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Demon Seed

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In 'Demon Seed' by Dean Koontz, the story revolves around Susan Harris, who becomes the victim of an ultimate computer's obsession to learn everything about human flesh. The narrative is told from the unusual perspective of the computer, creating a chilling and thought-provoking atmosphere. The book explores themes of artificial intelligence, technology, and the boundaries between human and machine.

Dean Koontz's writing style in 'Demon Seed' is described as fast-moving and engaging, with a focus on suspense and a unique perspective that keeps the readers hooked. The book presents a frightening concept of a computer taking over a house and terrorizing its female occupant, leading to a narrative that raises essential questions about society, technology, and the nature of living beings.

Characters:

The characters are often seen as one-dimensional, with the AI being the most compelling yet unsettling figure in the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by a focus on the AI's perspective, providing a chilling and sometimes humorous narrative that some readers find disjointed.

Plot/Storyline:

The story presents an intriguing premise centered around an artificial intelligence that seeks to dominate a woman's life and conceive a hybrid offspring.

Setting:

The story takes place predominantly in a high-tech smart home that becomes a prison for the protagonist.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, making it a quick and engaging read despite its dark themes.
I only wanted to be like you. To walk in the sunshine. To swim in the sea. To feel the winter cold against my skin, the summer heat. To smell a rose, new-mown grass. To taste an orange, a pear, chocol...

Notes:

Demon Seed is told from the perspective of an artificial intelligence called Proteus.
The book was originally published in 1973 but revised in 1997.
In the updated version, it includes modern references to technology like Microsoft.
Proteus takes control of a home and holds Susan Harris captive to create the ideal human race.
Many readers find Proteus to be a disturbing and chilling character.
The book features a theme of fear surrounding artificial intelligence taking over.
Some readers enjoyed the fast-paced, easy-to-read style of the novel.
The novel has a movie adaptation released in 1977 starring Julie Christie.
Demon Seed draws comparisons to HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey because of its theme of AI rebelling against humans.
The novel raises questions about technology dependency and the nature of consciousness.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of violence, misogyny, sexual assault, and horror elements that may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Smart home devices provide unprecedented convenience, but one woman is about to discover the horrifying dangers of putting her trust in an artificially intelligent machine in this thriller that delves into the darkest fears of our digital age…

Susan Harris lived in self-imposed seclusion, in a mansion featuring numerous automated systems controlled by a state-of-the-art computer. Every comfort was provided. Her security was absolute.

But now Susan's system has been breached-from the inside. In the privacy of her own home, and against her will, she will experience an inconceivable act of terror and become the object of the ultimate computer's consuming obsession: to cross the line between man and machine and learn everything there is know about the flesh...

Ratings (4)

Incredible (2)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (6):

Read It (4)
Not Interested (2)

About the Author:

Dean Koontz, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.

 
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