The Secret Prequel To Blade Runner

I think the framing device of a bounty hunter tasked with finding and retiring six replicants dangerous rebel androids is great all on its own. Add in the examination of empathy, the social commentary, what it means to be human, more human than human, and the rich, weird background of a civilization that's lost its way. and you get science fiction new wavy gravy protocypunk gold.

Jeter attempted to write a sequel to both Bladeunner and Do Android's Dream of Electric Sheep in the same book. I'm not sure it really worked out that way, though. There is some attempt to stitch both narratives together and come up with some sort of hybrid sequel, but in my opinion, they just sort of trip over each other and contradict one version or the other.

But We Can Build You is a lot stronger than that. Whether Dick intended it or not, the story that we pick up here and in Blade Runner could have the history that's depicted in this book.