Octagon (novel)

First edition (publ. Ace Books)

Octagon is a novel by Fred Saberhagen published in 1981.

Plot summary

Protagonist Alex Barrow discovers that his opponents in the science fiction play-by-mail game Starweb are being murdered.[1]

Reception

Greg Costikyan reviewed Octagon in Ares Magazine #11 and commented that "Octagon is a good mystery novel which explores a rather interesting theme: the idea that a clever programmer can manipulate records and programs in our computer-based world to his own ends."[1]

Dave Langford reviewed Octagon for White Dwarf #68, and stated that "it's a pleasant thriller with the computer-moderated RPG Starweb getting uncomfortable as players are eliminated not by strategy but by assassination. I recommend this technique to Diplomacy addicts. The villain's identity is obvious long before the story reveals it, but it's all quite tense nevertheless."[2]

Reviews

• Review by Tom Easton (1982) in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, March 1, 1982
• Review by Tom A. Jones (1985) in Vector 127

References

1. Costikyan, Greg (November 1981). "Books". Ares Magazine (11). Simulations Publications, Inc.: 24.
2. Langford, Dave (August 1985). "Critical Mass". White Dwarf. No. 68. Games Workshop. p. 15.