What distinguishes man from machine? In Thomas J J Starr's thought-provoking debut novel, Virtual Vengeance, that line becomes increasingly blurry. A popular author of nonfiction books analyzing advanced telecommunications technology, Starr brings his unique expertise to this action-packed exploration of a futuristic society in which human brains have evolved into machine-based intelligence. In a not-so-distant future, mind-scanning technology has advanced to a level where human teachers have almost been entirely replaced by teaching machines. Yuri Petrov, a Russian immigrant and one of the last teachers left in the United States, works as a computer science professor at the University of Illinois. Petrov's eccentric lifestyle is shattered when he stumbles across a secret that threatens to destroy the whole country: the increasingly popular teaching machines are actually being used to transmit illegal subliminal advertising in order to undermine, and eventually, overthrow the US government. With the whole concept of democracy hanging in the balance, Petrov finds himself at the center of a very dangerous game. Sellco, the advertising firm responsible for the subliminal messaging, has hit its stride under the leadership of the merciless Kent Fechner. Employing some of the most brilliant minds in the world, the company cannot afford to have its plans exposed-least of all by a eccentric professor. With the decision to assassinate Petrov made, Fechner executes the plan with chilling efficiency. However, murdering Petrov proves to be the easy part, as Fechner comes face-to-face with a new life form created by the murdered professor that proves much harder to destroy. Will Petrov manage to exact revenge from beyond the grave? And who-or what-has the professor created in his place? A cautionary tale for these gadget-crazed times, Starr's Virtual Vengeance highlights the irresistible pull that technology creates for us, even despite its enormous risks. As readers ponder the difference between man and machine, they will find a visionary tale that thoughtfully examines life, death, and technology-and what lies between. "Engineers and scientists bring us the future every day, so it is no surprise that Thomas J. J. Starr brings us near-future science fiction in Virtual Vengeance with an emphasis on technical detail and plausibility that will satisfy hard science fans," says Donald J. Bingle, author of Net Impact. "But even more important, there is depth to the characters, twists and turns in the plot, and a sense of vision for the future that makes this a strong debut novel which will satisfy both the creative and analytical sides of your brain."