Hey gang! Here is a very quick review for your upcoming holiday trips. I just finished listening to the fictional sci-fi book Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson on audiobook. It is well performed and I think it is a perfect match for travel – fast-paced, interesting, action-packed and exciting. I liked it so much that I’ve added it to my recommended reading list in the sidebar.
The absolute worst part of it is the title. It implies a run of the mill robots terrorize the world story, but in fact is filled with lots of creative ideas. I noticed that the author has a Ph. D. in robotics and it shows with his command of the subject matter. He does a good job of creating distinct characters and reasonable dialog but where this book really shines is the big picture concept and how it is realized. Much like the appeal of the original Jurassic Park, it is the mental exercise of how robots might take over the world that makes this book shine.
With extremely visual scenes that fire the imagination and plenty of incredible action sequences, it is no wonder Steven Spielberg has been in talks to make a movie adaptation. Any industrial designer would leap at the chance to realize this world and the creatures that inhabit it.
The laughable title caused me to pass this one by without a second glance when it initially came out. Our local librarian actually suggested it to me along with Ready Player One (which I don’t believe is available on audiobook yet). So read this book and support your local library!
Jason Patz 