SIMPOC

The Thinking Computer

By: Ray Jay Perreault

Narrated by: Zachary Johnson

Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

The entire human population is attacked by a very suspicious virus. SIMPOC's programmer doesn't come in to work, that day, the next, or ever. The commander of the space station Oasis, Joan Herl, is forced to abandon the station because of dwindling resources. When they land on earth, they are attacked by another thinking computer who would do anything to protect itself and to continue thinking.

The moon colony, Dessert Beach, is trapped as their resources are running out, and they must decide when to come home. They have only lifeboats to carry them back to the lifeless Earth, and what will they find when they enter the atmosphere and land?

The astronauts trapped on the Mars colony, Red Dirt, are in worse condition. Their systems will break down and resources will run out. Coming home for them is a different story. The lifeboats aren't made for that purpose and must be rebuilt before the colony breaks down. Should they stay and take their chances on Mars, or should they journey back to Earth?

©2014 Raymond J. Perreault (P)2015 Raymond J. Perreault

Simpoc the thinking computer

I had fun listening to this. The story starts off before humans succumb to a deadly virus, with the programming of Simpoc. We get to see how Simpoc is awoken, starts to learn, and eventually has to deal with the programmer not coming back. I have read a couple of AI books recently so this book was right up my alley. The story continues with the consequences of the virus being realized by the few people who are not exposed to the virus; mostly the space station, the moon base and the mars base. It is interesting to think of what astronauts would go through if earth had a calamity this disastrous. This looks like it will be something similar to an episodic series and I really want to know what happens next!

I had trouble following the date structure in audio format, and consequently could really only get that ‘time had passed’ but not how many days/months passed from the computer’s perspective. That was really the only complaint about having it in audio, otherwise listening to the book lent an extra feeling of loneliness that I don’t know I would have gotten in the print version.

The narration was really good. Not only were all the human character voices distinct but the female character sounded believable, the accents were decent, and most impressively even the robots had distinct sounds! I think doing a good robot voice (one that was still pleasant after 2 hrs) is impressive enough, but the fact that the narrator could do several that sounded distinct (and like they had their own personalities) was a nice treat.

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

Compelling Story

Where does SIMPOC rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

SIMPOC is an incredibly compelling story. I couldn't stop listening.

What was one of the most memorable moments of SIMPOC?

The Tensity of the story and the plight of the humans in space trying to get back home was the best part of the story.

What does Zachary Johnson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The Narrator does a great job of portraying the computers and their 'thoughts'.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The story was compelling and the narration was great. The only slight criticism I would give is that the computer dates don't translate well to an audiobook. The timeline was difficult to follow because of this.

Mesmerizing

Great story, much better than I expected. I had difficulty putting it down, er, pausing it. Well developed, it showed expertise in several areas, which made the story very believable.

My only "complaint" is, I have to buy the next book to (hopefully) complete the story. It went into an unexpected phase before the EOF.

The Story could go any direction

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Well yes I would if I had friends who read or use audio books. Sadly I have no such friends (unless you count the maybe friends on the websites I interact with)

What other book might you compare SIMPOC to and why?

This is a unique twist on the whole apocalyptic epoch. If all humanity dies (or most of it) will the computers take over, will they do what is necessary to survive and will they all be on the same side or will there be good and evil or at least different perceptions of right and wrong?

What about Zachary Johnson’s performance did you like?

I liked that they used a bit of sound effect to make it seem like the computers are all saying things at once. I am a bedtime listener to books rather than having them play in the background during my daily activities (although some tempt me more than others) and so I enjoy the pace and cadence of Mr. Johnson's performance. (Not to say he puts me to sleep by any means!)

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

When the humans go the way of the dinosaurs the computers reign begins but will the human frailties of the past become SIMPOC's downfall?

Any additional comments?

Can't wait to hear the next installment!

Nice short listen

Different take on the plague/end of world as we know it. I'm hooked to see what happens next!

On the verge of perfect..

Would you listen to SIMPOC again? Why?

