Flashforward

By: Robert J. Sawyer

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

A scientific experiment begins, and as the button is pressed, the unexpected occurs: everyone in the world goes to sleep for a few moments while everyone's consciousness is catapulted more than 20 years into the future. At the end of those moments, when the world reawakens, all human life is transformed by foreknowledge.

©1999 Robert J. Sawyer (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"This first-rate, philosophical journey, a terrific example of idea-driven SF, should have wide appeal." ( Publishers Weekly)

Unrealistic characters, but enjoyable.

I came to this book, like many, by way of the short lived TV series a few years ago of the same name. This book is simply the inspiration for the series and has very little to do with the series.

The idea is solid with decent science behind it. However, the main characters which are supposedly high end scientists come across like moderately educated individuals, and not scientists. Maybe it is because I know many engineers and research scientists, but they are far more level headed than depicted in the book.

The first 2/3rd drags out and devolves into a philosophical debate. Then the last 1/3 moves almost too fast. I found myself having to rewind as I thought I missed something only to discover I had not.

In the end, I'm glad to have read it despite the problems.

Nothing like the series, but good

I enjoyed the book. It was not like the TV Series but it was good.

Great topic and well written.

What made the experience of listening to Flashforward the most enjoyable?

I think the sense that there was something going on, and that it needed to be resolved is the main reason that had me finish the book in less than 30 hours. I wasn't on edge, but I just couldn't put it down.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Flashforward?

The ending is pretty neat.

Any additional comments?

The idea is really nice, and when I first read the book's description, I was afraid that the writer wouldn't be able to live up to the full potential of the premise of the book. I decided to give it a shot because of the good reviews, and it was definitely worth it!

An interesting thought

While Sawyer’s ideas of when certain things come to be are way off in our reality, it’s still a great read. Written in 1999 it both presages 2009 and 2030. I don’t think we’ll have hovering cars in 2030 but some of what he postulated has and can come to be.

Fun

The book is fun. I liked the premise of the show that only lasted one season, and some basics were there, but I missed the mystery the show had. The book is fun nonetheless.

Totally captivating

The concept is fascinating. I hope for a more successful long-running TV series based on this story.

Awesome hard science

This book combines excellent character development, a fantastic premise, an interesting story and excellent hard modern science for an amazing read. I downloaded it just three days ago and have already listened to it twice. I also loved that there are a few open ideas/questions as the end for the reader to ponder, instead presenting an answer to every last question/unknown presented in the story. I also found the narrator to be easy to listen to, with an unaffected voice that also distinguished well among different characters. I've been waiting to hear some good SciFi about the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, and this certainly fulfills my expectations with a work that is fun and exciting.

draws you in quickly....but

the story is a little bit long-winded, sometimes redundant, and the characters aren't really all that likeable. But despite all this, I still listen to it straight through. It was entertaining.

Good but annoying

I have listened to two Sawyer novels. Both were enjoyable but weighed down by Sawyer's obvious dislike for Americans.

Loved It!

Very well thought out and a gripping story from beginning to end. I loved it!