This week saw the release of sci-fi author Vee Lozada’s exciting new novel, Human Code. The story follows an android trying to find his place in the world, whilst grappling with his tendency towards human motivations. With the rise of AI, and technology developing at an alarming rate, it is a very timely tale.

From the publisher –

When Javier Morales tragically dies in 2016, his family cannot accept it. During their grief, they sign an advancing deal with Bionics Pharmaceuticals, and Javier is recreated as an android. What was salvageable from his memories was transferred into a new computer. His likeness is unbelievable. But after a while, everyone realizes he cannot be the same.

They refuse to accept him.

Reality sets in.

To protect himself, Javier gravitates to the only person who shows him love, and that is his adopted younger sister, Wendy. He vows to protect her and stay by her side.

But the unthinkable happens. Androids break down without reason. Androids attack without cause. And when Wendy is kidnapped by a group of “defective” machines, Javier rushes to find and save her.

He just doesn’t expect to have to save himself, too. Javier is too human for his own good, and there is someone who will do anything to steal a copy of his code…

The themes at the heart of Human Code conjure some important questions. With the proliferation of technology and AI programming, and its increasing integration into our everyday lives, what happens when tech goes wrong? Do we rely too much on it? Is an artificial intelligence capable of human emotion, and of even caring about the value of human life MORE than some humans do? Or is it all just sophisticated programming?

We had the chance to talk to Vee about her latest novel, and her influences –

What led to you becoming a writer?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer, ever since I was a kid. I wanted to write a book that I wanted to read because sometimes I felt like I couldn’t find the right stories that interested me in stores or libraries. When I started writing, I hoped people would enjoy my stories just as much as I did.

The topic of artificial intelligence, and synthetic companions is very timely, was the storyline of your novel inspired by something specific?

The storyline for Human Code was a blended mix of our current reality and advancing technology, the possibilities lingering in our near future and inspiration from my favorite shows and movies. Ideas were everywhere, but I settled on the universe I created. It felt perfect.

What are 5 facts about yourself you’d like your readers to know?

Five facts about myself! I’m Puerto Rican, and as a Latinx indie author, I like putting bits of my culture in my books.

 I’m also an anime lover! I’m a Dragon Ball Z fan to my core, and I could talk it forever. Full Metal Alchemist is a close second!

I love videos and could play for hours. Survival horror is my go-to, with Resident Evil and Dead Space being my top favorites, but I could go on forever about the games I like, or the many times I died in Elden Ring, but that would take too long.

I’m also a horror movie fan! My husband and I always look for the best films, preferably indie films, and we could binge them if given the opportunity. Honestly, my favorite horror movie is Pumpkin Head and I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love cult classics and 80s flicks.

I love drawing and sketching in journals! I’m currently teaching myself digital art and have a goal of one day drawing my own character art and book covers.

What are your Cyberpunk/Dystopian influences?

I’ve always loved Cyberpunk and Dystopian films growing up. I watched Tron, The Matrix, and Akira and just fell in love the stories and atmospheres. I’ll always stop to check out a new movie when I see one and I’m always up for book recommendations! 

What are you working on next?

I just finished plotting the second book in The Duplicates series! Human Code is book 1. Duplicate is book 2. It’s a prequel! There will be a third book to wrap up the trilogy but I haven’t started plotting that one yet. My goal is to have the second book completed by the end of this year!

Human Code is available now in paperback, and digital formats. Vee has another cyberpunk novel, tech thriller Double Edge, also available now. You can find out more about Vee and her work at her website, https://authorveelozada.wixsite.com/my-site