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The Mask of Caliban
Australia, many years in the future. A place of darkness, overpopulation and environmental degradation. A rigidly stratified society controlled by supercomputers called Artificial Intelligences. Caliban, a streetperson and petty thief, is given the chance to create a new life for himself. Drawn into a complex game run by the Artificial Intelligences, Caliban suddenly discovers that he is not only fighting for his identity, but for his life…’
311 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
7 people want to read
About the author
Michael Pryor
130 books191 followers Michael Pryor's bio
Check out my Fantasy podcast, 'The World Below the War in the Heavens' wherever you get your podcasts!
I was born in Swan Hill, Victoria. I spent my childhood in country Victoria and Melbourne before moving to Geelong at the age of 10. I lived in Geelong until I went to university in Melbourne after secondary school.
I currently live in Melbourne. I’ve worked as a drainer’s labourer, a truck driver, a bathroom accessories salesperson, an Internet consultant, a Multimedia Developer, a Publisher, in a scrap metal yard and as a secondary school teacher. Whew.
I’ve taught English, Literature, Drama, Legal Studies and Computer Studies.
I've published over thirty-five novels and more than sixty of my short stories have appeared in Australia and overseas in publications such as Overland and the New South Wales School Magazine. My writing moves from literary fiction to genre Science Fiction to slapstick humour, depending on my mood.
I’ve been shortlisted eleven times for the Aurealis Award for Speculative Fiction, and have also been nominated for a Ditmar award. My short stories have twice been featured in Gardner Dozois’ ‘Highly Recommended’ lists in The Year’s Best Science Fiction and The Year’s Best Fantasy. Nine of my books have been CBC Notable Books, I’ve been longlisted for a Golden Inky and I’ve been shortlisted for the WAYBRA Award. I’ve also twice won the Best and Fairest Award at West Brunswick Amateur Football Club.
My reviews tend toward the three word style of the trenchant critic, N. Molesworth.
Check out my Fantasy podcast, 'The World Below the War in the Heavens' wherever you get your podcasts!
I was born in Swan Hill, Victoria. I spent my childhood in country Victoria and Melbourne before moving to Geelong at the age of 10. I lived in Geelong until I went to university in Melbourne after secondary school.
I currently live in Melbourne. I’ve worked as a drainer’s labourer, a truck driver, a bathroom accessories salesperson, an Internet consultant, a Multimedia Developer, a Publisher, in a scrap metal yard and as a secondary school teacher. Whew.
I’ve taught English, Literature, Drama, Legal Studies and Computer Studies.
I've published over thirty-five novels and more than sixty of my short stories have appeared in Australia and overseas in publications such as Overland and the New South Wales School Magazine. My writing moves from literary fiction to genre Science Fiction to slapstick humour, depending on my mood.
I’ve been shortlisted eleven times for the Aurealis Award for Speculative Fiction, and have also been nominated for a Ditmar award. My short stories have twice been featured in Gardner Dozois’ ‘Highly Recommended’ lists in The Year’s Best Science Fiction and The Year’s Best Fantasy. Nine of my books have been CBC Notable Books, I’ve been longlisted for a Golden Inky and I’ve been shortlisted for the WAYBRA Award. I’ve also twice won the Best and Fairest Award at West Brunswick Amateur Football Club.
My reviews tend toward the three word style of the trenchant critic, N. Molesworth.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 14, 2023
Holy fudgeballs - for the last month, I have been totally consumed by THIS BOOK!!!
Ahhh!!! Literally the best thing I have read this year and soo freaking topical (AI and humanity themed!)
The main MCs are such a brilliant Duo - Caliban and Corby, you can't help falling for the pair!
Pryor's writing style is truly decadent ~ made for such a beautiful read that I didn't want this one to end, hence the stalling of completing this one!
Such provocative one-liners, too - literally pulled out the annotations and started underlining!
I normally part with my books after reading them, but I am going to have to keep a tight hold of my copy of this one! Wow!
Written in 1996, this one was WAYYY ahead of its time and I hope it finally get the recognition it deserves as these AI issues are something we could well be facing soon!
Totally STAR-STRUCK after reading this one, Pryor!! What a fabulous read!
Stay safe, stay curious and keep on reading,
Ellie
Ahhh!!! Literally the best thing I have read this year and soo freaking topical (AI and humanity themed!)
The main MCs are such a brilliant Duo - Caliban and Corby, you can't help falling for the pair!
Pryor's writing style is truly decadent ~ made for such a beautiful read that I didn't want this one to end, hence the stalling of completing this one!
Such provocative one-liners, too - literally pulled out the annotations and started underlining!
I normally part with my books after reading them, but I am going to have to keep a tight hold of my copy of this one! Wow!
Written in 1996, this one was WAYYY ahead of its time and I hope it finally get the recognition it deserves as these AI issues are something we could well be facing soon!
Totally STAR-STRUCK after reading this one, Pryor!! What a fabulous read!
Stay safe, stay curious and keep on reading,
Ellie
Displaying 1 of 1 review