Rating: 
Summary: True names for a modern world
Review: Syne Mitchell manages to combine the rollicking adventure of Vinge's True Names with Gibson's cyberpunk edge, resulting in a very satisfying tale about a mind that emerges from the shared consciousness of people connected to the net.If you think about it, the idea that people would expand their consciousness through machines isn't nearly as plausible (or terrifying) as the idea that machines can become conscious through people.
Rating: 
Summary: Future History?
Review: The awakening of the Internet is a fascinating topic, and one that is not implausible. Many scientists and computer researchers believe something like what this book describes could in fact happen and probably WILL! "Technogenesis" is not just scientifically interesting, but also a good read. It's briskly paced, features a likable and very human heroine, and does a great job of presenting more than one side of a controversial subject. I hope to read more from Syne Mitchell. By the way, if you liked (or think you might like) this novel, make sure you check out "Diaspora" by Greg Egan. It is superb. - Mike Treder
Rating:
Summary: A little bit predictable, but still thoroughly enjoyable.
Review: There were a few too many moments in the book that I could see coming-- does every heroine need to fall in love with the guy she initially thinks is a handsome jerk? But still, I have to admit that I had a lot of trouble putting the book down. Mitchell's writing is addictive and she caught my imagination with her ideas. Worth reading despite minor flaws.
Rating:
Summary: Could be a possible reality sooner than we know.
Review: This book had me from the beggining. I am a gadget and technology guru, so this book really hit home. I did find though that the book started loosing interest about 3/4 of the way through. Then it picked up again.The ending was ok but definately could have been better.Still an excellant book to read. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Rating: 
Summary: Immature and poorly written
Review: This is without doubt the worst book I have read this year. It is poorly constructed, ill thought out and just plain poor science. The characters are shallow and cliche, after boring clieche page upon page is presented you by an author who can barely write. This is sci-fi for ten year olds written by a ten year old. Do not waste your money.
Rating:
Summary: It was good
Review: This wasn't the best book every written but It wasn't a waste of time.
Rating:
Summary: An Ace Double for the Cyber Age.
Review: What this book reminded me of, more than anything else, was one of the old Ace Doubles, the better half, brought up to date in the cyber age. Which means lots of action, some introspection, and a problem of world-shattering importance, with heavy reliance on computers taking over the world. And come to think of it, that's not such a new idea after all.
Well, read the book. The other reviews will describe the plot lines. What surprised me is that in the end the book didn't exactly go where I thought it was going to go. There might be a follow-up story, and there might not. In this case, it might be a letdown, but there are some loose ends dangling. Maybe it's more fun to tie them up yourself, in your own mind.
What I don't think is that this a classic worth 5 stars. Maybe 3 and a half, but I'll round it up to 4. Solid entertainment, vividly told, but I don't think the roots run all that deep.
Rating: 
Summary: Syne Suffers Sophomore Slump
Review: Writers of great debut novels often fall short on their sophomore outings, ensnared by high expectations and pressure to crank out another winner before the buzz fades. It might even be said that surviving a sophomore slump is a rite of passage for any novelist worth the title. If so, Syne Mitchell is right on track. Her second novel, Technogenesis, again demonstrates the solid writing skills necessary for long-term success. Some readers may enjoy identifying other science fiction works evoked consciously or unconsciously in various scenes. Unfortunately, this book lacks the creative spark and workmanlike effort of Murphy's Gambit. Technogenesis is set in the early 22nd century. Nearly everyone filters life through an Internet connection. Temporarily unconnected due to a hardware glitch, Jasmine (Jaz) Reese suspects that the Net is being used to control society. The first hundred pages of Technogenesis is a not-very-innovative "Big Brother is watching you" riff. Jaz tries to investigate. She tries to enlist help. She tries to be careful. She's foiled at every turn and eventually nabbed by security agents. The second hundred pages reflect a "civvies in spyland" theme. Jaz is coerced into working for the agency that nabbed her. After a one-day crash course in spy tactics, she's supposed to infiltrate a dissident group with another unwilling recruit. Turning a reluctant Jaz loose as a spy makes no sense. The agency admits that the dissidents will mind-probe her to check her loyalty, so her training includes beating a probe; well, if she can fool the dissidents, then why not the agency? And one day of training? Get real. Finally, throwing Jaz into danger with a strange man might be cute in a romantic comedy, but doesn't play well here. In the final hundred-plus pages, after a successful infiltration, most plot advances occur in virtual reality. There are also the semi-obligatory sex scenes, one in VR. Past acquaintance with written descriptions of VR experiences has left a distinct impression that any virtual activity, like real-world sex, would have to be far more interesting to live than to read about. Technogenesis does nothing to alter this impression. Events and motivations throughout Technogenesis fail the "willing suspension of disbelief" test that is the hallmark of good writing. Decisions and actions are inconsistent with or inadequately supported by previously laid groundwork. The more credible passages are often simply bland. Mitchell still needs competent proofreaders, and someone again deserves a slap on the wrist for re-using husband Eric Nylund's promotional quote without clearly disclosing the personal relationship. After finishing Murphy's Gambit, this reader was left eagerly hoping for a sequel. On reading the final sentence of Technogenesis, there was a sinking feeling that a sequel is inevitable.
Rating:
Summary: Syne Suffers Sophomore Slump
Review: Writers of great debut novels often fall short on their sophomore outings, ensnared by high expectations and pressure to crank out another winner before the buzz fades. It might even be said that surviving a sophomore slump is a rite of passage for any novelist worth the title. If so, Syne Mitchell is right on track. Her second novel, Technogenesis, again demonstrates the solid writing skills necessary for long-term success. Some readers may enjoy identifying other science fiction works evoked consciously or unconsciously in various scenes. Unfortunately, this book lacks the creative spark and workmanlike effort of Murphy's Gambit. Technogenesis is set in the early 22nd century. Nearly everyone filters life through an Internet connection. Temporarily unconnected due to a hardware glitch, Jasmine (Jaz) Reese suspects that the Net is being used to control society. The first hundred pages of Technogenesis is a not-very-innovative "Big Brother is watching you" riff. Jaz tries to investigate. She tries to enlist help. She tries to be careful. She's foiled at every turn and eventually nabbed by security agents. The second hundred pages reflect a "civvies in spyland" theme. Jaz is coerced into working for the agency that nabbed her. After a one-day crash course in spy tactics, she's supposed to infiltrate a dissident group with another unwilling recruit. Turning a reluctant Jaz loose as a spy makes no sense. The agency admits that the dissidents will mind-probe her to check her loyalty, so her training includes beating a probe; well, if she can fool the dissidents, then why not the agency? And one day of training? Get real. Finally, throwing Jaz into danger with a strange man might be cute in a romantic comedy, but doesn't play well here. In the final hundred-plus pages, after a successful infiltration, most plot advances occur in virtual reality. There are also the semi-obligatory sex scenes, one in VR. Past acquaintance with written descriptions of VR experiences has left a distinct impression that any virtual activity, like real-world sex, would have to be far more interesting to live than to read about. Technogenesis does nothing to alter this impression. Events and motivations throughout Technogenesis fail the "willing suspension of disbelief" test that is the hallmark of good writing. Decisions and actions are inconsistent with or inadequately supported by previously laid groundwork. The more credible passages are often simply bland. Mitchell still needs competent proofreaders, and someone again deserves a slap on the wrist for re-using husband Eric Nylund's promotional quote without clearly disclosing the personal relationship. After finishing Murphy's Gambit, this reader was left eagerly hoping for a sequel. On reading the final sentence of Technogenesis, there was a sinking feeling that a sequel is inevitable.
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