Book Review: The Digital Dead

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Digital Dead     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Bruce Balfour
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Series: Forge of Mars # 2
Ace, August 2003, $6.99, 384 pp.

The trip to Mars for scientist Tau Wolfsinger and his fiancee archeologist Kate McCloud was anything but restful. They met an alien race in the ruins of Mars and the Russian General Zhukau of the Red Star Base tried to take over the American colony and use the Gwrinydd technology to dominate Earth. The Gwrinydd Free Mental AI who calls himself Thoth almost killed Kate when he established a mental link with her.

Now that they are back on Earth, the duo are on an extended vacation, needing to relax after they saved the world and made some amazing scientific finds. Unfortunately their vacation doesn’t last very long because someone is trying to kill them. They manage to escape and Kate is sent to the Urals where some Gwrinydd markings have been found as well as a transportation portal. Back in America, Tau is trying to elude his pursuers but the prey becomes the hunter when they torture and kill his father in their effort to find him. During his mission, he acquires some interesting allies sworn to help Tau or die trying.

Tau is a naive genius who is so unworldly that readers will adore him and hope that he outwits the people who want to acquire the knowledge that he gained on Mars. Conspiracy fans will think the plot of this science fiction thriller is very plausible. Other readers will enjoy the action scenes and the concept that all facets of a personality can be stored in a biochip so that when a person dies he or she can be restored to digital life.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner