Cum Grano Salis By: Randall Garrett (1927-1987)
Cum Grano Salis by Randall Garrett is a riveting science fiction novel that combines elements of mystery and suspense with a futuristic setting. The story transports readers to a world where advanced technology enables the creation of incredibly lifelike androids known as "gols." These gols have become an integral part of society, serving humans in various capacities. The book follows the life of protagonist Pieter Ten Alven, a renowned gol psychologist, who is called upon to investigate a series of murders involving gols. As the plot unravels, Ten Alven finds himself in a web of deceit and danger, where nothing is as it seems. The author's narrative style keeps readers engaged and constantly guessing, luring them into a labyrinth of twists and turns. One of the book's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Each individual is distinctive, with their own motivations and secrets. Ten Alven is a complex and relatable protagonist whose internal struggles mirror the external conflicts he faces. The supporting characters, such as the enigmatic gol detective Langston and the seductive gol performer Fika, add depth to the story and create a diverse and multi-faceted cast. Garrett's world-building is exceptional. The futuristic society he creates is both fascinating and believable, seamlessly blending advanced technology with the ethical implications it raises. The author explores thought-provoking themes surrounding the concept of consciousness and the relationships between humans and artificial intelligence. These philosophical discussions are seamlessly woven into the narrative, prompting readers to ponder the ethical dilemmas presented. The pacing of Cum Grano Salis is excellently executed, with the mystery steadily building throughout the novel. Each new clue or revelation adds layers to the intricate plot, ensuring that readers remain invested in the outcome. Garrett masterfully balances the action with introspection, allowing readers to delve into the depths of Ten Alven's mind while never losing sight of the central mystery. However, one aspect that could have been improved upon is the dialogue. At times, the conversations between characters feel slightly forced and unnatural. While this doesn't greatly hinder the enjoyment of the story, it does momentarily disrupt the immersion in the world the author has created. Overall, Cum Grano Salis is a captivating science fiction novel that successfully combines the elements of mystery, suspense, and ethical exploration. Randall Garrett's writing keeps readers engrossed from start to finish, and his thought-provoking themes ensure that the story lingers in their minds long after the final page. Fans of the genre, especially those intrigued by the interaction between humans and artificial intelligence, will find this book to be an enthralling and intellectually stimulating read. First Page: CUM GRANO SALIS. BY DAVID GORDON Illustrated by Emsh Just because a man can do something others can't does not, unfortunately, mean he knows how to do it. One man could eat the native fruit and live ... but how? "And that," said Colonel Fennister glumly, "appears to be that." The pile of glowing coals that had been Storage Shed Number One was still sending up tongues of flame, but they were nothing compared with what they'd been half an hour before. "The smoke smells good, anyway," said Major Grodski, sniffing appreciatively. The colonel turned his head and glowered at his adjutant. "There are times, Grodski, when your sense of humor is out of place." "Yes, sir," said the major, still sniffing. "Funny thing for lightning to do, though. Sort of a dirty trick, you might say." " You might," growled the colonel. He was a short, rather roundish man, who was forever thankful that the Twentieth Century predictions of skin tight uniforms for the Space Service had never come true. He had round, pleasant, blue eyes, a rather largish nose, and a rumbling basso voice that was a little surprising the first time you heard it, but which seemed to fit perfectly after you knew him better. Right at the moment, he was filing data and recommendations in his memory, where they would be instantly available for use when he needed them... Continue reading book >>

Cum Grano Salis By: Randall Garrett (1927-1987)

Cum Grano Salis by Randall Garrett is a riveting science fiction novel that combines elements of mystery and suspense with a futuristic setting. The story transports readers to a world where advanced technology enables the creation of incredibly lifelike androids known as "gols." These gols have become an integral part of society, serving humans in various capacities.

The book follows the life of protagonist Pieter Ten Alven, a renowned gol psychologist, who is called upon to investigate a series of murders involving gols. As the plot unravels, Ten Alven finds himself in a web of deceit and danger, where nothing is as it seems. The author's narrative style keeps readers engaged and constantly guessing, luring them into a labyrinth of twists and turns.

One of the book's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Each individual is distinctive, with their own motivations and secrets. Ten Alven is a complex and relatable protagonist whose internal struggles mirror the external conflicts he faces. The supporting characters, such as the enigmatic gol detective Langston and the seductive gol performer Fika, add depth to the story and create a diverse and multi-faceted cast.

Garrett's world-building is exceptional. The futuristic society he creates is both fascinating and believable, seamlessly blending advanced technology with the ethical implications it raises. The author explores thought-provoking themes surrounding the concept of consciousness and the relationships between humans and artificial intelligence. These philosophical discussions are seamlessly woven into the narrative, prompting readers to ponder the ethical dilemmas presented.

The pacing of Cum Grano Salis is excellently executed, with the mystery steadily building throughout the novel. Each new clue or revelation adds layers to the intricate plot, ensuring that readers remain invested in the outcome. Garrett masterfully balances the action with introspection, allowing readers to delve into the depths of Ten Alven's mind while never losing sight of the central mystery.

However, one aspect that could have been improved upon is the dialogue. At times, the conversations between characters feel slightly forced and unnatural. While this doesn't greatly hinder the enjoyment of the story, it does momentarily disrupt the immersion in the world the author has created.

Overall, Cum Grano Salis is a captivating science fiction novel that successfully combines the elements of mystery, suspense, and ethical exploration. Randall Garrett's writing keeps readers engrossed from start to finish, and his thought-provoking themes ensure that the story lingers in their minds long after the final page. Fans of the genre, especially those intrigued by the interaction between humans and artificial intelligence, will find this book to be an enthralling and intellectually stimulating read.

First Page:

CUM GRANO SALIS.

BY DAVID GORDON

Illustrated by Emsh

Just because a man can do something others can't does not, unfortunately, mean he knows how to do it. One man could eat the native fruit and live ... but how?

"And that," said Colonel Fennister glumly, "appears to be that."

The pile of glowing coals that had been Storage Shed Number One was still sending up tongues of flame, but they were nothing compared with what they'd been half an hour before.

"The smoke smells good, anyway," said Major Grodski, sniffing appreciatively.

The colonel turned his head and glowered at his adjutant.

"There are times, Grodski, when your sense of humor is out of place."

"Yes, sir," said the major, still sniffing. "Funny thing for lightning to do, though. Sort of a dirty trick, you might say."

" You might," growled the colonel. He was a short, rather roundish man, who was forever thankful that the Twentieth Century predictions of skin tight uniforms for the Space Service had never come true. He had round, pleasant, blue eyes, a rather largish nose, and a rumbling basso voice that was a little surprising the first time you heard it, but which seemed to fit perfectly after you knew him better.

Right at the moment, he was filing data and recommendations in his memory, where they would be instantly available for use when he needed them... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Science

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Wikipedia – Cum Grano Salis

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