"Harrowing History!"
"But that I am forbid to tell the secrets of my prison
house, I could a tale unfold whose lightest word would
harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood." This
Shakespearean quote begins and most aptly describes this
tale that slowly evolves from a most simple to sinister,
tightly drawn science fiction thriller. Professor Ross Erricson, against all the odds stacked by
the Ivy League colleges, wins first place for his program
to teach the concept of language to computers. Returning to
California with the supercomputer, Simon, he avidly begins
his language project. But Simon is far more intelligent
than the master of his received data and develops an
amazing capacity to connect with the dolphins of Ocean Park
Aquarium, located on the other side of the damp, dripping
basement room where the experiment continues. Ross and his staff are initially perplexed by the output
language Simon spews onto the floor each morning and then
riveted by the messages the dolphins deliberately feed
Simon. Memories of ancient origins must be held but might
pose life-threatening realities to the humans who discover
long-lost and unknown worlds in these newly discovered
language patterns. How does mankind interpret the known and unknown mysteries
of the past? Roane spins a story about Atlantis, Spain, and
the location of humanity's origin that will intrigue and
rivet the reader's attention. Although the beginning of the
book is perhaps overly technical for the average computer
user, this doesn't detract from the deadly drama that
Simon's communication poses to anyone's possession. Predictions abound in the world of science fiction! Our
fascination hovers as we watch and wait for yesterday's
wildest imaginings to become today's experience. But some
of history shouldn't ever be revealed, for it poses a
nightmare too hideous to endure - and there are those who
will do anything to stop such learning and communication.
The story is rich in setting each step of the stage for
Ross, his staff, and the reader. No one will be the same
thereafter. This reviewer eagerly applauds R. G. Roane's creative
presentation to a wider, listening audience! Reviewed by Viviane Crystal
Reviewed by Viviane Crystal
Courtesy Crystal Reviews
Posted February 25, 2003
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