The Deus Machine: A Novel

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!

TERIFI C read..starts out very slow and just when you wonder if it is worthwhile to keep on reading it really takes off and grabs you. Why have I never heard of this author before? This should have been on the best-seller list. READ IT, you won't be sorry.

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.

Deus Machine is a great story for anyone interested in the possible convergence 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.

This is one of those fabulous books you remember for a long time, but one that not many people have heard about. I have no idea why this did not become a best seller. If it had been written by Crighton, it would have been one of his biggest sellers. It's a story of a computer becoming self-aware and it's mission to destroy humanity through the use of bio-engineering. Excellent Book