Steel Legacy

Rusted Wasteland #6

by Cameron Coral

Hope Rises from the RuinsIn the desolate forests of Minnesota, Block, the humble CleanerBot, searches for a rumored safe haven where he and his friends can live in peace. As new alliances form, old enemies lurk in the shadows, threatening the fragile peace Block endeavors to build.In the remnants of Chicago, Nova grapples with the mantle of leadership amid rising tensions. A dangerous robot-human militia sweeps across the land, bringing the threat of war. Nova faces the reality of safeguarding a city built on the ashes of a fallen civilization.Cybel Venatrix embarks on a quest to rescue Oxford, only to find herself ensnared in the twisted grip of a power-hungry robot.From the ruins of the past to the hopeful glow of the future, Steel Legacy invites readers to explore the depths of courage, the price of peace, and the power of friendship in the face of oblivion.Will Block and his allies stand tall as the architects of a new peace, or will their adversaries throw the world back into turmoil? Discover the fate of the Rusted Wasteland in this thrilling final installment of the sci-fi post-apocalyptic series.

308 pages, Hardcover

Published November 6, 2025

About the author

Cameron Coral is an award-nominated science fiction author. Her book Steel Guardian about a post-apocalyptic CleanerBot was awarded second place in the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC).

Growing up with a NASA engineer in the family instilled a deep respect for science and for asking lots of questions. Watching tons of Star Trek episodes helped, too. Her imagination is fueled by breakthroughs in robotics, space travel, and psychology.

After moving around a lot (Canada, Arizona, Maryland, Australia), she now lives in Northern Illinois with her husband and a “shorty” Jack Russell terrier who runs the house.

Want a free novel, advance copies of books, and occasional rants about why robots are awesome? Visit her website: CameronCoral.com

Reviews

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steel Legacy is the sixth and final book in the charming Rusted Wasteland series about a brave robot who has made it his mission to protect a human child in post-apocalyptic America. You definitely need to read these books in order to understand who all the various characters are - I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them all and am a little sad that Block’s adventures are complete - although apparently more books set in this world are planned.

Block and his friends are finally enjoying peace on the farm with Wally and the other rescued children, having taken down Mach X in the last book, but a new threat has emerged. The Restorationists are a dangerous militia led by a power hungry FactoryBot called Orion, who believe that by bringing X back, they can rule the world. Can Block, his human ally Nova and scary TrackerBot Cybel save the day one more time?

These are light-hearted sci-fi books suitable for both kids and adults - there’s plenty of action, humour and emotion as the Bots show more humanity than their former masters the humans, and work together to build a better future for their young charges. It’s a quick easy read told from various character POVs and everyone gets the outcome they deserve - loved it!

Thanks to Cameron for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Steel Legacy is available now.

[Mark O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good end to fine series

Is a. red book let’s face it but good dialogue lots of interesting binary opposites among the characters. Fast paced and fun great distraction from a troubled world

[Spectrum Cat (Renee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you reached this review without having read the first five books in the series, you really need to buy the entire series. You will be completely immersed in this world with awesome characters that you will love and root for.

Steel Legacy is a beautiful ending to the Rusted Wasteland series. There is a new enemy in the form of the Restorationists which spurs our friends Block, Vacuubot and Shadow on a journey to check a rumored safe fortified settlement as a possible permanent home. Nova struggles to find confidence in her role as leader of the resistance in Chicago and Cybel departs on her own journey to save Oxford.

This is a beautifully crafted series where the storyline explores a lot of concepts: worthiness, trust, chosen family, self-confidence and sentience in Al. I really have enjoyed watching these robot characters struggle to understand new emotions and autonomy and also finding who they are and their individual life's purpose in a life with no directives or programming. This was a worthy ending to this story.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Block proves his worth yet again. He shows compassion for all, and his commitment to Wally and the children is astounding. It makes you feel a connection with Block and his thought processes. Entertaining, well-written and highly recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mark P. Downey]

I enjoyed this series and this final book. The concept of robots with self-awareness is not new, but Cameron Coral takes them to a new level. However, the robots are so anthropomorphized that it becomes hard to tell whether any character is human or robotic. Still, it’s fun light reading.

[Becky Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need to get along

Interesting perspective on people, tech and AI. With all the hate being yelled all over the world, it's comforting to read, experience and feel the desire and will to get along with others no matter who or what is standing next to you. Really enjoyed the Rusted Wasteland series and recommend it to all.

[Vicki Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story and Series!

I enjoyed this humans+AI robots sci-fi book and the series. I look forward to more books about these characters. The only drawback was that the author chose to include some mild profanity. The storyline would have been just as interesting without it. That cost you a star.

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steel Legscy concludes a Delightful series!

From the first book to the last, Cameron Coral weaves a wonderful tale of courage, grit, chosen family, and true transformation. The battles fought and lost, and the battles won, were a testament to the spirit and soul of each character, both human and robotic. Hope, love, and friendship is the main message. Well worth reading. Enjoy!

[Tom McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series that has good fighting evil

Cameron Coral has created a 6 part story about AI to become alive sentient and destroy humans and most of the culture and civilization that we know. It pits unassuming hero’s robotic and human to learn how to cooperate and trust each other to defeat the enemy and start the rebuilding process. Great read.

[Debby McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Future and More

These 6 books were absolutely a favorite of the year! A future where AI and humans have problems as AI becomes more and more sentient and emotions begin to develop as they learn and advance way past their programming. The characters are all impressionable, funny and caring. I loved this story!

[Mani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super!

Having read the entire series I will say it was super good! This was a lot of fun to read! I loved the various characters and following through their experiences and adventure!

[Martha R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've now read this entire series and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Thoughts to consider-is it a cautionary AI tale, or a metaphor for our divided times? I wonder.

This author has written other books featuring these characters. More to enjoy.

[Carol Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Tyrant?

While searching for more provisions for farms growing population, the search party finds that there may be a new human/robot friendly town. Problem is they had been tricked before. Good Read.

[Scott Geddes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series. Block the good natured cleaner robot grows up into a great character. From a humble beginning he grows/evolves into a force to be reckoned with. I highly recommend the Rusted Wasteland series.

[Gail Mower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous

This was such a great story! Watching Block save the baby girl and then create a world she can thrive in was just fantastic.

[Miriam Michalak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying finale to the fabulously fun Rusted Wasteland series. Not perfect by any means but for anyone invested in the series a highly enjoyable read.

[Rania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear to God.... if ever I won a Grand Lotto (like 1 Billion US Dollar) ... I would make a film for all the series... I super love everything about it

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good finish to the Rusted Wasteland series. Be sure to read in order to understand all the relationships between all the characters. Thank you Ms Coral.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided that I wanted to finish the 6 book series, so I read the final book. It wasn't as compelling a read as some of the others in the series, but it was nice to finish off the series.

[Sandy Larouche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series!

I don’t usually post comments but this was just so enjoyable. I read the entire series back to back. It has such heart. I highly recommend it.

[Anastasia Alén · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delicious science fiction series! I really enjoyed it a lot from the beginning and wish more people will find it!

[Catharine Caskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series.

I am a 74 year old Grandma. I was so surprised when I started this series, because it is not my usual reading choice. I am so happy I started it. Thank you.

[VIRGINIA ROYBAL]

Block!!

It was a long journey but we made it Block! Thank you for this amazing story. I was not Disappointed.

[Merle Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the time to read

A very interesting look into the possibilities of a corrupt AI and other AI’s fighting for good for humanity. A good story.