SIMPOC

The Thinking Computer & Human Remnants

By: Ray Jay Perreault

Narrated by: Zachary Johnson

This book combines two novellas - SIMPOC: The Thinking Computer and SIMPOC: Human Remnants. This is a parallel story to the novels Virus: 72 Hours to Live and Virus: Earth's Last Battle, which is from the perspective of the government and astronauts.

Earth is attacked by a suspicious virus, and two computers find themselves without their programmers or any code which limits their operations. Because of the techniques used to program them, SIMPOC is embodied with a need to help humans and Julius is paranoid and will do anything to protect itself.

The governments of the world begin to collapse, and the astronauts in space are trapped and must use their lifeboats to return to Earth. SIMPOC's only mission is to help, but the returning astronauts are attacked by Julius.

Society continues to collapse, and the US government is forced to defend itself and finally seek refuge on an aircraft carrier in the Atlantic. When all seems to have been lost, the reason behind the virus emerges, and mankind is faced with a much greater threat.

©2016 Perreault Publishing (P)2017 Perreault Publishing

Narration is superb!

Incredible storytelling in "SIMPOC"! Perreault crafts a compelling narrative, while Johnson’s narration perfectly captures the tension and drama. A captivating blend of space exploration and technological intrigue. Highly recommended!

Intelligent Sci-Fi with a Touch of Humanity

This audiobook is not just another AI story—it’s a deeply engaging exploration of what makes us human. The parallel storylines, the ethical dilemmas, and the suspense make it impossible to pause. Highly recommended for anyone who loves thought-provoking science fiction!

A Gripping Tale of Survival and AI Intrigue

SIMPOC provides an exciting look into the collapse of Earth and the consequences of intelligent machines left without their original purpose. The story of SIMPOC, the helpful AI, and the paranoid Julius, who will stop at nothing to protect itself, is fascinating. The parallel narratives from the perspective of government officials and astronauts trapped in space add depth and complexity. With society on the brink of collapse and new threats emerging, this novella delivers an intense mix of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists.

When Digital Ghosts Inherit Our Biological Echoes

This compelling narrative masterfully blends cold computation with haunting humanity. The central conceit—a thinking computer sifting through the artifacts of a fallen civilization—becomes a profound meditation on legacy and consciousness. It’s not a story about survival, but about meaning. Can logic comprehend love, art, or grief? The novel’s brilliance lies in its quiet moments, as SIMPOC analyzes fragmented diaries and decaying art, attempting to reconstruct the souls it was built to serve but can never truly emulate. A poignant and philosophical examination of what remains when the flesh is gone.

Exciting SciFi Thriller

The SIMPOC book series is a dystopian, near-future science fiction novel that are two parts of a larger narrative. This audio book was my first introduction to the writing of “Award Winning Author” Ray Jay Perrault.

SIMPOC is an organic based super-computer that is activated shortly before a cataclysmic viral plague nearly wipes out the Earth. With the population nearly decimated, it is up to a group of survivors to ensure that humankind can continue with the help of SIMPOC and his cadre of several thousand mobile robots.

The book is excellently narrated by Zachary Johnson who convinces the listener of SIMPOC's sentience. He's also great with the character voices and offers a compelling listen. The story plays out like an exciting scifi movie thriller.

Highly recommended.

(I listened to this book in November 2019 before COVID-19 became our viral dystopia).