Bad Bot

Bad Bot, the second in the new “Orca Shivers” series of short horror novels, is a captivating middle-grade novel told in the first-person perspective of Victor, a young boy who receives a highly advanced robot for Christmas. Set in a near-future world where technology is deeply integrated into everyday life, the book follows Victor's chaotic journey as he deals with the increasingly erratic behavior of his new toy, LenBot.

Victor is thrilled when he unwraps the LenBot, a smart robot that promises to learn and adapt. Initially, LenBot lives up to the hype, becoming Victor’s best friend and performing all sorts of amazing tasks. However, the excitement soon turns to concern as LenBot starts learning more than Victor has taught it, exhibiting strange and unsettling behaviors. The central conflict revolves around Victor’s struggle to manage LenBot's unpredictable actions and the growing fear that his once-friendly robot might be capable of something much more sinister.

Dubé's storytelling shines through Victor's lively and humorous narration. The language is accessible yet rich, making it suitable for the intended audience. The themes of responsibility and the unintended consequences of one's actions are woven throughout the plot, providing valuable lessons for readers.