The Phoenix Code (Mass Market Paperback)

by Catherine Asaro (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Reviewed with Catherine Asaro's The Quantum Rose.

With new releases from different publishers, Asaro proves a double threat this month.In The Phoenix Code , artificial intelligence expert Megan O'Flannery gets a chance to work in the race to develop a self-aware android. She becomes the human interface with the current prototype, RS-4, which, like virtually all such prototypes in sf, is determined to escape. Trying to prevent it, Megan enlists the aid of eccentric robotics genius Raj Sundaram, but then the escaping android kidnaps both of them. Now their lives depend on how fast they can socialize RS-4, and since it is behaving, again according to tradition, like an overbrained, undersocialized teenage boy, the critical burden of the task falls on Megan. A well-executed reworking of a classic sf tale, lighthearted without being silly, and irresistible for at least one thorough reading.The Quantum Rose , Asaro's new Skolian Empire yarn, bolsters her reputation for skillfully putting classic romance elements in an sf setting. Kamoj governs a minor province on a planet settled 5,000 years ago by genetically engineered slaves. Jax Ironbridge, a neighboring ruler, seeks her hand. It is a good match, until a mysterious alpha male type, Lionstar, wanders in and starts courting Kamoj. Lionstar is actually Vryl, an exiled prince of the Roca line of Skolian royalty. He possesses the Roca's psionic powers in full and fights that burden with a drinking problem. The fight over Kamoj leaves scars everywhere, including on her. Then she and Vryl repair to his birth world and use his Roca powers to restore its independence. The requisite happy ending arrives by way of sound characterization, straightforward plotting, abundant world building detail, and almost as much humor. Roland Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
Also by Catherine Asaro
The Veiled Web

"Thoughtful and imaginative...A near-future layering of East and West...and of love and its loss--all woven into an intriguing tapestry."
--Diana Gabaldon

"Known for her brilliance at combining science, adventure, and riveting characterization, Catherine Asaro breaks new territory with a compelling story set in the world we know, at the dangerous intersection of cutting-edge technology and the age-old conflict of culture and the human heart. A romance of ideas as well as the story of a man and a woman attempting to build a bridge between two very different societies, The Veiled Web is a thought-provoking and entertaining tale for the dawn of a new millennium."
-- Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author of The Wild Child

Available from Bantam Books -- Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Spectra (November 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553581546
• ISBN-13: 978-0553581546
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,593,839 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Asaro Soars Again, December 6, 2000

By	Florence G. Bradley "fireflo" (Birmingham, AL USA) - See all my reviews

Catherine Asaro continues to give us another excellent Science Ficton novel with a good romantic plot. The novel tells the story of a young scientist, Megan O'Flannery who is offered the chance to develop a self-aware android, Aris. A shy robitics genius, Raj Sundaram, aids her after Aris becomes unstable.

The tempo of the book keeps you riveted. I stayed up til 2:00 AM to finish it. An excellent protrayal of an autistic character adds to the realism.

I highly recommend the book to anyone enjoys Science Fiction, Robotics, and Romance. Warning: You will not be able to put down the book until the last page is read.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A bit heavy handed but interesting, July 1, 2001

By	Hank Schwartz "banjo & SciFi" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I found "The Phoenix Code" to be a bit repetitive and heavy handed throughout most of the middle of the book, but the beginning was skillful enough to capture my interest, and the ending was exciting, well done and sufficiently rewarding that I can recommend this book.

The characterization was very well done, with Megan, Ander and Raj quite fleshed out (an android pun?) and believable. The plot was not very complex, but I found it intriguing and worthwhile.

All in all, not an important read, but a good one.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mind blowing sf romance, November 29, 2000

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In 2021, humanity is on the brink of combining artificial intelligence with a perfect robotic body that will lead to Homo superior. Some conservative scientists fear the future for mankind, but the Department of Defense believes their superman is the ultimate operative.

Robotics expert Megan O'Flannery sees both sides of the issue, but concludes that a hybrid is the best next step. Working for cutting edge company, MindSim, Megan secures the assistance of Raj Sundaram in teaching the prototype robot Aris how to be human. However, Aris' circuits scramble and he takes his mentors hostage. While in captivity, Raj and Megan fall in love with one another, but what will happen to their future once his secret is revealed to her?

One of the pioneers of science fiction romance, Catherine Asaro creates another exciting, sensual tale that will elate sub-genre fans. Cleverly, the author provides no solutions to complex ethical questions that leave readers with lingering thoughts about right and wrong. The romance is hot, but this novel is clearly science fiction first with a dynamic climax that will stun the unsuspecting audience who will fail to break THE PHOENIX CODE before Ms. Asaro reveals the ending of this keeper.

Harriet Klausner