Tak! reviewed Dual Memory by Sue Burke
Dual Memory
4 stars
Dual Memory was good, but it didn't fascinate me the way that Semiosis did.
Sue Burke: Dual Memory (2023, Doherty Associates, LLC, Tom)
English language
Published May 1, 2023 by Doherty Associates, LLC, Tom.
Sue Burke, author of the acclaimed novel Semiosis , returns with Dual Memory, a standalone novel blending the hard science fiction of Her with the action adventure of The Third Man .
Antonio Moro lost everything to the Leviathan League. Now he's alone in a city on an Arctic island fighting the ruthless, global pirates with the chance to be the artist he always wanted to be. Unfortunately, he thinks it’s a cover story for his real purpose―spying on sympathizers.
When things look bleak, he discovers an unusual ally. His new personal assistant program, Par Augustus. It’s insolent, extroverted, moody, and a not-quite-legal nascent A. I.
Together they create a secret rebellion from unlikely recruits to defend the island from ideological pirates with entitlement and guns, and capitalist pirates with entitlement and money.
Dual Memory was good, but it didn't fascinate me the way that Semiosis did.
The story begins abruptly. Soon, we are drawn into a science-fiction tale with a small cast of characters and tropes. There is action, subterfuge, and even courtroom drama. Is this story a warning? Are we mice?