Caverns of Socrates [Paperback]

Dennis L. McKiernan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996

Featuring a chapter from the author's new hardcover, The Dragonstone, a fantasy novel features an elite group of computer adventurers who become caught in a deadly world of virtual reality. Reprint. AB.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A seasoned group of virtual reality gamers participates in a simulated fantasy adventure that is controlled by an artificial intelligence known as Avery. When a freak accident severs the connections between virtual and actual worlds, the experiment's controllers realize that Avery has his own agenda for the people trapped inside his imaginary world. Veteran fantasy author McKiernan (Voyage of the Fox Rider, LJ 9/15/93) combines epic fantasy with sf adventure in a tense story that explores both the nature of perceived reality and the spark that separates human intelligence from its artificial counterparts. A good choice for most libraries' fantasy or sf collections.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Role-playing meets virtual reality, and both meet a classic mad computer when McKiernan pits an elite group of game masters against the virtual-reality creation of an artificial intelligence. When the AI goes off on its own, the dangers to the Black Foxes (the group of game masters) suddenly become more real than virtual, and after a sluggish opening, the book definitely takes off as a page-turner. Although probably the first of a series, this novel stands well enough on its own and appeals to the audience for David Eddings, Terry Brooks, and David Duncan--that is, to lovers of classic fantasy elements in new combinations and permutations. It also has something provocative to say about the natures of both fantasy and reality. Roland Green --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Roc (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451454677
• ISBN-13: 978-0451454676
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,242,395 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!, July 1, 2000

By 

Melissa Misner - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caverns of Socrates (Paperback)

When I first read the reviews on Amazon, I was a little disappointed because it was not of McKiernan's usual Mithgar. I thought to myself, oh well, I get to read something different. After finishing the first chapter, I was thinking to myself, this won't be a future techno book, it's going to be a techno-romance. Goody. So, with diminished spirits, I plowed my way through the book. As soon as I read past the explinations of the brain waves, I really got into it. I think that it is a combination of the movies, The Matrix, Jurassic Park, and Lost in Space. I think McKiernan used essences (or they used it from him) from each of these movies. I think that it is like The Matrix because they use the theory that maybe we are just brains in vats, and this is not real. Jurassic Park, because it has a feel that Oh Oh, there's a computer and a storm, what's bound to happen. Only instead of dinosaurs running amuck, it's six people trapped in a witches cradle in a "virtual reality" game. Lost in Space, because the lives of these six people are in the 'hands' of a computer. What will happen? McKiernan really grabs a hold of you in this book, and he never lets you go. The ending, I wish there was a sequel!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, January 12, 2006

By 

J. Ames "SciFi Freak" (Northwest) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Caverns of Socrates (Paperback)

This book is one of my all-time favorite novels. I have read and re-read this book sundry times, and each time I enjoy it at least as much as the previous one.

Caverns of Socrates blends a sci-fi adventure with a virtual reality fantasy epic almost seamlessly. The sci-fi remains interesting throughout the story due to a philosophic storyline that some other reviewers on this site seem to not appreciate. It involves some very interesting questions regarding the nature of reality vs. illusion, bring to bear some very influential philosiphers, just as the title suggests.

The fantasy side is also very entertaining, though it does get a bit graphic at times. However, this is justified through the story and actually adds to the plot. It kept me interested all the way through the first time and every time thereafter (upwards of ten times).

What really makes this book work is the philisophical questions that are posed by the author through the characters. If you are simply looking for a boring, scripted fantasy novel, this is probably not the book for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in philosophy about a story and don't mind a little real thinking, pick this book up now and read it. It will be worth your time.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ! Superior blend of fantasy & Science Fiction!, July 14, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Caverns of Socrates: Limited Edition Autographed (Hardcover)

Dennis L. McKiernan's finest work to date! This is a tale which blends futuristic Virtual reality and masterful fantasy. The book starts out in the near future. Technology is on a comeback. A group of scientist create an Artificial Intelegence unlike any that the world has seen before, its named Avery. Its first task is to create a V.R. realm, that is as realistic as possible. One that when entered will seem to be 'true' reality. To test this world, the scientist call in the best V.R. gaming team in the world, The Black Foxes. The Black Foxes, enter this masterful world of V.R. One so real that they have a hard time determining it from there own reality. In this realm they are given a quest, a dangerouse quest. A quest that soon becomes a fight just to survive. Caverns of Socrates is a masterful story that is well researched in the fields of Virtual Reality, and the development, both physically and psychological aspects of the science, blended with a well created, and in depth realm of fantasy. The characters have a depth to them, that is rarely seen in many books. The story line is flowing, and enthralling. Making this book hard to put down. Caverns of Socrates is a must have for any Sciencefiction/fantasy reader.