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Cover of The merchants of souls

The merchants of souls

John Barnes (2001)

SubgenreFantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG-13
Pages399 (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age16
Goodreads3.78/5 (173)

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentNone
LanguageMild

Synopsis

From back cover Tor paperback November 2002: The sequel to *A Million Open Doors* and *Earth Made of Glass* Special agent Giraut Leones, betrayed by his superior and closest friend, swore he would never work for the Office of Special Projects again -- but now he must. A new movement on Earth seeks to use the recorded personalities of the dead as helpless virtual reality playthings, and to the worlds of the Thousand Cultures -- where the reborn are accepted as normal citizens -- it's a monstrous crime. If Giraut cannot stop Earth from ratifying its plans, the tenuous structure of interstellar human civilization will collapse. Complicating matters, Giraut's brain now hosts a second consciousness -- the revived mind of his long-dead friend Raimbaut. Together, Giraut and Raimbaut must confront their shared past while struggling with a deadly present.

Is The merchants of souls appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 16 and up.

This adult science fiction novel contains political intrigue, espionage, and moderate action violence. The complex premise involves uploaded consciousness and virtual reality exploitation, raising ethical questions about personhood and technology.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death, betrayal, and psychological manipulation.

Who'll love this

Teens who enjoy thought-provoking science fiction with spy thriller elements and exploring what makes someone truly human will find this compelling.

Tags

Science FictionSpy ThrillerPolitical SFPhilosophical SF