Mechanize My Hands to War

Praise for Mechanize My Hands to War:

“Wagner wows in this nuanced look at the implications of AI on humanity…sharply imagined and all too plausible.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Highly recommended for fans of thoughtful sci-fi about the relationships between humans, artificial intelligence, automated systems, and robotics.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“This expansive, gripping read is reminiscent of Philip K. Dick, yet envisions a speculative and searing world all its own. A troubling glimpse into our possible future, Mechanize My Hands to War reinvents the android story within the rich setting of an Appalachia as familiar as it is far away, and with characters who drill deep into your heart, even or especially the ones who aren’t alive. A rust-filled rural pastoral, at its core this is a parable of trust, of community, and of the ways, shapes, and future of caring for each other and of going on.” —Alison Stine, author of Trashlands

“Centered on the inflection points of conscience, Mechanize My Hands to War is a captivating novel uniquely crafted to throw off a reader’s expectations by presenting a dozen reflections of an imminent future where the assumption of humanity is not guaranteed.” —Linda H. Codega, author of Motheater

“An intense and thought-provoking novel that dives into the complexities of war, identity, and the struggle between humanity and mechanization…an unforgettable reading experience.” —Southern Literary Review

Praise for Erin K Wagner:

“Wagner’s writing seats itself deeply in each individual narrator’s perspective and explores the tension between individual agency and the undeniable pull of the strange. Readers are sure to be enthralled.” —Publishers Weekly

“An Unnatural Life will appeal to the philosopher within its audience, those who want to cozy up and consider a lightly challenging moral and ethical dilemma.” —BookPage

“Wagner is a master of effective dialogue…. A powerful contribution to ongoing conversations regarding post-colonialism and the response of colonizing powers in the wake of ecological and cultural devastation…. A lyrical, potent tale.” —Strange Horizons

“An Unnatural Life’s focus on justice, police brutality, the rule of law, and who will speak for those who are not heard has only become even more pointed and relevant…. For me, the strength of this work [are]…the themes and questions that it raises.” —Tor.com

“Very clear connections to our past and present made this one a timed read, packed with foresight and heart…. A book that is easy to read, but hard to forget.” —Queen’s Book Asylum

“A brief, tightly written examination of how the introduction of AIs might affect our justice system…. A very interesting and engaging novella.” —Civilian Reader

“I was not prepared for the way An Unnatural Life would make me feel. This is a brilliantly written novella, one that hits rights in the heart.” —Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks

“The story draws you in, and draws you along at each moment, becoming more and more fraught. Brilliantly written, and a brilliant story.” —SFF Reviews