If you’re a fellow sci-fi buff, you might cringe when you learn that I never read any of Isaac Asimov’s “Robot” series. Comically, the closest I came, was seeing the 2004 film adaptation “I, Robot,” which I’ve heard is not particularly faithful to his work. And although the flick introduced me to Dr. Susan Calvin, a major character from Asimov’s books, I didn’t really remember Bridget Moynahan’s portrayal of her. Given this lack of familiarity with Asimov’s collection, I was essentially a blank slate when I started reading Mickey Zucker Reichert’s novel “I, Robot: To Protect.”
Reichert’s book is the first tale in a new trilogy inspired by Asimov’s original series. Luckily enough for me, it’s non-canon, so I wasn’t missing anything by jumping into this universe now. “I, Robot: To Protect” operates like a prequel, exploring Dr. Susan Calvin’s residency as a young psychiatrist at a cutting-edge Manhattan hospital. During her time there, Susan becomes an assistant to a mysterious research study, where patients are injected with experimental nanobots to help diagnose and treat mental illness. Her life is thrown into chaos however, after a previously non-violent patient suddenly commits an act of terrorism. Was the attack caused by the nanobots? And if it was, who’s programming them? More importantly, can Susan stop the next incident from happening before more innocent people are hurt?
At first, I was disappointed that a novel with “Robot” in the title, actually had little to do with mechanical men. Reichert reminded me of Asimov’s famous 3 Laws of Robotics and intrigued me with a robotic character that works with Susan at the hospital, but her yarn is more of a medical thriller than a sci-fi one. A large part of that angle probably has to do with Reichert’s own specialized knowledge that she contributes as a medical doctor. What’s shocked me about this narrative tact is how Reichert managed to make clinical terms and diagnoses fascinating to a layperson like me. I think that comes from the detailed and logical process that Reichert creates for Susan to assess and treat her patients.
As captivating as the medical portions of the novel are though, they have a difficult time sustaining momentum over the course of the story. I felt like I was reading an incredibly slow burn thriller, that seemed like it should pick up at any moment. But by the time I finally got the action and frenzied excitement that I was expecting, it was all over quicker than I wanted it to be. In that way, I thought that “I, Robot: To Protect” wrapped up too hastily, without proper explanation and closure.
Reichert’s smart, sassy characterization of the talented, headstrong Susan Calvin is amusing to read and the ease with which she makes a medical thriller accessible to the average person is truly impressive. However, for her next installment in this series, I hope that she’ll add more science fiction elements to the plot, along with a tighter pace, and a better developed final act.
I, Robot: To Protect is available now on Amazon and in stores from Roc Hardcover Publishing.