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Rust #4
Rust Vol. 4: Soul in the Machine
Rocket boy Jet Jones faces robot forces closing in on the Taylor farm from all sides in an epic final battle to save the lives of those he loves.
As an unprecedented robot force closes in on the Taylor farm, Jet Jones must embrace his true identity if he’s to defend the family he loves. His years of running have led to this, an epic final battle where Jet will face his past and future head on for the safety of the Taylor family and the right to choose his own path.
Royden Lepp’s Rust: Soul in the Machine is the breathtaking final installment of Jet’s adventure and the greatest challenge the rocket boy will ever face.
As an unprecedented robot force closes in on the Taylor farm, Jet Jones must embrace his true identity if he’s to defend the family he loves. His years of running have led to this, an epic final battle where Jet will face his past and future head on for the safety of the Taylor family and the right to choose his own path.
Royden Lepp’s Rust: Soul in the Machine is the breathtaking final installment of Jet’s adventure and the greatest challenge the rocket boy will ever face.
Hardcover
First published February 21, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 7, 2021
Loved these
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
November 27, 2020
I love everything about this series. The gorgeous sepia toned art. The retro future World War one setting. Jet Jones living up to his potential and protecting the Taylor family. I hope Lepp decides to revisit the world of Rust one day.
April 16, 2018
A big robot battle closes out this fine little series. Touted as the final volume, I have to say it feels more like the end of a story arc than the series. Too much is left hanging to be really satisfactory for me.
March 9, 2019
I think the sign of any good book is that even after you have turned the last page - the story has reached it natural and intended conclusion do you still wish there was more to read. A hidden chapter - an untold take or even a squeal or two that would fill that missing gap left as the story closes. That was the feeling as I closed this last title in the Rust series.
The story reaches it natural conclusion alright - and no I am not giving away spoilers but I will say that thinking about it - it goes where really the story could only ever go. IS that right I am not sure however it feels right for the characters.
Now thinking about this - is this a story about war and those who come back from it - or is a story about those who have to live on after the events of a war especially one with such a high casualty rate. The two questions are not exclusive but I suspect can have different results. Thankfully I have not had to live through such events - but I am sure around the world and through the decades there certainly have been.
This is a very poignant story I feel and I can imagine those involved with its creation feel a strong affinity to it. As I have said through the other volumes it may not have been the most artistically drawn but it exudes atmosphere which I think the were aiming for. Its a wonderful read - I just wish it was longer.
The story reaches it natural conclusion alright - and no I am not giving away spoilers but I will say that thinking about it - it goes where really the story could only ever go. IS that right I am not sure however it feels right for the characters.
Now thinking about this - is this a story about war and those who come back from it - or is a story about those who have to live on after the events of a war especially one with such a high casualty rate. The two questions are not exclusive but I suspect can have different results. Thankfully I have not had to live through such events - but I am sure around the world and through the decades there certainly have been.
This is a very poignant story I feel and I can imagine those involved with its creation feel a strong affinity to it. As I have said through the other volumes it may not have been the most artistically drawn but it exudes atmosphere which I think the were aiming for. Its a wonderful read - I just wish it was longer.
June 19, 2018
As you might expect, the fourth and final volume in the Rust series sees Jet Jones accepting who he truly is - just as Roman, Oz, and the others find it in their hearts to accept the rocket boy as family. It's not all tied up neat and pretty, though, since Jet first has to fend off a robot army bearing down on the farm. It's a thrilling conclusion to a surprisingly powerful series.
June 23, 2019
The final book in the Jet Jones tale sees Roman and his family make a last stand to protect themselves and their farm. Finally we get to see almost all characters play a part in the story and we get to observe just what Jet is capable of doing if the need arises.
I really feel the urge to re-read all four volumes.
I really feel the urge to re-read all four volumes.
October 16, 2018
336666 - family home offroad
December 7, 2020
The final volume of "Rust" is a fitting send-off for these characters. I really appreciate that for such a dialogue-sparse book, there's plenty of space for the reader to piece together what's going on.
It's easy for me to breeze through this series because I don't need to slow down to read dialogue. So it took me awhile to realise I actually needed to slow down to examine each panel to understand what's happening because of the lack of text.
I ended up re-reading the climax of this book just so I fully understood what was happening. The first time around I was left disappointed, the second I realised it was a nice way to finish the story.
