Soma

Aton #4

by Charles Platt

The fourth book set in the Chthon universe, the first two written by Piers Anthony, this one and Plasm written by Platt. Aton-Five was both more than and less than human. Imprisoned on Chthon, he was being trained to become a super-soldier, a deadly weapon. 237 pages.

Genres: Science Fiction

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 3, 1989

About the author

From wikipedia:

Charles Platt (born in London, England, 1945) is the author of 41 fiction and nonfiction books, including science-fiction novels such as The Silicon Man and Protektor (published in paperback by Avon Books). He has also written non-fiction, particularly on the subjects of computer technology and cryonics, as well as teaching and working in these fields. Platt relocated from England to the United States in 1970 and is a naturalized U. S. citizen.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

See:

Charles Platt, born 1869

Reviews

[Pete · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recently re-read Piers Anthony's Chthon and Phthor. Still really like the first, despite its flaws. Pthor had its moments but not nearly as good. I decided to read the official sequels by Platt, Plasm and Soma. Plasm is a surprisingly good book book--better than Phthor, but more conventional that Chthon.

And now Soma. Not sure what to say. The earlier novels certainly had shocking and disturbing moments, but Soma take this to new levels. A large part of this novel focuses on the degradation, torture and mutilation of Aton. He is so debased that he wholeheartedly embraces his sadistic tendencies. He now delights in torture and mutilation and can only achieve sexual satisfaction this way. What is the point? The alien life form of Chthon has survived the previous book and is now intent on revenge. Aton, and others like him, will be the instrument of revenge

The science fictional ideas in the book are slight. Torture, degradation and sadism seem to be the point. Surprised that this was published as mainstream SF.

[Des · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that really took a dark turn...

[Andrew]

Wanted

[Howard]

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