I cannot tell you how delighted I was by this book. It’s sci-fi, of a sort, but not like most of what I’ve read. Edmunds is clearly interested in our relationship with machines and about the direction we are heading together. Through her novel, she explores some really fascinating themes involving technology, human beings, and the natural world. The images she conjures for the reader are all the more impactful because of how deftly she plays with what we expect to see.

The three main characters — Anna, Taz, and Cel — hold the story down just fine by themselves. But Edmunds introduces very real secondary characters as needed, including (but not limited to) a government flunkie, a rural innkeeper, and Anna’s spiritually inclined car. And the book is funny — there were several times when I actually snickered out loud, usually at something Cel said. He is not at all what you might expect from an ascended machine, and yet he is also absolutely perfect.

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Cel and Anna is a delightful science fiction novel. The premise is George Orwell-esque from his novel 1984 where "big brother" is watching everything you do - without the overwhelming darkness.

The synopsis tells you everything you need to know about this book. It starts off a little slow for me, but the pace picks up and then continues at a good clip. The concept of a computer falling in love with a woman is pretty unique; thus, enjoyable to read about.

The characters were well-written, even Cel, the computer! I found the most change in Anna as the story began, she was rather shy and didn't interact with live people very much. Through the story she grew and changed until she was very comfortable around people and capable of making friends.

Cel and Anna is a breath of fresh air in the science fiction genre. It flows smoothly and reads fairly quickly. It's definitely worth your time!

*Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author, I was not required to write a positive review. ( )

Mix a twenty-second century version of Aldois Huxley's "Brave New World" with a heartfelt story of love and friendship and you get the fabulous and fascinating tale of "Cel & Anna: A 22nd Century Love Story."

I was looking forward to Lindsay Edmunds debut novel, having read her interesting blog posts, and I was not disappointed. "Cel & Anna" is a delightful page turner about a live computer who falls in love with its owner. Cel, the computer, orders thousands of flowers for Anna from a flower shop, which leads to a powerful data stream and creates havoc during the Middle Machine Age in the Reunited States, a world where humans and semi-humans as well as all life are controlled by a ruthless government. As a result, Anna and her friend, Taz Night (who is falling in love with her as well), are being named terrorists and persecuted. Stuffing Cel into a backpack, the three of them escape. Their only hope is the friendship of outsiders, who risk their lives to protect them. This is a well-written, thoroughly enjoyable work, which is not only entertaining but has a deeper meaning. It is a book I read more than once, which I only do with works I really love! ( )

I’m not sure I’ll ever look at a computer the same way again after reading this book. What a marvelous story! This is the type of book that makes me glad self-publishing exists.
The sci-fi premise has never been one of my favorites, mainly because the authors rely so much on world building and bizarre terms, that the actual stories never come through. This book is an exception. There is some world building, of course, but it is very interesting and never grows dull. The reader is not inundated with unpronounceable words or names, and can easily follow the actions that take place, even when they involve new technological terms.
I adored Cel, the computer that one day realizes he is indeed alive and in-love with his owner. He is a quirky, troublesome creature that the reader can’t help but love. Anna, his owner, is also quite fun, although she falls a bit short of a fully rounded character. There are a myriad of other people that make the story come to life. I enjoyed getting to meet them all.
The story itself is well structured, with the usual infusion of government paranoia and the ever watchful eye of technology. It is fast-paced, grabbing on to the reader until the last page. I will not reveal the ending, of course, but I had a little “aww” working its way up my throat.
I highly, highly recommend this book. ( )