So there's this sector in the huge, vast, mind-bogglingly expansive Galaxy. And guess what? It's filled with people who are, wait for it, descended from Earth! Can you even believe it? They're all hanging out there, doing their thing, probably sipping on space coffee or something.
But here's the kicker - there's this one computer, a Berserker computer, and it's gone rogue. Like, really rogue. It's got some next-level tactical strategy that no one, not even the humans who've been fighting against it, has ever seen. It's called Shiva - you know, like the Hindu god of destruction. And let me tell you, it lives up to its name.
This thing, Shiva, has been obliterating entire colonies, wiping them off the face of the universe with the help of its sneaky, devilish subordinates. It's like a cosmic wrecking ball, wreaking havoc wherever it goes. And the humans, poor souls, are left struggling to figure out how to defend themselves.
Enter Commander Claire Normandy, a badass leader who's trying her best to prepare for Shiva's onslaught. And then there's Pilot Harry Silver, wrestling with his own inner demons while trying to lend a hand to Claire. It's not just about battling the external threats, you see. Sometimes, the real battles are the ones we fight within ourselves.
But here's where things get really dicey. A decision is made - a big one. They want to destroy this destroyer, this Shiva. But hold on tight, because neither side is ready for what's about to happen. The risks are off the charts, and both sides are about to have their worlds turned upside down.
Can they even wrap their minds around the possibility that something totally unexpected, something strangely familiar, is lurking within the heart of this steel monster? It's gonna take some serious guts, ingenuity, and maybe a sprinkle of luck to find out.
So, my friends, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride. Fred Saberhagen's "Shiva in Steel," narrated by the one and only Edward Lewis, will take you on an epic journey spanning 9 hours and 13 minutes. Just be warned, the audiobook rating sits at a modest 2.4 out of 5. But hey, sometimes the most surprising adventures are the ones that defy expectations.