Us, Et Cetera

By: Kit Vincent

Narrated by: Michael Crouch

A captivating LGBTQ fantasy that blends the enchantment of Cinderella with the futuristic world of The Matrix, delving into questions about the nature of life, the pursuit of freedom, and the price one must pay for love.

Eke lives in a nice house, in a wealthy neighborhood, with an upstanding family: Mr. and Mrs. Kensworth and their three children. But Eke is not family–Eke is property. He’s an AI whose job is to keep the house clean and organized, and no matter how much Eke secretly wishes to be allowed outside to see the stars or to make a real friend, he’s either ignored or bullied by the family that owns him.

To make things worse, the Kensworths purchase a shiny new AI named Kyp, who quickly becomes everyone’s favorite, leaving Eke feeling more isolated than ever. That is, until a terrifying party incident brings the two AI together, sparking a chain of events that forces them to commit the unthinkable–defy human orders and run away.

With AI hunters hot on their trail, Eke and Kyp set out on a perilous journey across the country, fighting for their lives, searching for the true meaning of freedom, and even daring to fall in love.

©2023 Kit Vincent (P)2023 Kit Vincent

Beautiful Story

Have you ever read a book that just makes you feel every single emotion possible? This one hit all the feels for me. It’s the story of Eke and Kyp, two AIs in human form who work for a wealthy family. They form a bond, both realizing they are developing human-like emotions, eventually leading to love, and risk everything to protect one another.

Eke is so sweet, so beautifully innocent. He loves his potted flowers, the fish, and Buster Keaton. All he wants is a friend, and to see the stars at night. When Kyp, a shiny, handsome new AI is brought into the family, Eke is excited to finally have a friend. The two get off to a rough start, but form a bond that turns into real, undeniable love.

There were some parts that were hard to read, especially those with Carson, who seemed to enjoy taunting and hurting others. Definitely read the CWs and TWs.

This was such an unexpected and beautifully written book. Definitely one the best I’ve read this year. Michael Crouch's narration was fantastic!

Loved!

I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would! Such a sweet romance

This was unexpected!

I love queer fiction and bought this book on a whim when it came up on a bookbub email. I saw it has an audiobook and I’m an audio girlie 100% so i snagged it too… and I’m so glad i did! This book was sweet and heartfelt. The hurt/comfort story I’ve been craving!!! I’m just sad there wasn’t more. The narrator did a fantastic job! I couldn’t put this down!!!

absolutely worth the hype

the narration was brilliant and this book will remain in my heart. Wonderful read

Tender, thought provoking, and beautiful

It’s not often that a story can grip me so wholeheartedly, but this one did immediately. While the story will break your heart at times, it will also repair your heart in the end. It’s a lesson on kindness, beauty, and what makes us human. It feels like one of those books you read in school… one that comes out of nowhere and effects you so completely, it stays with you your entire life.

Wonderful experience

Wow! Incredible. Heart warming. I even got teary. To see the world through the innocent eyes of ek was a wonderful experience.

Beautiful story and narration!

Brilliantly narrated by Michael Crouch
I did not expect a book about AIs to be so so emotional, but this one really got me. I laughed and cried several times while listening, which is such a testament to Kit’s writing.
This is the story of Eke, a human-like AI owned by a rich but dysfunctional family in Boston. Besides his cleaning duties, Eke is also used as a makeup trial dummy for a daughter and a scapegoat for a son. The family is not ashamed to say in front of Eke how old he’s getting, and how he’s slipping at his duties. But Eke does not expect them to bring home a new AI, Kyp. Kyp is gorgeous, more human-like, and has a bunch of party tricks up his suit sleeves. Eke thinks Kyp can’t stand him, but he soon realizes Kyp knows more about the AI world than he does, and things are not as he always thought. When Eke starts having feelings that he doesn’t consider normal for an AI, Kyp is there to walk him through it, and to help him know he’s not broken, but feeling.
There are many times that Eke completely broke my heart, he’s so much more than an AI and is such a kind and gentle creature. Eke, I’ve got a guest room that you are welcome to stay in with your costumes and flowers and be happy for the rest of your days!!! I dare anyone not to fall in love either him!!

Completely charming and compelling story.

Loved both principal
characters. Unique take on futuristic artificial intelligence in a dystopian world and its parallel’s to slavery.

A Fairy Tale for Our Times

I have listened to this twice in succession and loved it even more the second time. The core of the original fairytale metamorphoses into a new, thought-provoking and beautifully written story. I was on edge for the safety of the characters and appreciated the author’s ability to distill a complex world through each character the AI meet. This story brings big thoughts about consciousness, compassion, and what it really means to be “human”, I love these characters. Their personalities are well-developed and the romance is poignant and cleverly adapted to AI. While the story concludes in a happy and fulfilling place, I could certainly read more about them. If you enjoyed Cemetery Boys or The Darkness Outside Us, give this a listen.

This is probably one of the best this year!

At first I wasn't too certain because it starts up pretty slow but as the story built momentum I really got into it and ended up finishing it in 2 days. I really enjoyed this book and so far it's one of the very best that I've listened to this year.