The Lucky Machine

After a life of subservience wrought with extensive memory wipes, personal autonomous android model NX makes the fateful decision to slip from the mid-upper reaches of the city. In the dilapidated lower levels, she meets a talented but disillusioned cyborg named Sylvan who extends to her a temporary place working in his shop. As they sew the bonds of friendship and regain Sylvan’s lost passion, NX hones her own unique talents: for optimism, for charm, and for creating. With a little help from some friends – and a bit of luck – NX evades the forces that intend to recapture her or destroy her. The lower levels are easy to get lost in, but can she hide forever?

Approximately 190 pages, 46k words.

The Lucky Machine was written in November of 2024 as a follow up to The Warm Machine. Readers of The Warm Machine wanted to know about the NX personal model and see more of her and her infectious cheer. So, I was happy to oblige them in the best way I could – by writing a whole novella around her adventure prior to re-meeting Zev and Sterling at the landfill. Best of all, this novella may take place in The Warm Machine universe and cross paths with other characters, but it does not require any previous knowledge or prerequisite reading: you can simply pick up the book and follow along on the journey of this fun bot. I’m excited to share this new installment with you so you can get to know NX a little better!

If you like: Asimov's robot series, Cargill's Sea of Rust, Newitz's Autonomous, Chambers' A Psalm for the Wild Built, Detroit: Become Human, Space Sweepers, Robocop, or any variety of robotic sci-fi in between, you'll love this book.

Want a free preview? Check out the first chapter!