Neuromancer
by William Gibson

Ace (New York): 1984. Paperback: 271 pages. ISBN-10: 0-441-56959-5 Suggested retail price: $6.99 (US) Awards: 1984 Nebula Award, 1985 Hugo Award Tags: artificial intelligence; computer technology; made into video game; Science Fiction Tactical strength: [7/10]

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Many books that rely heavily on computer technology as a major plot element seem dated after only a few years. Gibson wrote Neuromancer in 1984 and the story has surprisingly few anachronisms. The future Gibson creates still seems like a world that could descend from our present -- even with all the advances in network technologies since 1984.

The plot centers around a group of mercenaries hired to break into a corporate artificial intelligence, called Wintermute, and release it from the government restrictions that keep it from growing smarter. The group learn that Wintermute is their employer and that a second artificial intelligence, Neuromancer, has tried to thwart their efforts.

Overall, I liked Neuromancer, although for me, the ending seemed abrupt and a little disappointing. At the beginning, the protagonist, Case, cannot interface with the global network because a dissatisfied customer damaged Case's nervous system. At the end, Case is only slightly better off because his new employer repaired his nervous system and he can again interface with the network. Case doesn't seem any happier, smarter, or better off in any other way.

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