cover image BODY ELECTRIC

BODY ELECTRIC

Susan Squires, . . Leisure, $6.99 (367pp) ISBN 978-0-8439-5036-6

The near future, as Squires (The Sacrament) envisions it in this electrifying and sensual sci-fi romance, is a computer-dominated metropolis ruled more by commerce—and a colossal software corporation named Visimorph (read: Microsoft)—than conscience. Vic Barnhardt, a brilliant and troubled computer programmer who's determined to create artificial intelligence (AI), is the novel's hip heroine, but her controlling nature and ambiguous sexuality (she dresses and acts like a man in order to fit into the computer world) may alienate readers initially. The story springs to life when Vic's AI does. Before long, Vic and Jodie, her all-too-human, male computer program, are on the run from Vic's boss, Bob McIntire, the founder of Visimorph. More a caricature than a character, McIntire sells inferior software, charges a bundle for upgrades and believes AI may be the most marketable product since Windows—if he could only get his hands on it. While hiding out, Vic gives Jodie an "upgrade" of sorts, falls in love with him and, in the process, learns to accept herself. Although some of the book's science fictional elements are far-fetched (such as Jodie's transformation from code to sentient being), Squires's deft plotting and full-bodied characters make this whirlwind adventure worthwhile. (On sale Aug. 6)

Forecast:It's tough to pigeonhole this eclectic work and even more difficult to decide where to shelve it. Hardcore SF readers will be turned off by its romantic overtones and wooly scientific explanations, and conservative romance readers may be too daunted by Squires's futuristic jargon. Still, the book's catchy title and seductive cover design (featuring a woman's naked back superimposed with computer code) may help it appeal to a younger generation of romance readers.