Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson

Plot: Not far into the future, the world's amazing technology turns against its creators to cause the bloodiest, most destructive war humankind has ever seen. Robots almost destroy the entire human race when they first attack at Zero Hour, but humanity fights back with their defining trait of a fierce determination to live. For the first time, all humans must unite in order to stand a chance against the fatal technology surrounding them.

Comments: This book was both fascinating and nightmarishly-creepy. Though the technology in this book is more advanced than what we currently have available today, it doesn't seem like such a strange idea that some day it all may turn against us. Though household robots are not common today, the thought of one such normally obedient, subservient invention suddenly slaughtering your neighbors is frankly quite terrifying. This book definitely made me check over my shoulder once or twice. The theme of the whole story is a blend of confusion, terror, horror, and determination.

The stories compiled in this book are varied from a soldier's perspective as he battles on foreign soil to a child's viewpoint while she struggles to make sense of the horrifying new world. I love the way the story is told through many different perspectives because it gives you a wide, general idea of what's happening in the war all over the world. Each snapshot tells a whole story, of heartbreak or courage and often both. Though each character only plays a small part in this book - and in the war - they leave a distinct imprint on the reader's mind and heart.

I like how there are still questions left unanswered when the book ends. It's realistic: none of the people in the stories ever got the answers to their many questions, so why should the reader? This way you're left with an air of intrigue and mystery. This is a theme throughout the whole book, really. There's a good balance between the scientific theoretically possible aspects and the unnatural, alien qualities in the story. It keeps you guessing and using your imagination.

Rating: I rate Robopocalypse an eight out of ten. Don't get turned off by the slightly cheesy title. If you like robots, war stories, and tales of heroics and sacrifice, read this book.