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The Digital Dead
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Plot Summary of The Digital Dead
"

Ace, August 2003, 6.99, 384 pp.
ISBN 0441010849

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
"

Harriet Klausner, Resident Scholar



Review Analysis of The Digital Dead
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot

Composition of Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 10%
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30%
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20%




Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story
Explore/1st contact/ enviro story Yes
Plotlets: - generally friendly contact with alien(s)
Spying & Investigations Yes
What is main char. doing? - unraveling a conspiracy
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status: - scientist
Age: - 20's-30's
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Genius
Physique - very athletic

Main Adversary
Identity: - Male
Age: - 40's-50's
Profession/status: - politician/elected ruler
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character? - mean, arrogant
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Setting
Earth setting: - near future (later in 21st century)
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Style
Person? - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript
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