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Readers` Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
versha
Josh here!

So, this is my second Jeremy Robinson book and I can say, for certain, that it won’t be my last. I was looking for more stories that involve topics such as artificial intelligence and boy did I hit the mother-load with this one. Zombies, Androids, Artificial Intelligence, Zombie Androids, and more carried this story from a fantastic beginning to a thunderous conclusion.

This book was such a fresh take on the zombie genre that I just had to keep listening. Watching as Freeman and Heap’s relationship morphed, listening to Luscious and Freeman’s view of the world shift as the story progressed, there were just so many aspects to the story which kept me engaged. One specific character I really enjoyed was Harry, specifically how his character came into play later in the story after his interactions with Mrs. Cameron.

I have come to the conclusion that Mr. Robinson is a fan of the movies series The Matrix. I caught numerous references, intentional or not, in the book; specifically, the Kung Fu and the “Welcome to the real world” references.

As I said above, I am a big fan of Robinson’s focus on artificial intelligence in his stories. Without giving up much of the plot (I hate spoilers), I loved the concept of upgrades and how I saw my view on them shift later on in the book.

One thing that really gets you thinking in this book is just what defines us as humans, or what makes us human? I found myself questioning this throughout the story and this ties right into the very core of artificial intelligence theory.

R.C. Bray gave another phenomenal performance as if there is any other kind he can give. If you are a fan of his narrations from other stories, you won’t be disappointed here.

This is another 5/5 work from Jeremy Robinson and he is quickly moving up the list of my top favorite authors.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Melissa's Review:

This is my first time having read/listened to anything by the Jeremy Robinson. But I love zombies, and I love RC Bray (narrator). Therefore, I decided to give this story a listen to after my husband recommended it. What could go wrong?

Nothing!!!

I...LOVED...this...story! Man, this was a great one! I'm a huge fan of the narrator, RC Bray, so having him read, I feel, made the story even better.

This baby held my attention to where I finished it in a much shorter amount of time then what I usually do for books, whether physical, e-books, or audiobooks. This has made it to my top 5 list of best books ever (not that I could actually write out how that top 5 list would go, but this would be somewhere on it)! This has definitely left me interested in hearing more by this author.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
annie h
Ahoy there me mateys . . . My first mate recommended this one. This book made my head want to explode. In a good way. This was one of the best zombie books I have read in a long time. And I have read lots. I seriously loved it. It reminded me a lot of The Windup Girl. But different. The Forest of Hands and Teeth. But different. Sort of like . But different. It is about zombies and so much more. You have to experience it for yourself.

The main character, Freeman, is just plain awesome. He is constantly learning about the world as he has been taught and adjusting his viewpoints with what he learns. He is loyal. He is intelligent. He is kick-ass. The reader experiences the story with Freeman in a visceral way. The other characters are wonderful too and all are integral to the story that is being told. That is rare from my point of view. While Freeman has the main focus as the protagonist of course, the other characters are vital to his interpretation of what he is learning. Besides the character of Harry is just plain endearing.

The post-apocalyptic setting is like a lot of other popular novels. It is what the author does with it that is so wonderful. It has teeth. While this novel is extremely enjoyable and easy to read from a writing standpoint, it also asks deeper questions about being human, love, loyalty, and above all purpose. It seems like a simple fun twisty plot but has a bite to it for those who want to delve deeper. I just adored this book and gobbled it up. Go forth, find a copy, and enjoy.

And awesome fact – did you know that the author is actually three authors in one? Jeremy Robinson and Jeremy Bishop and Jeremiah Knight. This man has superpowers. If you liked this review see others by The Captain at [...]
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
brady
Listened for Review (Brilliance)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50

Audio Rating: 3.50 (not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: Xom-B by Jeremy Robinson was a very interesting twist on the traditional Zombie story. I enjoyed it from beginning to end!

