Rob is Canada’s most successful philosophical fiction writer.

The Downloaded is his 25th book. So far only available on Audible.

A print version will be available sometime 2024.

In 2059 two very different groups have their minds uploaded into a quantum computer in Waterloo, Ontario.

One group consists of astronauts preparing for Earth’s first interstellar voyage.

The other? Convicted murderers, serving their sentences in a virtual-reality prison.

But when disaster strikes, the astronauts and the prisoners must download back into physical reality and find a way to work together to save Earth from destruction …

Audio book narrated by Academy Award-winner Brendan Fraser • Emmy Award-winner Luke Kirby • Dora Award-winner Vanessa Sears • Kim’s Convenience star Andrew Phung • and Gemini Award-winner Colm Feore.

I know Rob personally and have enjoyed his books for decades. But I’m not sure I can recommend Downloaded.

I like the plot.

But the unusual format of the book didn’t work for me.

Rather than telling the story directly, it’s a series of dialogues and interviews.

Originally intended to be released as a series of audio episodes over some weeks — like Shakespeare — the final decision was to keep it together as one audio book.