The Goliath Stone

By: Larry Niven, Matthew Joseph Harrington

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Doctor Toby Glyer has effected miracle cures with the use of nanotechnology. But Glyer’s controversial nanites are more than just the latest technological advance, they are a new form of life - and they have more uses than just medical. Glyer’s nanites also have the potential to make everyone on Earth rich from the wealth of asteroids.

Twenty-five years ago, the Briareus mission took nanomachinery out to divert an Earth-crossing asteroid and bring it back to be mined, only to drop out of contact as soon as it reached its target. The project was shut down and the technology was forcibly suppressed.

Now, a much, much larger asteroid is on a collision course with Earth - and the Briareus nanites may be responsible. While the government scrambles to find a solution, Glyer knows that their only hope of avoiding Armageddon lies in the nanites themselves. On the run, Glyer must track down his old partner, William Connors, and find a way to make contact with their wayward children.

As every parent learns, when you produce a new thinking being, the plans it makes are not necessarily your plans. But with a two-hundred-gigaton asteroid that rivals the rock that felled the dinosaurs hurtling toward Earth, Glyer and Connors don’t have time to argue. Will Glyer’s nanites be Earth's salvation or destruction?

©2013 Larry Niven and Matthew Joseph Harrington (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

quick paced story, great narration

loved the story, but there may be some who don't get nanotechnology. too bad as that is integral to the story. plot somewhat predictable but a few twists kept it interesting. all in all, worth the time.

Niven still has his chops!

Loved this book. The audible performance certainly does it justice. Larry's discovery of Matthew J Harrington and decision to collaborate with him has certainly borne fruit!

Niven still is at the top of the field

Would you consider the audio edition of The Goliath Stone to be better than the print version?

The audible version has some jarring lapses. For example, "Kay-on" is the pronunciation used for term "cation."

What did you like best about this story?

The Niven version the escaped nanobot plot: as a rule, Niven's plots are unusually technologically dense and bubbling with ideas.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The southern accent of a main character intrudes on the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

A new Niven book is almost always a lovely mini-vacation: this Niven collaboration is more comfort food than a seven course gourmet meal, but it works.

long and boring

Narrator was okay. Not his fault. Was long & boring. What happened to the astroid?

This is just BAD

The story is very one dimensional, they pass the ability of a veteran sci-fi and fantasy reader to suspend disbelief, and the writing style is schizophrenic. NO NO NO

Boring, unbelievable nano junk!

Oh my God! The first half of this book is dialog between two characters that you can't bring yourself to care anything for. They spend all of the time telling the story instead of showing the story. I felt like the two characters were about as interesting as sock puppets. The narration is barely passable -- I'll give him three stars for a good effort. I am Nivan fan and read many of his books, so I was really excited when this book was released.

This doesn't even qualify as classic Sci Fi because the technology just doesn't wash. I got half way through the book and decided I really didn't care what happens. You know what? When I finished it, I shouldn't have. I give this a hard pass, don't waste the listening hours like I did.

Larry, I am disappoint!

What disappointed you about The Goliath Stone?

Characters, dialogue and plot all seem both one dimensional and forced.I forced myself to bear with it through to the end, and it turned out to be as disappointing and predictable as I feared.To sum it up without giving too much of the plot away, this novel is Atlas Shrugged with nanobots, IN SPACE!

Has The Goliath Stone turned you off from other books in this genre?

I never did like Randian dross, sci-fi or otherwise.

What three words best describe Jeff Woodman’s voice?

Could be worse

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Both sadness and disappointment

Any additional comments?

Listening to this is less painful than nailing your schlong to a coffee table, but not by a wide margin.