The Singularity Trap

By: Dennis E. Taylor

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Dennis E. Taylor, author of the best-selling Bobiverse trilogy, explores a whole different, darker world in this sci-fi stand-alone. Determined to give his wife and children a better life back home, Ivan Pritchard ventures to the edge of known space to join the crew of the Mad Astra as an asteroid miner. He's prepared for hard work and loneliness—but not the unthinkable. After coming into contact with a mysterious alien substance, Pritchard finds an unwelcome entity sharing his mind, and a disturbing physical transformation taking place. With his very humanity at stake, Pritchard must save mankind from a full-scale interstellar war.

Brought to life by prolific, award-winning narrator Ray Porter, The Singularity Trap is a thrilling adventure rife with drama and action on a truly cosmic scale.

©2018 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC. Cover illustration by Stephan Martiniere.

The Expectations Trap

One really has to write two reviews of this book, one for Bobiverse fans and one for people are not familiar with Dennis Taylor's highly popular series. For Bob fans, the main thing is to set your expectations properly. The Bob trilogy is about a human consciousness (Bob) housed inside a computer -- the singularity, as some refer to it, the complete man-machine interface. Singularity Trap is likewise about a man (Ivan) in a machine. Both face practical and moral challenges working within their machine confines and also in the wider universe they live in.

The Bobiverse is funny and full of pop culture references, particularly well-known SF tropes like Star Trek. This book is not so funny and has only a smattering of references, it's not that kind of book. It's not trying to be funny, it's meant to be more thought-provoking, exploring a number of issues about humanity. If you set your expectations properly, especially with respect to the lack of a laugh track, there is no reason not to like this book as much as Bob -- well, almost as much, it's good (IMO) but still not quite as good as Bob.

I mean, if you're a science nerd or a science fiction nerd, what's not to like about a story that turns on game theory?

What we really have here is a re-telling of 2001: A Space Odyssey, without the inscrutable Kubrick-style mystical mumbo jumbo, just plain old Philosophy 101 mystical mumbo jumbo. The world building is deliberately paced, as in 2001, but based on a completely different scientific ballast. The moral dilemmas are more accessible and again, based more on today's reality than fifty years ago. All in all, a good one-off non-series contribution by Taylor, as long as you're not expecting another Bob.

good book

I like this author and his ability to bring complex ideas into focus. ie. game theory alot of people don't know what it is or misunderstand what it is. his other books the bobiverse are totally amazing and I feel that while this book is good it isn't as good as his other books. still I enjoyed it.

Fans of the Bob series will not be disappointed!

Dennis E Taylor does it again. A very different story from his previous trilogy but with the same level of detail and loving character development. I can't wait for more!

This is Sci-fi! Deep, thoughtful, humorous, Comple

This is Sci-fi! Deep, thoughtful, humorous, Complex with evolved imagination
twilight zone meets star trex

Love this!

Excellent story.
Good mixing of science in fantasy.
I have come to love this narrator. I believe he’s one of the best readers available. He makes dialogue sound so real!

Excellent

Good as Always. Taylor's books are all well written, well thought out, and scientifically plausible. An added bonus for Star Trek fans, lot's of references to the show. The narration is also superb. One of the best books I've listened to in a while.

WHEN DOES THE SECOND BOOK COME OUT???????

I think my headline says it all...5 STARS.
Book was great. If you like THE BOB, you will like this as well.

This is NOT the Bobiverse! So get over it.

Dennis and Porter team up again for another incredible story with a beautiful lesson. It does take a considerable effort not to assume it's the Bobiverse and the beginning is a little slow; however, this is definitely worth the ride.

Great Story!

I thoroughly enjoyed Taylor's latest book, the Singularity Trap. It's style is similar to Taylor's Bobiverse, which is a wonderful read if you've not experienced that trilogy. The story is well paced and the characters are well developed, complex enough that the ethical situations are not contrived but well constructed. Porter's performance is every bit as good as Bobiverse. He really brings this story to life. Ivan, the main character, transforms from a gullible "newbie" to a smart, insightful, and compassionate hero. It is just plain fun. I simply could not put it down after I was about half way through the story. Taylor does a nice job not leaving the reader with a ridiculous cliff hanger but wraps up very nicely, but clearly sets the stage for additional parts. My only criticism and this is tongue in cheek is the length of the story. I wish it had been longer. I can hardly wait for his next installment. Yeah, there are some not so veiled political statements in the story but so what. It still works in the context of his story and not a distraction at all in my opinion. Well worth the credit. Enjoy!

Bonafide Hit!

Mr. Taylor has solidified himself as an exceptional writer and orchestrator of engaging stories, memorable characters, and surreal worlds. Worlds that are well fleshed out and realistically acceptable from an over-high scientific viewpoint.

I am personally thrilled by his characters. The follow their own course... staying true to their narrative making it so easy to stay engaged with their progress. Whether you love some or hate others, they are clearly identified and unique due in part to the writing and the narrator.

The futuristic perspective of the world developed in this work is developed and set. The world feels well thought out and alive. Not the Bobverse, but it's own existence.

For me, this was a pleasure cruise hosted by a great narrator and built and catered by an amazing author. Bravo!