I enjoyed Jet's interactions with the boy Oz. Oz's mistrust of the robot and his eventual realisation that there's maybe more to Jet than just being a robot who looks like a kid.
Part of me would love to see an animated version of this, but another part of me feels like I already have.
It's easy for me to breeze through this series because I don't need to slow down to read dialogue. So it took me awhile to realise I actually needed to slow down to examine each panel to understand what's happening because of the lack of text.
I ended up re-reading the climax of this book just so I fully understood what was happening. The first time around I was left disappointed, the second I realised it was a nice way to finish the story.
I enjoyed Jet's interactions with the boy Oz. Oz's mistrust of the robot and his eventual realisation that there's maybe more to Jet than just being a robot who looks like a kid.
Part of me would love to see an animated version of this, but another part of me feels like I already have.
Read
December 28, 2020The final volume of Rust, and the most action-packed of the bunch. Lepp’s visual storytelling remains excellent here. His art is undoubtedly the highlight of this series; it’s impressive how he conveys movement and emotion with relatively few strokes. The story finishes on a fittingly emotional note, with some questions answered and themes coming full circle. The whole thing is worth a read, especially if you like quietly powerful stories. And robots.
February 24, 2018
This is the fourth and final book in the Rust series and I’ve been waiting for this book to release for what feels like forever (it’s been 3-4 years since the last book). This book was worth the wait. Like all the other books in the Rust series I absolutely adored it. I love the story and the illustration style.
The illustration is in keeping with all the previous volumes. It is done in beautiful sepia tones and has a very nostalgic feel to it.
The story was amazing. We learn more about Jet Jones and get to watch as he takes on other robots in an effort to defend the Taylor farm. The story is a bit melancholy at points, but ends on a hopeful note. For having so few words; Lepp does an excellent job of telling an engaging, exciting, and heartfelt story through his beautiful pictures.
Overall an amazing conclusion to the Rust series. I love this series and recommend it for all readers middle grade and older. My 10 year old son loves this story as well. I can’t wait to see the next project Lepp starts working on.
The illustration is in keeping with all the previous volumes. It is done in beautiful sepia tones and has a very nostalgic feel to it.
The story was amazing. We learn more about Jet Jones and get to watch as he takes on other robots in an effort to defend the Taylor farm. The story is a bit melancholy at points, but ends on a hopeful note. For having so few words; Lepp does an excellent job of telling an engaging, exciting, and heartfelt story through his beautiful pictures.
Overall an amazing conclusion to the Rust series. I love this series and recommend it for all readers middle grade and older. My 10 year old son loves this story as well. I can’t wait to see the next project Lepp starts working on.
December 15, 2024
I read the first book years ago (probably more than 7), and I just now got the final book. But I got up to speed quickly and the emotions were emotion-ing. I mean the tension, terror, and impact were there!
August 1, 2023
☆3
I'm going to admit, I'm a little disappointed with this series.
It had a lot of potential with the art style and the aesthetic and the setting and the premise, but I just don't feel like it was a good series.
What drives a book home for me is the characters. You have compelling characters I'll love your book but if not, it feels flat. That's what's happening here. There are characters like Jet and Ava and Oswald who all feel like they could be expanded on more but we never get that.
There's never a moment to sit back and breathe for these characters where we can see their personalities shine it's mostly action, which brings down the book as a whole because no one's going to be on edge reading action scenes when they don't care about the characters' safety since the character is barely fleshed out.
Character development and- just personalities in general- is what this book is lacking. I feel like this could be good but it stays at mediocre for me.
☆3 ▪︎ 172 pages
I'm going to admit, I'm a little disappointed with this series.
It had a lot of potential with the art style and the aesthetic and the setting and the premise, but I just don't feel like it was a good series.
What drives a book home for me is the characters. You have compelling characters I'll love your book but if not, it feels flat. That's what's happening here. There are characters like Jet and Ava and Oswald who all feel like they could be expanded on more but we never get that.
There's never a moment to sit back and breathe for these characters where we can see their personalities shine it's mostly action, which brings down the book as a whole because no one's going to be on edge reading action scenes when they don't care about the characters' safety since the character is barely fleshed out.
Character development and- just personalities in general- is what this book is lacking. I feel like this could be good but it stays at mediocre for me.
