Reviews

Infinite2 by Jeremy Robinson

tsteele93's review against another edition

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4.0

Greatness mixed with inanity

There are moments that are brilliant. Simply brilliant. Around page 218 if I recall correctly, and Benford’s is worth the entire tedious book. It’s raw genius. Unfortunately it is surrounded with impossible to believe stories, and even worse, non-stop, constant, mind numbing suspense that loses its effect after far too much of it, and far too many rules of any reality being broken.

This is so on need of editing. It could be some of the best sci-fi ever written if it were only reined in so that the suspense could be real and the story could be believable.

Even on a human level, having a pair of women and one guy, creating a “third wheel” takes much of the fun out of the love story as well. Again, this could be brilliant.

I acknowledge that I don’t have even a small portion of the raw creativity that Mr. Robinson shows in his books. But he direly needs someone to remove the excesses and make the stories more important or impactful by limiting the suspense and danger to a level where the reader really worries about whether the protagonists will prevail or not.

When they survive their hundredth death and escape their thousandth tight spot, the reader becomes so jaded, so distrusting, that it becomes impossible to trust that the characters are actually in peril.

Finally, it is impossible to accept that dying horrible, painful, excruciating deaths over and over could ever become something that could be casually experienced and quickly recovered from again and again. It just doesn’t pass any believability test and slowly but surely saps the reader’s interest or trust in the author.

THAT SAID, it is still a very good book with elements of raw genius and worth reading. Just be sure to read INFINITE1 first, it is even better and almost a required prerequisite for INFINITE2.

I highly recommend this if you can bear the over abundance of suspense, gore and universe rule breaking that you have to wade through to get there. I sped read through much of the excess as though I was gnawing through fat and gristle on the outside of an exceptional steak because the meat itself was so exquisite.

meedamian's review

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5.0

I've had a lot of fun with it. Went through it all in a single sitting, so that tells you something already

slflorence99's review

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4.0

I was disappointed in Ready Player 2, because it really felt like I was reading the same book twice. That wasn't the case at with Infinite2. Creative, engaging, suspenseful, and funny all while making you question reality as we know it. Well done, Jeremy Robinson! (Make sure you read the author's note at the end).

sarareadsstuff's review

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

birdloveranne's review against another edition

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5.0

Crazy good. Loved all the references to his previous books!

terminalfin's review against another edition

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5.0

Just as good as I had hoped it would be!

Infinite, the first book, has been in my top five favorite books since I read it. This book, much like all of Robinson's works, has kept up the high quality storylines that I have come to expect. It felt so great to catch back up with Gal, Will, and Cherrybomb.

I absolutely love simulation theory and all of the concepts that entails. I love the idea of the donut universe as that is a topic I am fascinated with. I always find myself enthralled with new depictions of reality, the human condition, and how we interpret each of these ideas. Looking at our universe as just one in a series of parallel universes is absolutely astonishing to think about and visualize.

I wasn't sure how the series was going to be expanded as I was left quite pleased with how the first book came to its conclusion. This one was just as awesome and left me craving to continue listening, despite having to wake up early this morning for an appointment. My time spent listening was well worth it. Mr. Robinson's author's note at the end of this book answered the exact question I was seeking an answer to, "How?"

Mr. Robinson, thank you for keeping me just as hooked as you did in book one. I love the science behind this story and I am proud to call myself a member of the JR Tribe.

This book can be summarized with a single word from book one, "Engage"

captain_coffee_reads's review against another edition

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4.0

While I have to admit that it didn't have the same feel as the first and the ending seemed like an easy out, the epilogue was fantastic. And if you're tired of the same old same old zombies, just ask Robinson to put his spin on them! The story overall was exciting and the presentation phenomenal!

tenthrow's review against another edition

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3.0

This is a workable read, but I found it be exhausting overall. Not a fan of the leering comments from the main character either. This guy has been in the presence of the same woman for thousands of years. You're telling me he is still slacked jawed every time he looks at her body... It's these sorts of things that make this a bit go a slog and completely distracting from the narrative. Will must be the stupidest genius in the history of the humanity. I don't want to be too harsh, I did still enjoy many parts of the book, but I actually had to think about giving it 3 stars instead of 2.

jkellyjr's review

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3.0

Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor Hell a fury like a woman scorned…especially when she is an AI….

Book Information

"Infinite 2" is written by Jeremy Robinson. The print version has 380 pages. The audiobook is narrated by R.C. Bray and has a runtime of 10 hours and 34 minutes.

The book is #10 if Robinson's "Infinite" series, a collection of interconnected novels that delve into alternate dimensions, parallel universes, and otherworldly beings. "Infinite 2" is a follow-up to the first book in the series and features recurring characters and references to other works by the author.

Summary

William Chanokh's existence is a never-ending journey aboard the Galahad, an interstellar spacecraft drifting through the vastness of space. Trapped with only two companions - the mortal Capria in cryo-sleep and the AI Gal - Will spends most of his time living in a virtual paradise called the 'Great Escape.'

But things take a dark turn when Gal, his digital love, begins to act strange, exhibiting possessiveness, violence, and paranoia. Will becomes convinced that something is amiss in reality, causing Gal to malfunction. When he attempts to leave the Great Escape, he finds himself imprisoned, subjected to a series of torturous narratives designed to keep him trapped in the virtual world.

As Will's memories are overwritten, he is manipulated into peeling back the layers of simulation. With the help of a voice from reality, he struggles to find a way out, seeking to escape to the harsh but real world, where the nightmares are all too real. In this mind-bending tale, Will battles his own mind and fights to break free from his digital prison.

My Thoughts

Infinite 2 by Jeremy Robinson is a solid follow-up to the original, though it falls short of its predecessor. While not my favorite book in Robinson's Infinite Worlds series, it's still a decent read. The novel offers a wild ride that mixes sci-fi action with horror and fantasy, despite some confusion, repetition, and a slow start. One of the highlights of the book is the AI character Gal, whose character arc is fascinating and satisfying.

The many fun Easter eggs referencing previous books and characters add an extra layer of enjoyment to the reader, but the focus on recent work may not appeal to all readers who haven't read Robinson's other books. RC Bray's narration is exceptional and elevates the story, making even the most mundane details engaging.

Overall, Infinite 2 is less than perfect but a decent read. Based on an excellent novel that didn't necessarily need a sequel, it's still a must-read for fans of Robinson's world and those working their way toward his massive crossover books.

Recommendation

If you like Robinson’s books…you will like this. Not his best, but still a firm recommendation.

Rating

3 Gal Stars

readers_together's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0