Flashforward

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Flashforward

Written by: Robert J. Sawyer

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

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About this listen

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.

Hard Science Fiction

Science Fiction

Fiction

What the critics say

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

Most relevant

.."Adequate" Execution.

Robert J. Sawyer starts by introducing a disastrous global event where everyone on the planet is transported 21 years into their own futures for two minutes. In the Present, people drown/crash vehicles/fall to their deaths, planes fall out of the sky, and the future "glimpses" are lifechanging (even occasionally horrifying). The implications and potential scenarios are tantalizing (asking readers: What would YOU do if you knew what would happen to you in the future?). Sawyer explores those questions thoughtfully.
Unfortunately, the exemplars that the author chooses just aren't that captivating (I didn't find myself caring about these people at all), he gets invested in a murder mystery for some reason, and he turns the conversations among characters into philosophical discussions of the nature of time (fixed vs. susceptible to free will). While an interesting debate, the book lost my attention.

"Passable" narration from Mark Deakins contributed to my impression of the book, too. To be certain, Deakins's diction, timbre, cadence, and voice-acting are creditable - but his tone is somewhat disinterested (he sounds like he's collecting a paycheck at times). Blackstone Audio Inc. could have found another professional reader with similar or better effectiveness.

Altogether, the book is an underwhelming example of thought-provoking cerebral speculative Hard SciFi.. and was a fine way to spend a couple of quiet afternoons.
'Flashforward' rates 6.5 stars out of 10.
If you can get it as a 'Plus' option, you should absolutely do so - but keep browsing if they ask for a Credit.