Infinite

a rather complex science fiction story

“Infinite” is a well-crafted, complex, romantic, science fiction story that is so much more than what it seems at first glance.   It is written by Jeremy Robinson, who at the time of this review has nearly fifty books available on Audible.  The audiobook edition is exceptionally well narrated by none other than R. C. Bray.  Mr. Bray is ranked as one of the best narrators and he has a few quite popular titles under his belt; including “The Martian” by Andy Wier.  I mention this because the book, for me, felt, like a bit like “The Martian”, along with parts from the movie “Inception” and sprinkle in a few ideas from the movie “The 13th Floor”.  If you enjoy science fiction books that have a fair amount of action, mystery, artificial intelligence, along with time and space dilemmas, I recommend you pick up this book and give it a listen.

I will admit that the book was a bit confusing at the start.  You are dropped into a rather complicated and confusing scene with no real background allowing you to digest it.  A few chapters into the book, it opens up like a budding flower and you are able to see all the beauty of the story holds within.  There were a few additional bumps along the way where I thought I had missed something, but the author was able to get me back on track rather quickly.  Often this seemed like a writing technique the author implemented on purpose giving the listener a more unsettled feeling.  As stated earlier, the book had a feel of “The Martian” on a spaceship instead of taking place on Mars.  That simplifies the story and background, but knowing this you will have a better idea of what you are in for when you listen.  Like with that story, there were plenty of times the main character narrowly escapes death, has to perform undesirable tasks, and often just wants to survive this long and lonely trip in one piece.

What I liked was the author’s ability to blend many different genres without focusing too much on one.  Don’t get me wrong, this is a piece of science fiction, however, is also includes aspects of mystery, intrigue, romance, and endurance.  At times the book feels weighty and even a bit gloomy based on its backstory details, but the author is able to throw in pieces of humor so the story does not feel too overwhelming.  There was a fair amount of physics and space/time travel discussion I the book, but one does not need to be a rocket scientist to understand it; but if you are, you may enjoy it even more.  The author provides you with all the necessary concepts along the way so anyone understand it.  Things like the difference in time for someone on earth compared to time observed by a person in a ship traveling faster than the speed of light (FTL).  I felt the research as solid, believable and informative.  I enjoyed how the story unfolded and provided hints or clues on why such a tragedy occurred during the opening scene.

The narration of the book by R. C. Bray was what I would have expected from a veteran in his trade.  The book was professionally voiced across the many different characters and I do not remember any audio artifacts while listening; swallowing, page turns, etc.  The audio volume was consistent throughout the book.  I have never been disappointed by any narration done by Mr. Bray.

For parents and young readers, this book does at times have a fair amount of vulgar language.  There are also some quite graphic and violent scenes which may not be appropriate for younger readers.  The book has some storyline focused on romance; but nothing I can recall that was overly explicit or sexual.  There are a few scenes containing anti-religious pokes, but again, I do not feel the author was using this to get across some hidden agenda.

To summarize, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a rather complex science fiction story involving artificial intelligence and time/space.  However, being in space is only one small part of the overarching message that I think others will enjoy.  There is quite a bit that will appeal to lovers of SciFi, but I would recommend it also to those who aren’t into science fiction but enjoy being challenged by a well-written story.  If you feel lost at the start, that is not a bad thing.  Stick with the book and buckle up as you will enjoy the flight.

Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog.

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560 people found this helpful

I really liked this book. If you like “the matrix” or “off to be the wizard”, or “we are legion (we are Bob)” check this one out

Not perfect but pretty dang good. I was hooked and binge listened until it was over. Lol. I like stories that touch on how people act when they’re stranded by themselves and often wonder how I’d react in similar situations. This book took a unique path, as our protagonist had some unique circumstances and I think I might have taken a similar path in the same situation. Hard to say, but it was quite entertaining to read about Will’s adventure. The guy reading it did a fantastic job.

121 people found this helpful

What kinda neckbeard fantasy was that?

The novel started out well, interesting premise, good writing, engaging. Excellent narration(I listened to it on audible).
Spoilers ahead.
Then the ending came. There were hints all along that I should have picked up upon but kept ignoring, hoping it would hold together. Alas. The last few chapters devolved into the worst kind of socially awkward young male fantasy about a computer generated fantasy dream girl coming to life to fulfill all of the delusional sexual and emotional desires of the protagonist.

