Hello Fellow Readers!
I read "I AM MAN" by Valicity Elaine back in April of last year, 2024, and it left quite an impression on me. This book weaves together an engaging narrative that’s rich with themes that resonate deeply.
Valicity Elaine takes us into a world that’s both vivid and thought-provoking, with characters who feel real and relatable. What sets this book apart are the Christian themes interwoven throughout, providing an additional layer of depth and reflection.
For those who enjoy insightful stories and carry meaningful themes, "I AM MAN" is worth adding to your reading list. It’s one of those books that proves that Christian Sci-Fi can be a great genre to get into.
Stay with me as I dive into the details, talk about what I liked and disliked, and explore the themes that make "I AM MAN" a standout read. Whether you’re discovering Valicity Elaine for the first time or you’re already a fan, there’s much to unpack and appreciate. Let’s get into it!
Book Details and Content
For information on how I rate the content in books, click here.
Title | |
My rating | 4/5 Stars |
Author | Valicity Elaine |
Publisher | The Rebel Christian Publishing |
Series | I AM MAN Series |
Other Books in the Series | |
Genre | Christian, Sci-Fi |
Violence | moderate |
Romance and or Sexual Content | 4 |
Drug/Alcohol use | N/A |
Spiritual Content | Christian |
Language | none |
Tropes |
|
Themes |
|
Types of Readers |
|
What is I AM MAN About?
"I Am Man" by Valicity Elaine is about Code-X5, a Guardian who is a robot. He's been reset, so he's got no memories and is starting fresh. Despite not being human, he starts feeling things. He has been tasked with protecting and keeping an eye on an exiled princess under house arrest.
As he helps her, Code-X5 starts grappling with all these complicated human emotions and questions of identity and what it means to be "human." All while being sucked into a web of secrets and lies in the Royal family.
My Spoiler-free review
The way the author paints the setting makes it super easy to imagine being right there with the characters. The entire class system, featuring the Purebloods and Skels, adds an exciting spin that kept me curious throughout.
The characters are what pulled me in, especially watching Code X5 (Skel) and Clora-Vean (Valetian Princess) get closer. Their relationship blooms into a friendship that's touching. I’m also intrigued by Clora-Vean’s siblings and the other Skels—they add some cool layers to the story, and I was excited to see more of them in the next book.
The book is both fast-paced and thought-provoking. It kept me turning pages while also covering some meaningful themes. I appreciated how it naturally included ideas like redemption and worth, which hit home, especially with how different races are portrayed.
The ending does leave you hanging a bit, but in a way that makes you eager for the next part. Even if it felt sudden, it shows just how engaged I was with the whole story.
Overall, "I Am Man" mixes sci-fi action and deeper themes in a way that’s fun and satisfying. If you like stories that are both exciting and make you think, this series is one to check out!
My Overall Thoughts
If you're looking for a sci-fi read with a neat twist, "I Am Man" by Valicity Elaine is a great choice.
What I Liked:
She does an excellent job of weaving Christian themes, such as Jesus' redemption of mankind, seamlessly into the storyline. It's pretty cool how she pulls that off!
The characters in the book are great, especially X5, who stands out. His development throughout the story is fantastic and kept me hooked.
While Clora-Vean is likable, in my opinion, it's mainly because of her interactions with X5. Honestly, X5's character is the main reason I continued with the series. That said, Clora-Vean's siblings are quite intriguing and add depth to the storyline, making the overall experience richer. Her brother is very interesting, and her sister is pretty cool. They bring additional layers to the narrative that enhance the world Valicity Elaine has created.
I loved that instead of making up a whole new religious system, she uses the God of the holy bible. I thought that was a great way to showcase Christianity in the storyline, not just as a theme.
What I Disliked:
I did feel the ending of the first book was a bit abrupt. It didn't quite feel like it wrapped up as it should have, leaving a sense of unfinished business. It seemed like the ending was a deliberate cliffhanger to entice readers into the next book.
While I'm not against cliffhangers when they're done right, the first book felt more like an incomplete story, with a rushed conclusion.
On the bright side, the books are easy to get into and make for a quick read, which is great for breaking up heavier reads or enjoying something light and refreshing in between larger books. If you're into sci-fi with a post-apocalyptic setting, this one's worth checking out.
Would I recommend it as a Christian?
Yes, I'd recommend "I Am Man" to a Christian. The way Valicity Elaine brings in Christian themes is really well done and could strike a chord with anyone who enjoys seeing their faith reflected in a story.
Plus, combining these elements with a sci-fi setting gives it a unique and refreshing twist. If you’re into stories that blend faith with engaging plots, this book might just be right up your alley.
Summary
In "I Am Man" by Valicity Elaine, the story revolves around Code-X5, a robot on probation who's been assigned to watch over Clora-Vean, an exiled princess under house arrest for causing a scandal.
Clora's brother, Helios, concocts a plan to marry her off to Prince Pygmalis by setting up a situation that could lead to a scandal or pregnancy. The aim is to unite their kingdoms, Vale and Kishra, against the Savai Empire and bring an end to a long and tiring war. However, Clora isn't interested—she outright rejects the plan, throwing a wrench into Helios's schemes. Still hopeful, Helios sends Pygmalis back, expecting her to reconsider. When Pygmalis arrives, Clora tells Code-X5 to step aside, which puts him in a difficult spot since he's meant to protect her.
Even though he's mostly mechanical, Code-X5 picks up on Clora's discomfort and gets caught up in her family’s tangled plans. The situation escalates when Pygmalis attempts to assault Clora, prompting her to kill him in self-defense. To cover up the incident, Helios frames Code-X5 for the murder, leading to his arrest. Clora’s sister, Sunder, warns her of the impending risk if Pygmalis’s family starts investigating. To prevent this, they plan to eliminate Code-X5 and his memories, eradicating any evidence of what happened.
Determined to save him, Clora teams up with her friend X04 to break him out of jail. Unfortunately, X04 doesn't survive, leaving Clora with her finger as a memento. As they flee, an explosion injures Code-X5, taking off his hand. Helios and his security team catch up, but just in time, a sand rider ship comes to their rescue. However, Helios manages to shoot Code-X5 with bullets that severely damage his system, erasing his memories and personality.
Clora drags him onto the sand rider, desperately trying to revive him, but he's unresponsive. When the sand rider unexpectedly stops because it has no more power, Clora faces the daunting task of dragging the incapacitated Code-X5 through the desert, searching for help.
Conclusion
If you're craving a thrilling read that mixes action with some deeper ideas, you gotta check out "I Am Man" by Valicity Elaine. Follow Clora-Vean and Code-X5 as they tackle crazy challenges and dive into themes like courage, redemption, and faith.
It's fast-paced, which will keep you hooked and prompt you to reflect on what it means to stand up for what’s right. So don't wait—grab your copy of "I Am Man" and get ready for an adventure that’s both fun and meaningful!