The Phoenix Code by Catherine Asaro

From the Publisher

Deadly awakening
When robotics expert Megan O'Flannery is offered the chance to direct MindSim's cutting-edge program to develop a self-aware android, it's the opportunity of a lifetime. But the project is trouble plagued--the third prototype "killed" itself, and the RS-4 is unstable. Megan will descend into MindSim's underground research lab in the Nevada desert, where she will be the sole human in contact with the RS-4, dubbed Aris. Programmed as part of a top-secret defense project, the awakening Aris quickly proves to be deviously resourceful and basically uncontrollable. When Megan enlists the help of Raj Sundaram, the quirky, internationally renowned robotics genius, the android develops a jealous hostility toward Raj--and a fixation on Megan. But soon she comes to realize that Raj may be an even greater danger--and that her life may depend on the choice she makes between the man she wants to trust and the android she created.


From the Paperback edition.

Romantic Times - Kelly Cooper

Catherine Asaro continues to dazzle us with brilliance in combining science, romance and adventure.

KLIATT

Creating androids is a tricky business, especially when one kills itself and MindSim's military defense model RS-4 (Aris) seems unstable. Megan O'Flannery uses her robotics and psychology background to oversee the human-looking Aris, who responds to her more than she would like. When brilliant, reclusive scientist Raj joins her in this effort, the android becomes jealous and strangely more human—without the benefits of morality. Renamed Ander, the android kidnaps both Megan and Raj, wanting to control them and his own life. Megan and Ander both draw out Raj, who has been harboring his own secret life. The question: will any of them survive? Asaro has written a fast-paced, intriguing SF tale about humanity and its creations. Exploring profound issues about identity and purpose, the author shows rather than tells about some provocative alternatives. The sex scenes are a bit detailed, but not offensive, and there's enough violence to warrant an older reading audience. Still, each plot twist furthers the story, and nothing is gratuitous. And, for once, a satisfying ending! KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2000, Bantam/Spectra, 333p, 18cm, $5.99. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Dr. Lesley S. J. Farmer; Lib. Media/Teacher Svcs., Cal. State University, Long Beach, CA, March 2001 (Vol. 35 No. 2)

VOYA

When Megan O'Flannery takes a job as head of an android project, she little realizes what she is in for. The android, Ander, looks human but has almost no emotions. Through reprogramming and interaction, Megan helps Ander grow emotionally, but she feels he needs more. She brings in Raj, an incredibly handsome man who is a genius with robotics. He helps her, but problems arise when Ander displays obsessive signs of jealousy toward Megan. Megan has definite feelings for Raj—totally unlike the maternal feelings she harbors for Ander. Things come to a head during a power outage when Ander accuses Raj of attacking Megan. He kidnaps Raj and Megan to force them to help find others of his kind and get him to freedom. The kidnapping turns into a desperate run for their lives as federal agents and private mercenaries pursue the three. Somewhere along the way, the three become friends. What Megan does not suspect is that Raj is also a robot, created by the real Raj and endowed with his own memories and values before his death. They finally manage to get to safety where Megan realizes that the Raj she fell in love with is still there—merely in a different package. This imaginative, well-written book is full of action, adventure, romance, science, and the deeper questions of "what makes a man?" It would be a good addition to any library with patrons who like futuristic novels. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2000, Bantam, 333p, pb. Ages 16 to Adult. Reviewer: Vicky Burkholder SOURCE: VOYA, April 2001 (Vol. 24, No.1)

Library Journal

Called to participate in a classified defense project involving the creation of self-aware androids, robotics specialist Megan O'Flannery plunges into a turbulent relationship with Aris, a very special android. When fellow robotics expert Raj Sundaram joins the project, a complex dance of rivalry between Raj and Aris leads to the discovery of a secret agenda that places both humans and Aris in grave danger. The author of The Veiled Web departs from her usual space-opera fare for a fast-moving tale of sf intrigue that belongs in most collections. Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

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