Reviews

The Downloaded by Robert J. Sawyer

papisto's review

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

1.0

igeek's review against another edition

4.0

This was a very interesting read/listen. Think “what it would be like to live in the matrix while being aware of what happened in the world outside of the matrix.

adventuresinfictionland's review

adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

cr4nkyp4nts's review against another edition

4.0

Very much enjoyed this full-cast audiobook. It was interesting and engaging. Recommended for my sci-fi friends.

nenation's review

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

loonyruni2's review

emotional

3.5

smashingreads's review

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

I started an Audible trial and this is my first dramatized audibook experience. I'm not totally sold on this format of books - it's like watching a movie but without any visuals. I'd honestly rather just watch the movie.

I appreciated the theme of the book and would love to explore more books with the concept of uploaded consciousness. The problem for me was that the only character I could possibly care about was Brendan Fraser's character. This wouldn't seem like an issue, but his whole thing was that

he was serving an uploaded prison sentence to get back to his daughter and, without that, the character failed to be interesting.

I was disappointed that there was very little exploration of the post-apocalyptic world. It makes sense given that this was such a short story, but it was also was made the book uninteresting to me. The interview style gave the impression that nothing much happened during the whole book. It had me so apathetic that I didn't care that

another disaster was imminent.

The plus side is that I now know that Audible dramatizations don't do much for me.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual assault, Gore, and Murder

mistymoon24's review

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Great quick sci fi read, with incredible full cast voice actors. 

whoaitsbaker's review against another edition

5.0

Downloaded" catapults listeners into a post-apocalyptic world with its gripping narrative and immersive graphic audio experience. From the very first moment, Brendan Frier's masterful storytelling captivates the imagination, weaving a tale of survival, intrigue, and hope in a world ravaged by cataclysm.

As a newcomer to the world of graphic audio, "Downloaded" serves as the perfect introduction, setting the bar high with its richly textured soundscapes and compelling voice acting. Every sound, from the eerie whispers of the wind to the thunderous roar of approaching danger, draws listeners deeper into the story, creating an experience that is as immersive as it is exhilarating.

The authors ability to craft fully realized characters and a vividly imagined world that feels hauntingly real. As the story unfolds, listeners are swept up in a whirlwind of emotion, rooting for the protagonists as they navigate the dangers of this unforgiving new world.

lexilikestoread's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Robert Sawyer's "The Downloaded" is great example of what happens when two different groups of people are thrust together to overcome adversity and, well, their own imminent death.  Set in the not-so-distant future, the plot unfolds through interviews with multiple points of view and tells the tale of a group of astronauts who were preparing for Earth's first interstellar trip, and a group of convicted murders who were serving virtual reality prison sentences.  Each group has different understanding of what has brought them to where they are now, and different expectations on what should be done moving forward.  As tensions escalate, they must work together to unfold the secrets of what has brought them to the situation they find themselves in and how to figure out a way forward.  

Sawyer manages to weave together intricate plotlines, bringing readers into a society on the verge of collapse. "The Downloaded" offers a blend of post-apocalyptic drama and sci-fi intrigue, catering to fans of both genres. Fans of "Wayward Pines" will find themselves drawn into the similar themes of survival and mystery, as Sawyer delivers a tale that leaves a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned.