Reviewed by Lianne on
Made to Kill was an interesting and entertaining first novel to a new trilogy. Ray was an interesting character: he’s obviously a robot, the last of his kind thanks to events and the death of his creator, but he’s pretty engrained to human society and social cues. Sometimes I forget that he’s a robot the way he goes about investigating what happened to Charles David and getting embroiled in some serious international situations because his quips were pretty snappy. But the fact that he’s a robot is also very useful when poking around places where it would be dangerous for mere humans.
The story itself was quick-paced and interesting enough, the assignment obviously larger than it first appears but fairly straightforward once it was revealed. It was entertaining to read and figure out whose side is all of the secondary characters are on, how all of the events connect, etc. Adam Christopher brings 1960s LA and Hollywood to life in this novel as Ray navigates his way through the glitz, the glamour, and the espionage. I did however expect the twenty-four-hour memory tape limit to play a larger role, but I guess not; that and I thought there was something more to Ada that perhaps she’s not being forthcoming about, but maybe it might’ve also been Ray’s own inquisitiveness playing a role there since the novel is narrated by him.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Made to Kill. It was a fun and intriguing fusion of science fiction and a noir mystery and a solid introduction to a trilogy. The characters were interesting, a little generic perhaps and falling to particular character/plot roles but I reckon Ray and Ada will be expanded upon in later books. I would recommend this book if you’re looking for something a bit different in your science fiction reading or you’re into genre mash-ups in your reading :)
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 15 October, 2015: Finished reading
- 15 October, 2015: Reviewed