The Downloaded

By: Robert J. Sawyer

Narrated by: Brendan Fraser, Luke Kirby, Vanessa Sears, Colm Feore, Andrew Phung, full cast

Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

In 2059, two vastly different groups of people portrayed by the compelling trio of Brendan Fraser (Academy Award winner), Luke Kirby (Emmy Award winner), and Vanessa Sears (Dora Award winner) undergo cryonic suspension. While their bodies are frozen, their minds, still active and awake, are uploaded into a massive quantum computer. The first group are all astronauts, about to leave Earth on a one-way interstellar colonization mission. The second group consists of convicted murderers and volunteers who elect to serve their sentences in a virtual-reality prison. But while both groups are suspended, a global cataclysm devastates most of the Earth, and their cryosleep is extended by more than 500 years.

Now available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

©2023 Robert J. Sawyer (P)2023 Audible Originals, LLC.

I tried

I generally love all science fiction. The dystopian and the hopeful. I liked the concept of this one as well but it was a hard listen for me because no matter how much I tried to lose myself in the plot the author continued to remind me of what their current politics are. I mean this is a book dealing with individuals in a future that is fairly distant from now, yet present day politics continuously were thrown into the mix. Seemed heavy handed to me. however I did like the premise and acting quite a bit. will certainly try another read/listen from this author.

Great performance.

Such depth in the sound track. There were a few times I had to remove my ear buds to check to see if there was someone in the house. Robert delivers another foray into the human race at its best and worst. well done!!

Excellent

Great cast, vast story line. I love a story and characters that I can’t anticipate decisions and outcomes. Surprisingly nuanced, as well.

It was good

Love the plot of the book. Love the politics sprinkled in . Great to pass time with as well .

Great story

Great story line as usual from Sawyer. Invigorating plot, great storyline arc, and deals with social issues (transphobia, prison reform, civil rights, systemic racism) in a thoughtful manner that is highly relevant to society today. One of Sawyer’s most masterful novels ever. I would highly recommend it. Only complaint is it’s too short, would have loved it to be longer because it’s so good.

Quite good

Really enjoyed this. Interesting story and cast did wonderfully. Kept me interested to end.
Comments about "politics" is just the usual complaints when a writer speaks his/her mind through freedom of speech and uses his/her creative outlet.
Definitely worth listening too.

Self-reflective

The allegories that are layered in the main story, the sub-stories, and the character subplots make it difficult for someone not to reassess one's own thoughts and actions. Throw in the polarized reviews and you really get to see how the book hits the mark.

Nothing political

Literally there is nothing political in this book. It’s social commentary. And a trans character is represented. That’s not political. It barely goes into detail it’s just normalising a human being.

Great book.

Different & Interesting

I seriously enjoyed this unexpected listen. From start to finish it was unique, thought provoking, and exceptionally performed.

Not bad, but not great either.

unlike some of the negative reviews I've read, the politics expressed in the story don't bother me at all. I don't think they went overboard in the least. the reason I'm not giving this story five stars is because it just wasn't exciting. it was the type of story that you would find on Syfy network, in my opinion. that is self is not a bad thing, but it means that there is some level of camp and overdone acting to be expected. I thought the premise for the story was good, but the ending left me unsurprised as it felt fairly cliche. the twist, if we call it that, was also not a surprise. I was able to guess it without trying pretty early on. I mentioned earlier the acting but I guess I should have referred to it as narration. I thought the various cast telling the story did their best, I suppose for a short audiobook, but they didn't draw me in at all. it felt like they were reading scripts in a high school play read room. their voices were often over the top and didn't seem to have genuine emotion. the conversations did not feel genuine. they definitely felt scripted. so, for a short audiobook that is included free with membership, I suppose it could be worth a listen for many people. I don't think this would be something I would be happy had I had to pay for it.