Story Thoughts: OMG! Seriously I was caught off guard by how much I enjoyed Xom-B (especially since I decided to give it a whirl because it seemed odd BUT I was prepared to be underwhelmed). It was odd, unique, fascinating, and clearly one of kind. This is a different twist on the zombie stories that we are used to hearing. It is also a story about humanity even though again in an odd and compelling way. This really was just a brilliant act of storytelling. The only little bit knocked off was that it was a little hard to grasp in the beginning but once the story hit it's stride, it was hard to put down!

Character Thoughts: I loved Freeman. He made a great lead to experience this world through. He was new to everything too and in that essence we got to experience everything through his eyes, emotions, and thoughts. The other characters were fantastic also! Both the good guys and bad guys were engaging. I began to care for them all!

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated by: R. C. Bray /Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins

I don't think I have listened to a book narrated by R. C. Bray before but I thought he did a pretty good job. He was right on with Freeman's voice and growth throughout the story. I wasn't so much a fan for his female voices but they did grow on me through the story. Overall I would listen to a story narrated by him again!

Final Thought: Very Impressed!
Apocalypse Machine :: Tenth Anniversary Edition - The Didymus Contingency :: Unity :: The Last Hunter - Collected Edition :: Beneath (Origins Edition)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
kaycee kendall
I love when I accidently purchase a book I soooooooooo wasn't trying to get. And, my brain must have been on break because I got the book and the audio!

Lucky Me!!

Seriously!

Lucky me!

This story had romance that wasn't shoved down your throat with how hot the chic was every other word.
This story had action that was so intense, and so kick a$$, I was drooling from action overload!

And did I mention I had the audio version? The narrarator not only gets a 5 star but he gets a stamp of approval for being a very voice talented narrator from me. That means absolutely nothing in the real world, but in my world of imagination, he might as well say he got an Oscar! O.O

This story had futuristic sci-fi!
Think... I-Robot, Bicentennial Man (?Robin Williams?), Terminator, and Night of the Living Dead! Seriously, it was all those movie made into an awesome book.

What an unexpected enjoyable accident! Fabulous story Mr. Robinson!! Thank you!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
beth schaefer
“Xom-B” is one of Jeremy Robinson’s best novels to date. It takes a simplified approach to science fiction by being relatively plain spoken but incredibly deep by diving into the ramification and potential of humanity. It isn’t simplified in the derogatory sense, but much the opposite. It uses a specific style to accentuate the plot and subsequently, hard-hitting questions. It poses a myriad of inquiries that invoke his audiences into pondering their own existence and what it means to truly be a human.

Is it our characteristics? Our equal propensity for love and hate? Can we be something greater than we are now? All of these questions are touched upon inside the pages of “Xom-B”— Some more thoroughly than others but always touched upon. The depth at which Robinson explores these lofty topics seems to depend upon the narrative structure, or probably more intimately so…his own thoughts upon the questions themselves.

“Xom-B” begins by focusing on the near feature. Humans have advanced far enough where we have created life-like servants that provide us our every need, however, this leads to a grave injustice. Essentially, humans have created a new sect of society to subjugate and exploit. Decent people treat the artificial servants as one of their own, but there are just as many who do not. Some are sexually exploited, verbally and physically abused, while others are required to serve without question no matter the task. A tangible, ethical debate and rallying cry arises in the form of organized, peaceful protests from the aforementioned servants; the humans balk, and war ensues.

The plot then flashes forward to follow the most recent life of the new world order, Freeman; Freeman is fresh-faced, young, inquisitive, and intelligent. He questions authority and he seeks answers— The very mentality that could topple a fledgling empire and spark a new one…a better one. Audiences follow Freeman as he meets and allies himself with a wide cast of characters with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Robinson does a masterful job developing his characters. Each main character presented is given a proper backstory and motivation for their actions. The characters that strive to change (or at the least have the propensity to change) end up doing so with all pains present and included. The growth is logical and straightforward. This aids in the narrative and then culminates into near-perfect synergy…something much more than itself. The plot could be considered hard sci-fi, but because of how it is written it focuses so much more on character growth than the overall setting, atmosphere, and futuristic aspects of the framework. This results in a reminiscence of Arthur C. Clarke’s “Against the Fall of Night,” especially in its careful crafting to draw the reader’s focus to the overarching theme rather than the minutia. It may be classified science fiction in the strictest sense, but it poses big questions by following the journey of an individual trying to simultaneously escape, embrace, and find humanity.

