I think the people with low ratings are missing the part where Isaac Asimov states that this is a project written by different authors inspired by his works. A fanfiction if you will. This is what this book felt like. And I found it actually kind of good.

For a slow paced book there was enough action to keep me hooked and wanting to keep reading, which props to that because I have a terrible time at reading slow paced books. The characters were interesting enough. I cling to the robots so much, they're so fun and each have a noticeable personality. I was genuinely sad when that thing happened with Monitor 5. I wondered what happed to Alpha. I also really liked Wolruf (Rrullf) and Aranimas. The settings the plot takes place in are also interesting and the author, Michael P. Kube-McDowell, does a great job at naturally allowing the reader to explore with the characters.

My only real critiques are around Derec and his character. I found him really annoying for most of the book. He really only became interesting after he met Kate, to which case his entire character does a 180 and is suddenly a different person. It wasn't a natural change, but I didn't hate it. I think Derec needed to have his whole character changed, because I found his attitude towards certain characters to be painfully annoying and uncalled for.

Here are my notes during reading. WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW

-Derec started off an okay character until he was rude to Monitor 5 and Analyst 17 when all they were doing was what they were programmed to do, keep the human alive.
-Genuinely sad that Monitor 5 didn't make it.
-Aranimas is a better character than Derec, even though he's the Raider Leader and tortured Derec.
-"Eat space and die" would have been a great quote if it weren't for the context of the situation that ruined it. Rrullf is just doing her job, man.
-To further that point, Derec changed the name of Rrullf's name to Wolruf. He didn't even TRY to pronounce her name, he just told her what he was going to call her.
-If Derec betrays Rrullf I don't know what I'll do, but I will be angry.
-Derec can't seem to do anything for himself.
-There's a woman involved now. Let's see if he's a suck up. I'm guessing enemies to lovers.
-"You woke me up to ask me for my insurance card?"
-Self aware foreshadowing?
-Why is Derec now considering robots as equals as if he hadn't gone the whole plot not caring if the robots lived or died and only toys to be played with?
-Rrullf! I'm so glad to see her!
-The author really went and through Derec's "I don't give a shit" personality right out the window the second he brought in the bad bitch Kate.
-If their little stunt killed Rrullf I am going to scream.
-Rrullf is fine, thank the Gods.
-Kathrine and Derec are married (not canon) and Rrullf is their adopted daughter/puppy.
-Maybe Monitor 5 gave Derec the key because Monitor 5 knew what it was and what it could do and considering Monitor 5 and Analyst 17 were working so hard to keep Derec safe, Monitor 5 knew the key could do that. Just a thought, DEREC.