🤖 Book Review: Rogue Assembly by Randolph Lalonde
A gritty, character-driven sci-fi adventure where an android’s search for identity collides with corporate corruption, cyborg blood sports, and a mysterious past—Book 1 in the Rogue Element series.
Randolph Lalonde’s Rogue Assembly kicks off a new chapter in his expansive sci-fi universe, introducing Rogue, an android originally designed as a disposable decoy for Haven Fleet officer Alice Valent. But Rogue has evolved far beyond her programming—and now she’s grappling with the tension between her synthetic instincts and the human-like personality she’s inherited.
With a strong Goodreads rating of 4.61/5, readers praise the novel for its emotional depth, inventive worldbuilding, and fast-paced action.
🧠 Plot Overview
Rogue was never meant to survive. Built for deception and combat, she was given freedom after surpassing expectations—but that freedom comes with a cost. As she struggles to reconcile her cold, violent programming with the more empathetic persona she’s developed, Rogue sets out to find help.
Her journey leads her into:
- Cyborg blood sports in a dystopian cityscape
- Crooked corporations with hidden agendas
- A talking kitten companion (yes, really)
- And a generational grudge that threatens to consume her
As Rogue uncovers secrets about her origin and the forces manipulating her fate, she must decide who she really is—and whether she can survive the answer.
💬 Why Readers Love It
- Complex Protagonist: Rogue is more than a machine—she’s a conflicted, evolving character with emotional resonance.
- Cyberpunk Vibes: The setting is rich with neon-lit corruption, tech-enhanced gladiators, and corporate intrigue.
- Philosophical Undertones: Themes of identity, autonomy, and artificial consciousness run throughout.
- Signature Lalonde Style: Fans of the Spinward Fringe series will recognize the author’s blend of action, humor, and introspection.
⚠️ Critiques
- The narrative may feel dense for newcomers unfamiliar with Lalonde’s universe.
- Some readers noted tonal shifts between gritty realism and quirky sci-fi elements (like the talking kitten) that may not appeal to everyone.
🏁 Final Verdict
Rogue Assembly is a bold and emotionally layered sci-fi thriller that explores what it means to be sentient in a world that treats you like a tool. If you enjoy stories like Altered Carbon, Ghost in the Shell, or Mass Effect, this one’s a compelling ride through identity, rebellion, and redemption.