An author’s style is an important facet to their career and writings, and some authors are fairly rigid in their methodology. Some stay well within their wheelhouse and constantly improve that particular style as they write throughout the years, others (like Jeremy Robinson) vary their style. They challenge themselves by matching a diverse cast of styles to the content, and in the case of “Xom-B” it pays off wonderfully. That being said, some longtime readers of Robinson may be put off because they prefer a singular style, while Robinson is delivering a different flavor. It would be hard to argue the validity of that point because in all honesty every reader reads differently.

“Xom-B” is a fantastic work of fiction. “Xom-B” is character driven, it provides insight and asks important questions in terms of what is means to be human, and it does so brilliantly in a straightforward plot that includes a great twist and conclusion. I highly recommend any reader who enjoys a quick-paced novel, science fiction, and/or the writings of Jeremy Robinson. He out does himself with “Xom-B” and I personally look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
tanya
I bought and own the audiobook version of this book, so my title may not show a verified status, but I own this book.

I'm not primarily a science fiction reader but this had elements of the story that I really enjoyed. Jeremy Robinson's writing style drives the story forward and the book gives me wonderful flashbacks to a movie I've seen, without meaning to- and without any distinct, or direct intended imagery (there's nothing in here that tells the reader that he's seen the movie--it's just that feeling, and that imagery that in my head as the story slips forward). I can "see" the movie "9" in the environment that Freeman moves around in and that gives me happy thoughts all around.

I definitely recommend checking this book out. Even if you're not quite sure it's your genre or not, Jeremy Robinson has a way of casting a storytelling spell over you to where you start not to think in 'genres', but in just the story itself. Full of action, adventure, zombies, and adrenaline - I think that you'll enjoy this book as much as I did.

And if you're looking over the reviews because you haven't picked it up yet-- and are thinking about it...try out the audiobook sample over on Audible too, before you buy. R.C Bray is an excellent narrator and it'll give you 11.5 hours of enjoyment.
Pop that audio on in your car on your way to work--it'll put a smile on your face before your feet hit that well known linoleum.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
elizabeth wilkinson
Buy this book, and put whatever you're currently reading down.

Never, have I read a book as brilliant as Jeremy Robinson's new masterpiece, XOM-B and it's highly unlikely that I ever will, again.

Being an avid horror and sci-fi fan, I liked the idea of zombies and robots mixing it up in a novel. Tittilated, I purchased the kindle edition, opened it up and read. And read, and read, until it was all gone.

Did I say liked? I mean LOVED.

Seamlessly written, engaging, and with a mind boggling twist that would give Shyamalan M Knight an aneurism, if XOM-B doesn't win awards and make its way into a movie, I will be more surprised than I was with the contents of this book.

Elegant and with Asimov like undertones, XOM-B is THE book of the decade.

Well played, Sir.

