The Alejandra Variations

by Paul Cook

Mnemos Nine, a complex computer used by the State Department for predicting catastrophes that is also an intelligent being with human emotions, shares an extraordinary relationship with nuclear strategist Nicholas Tejada

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[BWEfwe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun page turner that felt like a mix of HG Wells Time Machine and the movies Minority Report and The Matrix. I enjoyed the historical perspective--a future where the cold war is still on and the anti nuke theme is powerful and clear.

[James]

Mnemos Nine, a complex computer used by the State Department for predicting catastrophes that is also an intelligent being with human emotions, shares an extraordinary relationship with nuclear strategist Nicholas Tejada

[Eddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure exactly what I thought of the book. The story is interesting, but it felt that it wandered pretty deep into several of the variations and that the depth didn't necessarily add to the story in the end. By the last, I kind of felt tired of the various variations and was looking forward to the resolution. Interesting views of the post-apocolyptic world, and what happens when the world is covered in toxic radiation, but it couldn't overcome the slow movement of the story.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first three variations are well written and intriguing. The plot takes a shift to a somewhat tired path (to be fair the idea would have been fresher when the book was written) but although disappointing plot wise the last variation is tense and climatic.

[Gobasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea of being trapped in a machine that is creating alternate realities is a standard SF trope. I felt Cook did a good job with this one. Keeping the reader interested without giving out too much too soon. A fun read.

[Lisa]

Didn't read this yet...just downloaded it as the January 2013 monthly PhoenixPick.