When Persephone Kilard signed up and strapped on the miniature recorder, all she wanted was a social networking service that would take the actual work of socializing off of her hands. Fringe religious groups could wax poetic about deeper meanings and universal truths; she just wanted to make her life a little easier. After all, the simulation was only supposed to be her reflection, not her soul.

But there was one small glitch. Suddenly Persephone’s digital profile has a mind of its own. Face to face with herself, Persephone is forced to confront questions about the nature of identity that she’d rather avoid. She’d better figure it out quickly, though, because hers isn’t the only mind lurking in AuroroTech’s drives and networks. Somewhere, hidden in the code, a simulated ghost is watching her while the border between reality and replica unravels. The virtual danger is becoming all too real, and both versions of Persephone need to uncover the truth if either is going to have a chance to survive.

“ Facsimile” is the best of what sci-fi does; it pulls you in. This is a cautionary tale that may be closer than we believe. What makes his book a hit is his ability to make me feel as though I am privy to a frighteningly possible future.

I loved his use of character dialogue; Snyder has the gift/art of the natural flow of conversation between friends, as well as that between foes…I felt like a very lucky eavesdropper. A fly on the wall 🙂

I don’t want to write much more, as my joy of this hidden treasure was the discovery of the world he created! I sincerely hope that this is the beginning of a long career for this talented author.

P.S. For the time being, I will have to be content with reading his book again!