*I was given this book, for free, for an honest review*
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
marina garrison
Jeremy Robinson once again emersses the reader in a world that could b e ours in just a few short years.
While I am not generally a fan of zombie books, I am a fan of Jeremy Robinson. XOM-B can almost be seen as a cautionary tale in some ways...over the last 25 years, man has become increasingly dependent on technology, especially computers.....where will this lead the human race?
In XOM-B, Jeremy Robinson explores the slippery slope man is on toward our own demise. XOM-B is definetely not your typical zombie book, but if you're a TWD fan, or a fan of the zombie genre in general, you will love this book.
With more plot twists than a James Rollins book, and things that would give Stephen King nightmares' XOM-B is sure keep you reading late, late into the night.
** In the intrest of full disclosure, I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for my HONEST review. **
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
elaine klincik
I have read many bad Zombie books and Robot books. This story I would say one of my top5 . The first third of this book one has to have the mentality of a 5 yr old to understand what is going on. The perspective through first person narrative is to child like to take this as a serious read. All those who give it 5 stars must be reading something different from me. I can only say save your money, to bad I can not get a refund.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
marius
The initial premise is very familiar to the genre (with particular similarity to Battlestar Galactica). Humans build robot and android servants who gain sentience and turn against their creators. 30 years later, humans are apparently extinct, and androids live in a wonderful utopia with freedom and equality for all - or so it seems at first glance. At this point it takes a turn into uncharted territory in the form of android zombies! (I so wish I could write “from outer space” after that).

But where do they come from? Who controls them? And why do they crave android flesh? And just what the heck is an android zombie anyway? (The latter is not explained until the very end of the book).

The story is told primarily from the perspective of Freeman, a brilliant, strong and compassionate 17 day old android who is helplessly naive about the world. Accompanying him is a protector robot affectionately (?) called Heap, and sexbot Luscious. I never felt that the characters were actually imperiled; very early on it is established that Freeman is immune to the zombie plague and way too frequently, the author relies upon Deus Ex Machina to get Freeman and crew out of jams.

The ending was unexpected and satisfying, but I would have greatly preferred more exposition at the big reveal and any kind of explanation as to how the very end (which I won’t ruin) was even possible.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
irina
XOM-B is a post-apocalyptic story. The story takes place in a large city and its surrounding environs, including downtrodden suburbs and a deserted city.

The main characters are Freeman, Heap, Luscious, and Harry. Freeman is young and just learning about the world. Heap is his guide/protector. The characters are credible.

After a brief history and a peaceful beginning dialogue between Freeman and Heap, this story becomes non-stop action. Zombies, the infected, are spreading the virus at an alarming rate. Quickly turning everyone into more zombies. Our valiant group is out to find a solution. They have to work hard to stay ahead of the zombie hordes. Freeman is not told all the details, or even the truth of things, and that makes it harder for him to understand what is going on.

Heap was my favorite character, as is Freeman. Heap is steadfast in his responsibilities and Freeman shows a refreshing innocence as he discovers the world around him. One of my favorite parts is actually threaded through the book. It is the protectiveness that Heap shows toward Freeman and life and then in turn, Freeman's protectiveness toward Luscious. The author, Jeremy Robinson, describes music, books, and beauty with wonderful words

This book is a well written wild ride. I found myself hooked. I wanted, needed to find out what was going on. The answers are alluded to, but not fully explained until later in the story.

I would recommend this book to those who like post-apocalyptic zombie stories, as well as those who like science fiction.

Footnote: I was given this book free so that I could offer an honest review.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
cari m
XOM-B is a post-apocalyptic story. The story takes place in a large city and its surrounding environs, including downtrodden suburbs and a deserted city.

The main characters are Freeman, Heap, Luscious, and Harry. Freeman is young and just learning about the world. Heap is his guide/protector. The characters are credible.

After a brief history and a peaceful beginning dialogue between Freeman and Heap, this story becomes non-stop action. Zombies, the infected, are spreading the virus at an alarming rate. Quickly turning everyone into more zombies. Our valiant group is out to find a solution. They have to work hard to stay ahead of the zombie hordes. Freeman is not told all the details, or even the truth of things, and that makes it harder for him to understand what is going on.

