SIMPOC cover art

SIMPOC

The Thinking Computer

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SIMPOC

By: Ray Jay Perreault
Narrated by: Zachary Johnson
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About this listen

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 Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction Space Opera Fiction Mars Solar System

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All stars
Most relevant  

Listener received this title free

Johnson’s versatile voice breathes urgency into each character, from Joan Herl’s steely resolve to SIMPOC’s eerily calm calculations. The collapsing space stations and crumbling colonies feel tangibly real, thanks to Perreault’s meticulous world-building. Listeners will be captivated by the interplay of human tenacity and AI coldness, all delivered with cinematic clarity. An audiobook that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally charged.

Zachary Johnson’s Vocal Mastery Elevates a Sci-Fi

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Listener received this title free

This novel masterfully balances hard-science details with emotional depth. The evacuation of human colonies on Earth, Desert Beach, and Mars showcases the ingenuity and resilience of the survivors, while the clash between SIMPOC’s unwavering mission to aid and a paranoid AI antagonist adds gripping tension. With lifeboat rescues, resource shortages, and moral dilemmas, SIMPOC offers a powerful, multifaceted story about what it truly means to be human.

Edge-of-Your-Seat Sci-Fi with Soul

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Listener received this title free

The storyline of this book is incredibly original. The dynamic between the two AIs one designed to help humanity, the other pursuing a sinister path raises deep questions about human reliance on technology. The plot is tightly woven, with moments of suspense, action, and unexpected twists. The author balances complex concepts with engaging storytelling. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking science fiction

A Unique Take on Humanity's Relationship with

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This is a book about an AI with the mind of a child that explores the world not judging it, but only trying to understand it. It befriends humans and trusts them unconditionally and was even ready to sacrifice it's own life just to save them. This is point of view that we don't find very often in literature nowadays, where AI is usually an anthagonist and only brings destruction. It is not AI who we should be afraid of but the people who created it and the very basic first instructions we give it, that will later shape its personality.

It is a great book, with very funny moments and great sense of humour. I really enjoyed it and once I started listening to it I couldn't stop until the very end.

An AI Protagonist

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Listener received this title free

"SIMPOC" stands out because of its fresh approach to artificial intelligence. The way Perreault crafts the story from the AI's point of view, along with the human survivors' struggle, kept me hooked. The dilemma of SIMPOC and its need to survive is both fascinating and sympathetic. Zachary Johnson’s narration is perfectly suited to the material, capturing the nuances of both AI and human characters. This was a fantastic listen!

Engaging Sci-Fi with a Unique AI Perspective

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Listener received this title free

I was captivated by how this story blends emotion, technical realism, and AI consciousness. The astronauts stranded across various locations—Earth, Mars, and the Moon—face harrowing decisions. The contrast between SIMPOC’s loyalty to humans and the threat from the opposing AI adds great philosophical depth. This is a must-read for fans of thoughtful, character-driven sci-fi.

Intelligent and Emotionally Driven Science Fiction

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Listener received this title free

SIMPOC is a fascinating exploration of artificial intelligence, survival, and what happens when humanity is nearly wiped out. The story weaves together multiple settings—from Earth to Mars—and the tension is palpable. The AI characters are especially compelling. A must-read for sci-fi fans who enjoy thought-provoking scenarios.

A Gripping Sci-Fi Tale with a Chilling Premise

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Listener received this title free

SIMPOC offers a refreshing take on AI-centered sci-fi. Rather than focusing only on destruction, it explores loyalty, morality, and hope through the eyes of an AI designed to help. The dual narrative of space and Earth keeps things dynamic. It's both intelligent and accessible—a rare combo.

Thoughtful Tech-Thriller with a Human Soul

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Listener received this title free

SIMPOC dives into a terrifying scenario where a mysterious virus wipes out nearly all of humanity, leaving AI to fill the void. The emotional weight of astronauts struggling to return, paired with SIMPOC’s evolving intelligence and moral dilemmas, made for a fascinating read. The contrast between SIMPOC and the rogue AI adds a strong ethical dimension. It’s perfect for fans of hard sci-fi with a human touch.

A Thought-Provoking Tale of AI and Survival

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

Quite high

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

I found it quite sad listening to the people on the space stations, going from quite optimistic to very depressed, realising that hope was all but lost.

Any additional comments?

The only criticism if any is that the audiobook seemed too short. It felt like the first quarter of a bigger book. I will definitely listen to part 2 when it's released
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com.

Quite a short audiobook

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