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Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Botland328 by Dick Blide is a sci-fi novel set in a not-too-distant future where alien civilizations and their bots have already made contact with humanity and play a crucial role on Earth. Maxid, the bot CEO of CEAF (Center for Earth Affairs), faces fierce opposition from a section of the conservatives calling themselves the Patriots, who want the bots to be expelled from Earth permanently. Meanwhile, the Xyrptans are contacted by another advanced alien civilization from Despar. Despar's bot representative Rhees informs the Earthlings and Xyrptans that his planet is amid a devastating catastrophe due to climate change. But a Publican Congressman from Texas has his own plans to foil the bots and the Crats. Now, Michael Bradford is running for president against the nefarious Nicklaus, the result of which may determine the future of planet Earth.
Dick Blide's absorbing sci-fi novel touches upon some relevant issues plaguing humanity today, such as the inevitable impact of climate change, the growing political divide, and the moral and ethical considerations regarding the use of AI tech. Botland328 is part sci-fi drama and part political thriller seamlessly weaved into one entertaining novel. Blide's plotting is fast-paced and complemented by a large cast of characters. Each character has agency in their motives and actions. There are some striking real-world parallels to how the Publicans and the Crats take sides on social issues in the book, compared to the two major political parties in America. All in all, an engaging sci-fi novel with a healthy dose of social commentary.