Heap was my favorite character, as is Freeman. Heap is steadfast in his responsibilities and Freeman shows a refreshing innocence as he discovers the world around him. One of my favorite parts is actually threaded through the book. It is the protectiveness that Heap shows toward Freeman and life and then in turn, Freeman's protectiveness toward Luscious. The author, Jeremy Robinson, describes music, books, and beauty with wonderful words

This book is a well written wild ride. I found myself hooked. I wanted, needed to find out what was going on. The answers are alluded to, but not fully explained until later in the story.

I would recommend this book to those who like post-apocalyptic zombie stories, as well as those who like science fiction.

Footnote: I was given this book free so that I could offer an honest review.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
hamidreza hosseini
Early science fiction was more than just robots and hover-cars, it was a commentary on the condition of man as seen through the eyes of a fictional future. XOM-B was a futuristic melding of the early type of social science fiction written by Issac Asimov with the flat out action thriller that is Jeremy Robinson’s forte. The author throws in some zombie hordes and a couple of unexpected plot twists to create a modern science fiction novel that is both entertaining and thought provoking. Despite the presence of ambulating undead this book is more than a horror story, despite the action it is more than a thriller, and despite the trials faced by its characters it is more than a comment on the nature of humanity. This is a well-written story that is greater than the sum of its parts; it can be enjoyed simply as an exciting adventure or taken more seriously, and given greater contemplation. It is a recommended read for fans of horror, science fiction and action who want something intriguing and better than the ordinary.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
hannie
I thoroughly enjoyed reading XOM-B, and in my opinion, is Robinson’s best book to date. There was action right from the beginning, and as it was written in first person, I felt like I was transformed into the story as the main character, sharing his thoughts and having the same nagging questions as he did. That outlook on the story caused the character development to naturally flow as I continued to read. I found myself just plowing through the story just to learn more about the main character’s situation and try to find the answers to his questions. Robinson has written some fantastic novels in the past, but the bar has been raised with XOM-B.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
saxon
XOM-B by Jeremy Robinson was definitely a different take on the whole viral outbreak and zombie apocalypse theme in a very good and interesting way! From the moment I started the book I felt invested in the survival of Freeman, rooting him on and holding my breath when he was in trouble. XOM-B brings us to what could very well be our future thanks to the advancements in technology, but will we learn from their mistakes? Probably not. An excellent, hard to put down read! Although I was given a digital copy of this book free for an honest review, it is definitely on my wishlist as a hardcover copy.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
manoj
This is so much more than another zombie story. The character of Freeman was intriguing to me from the start. I found it so interesting to watch him learn and discover what kind of person he wanted to be. I loved the way this story was wrapped up and explained in the end. The audio version of this book was amazing!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
erica glass
Once again Jeremy Robinson defies logic and pumps out another amazing hit of a book. Xom-B is at the same time vintage JR, and yet a totally new direction for him as well. If you like zombies, futuristic action, and science fiction at its very best, this is the book for you! I LOVED IT!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
aaron lazar
The premise hooked me right away, but the suspense just didn't seem to be as intense as other books I have read by this author. The book seemed to drag in places and I lost interest in certain parts, but I did enjoy the main character, Freeman. His naivety was very endearing and made for an interesting perspective. Many of the other characters were also pretty intriguing. Robots and zombies combined seemed like a very interesting concept, but the execution wasn't as good as I expected from this author. There were quite a a few interesting conversations that were very thought-provoking and the ending saved my enjoyment of this book. It helped make it worth the read.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
fing fong
Oh my...zombies, hordes of zombies, thousands upon thousands of zombies searching for and infecting humans with a virus, turning them into the undead...they are the ultimate zombie swarm...and yet they are being controlled...by who? Or by what? XOM-B is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, unable to put the book down until you know it all!! Jeremy Robinson has definitely gone above and beyond with this book. One of his best to date! I highly recommend you get a copy of XOM-B, your comfy jammie's, plenty of sustenance, as in food and drinks!! Curl up and have a great ride through this book.
Definitely a FIVE STAR!!! book...
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
lucy kabatoff
Wow, did Jeremy Robinson over deliver above and beyond my expectations. Xom-b is a refreshing and different zombie, sci fi thriller with everything you need for a gripping story and hopefully a new series.

