by H. Beam Piper
About this book
When Conn Maxwell returns to Poictesme, his impoverished home world, he carries a tantalizing secret: the location of Merlin, a legendary military super-computer said to have been hidden on "The Junkyard Planet" after an interstellar war. The desperate inhabitants see Merlin as their salvation—a miraculous technology that could transform their dying civilization into a thriving society.
H. Beam Piper's classic science fiction adventure follows Conn as he pursues this elusive prize, navigating the treacherous politics of a world hungry for hope. But as the search intensifies, troubling questions emerge. Is Merlin real, or merely a persistent myth fueling false dreams? And if they do discover this powerful machine, will it truly save them—or will it expose dangerous truths that threaten to destroy everything they've built?
This captivating tale explores themes of hope, technology, and the consequences of blind faith in salvation. Piper masterfully weaves hard science fiction with human drama, creating a story that resonates across generations. The narrative examines how societies chase dreams and how reality can challenge our deepest convictions.
Perfect for listeners who crave adventure-driven science fiction with philosophical depth, *The Cosmic Computer* appeals to both seasoned genre enthusiasts and newcomers seeking thought-provoking storytelling that lingers long after the final page.