Yes, Perreault did a splendid job with creating a connection with SIMPOC. I thoroughly enjoyed listening from the perspective of a computer.

What was one of the most memorable moments of SIMPOC?

This has to be a combination of the narrator and the story telling. When SIMPOC realize that his maker will not come back, you can almost feel SIMPOC loneliness.

What about Zachary Johnson’s performance did you like?

Amazing job on narrating, really made me feel what SIMPOC was feeling.. if computer have feelings.

Any additional comments?

The reason why I did not give this book a 5 star was the lack of story development when he introduce the few human survivors. It just felt a little rush, I know that there will be back story revealed in another book. But if this was the only book I read in this series it just felt a little incomplete. I was more connected to Termen who was the creator of SIMPOC and was really sadden when SIMPOC realize Termen won't return.


*I received a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.*

Entertaining and insightful

Would you listen to SIMPOC again? Why?

I would definitely listen to SIMPOC again. The story is inherently interesting: a thinking computer learning stuff about the world. The novel goes in unexpected directions one after another.

What was one of the most memorable moments of SIMPOC?

One of the most memorable moments was when Alpha was turned on and was interested in seeing and communicating with humans.

Have you listened to any of Zachary Johnson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't, but would like to. It was more of an audio play than an audiobook. The robots in unison was superb.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My extreme reaction was non stop listening and interest!

Any additional comments?

Very interesting to a cognitive science major like myself!

SIMPOC To the Rescue

I really enjoyed this short story about the creation of SIMPOC (Synapse Integrated Massive Parallel Organic Computer). A story mainly about what a computer programmed by a good man can become.

This book is action packed, after the first few chapters, including a plague that quickly wipes out most of the human race, people at their best and worse, astronauts trapped in space, and even an organic computer (or two).

As a side note: SIMPOC shows us why airline stewards always have you put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others (children, hysterical husband...). You need to have yourself under control and safe in order to have a clear mind and protect others in need.

Zachary Johnson gave an enjoyable narration with a good use of different voices & personalities. He also did an excellent job with the voice of SIMPOC.

This audiobook was provided at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

Awesome introduction book!!!

Any additional comments?

This was a great listen. Wished it had lasted longer. Getting ready to listen to the second part, "Human Remnants". Hope to learn a lot more about the characters and some of the backstory behind everything that went on in this one.

Basically, this is a fast paced apocalypse and just gives you snippets into how AI could conceivably come to the forefront of evolution in a rapid way. I like this idea and hope to read more about it from RJP. Again in this book, there are interactions with humans and AI that I find fascinating. The reactions from both sides seem completely feasible. There seems to be distrust on both sides while they trust each other to get through tough situations. Very neat dynamic.

Narration was very good. Enjoyed the swapping between voices and it was pretty consistent.

Can't wait for the next one!

I received a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.

Really well executed idea.

SIMPOC is the name for the bio-organic computer artificial intelligence a big tech company has created. It is a learning computer, gaining vast knowledge as it is further exposed to different data sources. When its creator one day asks it if it has noticed any trends in data, it tells him it has noticed the rise of a virulent disease in Eastern Europe that has 100% mortallity rate. andthus starts a story of the end of the world as we know it, as the Harvarti virus quickly overtakes humanity. SIMPOC does what he can to help the survivors, including the astronouts stuck on Mars, the Moon, and the Space Station, all while fighting off the minions of his brother computer at another facility. I cant spell out the end without spoilers, but it leads to the next book in the series, well worth checking out.
The story has an interesting way of progressing, basically telling the story from the point of view of SIMPOC, who hasnt been turned on for but a few days before the end starts to come about. The author does an amazing job showing the growing pains a new computer intelligence would have, all while not turning it into a terminator/berzerker story.
As far as narration, Zachary Johnson does a great job with the different characters and with the narrative flow, bringing the story to life.
Any fans of end of the world type sci fo stories should check this one and ists sequels and various spin offs out.

I was given a copy of this book free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review throuogh Audiobookblast.