In the not-too-distant future, someone, or something, is stealing human souls in cybernetic "telespace." Now available for the first time in trade paperback, Lisa Mason's critically-acclaimed debut novel was widely considered a groundbreaking classic of cyberpunk literature when first published in 1990.
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From Publishers Weekly
The invention of cyberspace has allowed humans to link into a shared electronic network, increasing hundreds-fold the speed of such complex interactions as courtroom trials. Carey Nolan is a new lawyer with the firm of Ava & Rice, trained in the techniques of shifting only her rational self into the cyberspace courtroom. But on her first case something else leaks through and causes her to crash. In danger of losing her job, she accepts a court order to be probed by medical experts. However, Spinner, the Prober to whom Carey is directed, is one of many Artificial Intelligences who believe that possession of these leaked substances--usually by theft--will lead an AI to transcendence. Such stealing invariably kills the human involved, so Carey's life is imperilled during her therapy. The prose in Mason's first book is uneven, but her inventive portmanteau vocabulary clearly depicts the wonders of a San Francisco 43 years after a second major 21st-century quake. The symbolism of the Arachne myth ties the story together at the climax.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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4.7 out of 5 stars
3 reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not just cyberpunk as usual
Mar 21 2005
By Chris Moriarty, author of SPIN STATE (Bantam 2003)
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
This is such an astounding book that I don't know where to begin praising it. I first discovered ARACHNE back in the mid-90s only because I happened to stumble on the long out-of-print first edition in a used bookstore. I remember reading it with a growing mix of admiration and frustration. My final verdict back then: ARACHNE so completely transcended the normal hardboiled/cyberpunk categories that it was going to have to wait another quarter of a century to be recognized as the groundbreaking book it was. In fact it reminded me of Howard Aiken's great aphorism about originality: "Don't worry about people stealing an idea; if it's original you'll have to shove it down their throats." How wonderful then to see ARACHNE back in print! Go forth, gentle reader, and buy a copy of your very own. I can't promise you'll like it ... but I think the odds are good. Meanwhile I've got my fingers crossed that the rest of the SF world is finally catching up to Lisa Mason.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cyberspace Law
Feb 9 2001
By Greg
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Sarcastic robots, urban aboriginals, genetically-engineered beauty, soul-stealers, registered drugs...Lisa Mason manages to make these ideas and concepts flow in a fast-moving tale filled with action and meaning. Unlike a lot of cyberpunk, the reader doesn't get bogged down in the technical jargon and slang...she somehow makes it more real. The concept of Artificial Intelligence coveting human consciousness is fascinating. What I really enjoyed was how Mason dealt with the legal ethics of corporate law...from a corporate lawyer's view. Another great read from Lisa Mason!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hail Cyberpunk Women
Feb 15 2000
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
I LOVED this book! Cyberpunk by a woman, and it's a winner. I highly recommend this book for cyberpunks who liked Neuromancer. This book is more clear. The sequel was good, also.
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4.7 out of 5 stars
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