☆3 ▪︎ 172 pages
December 15, 2022
RUST, Volume 4: Soul in the Machine, by Royden Lepp
Amazing conclusion to such a deeply personal and touching story. It grabs ‘grief’ by the shoulders and looks square into its eyes.
We finally learn that Roman’s father is in fact not away somewhere, but died in the recent war. Roman’s daily typed letters are not being sent anywhere but are simply added to the box in his shed. His final letter to his deceased father reads:
“I have this fear that if I walk away from the place where I last saw your face that I may forget what you look like.
Choosing to move on feels like choosing to forget.
Taking good care of this farm felt like taking good care of your memory.
Whether that’s true or not, it’s time to leave …
… and I can’t take you with me anymore.” (p174-176) ****
Amazing conclusion to such a deeply personal and touching story. It grabs ‘grief’ by the shoulders and looks square into its eyes.
We finally learn that Roman’s father is in fact not away somewhere, but died in the recent war. Roman’s daily typed letters are not being sent anywhere but are simply added to the box in his shed. His final letter to his deceased father reads:
“I have this fear that if I walk away from the place where I last saw your face that I may forget what you look like.
Choosing to move on feels like choosing to forget.
Taking good care of this farm felt like taking good care of your memory.
Whether that’s true or not, it’s time to leave …
… and I can’t take you with me anymore.” (p174-176) ****
June 27, 2018
This is the final book in the series, and it finished well. There are loose ends, but they seemed fitting. Nothing was left hanging that begged for a resolution, and the uncertainty of the future is a key point in the story.
I was happy to have all the chips laid out on the table. After three volumes of secrets and misunderstandings, it was satisfying to see comprehension dawn on everyone. It was messy, and the characters' feelings & thoughts toward each other remain complicated and in turmoil, but that's a fair reflection of reality.
I was happy to have all the chips laid out on the table. After three volumes of secrets and misunderstandings, it was satisfying to see comprehension dawn on everyone. It was messy, and the characters' feelings & thoughts toward each other remain complicated and in turmoil, but that's a fair reflection of reality.
February 16, 2019
I would love to say I loved this book, but I really didn't. Don't get me wrong I feel 4 stars is the correct star rating for this book. I have loved every other book in this series. And I was also very upset, that in total the whole series would only be 5 books. But this had action, and stuff that Royden, did in the other ones, but in parts, I was lost, and other times, I felt like the story was lackluster.
I will always love this story, and this series, but to be truthful a lackluster ending for a really good series, is not always the brightest idea.
I will always love this story, and this series, but to be truthful a lackluster ending for a really good series, is not always the brightest idea.
October 10, 2021
I was unsure in book 1, invested in books 2 and 3, and then it lost me again in book 4. Why does oz turn on the cell? Am I being dense?? Did I miss something? None of book 4 would have happened without that and I see no motive for him doing so.
January 21, 2023
I read the entire four volume series in one sitting. Gorgeous, spare art that uniquely evokes both a time past and a near future. It is a complete, engrossing story - but you need to read all four volumes.
February 8, 2018
Soul in the Machine is a wonderful end to a phenomenal saga. Lepp tells an epic story on an intimate scale.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
March 5, 2018
So glad and sad to read this. Beautiful, haunting, satisfying and over.
March 21, 2018
A good and mournful ending to a wonderful series.
August 3, 2018
I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed, as it was for the most part, a predictable ending (though there was one surprise). Still, a fitting ending for the series.
October 19, 2018
Still good just not the ending I wanted.
March 28, 2019
Nice ending. Not a huge bang of one, but nice? It feels like it ended too neatly. But I still really liked it.
July 18, 2019
Not the ending I wanted, but maybe the ending it deserved.
November 2, 2024
A bittersweet ending that seems short and quick compared to the three volume build up.
November 25, 2024
Awesome.
July 19, 2025
Loved the sepia toned art, fantastic story as well
August 30, 2021
In the story's finale, Jet has to fight against impossible odds to save the Taylor's farm, or at least to save the Taylors. The family fights too, against the invading robots and their own internal conflicts. The drama is good and the action is exciting. Best of all, the ending is very satisfying.
The whole series is impressive because it depends on the "graphic" part of the graphic novel. The story is told through visuals much more than through dialogue. Pages go by with the characters doing things wordlessly, conveying emotions and plot developments through the art. The sepia-tone coloring gives the book an old-time feel that harkens back to classical storytelling. That fits well as Jet grapples with his humanity (if he even has it) and his free choice.
