The Robots of Gotham

Starred review from April 9, 2018
ebut author McAulty, an expert in machine language learning, extrapolates a scary AI-overrun 2083 that’s only a few steps removed from today’s reality. This massive and impressive novel is set in an America that outlawed the development of artificial intelligence and quickly lost a short and bitter war against robot-led fascist countries. Most of America is now occupied by Venezuelan “peacekeeping” forces. The story is narrated tastefully and with self-deprecating humor by Barry Simcoe, a 30-something Canadian CEO recently arrived in Chicago to close some international technology deals. Shocked by what he sees, he immediately plunges into 10 days of complicated rescue sorties against a backdrop of urban devastation and corruption. He saves a wounded diplomat robot, allies himself with a Russian biowarfare specialist who’s developing an antidote for a virus intended to wipe out the human race, and risks his life to adopt a starving Rottweiler. For romantic appeal, he variously saves and is saved by Mackenzie Stronnick, a gorgeous machine-hating Chicago realtor; tough Venezuelan sergeant Noa Van de Velde; and enigmatic masked robot Jacaranda. Though the technology-rich plot loses a bit of its savage verisimilitude as it progresses, McAulty maintains breathless momentum throughout. Readers will hope for more tales of this sinister future and eagerly pick up on hints that Barry and his companions may continue their exploits.

June 15, 2018

McAulty's fast-paced sf thriller debut deftly weaves humor, mystery, drama, and action into an intricately detailed world. Robots are quickly increasing in both numbers and intelligence. Fewer governments are run by humans, with AIs now owning the majority of global economic power. The United States has been invaded and is occupied by several factions. Canadian businessman Barry Simcoe is operating out of a recovering Chicago and begins unraveling a mystery that involves a secret robot cabal, a small resistance group, and the potential extermination of all human life. The postapocalyptic setting is well drawn, but the depth and breadth of details never overwhelm readers. Simcoe is intelligent and capable and, with other key characters, helps to build an engaging and textured story. VERDICT As the violence and romance aren't explicit, this adventure is appropriate for ambitious adult and YA readers alike.--Matt Schirano, Univ. of Bridgeport Lib., CT

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