That synopsis gives you an idea of the depth and thoughtfulness of this book. The conflict continues on various levels, drawing from ancient mythology, various conspiracy theories and a healthy dose of modern computer philosophy. We (and the characters) are never sure whether the cryptic messages come from Andromeda, the invention of Samuel Morse or Jewish Kabbalah.

The writing style is seriously poetic, using powerful imagery and metaphor to draw readers into the experience. Thematically, the story discusses the possibility of the individual being able to make a free choice. The answer seems to be that life is a melody with the tune already written, but how the musicians play the music is up to them.

There is a lot of repetition in the dialogue, with the same ideas being tossed around in different forms. But we need it. As the characters gradually dig deeper into the programming of reality, they learn what’s going on, and readers do too.

The action sequences are scattered through the programming and discussion, but there is a key moment around page 400 where the heroes make a decision to start writing their own code, to jolt the computer into a reset. From this point the conflict is more clear to us, and the physical action picks up as well.

This book is not an easy read. It teems with esoteric discussion, but the intensity of the feelings of the wonderful characters carries us through. We progress more smoothly once we realize that it is not necessary to understand the complex ideas in detail; it is enough that the characters do. The reading experience is enhanced if we let the poetry carry us away, and we can ride on the emotions of the individuals to an ending that reaffirms the power of the creative human soul.

And if you finish the book and still want more of the discussion, read the appendix. Wow!

Five stars.

This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery