SIMPOC

The Thinking Computer & Human Remnants

By: Ray Jay Perreault

Narrated by: Zachary Johnson

This book combines two novellas - SIMPOC: The Thinking Computer and SIMPOC: Human Remnants. This is a parallel story to the novels Virus: 72 Hours to Live and Virus: Earth's Last Battle, which is from the perspective of the government and astronauts.

Earth is attacked by a suspicious virus, and two computers find themselves without their programmers or any code which limits their operations. Because of the techniques used to program them, SIMPOC is embodied with a need to help humans and Julius is paranoid and will do anything to protect itself.

The governments of the world begin to collapse, and the astronauts in space are trapped and must use their lifeboats to return to Earth. SIMPOC's only mission is to help, but the returning astronauts are attacked by Julius.

Society continues to collapse, and the US government is forced to defend itself and finally seek refuge on an aircraft carrier in the Atlantic. When all seems to have been lost, the reason behind the virus emerges, and mankind is faced with a much greater threat.

©2016 Perreault Publishing (P)2017 Perreault Publishing

Narration is superb!

Incredible storytelling in "SIMPOC"! Perreault crafts a compelling narrative, while Johnson’s narration perfectly captures the tension and drama. A captivating blend of space exploration and technological intrigue. Highly recommended!

To absolutely outstanding Novellus

I honestly believe this is the beginning of a wonderful sci-fi series. One in which I can not wait to read it in its entirety anyone who is a post apocalyptic fan will find this book truly engrossing The characters were well developed and the scenes were very well written.

Deep, Thought-Provoking, and Action-Packed!

"SIMPOC" offers an intriguing dive into the nature of artificial intelligence and human resilience. The parallel stories of SIMPOC’s benevolence and Julius’ paranoia create a brilliant contrast, driving the narrative forward. The plot is action-packed, with humans fighting for survival amidst a collapsing world and rogue AIs. Zachary Johnson’s narration is spot on, enhancing the tension in every scene. A gripping and thoughtful sci-fi listen!

An emotional ride of SciFi

Wow, let me say that if you are looking for a new spin on an artificial intelligence (AI) story from the system's inception to helping humans survive, then SIMPOC: The Thinking Computer & Human Remnants dual book box set audiobook is for you. The book is expertly written by Ray Jay Perreault and professionally narrated by Zachary Johnson. The story is told from SIMPOC (the computer’s) perspective. At times, I was laughing out loud and at other times I nearly wanted to cry. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride of a science fiction story along with all the goodness of an action-packed survival thriller. So, you not only get two stories in the Box Set, SIMPOC: The Thinking Computer and SIMPOC: Human Remnants, you get a story that does an exceptional job of blending multiple twists and turns into a rather short story. Be aware that the story is left somewhat unfinished when the books are finished. I assume the author has plans of releasing additional books to completing any open plots.

The two included SIMPOC books really revolve around a research computer system that comes online and is limited in its ability to learn and grow by the researchers. When a catastrophic event affects nearly every creature on planet earth, and SIMPOC’s creators no longer come onto the office, the computer begins interfacing with other computer systems. I found it quite humors that SIMPOC was frustrated by the other computers not being as intelligent as it was. These “dumb” computers SIMPOC interfaced with could only report or perform very simple actions or responses. SIMPOC is eventually able to make contact with a group of remaining survivors on the ISS (International Space Station); which is quickly running low on supplies. As the story unfolds, we see SIMPOC assisting the humans to survive and he is even able to build a mobile unit where he can be a part of the action.

I am in the technology industry and also have a personal passion for all things artificial intelligence or machine learning. I felt the author was spot on with the technology presented in this book, it was believable even in our present day. I am also a private pilot and thought that some of the events around one of the characters flying around a Chinook one day and a Lear Jet the next seemed a bit far-fetched, but I guess such would be possible for someone with a strong military background. I was more thinking about the fuel supply and how quickly it can go bad once society collapses. It just seemed unique odd that people would not as concerned and jaunt around to different places in the US searching for life. Here is where many of the emotional parts of the book pull on your heart and how significant the virus was.

