Octagon is a novel by Fred Saberhagen published in 1981.
Plot summary
editProtagonist Alex Barrow discovers that his opponents in the science fiction play-by-mail game Starweb are being murdered.[1]
Reception
editGreg Costikyan reviewed Octagon in Ares Magazine #11 and commented that "Octagon is a good mystery novel which explores a rather interesting theme: the idea that a clever programmer can manipulate records and programs in our computer-based world to his own ends."[1]
Dave Langford reviewed Octagon for White Dwarf #68, and stated that "it's a pleasant thriller with the computer-moderated RPG Starweb getting uncomfortable as players are eliminated not by strategy but by assassination. I recommend this technique to Diplomacy addicts. The villain's identity is obvious long before the story reveals it, but it's all quite tense nevertheless."[2]
Reviews
edit- Review by Tom Easton (1982) in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, March 1, 1982
- Review by Tom A. Jones (1985) in Vector 127
References
edit- ^ a b Costikyan, Greg (November 1981). "Books". Ares Magazine (11). Simulations Publications, Inc.: 24.
- ^ Langford, Dave (August 1985). "Critical Mass". White Dwarf. No. 68. Games Workshop. p. 15.
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