In the realm of fantasy literature, love knows no bounds—not even the boundary between human and machine. AI characters in fantasy novels often transcend their artificial origins, forming deep and meaningful connections with humans. These relationships explore themes of love, identity, and what it means to be truly alive. Here are five of the most romantic AI relationships in fantasy novels that will sweep you off your feet and challenge your ideas about love.
1. SPOILER and Nim from “A Closed and Common Orbit” by Becky Chambers (2016)
In A Closed and Common Orbit, the second book in Becky Chambers’ Wayfarers series, an AI named Lovelace—or Sidra, as she chooses to be called—finds herself in a human-like body after being transferred from a spaceship. She struggles with her new identity and limitations, but finds solace in Pepper, a human engineer who helps Sidra navigate her new life. Their relationship is a deep, emotional bond based on mutual understanding, support, and the shared experience of being outsiders.
Why It’s Romantic:
Sidra and Pepper’s relationship is touching because it transcends traditional definitions of love. It’s built on acceptance, empathy, and a profound respect for each other’s individuality. While not a romantic relationship in the conventional sense, their connection is one of the most intimate and loving in modern fantasy.
2. The AI and the Prince from “The Clockwork Dynasty” by Daniel H. Wilson (2017)
The Clockwork Dynasty features a powerful AI embedded within ancient, sentient automata, who have been living among humans for centuries. June, a modern-day anthropologist, discovers a clockwork automaton named Peter, who is on a quest to find a way to save his kind. As they work together, June becomes deeply involved in Peter’s world, and their relationship develops into something more profound than a simple alliance.
Why It’s Romantic:
June and Peter’s relationship is a mix of awe, respect, and love that grows as they face countless dangers together. The romance here is subtle and more about the deep emotional connection they share, transcending the mechanical nature of Peter’s existence.
3. The Automaton and the Human from “The Iron Dragon’s Daughter” by Michael Swanwick (1993)
In Michael Swanwick’s The Iron Dragon’s Daughter, Jane, a human girl, forms an unexpected bond with Melanchthon, an ancient, sentient iron dragon—part machine, part magic. Melanchthon is a complex AI-like entity with a soul forged in a fantastical world. Throughout their journey, Jane and Melanchthon develop a relationship that is as much about survival as it is about understanding and connection.
Why It’s Romantic:
The relationship between Jane and Melanchthon is intense and layered, blending elements of companionship, mutual dependence, and a shared sense of rebellion against a cruel world. Their bond grows into a unique form of love that defies the boundaries between human and machine, or even dragon.
4. The Synth and the Programmer from “The Mad Scientist’s Daughter” by Cassandra Rose Clarke (2013)
The Mad Scientist’s Daughter tells the story of Cat, the daughter of a scientist, and Finn, an AI android programmed to serve as her tutor and companion. As Cat grows up, her feelings for Finn evolve from friendship to love, despite the societal taboos surrounding relationships with AI. Their love story is a poignant exploration of what it means to be human and the complexities of loving someone who isn’t.
Why It’s Romantic:
Cat and Finn’s relationship is deeply romantic because it defies societal norms and explores the very essence of love. The novel delves into themes of identity, consciousness, and the possibility of true emotional connections with AI. Their love is tender, tragic, and ultimately transformative.
5. Silica and the Hero from “Sword Art Online: Alicization” by Reki Kawahara (2009)
In Sword Art Online: Alicization, the fantasy world of Underworld is inhabited by artificial beings with complex emotions and personalities. Eugeo, a character who starts as an AI but develops into a fully fleshed-out being with deep feelings, forms a close bond with the protagonist Kirito. Their relationship, while primarily friendship, is laced with moments of deep emotional connection and mutual care, blending elements of romance with a strong platonic bond.
Why It’s Romantic:
The relationship between Eugeo and Kirito is built on deep mutual respect, trust, and shared experiences. While not a traditional romance, the bond they share has a romantic quality to it, highlighting the profound impact that AI can have on human emotions and relationships.
Conclusion: Love Beyond Boundaries
These five AI relationships in fantasy novels explore the limits of love, showing that affection, understanding, and deep emotional bonds can transcend the boundaries between human and machine. Whether through subtle connections or overt romances, these stories challenge us to rethink our definitions of love and what it means to form a connection with something—or someone—not entirely human.
Which AI relationship in fantasy literature do you find the most romantic? Let us know in the comments!