Robinson blew me away with the multi-faceted layers and themes found throughout the book like slavery, freedom and class structure, survival of the fittest and human evolution, genocide and global domination to name a few.

His characters are very believable. From our protagonist Freeman to Luscious, Heap and Harry, whom all represent different walks of life that come together for one purpose, to save human kind from the Sir's of the world.

Seeing the world through Freeman's perspective was so true and innocent that he became so real to me. I felt his pain, his love and his happiness and even shed some tears.

Only the great mind of Robinson would put together a story like this. A cross between I Robot, Ellysium and Dawn of the Dead all in one. I did not want this adventure to end.

I would also like to mention that although I did receive XOM-B as an Advanced Readers Copy edition, my 5 star review of this phenomenal book is my honest opinion and did not alter my review of XOM-B in anyway. So I say again...XOM-B is the BOMB, BOOM :)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
pudji tursana
THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THE COMMENTS. DO NOT READ MY COMMENTS UNLESS YOU WANT THE STORY RUINED FOR YOU.

In an interesting twist, I read this book differently from everyone else. Because I kept reading this book waiting for something to appear that didn't, I was really disappointed. If you read the comments AFTER you read the book, you will find a hilarious story.

I am not going to explain what was hilarious here, but let's just say it will be funny after you read the book. (and yes the joke is on me).
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
christopher ormond
I would recommend this book to everyone! Even though the title suggest its about zombies, it is so much more than that. Wow, and the much more is awesome. Without giving anything away the characters are the best part of the book, in my opinion. The action is non-stop and the story itself keeps you so engrossed you don't want to put it down even for a minute. All the tech described is a little more than I understand, but for the tech nerds out there, they will love it. Glad to see that there wasn't much mental thinking, but lots of talking between the characters. Lots of questions during the book, but it all comes together in the end. People who have read this author before are going to love this book, and will want it yesterday! By the way, I was given this book for an honest review.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
alexandra socarides
Xom-B is the newest novel from author Jeremy Robinson, and dare I say it’s his best work to date. Robinson is already known for fast paced action with sci-fi elements leading the reader on a thrill ride from cover to cover, and Xom-B doesn’t disappoint! Set in the near future the book combines sci-fi robot action and hordes of zombies, what’s not to love? On top of all the great action, the protagonist Freeman is such a well-defined character that the reader gets to grow and discover this strange dystopian future with. Bottom line, if you love zombies, robots or fast paced action, you’re going to love Xom-B!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
stevie
When I received XOM-B , I started reading it immediately...I was not disappointed in the book...If you've never read any of Jeremy Robinson's books, you really are missing out on something..Great writing and really good characters, where you can relate to them..I've almost read everything he has written and I will continue to do so...I highly reccommend this author...Just go out and buy one book and you will see what I mean..The books are highly addictive...So is the author's skills in the written word...You can relate to Freeman and Heap in this book...Zombies and Robots..Who could ask for more.....I just wanted to say one more thing, this book was given to me for an honest review...If it wasn't worth reading I would say so...But you really have to buy it and read it...Believe me it's worth it!!!!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
dory anne
From beginning to end this book head me captivated. Realized a few of the plot points earlier than I think I was supposed to but a very nice twist at the end. Overall a very good read and recommended for anyone who likes zombies or futuristic Sci Fi.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
amir razic
Humanity has changed. Freeman has been born to a world of peace and wonder. Along with his friend and bodyguard Heap, he has set out to explore the world and learn as much as he can. What he discovers, however, is far from what he had ever imagined. It appears that the bodies of The Masters, who lorded over humanity, have returned from the dead and seek to destroy humanity - and to feed on it. Now it up to Freeman, Heap, and their friends to stop the Masters, before its too late.

