The Gadget Factor

by Sandy Landsman

Two college freshmen create the ultimate computer game, a universe built to their own specifications, but complications arise when their formulas for time travel also work in the real world.

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction

Hardcover

First published March 1, 1984

Reviews

[Lori]

Read it on a road trip and had a laugh. Recommended from a techno-geek friend who remembered reading it as a kid and freaking out at how cool it was. We knew very well how dated it was, but it was still fun to read and had a great storyline. We agreed that it held up as a story because you could update the technology references pretty easily and still have a great adventure. Good fun.

[Elizabeth Lund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun YA sci-fi from the early days of computing. A child prodigy who has entered college at age 13 programs a virtual universe with a friend and accidentally uncovers what may be the secret to time travel. The plot twists were believable and the characters and premise were rich.

[Taurence Mcknight · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've ever read in my life

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly good. Of course the computer stuff is dated, and the adventures implausible. But the provocation to think about the consequences of new technologies is well done. And the three different personalities of wunderkind and their respective interactions are also thought-provoking. Just how badly do some ppl want the Nobel prize? And is it just a game? And what is real life like compared to time in the lab?