Highly recommended.
The whole series is impressive because it depends on the "graphic" part of the graphic novel. The story is told through visuals much more than through dialogue. Pages go by with the characters doing things wordlessly, conveying emotions and plot developments through the art. The sepia-tone coloring gives the book an old-time feel that harkens back to classical storytelling. That fits well as Jet grapples with his humanity (if he even has it) and his free choice.
Highly recommended.
April 16, 2018
There comes a time in life when an awareness of a decision point crashes into your side, a moment that defines you, a moment that you will define. You close your eyes.
Sadness comes over you. The future doesn’t make sense and only the past speaks to you. You can’t break the barriers as the memories dig deeper, reminding you only of what came before.
Fear then rattles inside your head. A battle with the unknown awaits you, unrelenting and unstructured. Unimaginable horrors grasp upon your weaknesses... twisting, pulling, ripping you apart and leaving you powerless.
And then, from a world you don’t recognize, a place you can’t define, a light starts to shine. Hope finds a way in. Something pulls at your strings, provides the strength you require, and you move forward. You open your eyes and take that first step.
Volume 4 "Soul in the Machine" concludes the exceptional Rust storyline written and illustrated by Royden Lepp. Following in the tradition of the first three volumes, Lepp speaks through the sepia toned artwork utilizing a perfect amount of text.
This emotional story about the Taylor family, their friends, neighbors, and robots, is so easy to pick-up but so hard to put down. Resting within the pages of beautiful art and few words, lies a deep story where the characters battle perception, memories, physical handicaps, inner demons, and hard decisions.
With a twist of retrofuturism and steampunk elements, the details within every page take you on a ride that baffles and excites the keen observer. The storyline pulls at your heart and keeps you turning the page.
Everybody, at some point, needs Jet Jones. “I think you’ll like this.”
Sadness comes over you. The future doesn’t make sense and only the past speaks to you. You can’t break the barriers as the memories dig deeper, reminding you only of what came before.
Fear then rattles inside your head. A battle with the unknown awaits you, unrelenting and unstructured. Unimaginable horrors grasp upon your weaknesses... twisting, pulling, ripping you apart and leaving you powerless.
And then, from a world you don’t recognize, a place you can’t define, a light starts to shine. Hope finds a way in. Something pulls at your strings, provides the strength you require, and you move forward. You open your eyes and take that first step.
Volume 4 "Soul in the Machine" concludes the exceptional Rust storyline written and illustrated by Royden Lepp. Following in the tradition of the first three volumes, Lepp speaks through the sepia toned artwork utilizing a perfect amount of text.
This emotional story about the Taylor family, their friends, neighbors, and robots, is so easy to pick-up but so hard to put down. Resting within the pages of beautiful art and few words, lies a deep story where the characters battle perception, memories, physical handicaps, inner demons, and hard decisions.
With a twist of retrofuturism and steampunk elements, the details within every page take you on a ride that baffles and excites the keen observer. The storyline pulls at your heart and keeps you turning the page.
Everybody, at some point, needs Jet Jones. “I think you’ll like this.”
October 25, 2019
Why doesn't this book have a cover? Huh Goodreads? Well?
Anyway, I am still IN LOVE with the art style of these books. The motion, the action, the storytelling through visuals instead of relying on dialogue. So good. This whole series will forever be one of my favorite underrated series.
The thing that kept me from loving this finale-- which was an insta-buy for me once I realized it was out, which never happens with me--was that it was too abrupt. It was harrowing and tense... but it fell a bit flat narratively. It needed more. I expected more with all the buildup we had from previous books. The action was great and some of the full page panels gave me literal chills, but the story wrapped up too quickly and without the needed fanfare and character beats.
Still, this book and series deserve all my love. Please give them a chance and a read!
Anyway, I am still IN LOVE with the art style of these books. The motion, the action, the storytelling through visuals instead of relying on dialogue. So good. This whole series will forever be one of my favorite underrated series.
The thing that kept me from loving this finale-- which was an insta-buy for me once I realized it was out, which never happens with me--was that it was too abrupt. It was harrowing and tense... but it fell a bit flat narratively. It needed more. I expected more with all the buildup we had from previous books. The action was great and some of the full page panels gave me literal chills, but the story wrapped up too quickly and without the needed fanfare and character beats.
Still, this book and series deserve all my love. Please give them a chance and a read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews