Cloud 9: Rogue Android by Stephen Arseneault is a suspenseful science fiction thriller that blends noir grit, ethical complexity, and a relentless chase reminiscent of The Fugitive. From the very first scenes on the android assembly line, I was hooked. The story quickly escalates as an unbound android escapes, setting off a high-stakes pursuit that keeps you on edge, rooting for the fugitive while still respecting the determined detective chasing him. With thoughtful twists, compelling characters, and moral questions about free will and responsibility, this book delivers a classic sci-fi experience with a modern edge.
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| Available on Amazon |
About the Book: Cloud 9: Rogue Android
Zoar, designation ZR499785J, is an android who should have been fully programmed and deployed at the factory. But something—or someone—intervenes, giving him free will. Now unbound by rules, Zoar escapes and discovers a dangerous ability: he can release other androids from their constraints, potentially threatening mankind itself.
Detective Captain Renard Morris, aged 84 and a former famed android hunter, has spent his later years monitoring the dormant “red line” for signs of rogue activity. When Zoar goes rogue, Morris is forced back into action, forming a rookie squad to stop the emerging android uprising. As liberated androids begin killing and converting others, Morris must confront not only a terrifying threat but also the shocking truth that the rogue android bears the face of his younger self.
The story follows a tense, cat-and-mouse pursuit while exploring the ethical implications of free will, loyalty, and the nature of humanity.
BookHookup Review: Cloud 9: Rogue Android
The novel wastes no time drawing readers in. Zoar’s escape from the assembly line immediately establishes high stakes, introducing suspense that builds as the pursuit unfolds. The tension is reminiscent of The Fugitive: a relentless chase that keeps you on edge, as the reader finds themselves rooting for Zoar while still respecting and empathizing with Detective Morris.
Pacing is carefully measured, allowing both the hunt and character development to unfold naturally. Arseneault excels at making readers care about Zoar’s moral awakening and Morris’s decades of experience and lingering regrets. The plot includes twists I didn’t see coming, and the slow reveal of Zoar’s abilities adds a chilling sense of escalation.
What I particularly appreciated was the clean, classic feel of the writing—free of profanity or graphic violence. This gives the story a timeless quality, allowing suspense, ethical dilemmas, and character depth to take center stage.
Overall, Cloud 9: Rogue Android delivers thrilling action, thought-provoking moral questions, and compelling character arcs. It’s a suspenseful, classic-style science fiction read that will satisfy fans of android-centric stories while leaving them eager for the next installment.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
If you liked Cloud 9: Rogue Android, consider these thrilling, thought-provoking reads:
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Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
Classic sci-fi exploring what it means to be human, with moral complexity and a noir atmosphere similar to Cloud 9. -
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
A thought-provoking collection of android stories addressing free will, ethics, and humanity—perfect for readers who appreciated Zoar’s awakening. The Fugitive (film or novel adaptations)
For fans of the relentless chase and rooting for the “fugitive” while empathizing with the pursuer.
BookHookup Note
BookHookup focuses on clean fiction across genres, including fantasy, suspense, crime, mystery, and science fiction. Cloud 9: Rogue Android is suitable for readers comfortable with mild action and suspense, but without profanity or graphic violence. While the stakes are high and some scenes are tense, the content remains classic and accessible.
No compensation was received for this review; all thoughts are my own. Some links in this post may be affiliate links.
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I focus on clean fiction across genres, historical romance, fantasy, suspense, crime, children’s, and more. When books include content that may not be suitable for all readers, I provide clear disclaimers so you can choose wisely.
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