20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A masterful tale of suspense, science, and philosophy., April 6, 2004
This review is from: The Labyrinth Key (Paperback)
One of the classical dichotomies of philosophy is whether the universe is ultimately matter -- materialism, or formless spirit-like energy -- immaterialism. To this discussion, modern science has added a third possibility: that the universe might ultimately be information. If this third possibility is true, then could the manipulation of information, by computers or otherwise, alter the structure of reality itself? What might the result of that manipulation be: the evolution of the human species into something that transcends the limits of physical existence, or the creation of the ultimate horror that could destroy this universe, and perhaps all other possible realities along with it?
In "The Labyrinth Key", Dr. Hendrix traces the idea of an informational universe back to the medieval Cabalists who, in their quest to understand God through the manipulation of numbers, may have stumbled upon the key that would allow man to actually become God. In their battle for informational superiority the U.S. and Chinese governments and their covert secret organizations, locked in a rapidly intensifying political and military confrontation, race to exploit these ideas in their attempt to create the ultimate informational weapon -- a quantum supercomputer, that could crack and control any information system, and therefore take total control of the planet. In this masterfully crafted tale that combines suspenseful whodunit mystery with medieval philosophy, speculative science, and the intrigue of international conspiracy, the disappearance and presumed death of a top scientist leads investigators through a tangled web of technology, politics and philosophy to what might become the fulfillment of the dream of the ancient Cabalists, or perhaps their worst fears come true.
Unlike many of Hendrix's previous works, "Labyrinth" is set in a world of technology that seems close enough to happen today. Indeed, many of today's top theorists argue that the future of humanity lies in the fusion of human biology with informational technology, and some -- but by no means all -- even argue that such a fusion is not only possible, but even an absolutely necessary step for the survival of humanity. Modern philosophy of mind has become obsessed with the idea that the brain is some kind of computer, and it is only a matter of technological evolution before the brain can actually become a computer. However, others would say that human survival depends upon maintaining a barrier between what is essentially human and what is essentially machine; that the whole point of evolution (or creation, either way) was to insure that the human mind did not become an oversized calculator. This is the underlying conflict played out in "Labyrinth," with each point of view represented by its own secret society and covert government operations, each trying to outmaneuver the other for control of the world's information systems, and ultimately for the control of humanity itself. But what if the ancient Cabalists were right? What if such a biotech fusion were to grant access to the very fabric of reality itself? You will have to read "Labyrinth" and decide for yourself whether humanity's obsession with technology -- to the point of wanting to become that technology -- leads upward to a Heaven of unimaginable bliss, or straight down the gravity well of psychotic delusion to the Other Place.
Filled challenging ideas and a fast-moving plot with a number of surprising turns, "Labyrinth Key" is a multi-dimensional thriller that should please not only fans of science fiction, but those interested in the philosophical aspects of technology, and those who just like a good suspense story. It even includes a question and answer section at the end, in which the author explains many of the ideas developed in the story. If you want a fascinating read that will leave it up to you whether the "good guys" of the "bad guys" won in the end, you won't want to miss out on this one.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
If you enjoy science, skip this one!, December 8, 2006
Anyone with even a reasonable science or computer background will flinch quickly upon reading this. Hard to finish and Im sorry I did.
Half the book just made up "metaphysics" to fill gaps, and even a lot of that didnt hold logic against itself either.
Its as if a fantasy writer tried to write scifi, and to fill the gaps (which are huge in this book) they just made stuff up without bothering to see if it was believable.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
William Gibson would be proud, May 8, 2006
This review is from: The Labyrinth Key (Paperback)
Readers of William Gibson would likely enjoy this novel. The feel of this novel was very simliar.
I considered that a good editor might have been able to save this book. There were about 30 pages of very clear and well written text with good plot.
However, another 378 pages seemed to be added as filler. The filler was philosophy and halicinations/visions. Most of it seemed completely pointless and made absolutely no sense. If you are looking for action like Michael Crickton, don't purchase this book.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
