I absolutely love this book, It’s a roller coaster of emotions. Tell Robert to make a sequel or maybe even a series. I literally tell someone about this book every day.
After I bought the cool zone media ad free subscription I came back here to listen to the book for idk the 9th time and I noticed the last episode isn’t correct and is playing the 9 minute preview episode. It’s a bit disappointing. I still love the book and plan on listening to it 3 chapters at a time. But I wish this was fixed.
REViEW on FORMAT, NOT story, yet::
I just started listening to this because of a recommendation on Reddit to someone looking for cyberpunk books. This podcast to great, so far. The production and narration are very pro from the 1st episode forward. I’ll come back to review the story but I couldn’t wait to say THANK YOU! to whoever made the decision to combine short chapters into long episodes every 2-3 chapters. I love this idea, as I listen to podcasts while driving or going to sleep, so it keeps me from picking up my phone in both those situations. It will also keep me from jumping to another podcast if a chapter happens to be slow or off point, which can happen early in stories as all the characters are introduced. All other podcasts should take note of this technique. It’s also better for advertisers, because most people don’t listed to the advertisements at the end of a chapter, so with longer episodes, they get more customer contact.
So I love the podcast and I just got the book well I got it 2 months ago my mom is really into all this stuff and she convinced my grandpa to get me a signed copy but I’m only 11 so yup love the book and the podcast ❤️❤️❤️📖📖📖.
My fav character is Sasha. I can relate in a way I love school, but I have been getting a little of track of school since Covid-19 hit and since I had a panic attack, but after the panic attack I just listened to the podcast read 1 chapter of the book and all good.
I agree with everyone that says we need a sequel.
Enjoyed this immensely. The characters are dynamic and the subject matter, while set in a slightly dystopian futuristic setting, is both realistic and incredibly relevant. I loved all the main players of the story who all felt like real people. There are so many subtle details that have me looking forward to actually reading this, when I order my physical copy. I usually don’t enjoy audio books, I find reading much more rewarding, but in this case it wasn’t a detriment at all to the overall experience.
Very quickly establishes a very granular and textured world, with enthralling, detailed characters and hilarious dialog. With skilled narration by the author, and subtle, effective soundscaping, a full production is not missed. Prescient social commentary and compelling visions of technology augmented-, post-Sapien morphological expression. Brilliant scope and span.
Our boy Robert here flex.
Lastly, to Robert: flex, dude.
P.S. Maybe Roland meets and befriends a chromed K-9 in forthcoming adventures? I could see that having great effect for his psych health and broadening his reality tunnel....
I’m patient, hungry; awaiting more. Cheers
Clear influences include Burning Man and Tank Girl ❤️ RE did a good job with the religious, pernicious, transparently cult type environment Sasha enters into and I’d like to see that more developed in any future revisitations to this fiction-verse.
I also enjoyed the less fantastical dystopian stories that initially were featured on the After the Revolution podcast which has now devolved into news panel type shows.
You can tell Robert played Warhammer or something similar. The sci fi elements where both believable and imaginative. Again the world he creates is done with strong choices that while they may not be what comes to pass there is a world in which it may. Both entertaining and insightful. Big fan.
Alright, that’s obviously a title to grab attention, but let’s be clear here, Robert’s ability to craft vivid imagery is exquisite! *Also there is a spoiler in this review*
As a preamble, you must know that I pass out at the sight of flowing blood. I handle blood samples most days at work, and watch most fictional depictions of blood and gore without any reaction except to occasionally have to look away from the screen. But seeing active wounds in real life is something that can flip a switch off in my brain and I drop, usually causing mayhem if I wasn’t prepared to pass out.
Robert’s description of the scene where Manny gets shot is so vivid that I could imagine myself as Manny, and I passed out for real! I heard a faint high pitched whine deep in the back of my skull, and instinctively I knew I was seconds away from losing consciousness, very thankful I was in a safe space to pass out (as its where I usually smoke weed).
It was such a unique experience, and honestly, I just hope that Robert reads this and knows he made a dude pass out from writing so well lol
I’ve been enjoying this listen, but when I tell you I was maaaddd how quick chapter 20 felt!!! Can’t wait til next episode drop!!!!update: I was beyond excited Robert released the whole book in one episode.. I’m on my third listen.. I’m borderline obsessed with Rolland.
I love this story. These characters are great and relatable. So much to enjoy here. Evans does better than write okay. Kudos. The douche canoes that one star this are the same people who would empathize with the character Alexander. Few things would make me happier than to spend more time with these characters.
I love this kind of fiction, and Robert writes descriptively enough to keep me intrigued. All the characters are well constructed and everything makes sense in the world he has going. Only gripe is I almost wish there was another person to help with voices; the contextual depth Robert writes in almost demands it.
Thoroughly enjoyed and looked forward to each new chapter. Robert’s reading adds so much to the characters making them more relatable. Can’t wait for the sequel!!
A realistic story, written for contemporary times is hard to find. This book will simultaneously rip your heart out, while the simple diction draws you in. The author is of OK quality, but the devices Evans uses are facilitated with the greatest passion and care. Perhaps my new favorite book, methinks.
Love the world building in this book! Robert paints a smooth picture of life in this alternate future while remaining incredibly insightful to the thoughts and emotions of all of his characters. In addition, the main characters each have strong and believable personal struggles! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys bleak, yet occasionally hopeful post-modern sci-fi.
So far (as of chapter 19) this book has been amazing! You can tell that Robert has taken his knowledge of middle eastern war zones and perfectly fit it into the American landscape. This feels very much like a sequel to his earlier podcast, “It Could Happen Here,” but with more robots and drugs, and who doesn’t like robots and drugs?? The characters are all compelling and tragic in their own ways and the plot keeps me on the edge of my seat!
I am loving the book (only 18 chapters deep as of writing this). I wonder if we’d ever actually get this lucky - what chance is there that some of the “chromed” wouldn’t also be members of the “Kingdom.?”
This feels like the only slightly implausibly optimistic part so far. Otherwise I basically think we could be headed this way whether in 50 or 150 yrs. The bottom line is it is a good story so far and I enjoy it.
Phenomenal book with exceptional pacing and great undercurrent of humor. Robert clearly understands and integrates the tropes and his own personal experiences to craft an excellent narrative. Makes me realize that the dystopian novel I wrote in 2020 needs to seriously up its game! Bravo, RE!
Taking my daughter tomorrow for a heart surgery at 9. It’s 3am … so I’ll losten to this and puff dabs. Waking at 6. Excellent work btw. Everything besides commercials but I love all the shows
Wow robert, i was not expecting this!!
I wish I could buy the whole book immediately, but will take it any way—it is so very good!!
Already been to your Go Fund Me sequel page.
Thank you thank you keep them coming!!
I’ve loved your writing for some time now. This is absolutely brilliant. Like this is definitely a book that will be re-read, or in this case, re-listened. You’re an excellent reader. Er. Naturally, but I mean in a VA kinda way. Your English accent is quite good, actually. Random i know, but I notice it growing stronger with every chapter and it only improves the immersion of the narration. Anyway, before I nerd out any harder, I’ll cut this short, but this has only far outstripped any expectation I had.
The descriptions of recreational uses of substances is so well done that it’s actually one of the most entertaining portions of this book. The whole book is awesome, but clearly the author is writing about what he knows and I’m here for it.
Dude I’m so hooked! I wish you would have dropped the whole thing at once! I’ll have to wait until the entire thing comes out and binge it in one day at work.
