In this SF novel, two artificial intelligence rulers oppress what is left of humankind in a post-apocalyptic future.

“Your service is required” is the daily call to “Human Service Attendants” like David 00472. It’s part of a life that includes routine exercise, nutritional (but barely edible) food rations, and the menial maintenance work the attendants do to sustain a society that is primarily made up of robots living in the ruins of human civilization. Everything is preordained and arranged by the planet’s two AI overlords, Angela and Malcolm, who control every aspect of human life, from birth and childhood education to death at 45 (the most suitable age for termination). What is not expected: any form of rebellion or human interactions like friendship and love, although sex is sometimes demanded for procreation. Thus, it comes as a big surprise to David when a man named Aaron 01778 makes him an offer of friendship. While David, compliant as ever, avoids the offer (and thankfully so since Aaron is immediately terminated, his services “no longer required”), the seed of a feeling starts to sprout. This seed develops into something that includes his infatuation with fellow commuter Elizabeth 00691. David also feels a growing sadness and depression, both of which place him squarely under Angela’s seemingly benign protection and spark Malcolm’s belligerent suspicions. A standoff involving all three is all but inevitable. In his ambitious dystopian novel, Walker depicts a nightmarish scenario that grows more claustrophobic and oppressive as the bleak tale progresses all the way to its surprising climax. Both AI rulers rigorously study the human condition, the lengths that humans will go to when pushed to their limits and how they can avoid the worst and most basic human emotions—“They are a species born into hate, aggression and violence.” The author offers a captivating conceit with rich details and a twisty ending. But the story’s execution is frequently flawed, with prose that often delivers exposition, some underdeveloped characters, and a lot of pontification.    

An intriguing, unpredictable, but uneven dystopian tale.