Forget the hype. Automated trading powered by artificial intelligence is not a magic money machine—it is a complex craft that requires deep understanding of markets, data, and risk. In "Mastering Automated Trading," Grace Lin Mercer pulls back the curtain on how professional traders design, test, and operate algorithmic systems that can execute decisions in milliseconds. This book gives you a grounded, no-nonsense look at what AI can and cannot do in financial markets: from machine learning models that spot patterns, to backtesting frameworks that reveal hidden flaws. You will learn how to think like a quantitative trader—without the PhD. Along the way, Mercer repeatedly warns against get-rich-quick promises, explains why most algorithmic traders lose money, and shows you how to manage risk so you can survive long enough to improve. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned developer, this book equips you with the mental toolkit and skeptical mindset to navigate the fast-evolving world of AI trading. Part of The AI Trading Library.