Now there are two sentient races inhabiting the known universe: one as human as Adam. . .the other of robotic mind.
They share the Earth in harmonious coexistence. But elsewhere, only those who age and war and die are permitted.
On earth, a young human prince has befriended a being far different from himself. But usurpation and fratricide are calling them both to the royal youths embattled home planet--drawing them into a nest of treacherous family conspiracy and cruel, naked ambition where the enemy owns the armies, the power, and the very soul of the world. But the prince will have his revenge, though only ally stands at his side: a peace-loving creature of augmented intelligence in a place where he is am unwelcome stranger--a barbarous world where he is forbidden. . .and feared.
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To use the phrase "Hamlet in space" to describe The White Abacus is not a criticism; the book is a Shakespearean tour de force set far in the future. "Hu" (humans) are scientifically sophisticated, but emotionally immature. "Ai" (artificial intelligence) are rational and peace-loving, though more politically developed than most hu know. In most of the universe, hu and ai live together in harmony, but not in the Asteroid Belt of humanity's home solar system. An isolationist movement there left the pioneers extremely religious and dead set against using the "hex gates" that enable instantaneous travel between planets. Life on Psyche in the Belt remains a serious business, for humans only--no ai allowed.
Psyche's young prince Telmah (try reading it backwards) is sent to Earth to study, and there befriends an ai being named Ratio who has been painfully separated from the Gestell, a unified state of the ai. Telmah and his friends spend their days studying, romping, and playing at sophisticated games. Back at home, his uncle Feng allegedly murders Telmah's father, marries the widowed mother, and usurps the Directorship. Determined to avenge his father, Telmah returns home to confront Uncle Feng. The faithful Ratio accompanies him, but unbeknownst to Telmah, Ratio has another motive besides friendship--a secret assignment from the Gestell.
Sound familiar? A fast-moving, updated version of the Hamlet tale, The White Abacus offers comedy, space opera, literary puzzles, and not a few surprises. --Bonnie Bouman
A shared love of gaming has joined the ai being, Ratio, and Telmah Lord Cima, the young hu scion of Psyche's ruling dynasty, in inseparable friendship on the planet Earth. But the sudden, suspicious death of Lord Orwen, Telmah's father and Psyche's leader, draws them both to Telmah's beleaguered homeworld--where his ruthless uncle Feng has married Telmah's widowed mother, and, with the support of the nobility and military, has assumed the Directorship.
Now the Gamemaster has determined that naked ambition must be thwarted for the sake of all sentient beings. And a revenge-obsessed Telmah must face the might of Feng's illegal government armed with nothing more than his own torment, intuition, and brute force--and with but a single ally, his devoted ai companion, at his side.
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Chris Moore (illustrator). Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Seller Inventory # Q22C-06776
Book Description Condition: Good. Chris Moore (illustrator). 1st THUS. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 10333126-75
Book Description Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Chris Moore (illustrator). Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_346679539
Book Description Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Good. Chris Moore (illustrator). Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_284973769
Book Description Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Good. Chris Moore (illustrator). Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_338561211
Book Description mass_market. Condition: Very Good. Chris Moore (illustrator). Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_396105471
Book Description Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Chris Moore (illustrator). Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.8. Seller Inventory # G0380796155I3N00
Book Description Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Very Good. First Edition Thus. Seller Inventory # 0309430
Book Description Condition: Very Good. Chris Moore (illustrator). . Mass Market Paperback edition. From the library of science fiction and fantasy writer, editor, publisher and prolific book reviewer D. Douglas Fratz. (Science Fiction, Fantasy). Seller Inventory # NC04A-00055
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Chris Moore (illustrator). The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR012460656