The book contains some of the expected tropes often found in this genre. You have a continuous battle for supremacy and control of power over the human race. There is a battle for survivable due to the terrifying and fast-acting virus that nearly wipes out the entire human population. What starts off as a great computer story quickly evolves into an action-packed dystopian one. There are no zombies (yet) in this series of books, but such could be added and the book go off in yet another direction; however, I believe the author will continue to focus on SIMPOC. The author left so many possible avenues where these stories could go, I simply wanted more when I reached the end. I think the author’s notes and introduction sections really made me better understand the direction he was coming from and I found it helpful to have this information up front instead of learning about it at the book’s end. I recommend you not skip this introductory material in either the audio or print editions.

For those easily offended by the use of vulgar language or for younger readers who may be wondering, be aware that this book contains a sprinkling of offensive language use, not often spoken by the main characters. There is also some limited graphic violence or what may be intensive scenes for younger readers. Other than those few items, the book was excellent.

Zachary Johnson did an exceptional job narrating the numerous characters along with the different computers; including SIMPOC, the main system. It was a nice change to have the computers narrated with a slightly modified electronic voice, and the audio includes some extra sound effects to help bring the reader deeper into the story. There were a few areas where I heard inconsistency with the audio volume, but this was limited. There was a single pronunciation error I can recall. In one section the narrator is talking about the ADIS system for automated weather reporting for pilots, and it was not pronounced as most pilots would. I understand this can be difficult for narrators reading material they are not familiar with. The book was very well narrated.

In summary, I found the book fascinating and I liked the different perspective and background details about SIMPOC. The author’s note chapter also give some great insight into the reason for writing the book the way it was. If you enjoy contemporary science fiction containing AI computers, dystopian environment, and a drive to survive, I think you will enjoy the two SIMPOC books found in this audio box set.

Disclaimer: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

Intense

Wow. I was impressed and drawn in fast. This is a terrific read and will draw you in and hook you until the end. Excellent story!!

More Enjoyable from SIMPOC's POV

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

I enjoyed this book more than the VIRUS book. The computers had more evolved human characteristics in this futuristic scifi than the humans did, actually.
The first book was epic and clearly a 5 star as we muddle through the dark with SIMPOC.
The second part of the book had more POVs from the humans, and like the VIRUS book, they did not act nor feel like the experienced and educated leaders in their fields. I'm still wondering why they are all sitting around, waiting to be 'saved' and 'reunited', instead of investigating their environment and building anew. Using that as one example, many of the main characters did not seem like they knew how to take control of a situation nor make decisions, which is unrealistic when you ponder they would have to make life and death decisions, being on their own in space.

What did you like best about this story?

SIMPOC's yearning to understand and become more human drove the story. His desire to live and protect the humans felt like a basic survival instinct. I know, for a thinking computer, it was the most sci fi and incredible piece of the story!

Which scene was your favorite?

Idk if it was my favorite, but I was flabbergasted when the oasis & red dirt? mentioned they didn't trust SIMPOC!

Any additional comments?

I'm glad I listened to this and gave SIMPOC another chance. I think I will listen to Virus again and see if it changes my rating. I'm not sure if it will because my primary complaint is the characters are a melting pot of whiny high ranking officers. Although it's commendable to see a weakness and their pause to bury and memorialize their deceased loved ones, grasp with the under population of the planet, the dialogue, interactions, and inability to make plans is pretty pathetic.
I think Zachary Johnson did an excellent job with the narration in this audio.

Enjoyable entertainment.

Would you be willing to try another book from Ray Jay Perreault? Why or why not?

Yes, this is an interesting concept. I would be excited to find out what happens next.

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

The different voices makes it much more enjoyable. Also, being able to continue the story to do much that you have to do every day rather than stopping when you are reading.

Any additional comments?

Intense story of a virus that almost wipes out humanity and much of the animal population. The beginning of artificial intelligence in computers make you wonder if they are to help or to hinder the remnant of civilization. Much, much more. I voluntarily reviewed this audiobook after receiving an advanced copy.

Really exciting book

I read this book years ago and now thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. l recommend it.

WOW 😳

Very easy read, and kept you wondering if what you thought might be happening was right or if there would be another twist!

An Epic Sci-Fi Return to Earth

What a journey! Returning to a pristine Earth only to discover artificial beings inhabiting it was an unexpected twist. The story challenges you to think about ownership, progress, and whether humanity has a right to reclaim Earth. This book was both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.