In the near future, an unemployed computer expert named Riley must stop the destruction of DEUS, a supercomputer endowed with the ability to improve itself and create life. 100,000 first printing. $100,000 ad/promo.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In the year 2005, in the midst of an unprecedented economic depression that has ruined the country and brought the government to the edge of collapse, a renegade genius programs a supercomputer with an artificial intelligence (DEUS) that perpetually reinvents itself--and thereby comes "to life." But when crooked government insiders intent on making profits through chemical warfare use DEUS for their research, the machine, attempting suicide, spawns an unbelievably terrifying array of mutant life forms that begin to run wild over the earth. It's then up to an unlikely threesome--computer programmer Michael Riley, his lover, biomedical engineer Jessica and their young friend Jimi--to save DEUS (and the world) from the bloodthirsty and perpetually mutating horde. This first novel by an advertising executive reads like a glossy repackaging of contemporary action-adventure movies ( Terminator ) with video games ( Space Invaders ) and '50s sci-fi ( Them! ). There's no mistaking the good guys (man, woman and child) from the bad (homicidal pederast who makes his money in germ warfare). Still, the somber, apocalyptic atmosphere, sensational prose and intensely visual imagery are bound to appeal to science fiction and fantasy fans, particularly those who don't necessarily mind watching a rerun if it's worth a good scare.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Machine intelligence/consciousness and its interface with humanity form the central theme in Ouellette's first novel. The trappings of an honest intellectual exercise on the future of the computer are present here within the context of an espionage/adventure tale. Brought to life and then subverted by corporate and political interests, the supercomputer Deus struggles with its ever-growing sense of ethics, which points toward self-annihilation as the only viable course of action. The equation is altered by the creation of another rapidly evolving machine-based intellect that develops a human-oriented value system built upon relationships between a computer wizard, his lover, and a small boy. Well-rounded characters and a lively story make this high-tech thriller a first choice for any fiction collection. Elliott Swanson
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Authors
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb and Then Some!,
By shannon@world.std.com (Ashland, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Deus Machine (Audio Cassette)
I read about 100 books a year, and have done so for over 30 years. The Deus Machine is definitely near the head of my Top Ten List. If you are interested in computers, artificial intelligence, a different and intriguing take on recombinant DNA, or just want a really great read, get a copy of The Deus Machine. (And watch out for the Needle Hounds!)My only complaint is that the title no longer is available in hardcopy. Pierre's second work, The Third Pandemic (also truly excellent), can still be had in its hardcover version.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE DEUS OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE FICTION!,
By
This review is from: The Deus Machine (Hardcover)
During my recent Spring cleaning, Pierre Ouellette's masterpiece came on top and I was reminded how I had loved this book. I was still a University student when I picked up the paperback edition and I remember reading it from start to finish withing 24h (OK, yes, it was exam time and I WAS procrastinating, but still, I did this only once more, with Connely's Poet).DEUS MACHINE is one of those rare SF books that stay with you because they are well thought out, their story unfolds effortlessly yet surprisingly, their science is solid and their predictions ring so close to home that you can hear their echo for years. Sentient AI and explosive evolutionary speciation; corporate greed and human stupidity - all wrapped up in crystal clear writing and emerging rhythm. Too bad the writer stopped after two books (the other one is The Third Pandemic of equal merit). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Technically Excellent and Fast Paced,
By A Customer
This review is from: The DEUS MACHINE: THE DEUS MACHINE (Paperback)
Deus Machine is a great story for anyone interested in the possibleconvergence of Artificial Intelligence and Genetic Engineering. I found this title on a reduced price rack and bought it because of the catchy cover art, but I'm recommending it because it is a fantastic thriller written with a technical expertise of both the computer science and biological engineering research fields and a deep understanding of human motivations. The vivid pictures of new lifeforms that the author paints with his words are truly unique and subtlely familiar. If it has any flaw, it is only that it was over too quickly.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