This is definitely Robinson's best book to date. I had trouble putting it down for extended periods of time. It was full of Robinson's trademark fast-paced action and wit. Xom-B certainly turns the Zombie/Horror genre on its head.

This is a definite must buy. FIGHT THE GRIND!
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
misty beith
Pretty sure the review system is being gamed on this book, and that a significant number of "reviewers" here are astroturfing.

The book's just not that good. Granted, I've only made it 50 pages in, but I've made it an increasingly more frequent habit to give up on books if they're not keeping me engaged. Life's too short to read every book you start to completion, including the poor ones.

The book starts out okay, with robots in a position where they're sentient, but used as slaves by humanity. They are rallying peacefully when humans blow a crowd of them to bits. The scenario is framed to parallel the AI uprising with slave revolts and civil rights movements in human history, which has been done many times in science fiction.

One of the main problems early on is that the AI are basically indistinguishable from humans. They think just like people, apparently look like them, have the same spectrum of emotions and motivations, etc. This just feels lazy, the framing of the conflict and the portrayal of the AI.

But that would still be all right once we get into the meat of the story. A particular AI, accompanied by a bodyguard are running around in abandoned buildings and forest when they encounter hordes of human zombies. Okay. The main character, Freeman, remarks on how he is worried they're going to eat him. What? Are the AI cyborgs? The writing is so sloppy we don't really know the nature of the AI. If there is some big reveal later on, that's just too coy. For me to invest in the characters I need to understand what, if any, kind of danger they're in. I have no idea why an AI would be worried about being eaten by zombies...it's just silly, and pulls me out of the story.

Plotting and logic aside, I could maybe shut off my brain and go along for the ride if the action was passable. It's not. Descriptions of events are confusing and jumbled. It's hard to tell who is where and exactly what's going on.

All that said, it's not the worst thing I've ever read, but it is certainly not a 4.5-star book. I'm just particularly disappointed because I was drawn to it by the stellar reviews, and I'm feeling duped and cheated by what looks like the publisher/author gaming the system here.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
nicholas beinn
another zombie-porn book.
it's pretty much the same thing happening again and again.
i will some it up :

while not end_of_book {
if (hero_detect_zombies()) {
hero_try_to_save(rnd(num_of_peoples)));
hero_kill_zombie(rnd(num_of_zombies)));
hero run away();
}
else
wait_pages(1);
}
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
tyler works
At first glance the cover looks pretty tame. What could go on with robots, err, I mean androids? Then I looked closer and noticed the subtle bite wounds around the flesh of arm. What could this mean? Robot zombies? That could be entertaining.

Xom-B takes place in the future, a time were people have developed androids to do their bidding. People could get "upgraded" to look prettier, be smarter, see better, etc. All the while their android slave grind away at the thing that make the society what it is. I almost wish that more was told about the grind and how life came to be like this. More was revealed latter, but I can get impatient. All of a sudden people start dieing, everywhere, even in the middle of conversations.

Now I don't want to delve into the plot and characters too much as most of it would spoil your listening experience. I will say this. Robots and zombies mixed in with a truly satisfying science fiction dystopian society make for a great audiobook. I was fully encapsulated within the story and would fight going to sleep to hear just a bit more.

Even though it is slow starting it becomes full of interesting and complex characters that would evolve from seeming weaklings to self confident heroes. Anti-heroes that start off seeming not so bad transform into almost super villains. And enough plot twists and turns that kept me guessing, except for the ones I figured out.

Are you looking for a zombie story that doesn't have the main focus on the zombies? Maybe you want a great science fiction tale that doesn't focus solely on the technologies of the time. You could just be looking for another great dystopian adventure. Guess what, you get all of that with Xom-B. Yes much of it is so familiar that you would swear to reading it elsewhere, but I assure you that you haven't heard it put together like this. I have couple other Robinson audiobooks in my queue and will continue to look for them in the future.

Audiobook purchased by reviewer.

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