Technogenesis [Mass Market Paperback]

Syne Mitchell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2002

In a near future where almost everyone on earth is connected to a worldwide net, Jasmine Reese discovers the existence of an intelligence called Gestalt-a self-aware entity generated by the collected consciousness of eight billion networked people. And only Jaz can stop it from controlling the world.

"Mitchell is a rare author-as equally deft with special relativity and biochemistry as she is with sculpting real characters and delivering a ripping good read." (Eric S. Nylund, author of A Signal Shattered)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Roc (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451458648
• ISBN-13: 978-0451458643
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,189,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Future History?, April 29, 2002

By 

Mike Treder (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Technogenesis (Mass Market Paperback)

The awakening of the Internet is a fascinating topic, and one that is not implausible. Many scientists and computer researchers believe something like what this book describes could in fact happen and probably WILL!

"Technogenesis" is not just scientifically interesting, but also a good read. It's briskly paced, features a likable and very human heroine, and does a great job of presenting more than one side of a controversial subject. I hope to read more from Syne Mitchell.

By the way, if you liked (or think you might like) this novel, make sure you check out "Diaspora" by Greg Egan. It is superb.

- Mike Treder

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A little bit predictable, but still thoroughly enjoyable., March 18, 2003

By 

frumiousb "frumiousb" (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Technogenesis (Mass Market Paperback)

There were a few too many moments in the book that I could see coming-- does every heroine need to fall in love with the guy she initially thinks is a handsome jerk? But still, I have to admit that I had a lot of trouble putting the book down. Mitchell's writing is addictive and she caught my imagination with her ideas. Worth reading despite minor flaws.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good old-fashioned cyberpunk!, March 20, 2002

By 

Lyda Morehouse (Saint Paul, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Technogenesis (Mass Market Paperback)

I've always been a big fan of the cyberpunk subgenre, and, in my opinion, Technogenesis falls squarely into that camp.

The opening is classic. The very "connected" Jasmine Reese is forced off the net due to hardware malfunction. She discovers very quickly that the Beast is watching her. An entire conspiracy starts unfolding, and soon Jaz finds herself in the thick of it, forced to decide--in a typically cyberpunk fashion--between the government and personal freedom.

What I like about Technogenesis particularly is that the decision Jaz faces is not as easy as it seems. The government (the usual big baddie) comes on very gestapo-esque, but their motivations are revealed to be almost benign--perhaps (gasp!) even decent. Meanwhile, the radical scientists who oppose the government are morally squishy as well, and, like Jaz, I found myself unsure whom to root for on occasion. Plus, there's a very satisfying romantic element, and, although Jaz doesn't make the choice I would have, her motivations are true to character.

I'm also a fairly slow reader (thanks to mild dyslexia), and I ripped through this book. It's thoroughly engaging. All and all an enjoyable read. Highly recommended.