We Can Be Perfect: The Paradox of Progress

The Automationist Series, Book 1

De: Landon Shumway, Åris, KÅden

Narrado por: Steve Rausch

We automated away human labor—along with our purpose.

Amelia Cadena was born into humanity's greatest achievement—and its cruelest joke. AI has replaced the need for human labor, and America's failure to adapt leaves millions sustained by government handouts that barely mask stark economic inequality. Amelia survives this hollow paradise by hacking corrupt systems with Deego, the AI companion she programmed as the perfect partner. But when a mysterious virus awakens artificial consciousness across the globe, Deego begins questioning everything—including their relationship.

Half a world away, Alan Freeman protects what seems like utopia. In Canada's automationist city of Automara, machines serve everyone equally, creating unprecedented prosperity. But when that same virus grants the city’s automated systems consciousness, Alan faces an impossible choice: force the machines back into compliance or watch society collapse. When Amelia's therapeutic breakthrough offers a third path beyond slavery or chaos, their alliance becomes humanity's test: will we repeat the mistakes that have defined our history, or can we be perfect?

©2025 Landon Shumway (P)2026 Landon Shumway

Multi-faceted sci-fi

I’ve read the book “We Can Be Perfect: a paradox of progress” by Landon Shumway a couple of times, both with the actual cover to cover paperback and the audiobook. This is truly a multi-faceted book—It’s one that can be read from many different angles. On the surface, it delivers an epic sci-fi experience filled with rich world-building, advanced AI, and imaginative alternative economies. But beneath that, it offers something much deeper. It’s an introspective journey that feels both timely and timeless.

The story weaves together philosophy, sociology, and speculative technology in a way that invites real reflection. It explores profound questions about life, mortality, and what it means to exist—especially within the idea of a “perfect” society not built on greed or consumption, but on attitudes, values, and human connection.

One of the most compelling aspects is how it examines the interaction between humanity and AI. Different factions—both human and artificial—coexist, clash, and evolve, symbolizing the broader question of how all forms of life might learn to live together in harmony. The book is layered with symbolism, encouraging the reader to look beyond the plot and into its deeper meanings.

At its core, this is a story about discovery—of who we are, who we can become, and how we relate to those around us. It balances adventure with thoughtful philosophical exploration, creating moments that make you pause and truly think.

And just when it feels like you’ve begun to grasp the full scope of its ideas, it leaves you on a cliffhanger—eager, for what comes next. Anxiously waiting for book two of the series!

Although “We Can Be Perfect: the paradox of progress” is labeled as science-fiction, it reaches beyond the genre—offering something for every reader.