8 people found this helpful

An existential bombshell!

- Josh here

This book came to my attention through the narrator’s Facebook page, R.C. Bray. Needless to say, I had to listen to it for the sheer fact that he was selected as the book’s narrator.

This book left me with several moments of questioning my own reality, reflecting on my own thoughts surrounding the very nature of our existence, and wondering about how we define our own reality. What started out as a space-based post-apocalyptic story quickly delved into areas that have fascinated me for quite some time, immortality and simulation theory. Mr. Robinson wrote a book that dragged me in and kept me hooked throughout the duration of the story.

I was immediately drawn to Will and his plights as he struggled with what to do given his new-found situation. I mean, what does a person do when they find out they are unable to die through traditional means? We quickly watched Will develop throughout the story, along with GAL, as Doubty McKnowitall/FB was thrust into some very unique situations.

I will say that I had the ending figured out about an hour prior to it arriving, but that still did not detract from any of the story/encounters. The plot was very well developed and the characters were relatable. I even found myself emotional at various points such as when the situation with Will’s brother (Steven) came up along with Will’s revelation later in the story.

The real impact of the story hit me around chapter 35 and highlights the nature of the title for my review. Again, the primary theory discussed in this book is one that has fascinated me all of my life.

R.C. Bray, per the norm, did a wonderful job with the narration. I could not imagine a better selection for this story.

This is an easy 5/5 book and one I am trying to get my wife to listen to. Give this one a listen, you will not be disappointed.

...engage!

128 people found this helpful

Suprised this book isn’t more popular!

I just listened to this book in one sitting. As I finish it feels like I’m coming out of a trance back to reality. This book had me completely engrossed from start to finish, which is pretty rare for me these days. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction, horror, and thrillers and the books description details. I did find it to be predictable at times but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it.

79 people found this helpful

The Cotton Candy of Sci-Fi

Overall, this novel isn’t terrible. But it’s rather long and overblown considering how the narrative ends. The protagonist goes through numerous trials, dipping his toe into one high concept science fiction element after another. No one concept is explored in depth, almost like being rushed from one museum exhibit to another, wishing you could spend another moment or two with a strange and fantastic idea.

I’m not trying to spoil this book, but if you’d like something that I would consider better and following the same basic overall theme, read/listen to Ubik by Phillip K. Dick.

Hope this helps you make your decision.

12 people found this helpful

Lost in Forever

The story has a great start, but gets lost during the infinite space of time. R.C. Bray is as usual, superb in his delivery. In the last few hours of the listen, the story just came apart for me. I surmised the ending about about three hours from the finish, and those last three hours were not crafted well enough to keep my interest. Disappointed.

25 people found this helpful

Its a tough one.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would not. Great imagination. Not a lot of science at play.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something with less gore and less heart ache

Have you listened to any of R.C. Bray’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Unique voice. A+

Did Infinite inspire you to do anything?

Love my wife more.

Any additional comments?

Good imagination. I listened to the whole thing even though at times I wanted to stop. Its like there was no solid backbone.

52 people found this helpful

Terrible Cheap Unnecessary

This book is just weak. Deus ex machina exists on multiple levels. It is so incredibly lazy it is boring. The first half of the book is just plain depressing. The second half gets slightly more interesting, but there are so many cheap plot devices to move things forward that it is virtually impossible to care.

In some ways it is like We Are Bob by Dennis E. Taylor. In some ways it is similar to Ready Player One or even Ender's Game. However, it pales in comparison to all three. The prose is just so plain. All three of those books are written with a prose that pulls you along. This is written like a report that you have to read in order to perform some task.

You know who I really blame for this? Audible. Why did they recommend this terrible book. I want my credit back for this month.

Get We Are Bob. Much better series.

Good luck if you get it.

11 people found this helpful

Disappointing

The narrator was very good.

SPOILER ALERT - Don't read further if you don't want an inkling of a spoiler.

The story started out strong, however, as it progressed the narrative became more like some teenage boy fantasy. Think sexy HAI robot and the geeky guy who is conveniently the last man in the universe. At that point in the tale I starting rolling my eyes. I stuck with it though hoping for the big reveal, but in the end all the story really just was a lame, teenage boy fantasy. I want those hours of my life back!

3 people found this helpful