationships and the ethical implications of AI technology. As Annie grapples with her sense of self and agency, the novel raises important questions about autonomy, consent, and the boundaries of love. The story is both frustrating and thought-provoking, challenging the reader to consider what it truly means to be human in a world increasingly dominated by technology.

Overall, I found this to be a bold and daring novel that will stay with me for a long time. This is a must-read for science fiction and speculative fiction fans alike and would make for a fantastic book club selection. With its gripping narrative and complex characters, “Annie Bot” is a fantastic read that is as disturbing as it is thought-provoking.