The Integrated Man

by Michael Berlyn

Science fiction novel.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

214 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1980

About the author

Michael Berlyn (born 1949) is an American video game designer and writer. He is best known as an implementer at Infocom, part of the text adventure game design team.

Reviews

[M. Wehm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The central idea of using a chip to enhance abilities and be able to experience another person's personality was extremely well done in this gem I found in a book exchange. However, the details of the plot were a little thin and kept throwing me off. While the bad guy's overall motivations make sense enough (greed, power), the details of his activities with respect to the protagonist were baffling. The final showdown between them was also particularly anti-climactic.

However, it was a fun, easy read, and the issues that the chip and receptacle system brought up were interesting. If you can find it, it's worth a read.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and compelling book. The sections of the book that deal with the hero are top-notch, but the villain is not convincing. But the setting makes up for this flaw.

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Integrated Man by Michael Berlyn is a 1980 sci-fi release that I just happened to spot at a used bookstore earlier this summer. I hadn't heard of it at all before then, but that cover (and a very low price) caught my eye. The idea of using a computer chip to enhance you abilities or experience the personalities of other people was really cool. I don't know if it would be ahead of it's time or not, but it definitely felt like it. My only complaint is in regards to the bad guy - he doesn't make a whole lot of sense at all. Otherwise, this is definitely worth trying out.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd ball sci fi, that kept me interested to the end, but not really sure I liked it!

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much a Philip K Dickian plot just with a lot less wackiness.