My name is Dennis Taylor. I share that distinction with several other authors and a couple of musicians, unfortunately. Which is why I’m using Dennis E. Taylor. No, not Dennise Taylor, dangit 🙂 .
I am a retired computer programmer, snowboarder, mountain-biker, runner, and now author.
I hope my novels will give you a few hours of entertainment and escape. I’m open to suggestions, comments, ideas, or whatever.
Thanks for visiting.
Agent: Ethan Ellenberg http://ethanellenberg.com/
Twitter: @Dennis_E_Taylor
Facebook: @DennisETaylor2
Instagram: dennis_e_taylor
The Bobiverse Trilogy
We are Legion (We are Bob) Amazon Audible
For We are Many Amazon Audible
All These Worlds Amazon Audible
Singles
The Singularity Trap Amazon Audible
Quantum Earth series
Stuff in the works
Earthside: A sequel to Outland. I’ve been saying ‘real soon now’ on this one for literally years, but now I’m under contract, so it’ll likely be the next book after the Bender books.
Roadkill: A new standalone. I’m alternating between this and Earthside, as one or the other roadblocks on me.
Check Status of Things for up-to-date information on how it’s going.
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Dennis thought I would drop you a line to reminde you my offer to give you insight into military operations and structure is still good. Also if you wanted or needed any tips for 3d modeling and design it’s a hobby I have had for more years than I can count.
Appreciate that, Kevin. No specific questions right now. At the moment, most of my attention is on getting Legion cleaned up enough for my agent and possible publishers.
I just finished reading “For We Are Many” and enjoyed it immensely – thank you for writing the story!
Aircraft Engineer from Australia here, thanks for taking the time to write this story. Fantastic work. I am a big sci-fi book reader and I saw this title in the “you might like” list for a while, and Soo glad I took the hint. One of the best stories I have read in years. I hope these 3 book are not the end of the bobiverse, I will be checking in ever few months for more for a long time to come! Great job.
I’m a huge fan of the bobiverse and tell everyone to read them! I can’t wait for another installment, and am re-listening to the audiobook versions now. Thank you so much for coming up with such an incredible story.
LOL is it weird when I read your reply – I heard it in my head in “Bob’s” voice? 🙂
No it’s not. I have it too. The audiobook version, that is.
All hail the great Ray Porter
Ray Porter is why I even picked up the Bobiverse storyline. I was introduced to Rays voicing on Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I thought he did such a wonderful job handling all the voices and accents I started looking for other audible books he’s done. Very happy to be a new fan of this fictional universe.
I just finished all the bobiverse books on audible and the story just blows me away. I am a aerospace engineer and really relate to bob in many ways. I listen to this book and can’t help dreaming on how awesome it would to be a BoooB. Amazing work just amazing
Same. But at the current chipmunk speed I’m listens to now at 1.7x speed. Lol.
I listen to most audiobooks at around 1.7x, but I found myself needing to slow things down to have time to contemplate some of the mind benders… So I frame jacked to 1.15x
Thank you so much for a very entertaining and thoughtful series. After the first, I downloaded the rest, one after the other.
And while waiting for Bob 5, I will listen to the others.
I was so glad to see a new series and one that I love, not have to rely on cursing every other word and especially not taking God’s name in vain. I was shocked when I read book four. The story was great but you seemed to follow every other newer form of entertainment. You are better than that.
“Thus We Frustrate Charlemagne” 😉
I quite admire your work.
do you plan on a second book for the singularity trap continuing the story i want to know if the human race uploaded or not (which is not in the first book it ends right after the conflict and prichards funeral
I really wish you had taken Kevin up on his offer. Maybe with some such input taken into account in “For We Are Many” I would have been able to make it all the way thru said book.
Being a rather irate reader such was sadly not the case.
What do you mean? I found “For We Are Many” intensely enjoyable. My favorite medium to with which to “read” is audible, and Ray Porter’s rendition of both books in the series spectacular. I read them again on my kindle, as I got them together, and nothing was lost. I couldn’t put the kindle down or take my headphones off. I only wish OUTLAND had audible narration and/or a sequel.
For another series to listen to I recommend Martha Wells’ Murderbot books. Another human/machine construct; this one with a large side order of sarcastic humour.
I think this is uncalled for. OK that you think Taylor should have taken Kevin’s advice – your opinion is just that – but unfair to comment that you didn’t make it through the book without explaining why.
But, your prerogative to vent on the intertubes.
Wait, passive aggressive much?
Grow up.
As an ex-military person, I thought the books had the right ‘touch’ for that aspect. It’s not military SF and the Bobs are reluctant (though capable) operators in that sphere. I am very picky about how military characters, strategy etc. are written (just ask my poor fellow writers who ask me to review such things – but they keep coming back, so either they are masochists, or I’m being helpful, or both) and I never got pulled out of the story thinking ‘that wouldn’t happen’ or ‘that [military background] character wouldn’t act that way’. (Noting that I’m fine with ground-based stuff, but when it comes to air, sea or outer space, I’m not your girl.)
The same goes for the physics – in which I am absolutely no expert – which is an essential part of military strategy in the books. It was explained just enough for me to get the hang of it, without pulling me out of the story. I remember at the time thinking that it was extremely skilful – I can direct you to a few SF books which don’t do it nearly as well :). Oh, and ditto all the software/hardware stuff. And the ecological stuff. And pretty much everything, really. I’d happily give these books to people who think SF is ‘too hard’ or ‘too technical’, since the all the SF elements are so seamlessly woven into the fabric of character and story, and it’s really hard not to fall in love with the Bobs, and the humour is superlative! (I think people at the gym are getting used to me laughing out loud from time to time.)
So if it’s not your thing, Ola, that’s OK, the rest of us will continue to party on in the Bobiverse. 🙂
If you like hard mil sci fi I recommend John g Hemry (aka jack cambell) series stark war and lost fleet.
I have read that sentence a few times, but I do not know what you mean. Even if I clean it up using something called “punctuation marks” all I get is:
If you like hard mil sci-fi, I recommend John g Hemry (a.k.a. jack cambell) series ‘stark war’ and ‘lost fleet’.
What is hard mil?
I’m guessing you mean hard military? Like, realistic sounding military (war) books?
If you really like war and space, check out First Colony series by Ken Lazito, I bought the Audiobook “Genesis” the first book and got through it in record time and bought several more (came in late to the series) but that was fine got to enjoy most of the series right away but at that point had to wait for each new book (agonizing) but so worth it each time. So again if your military minded and science fiction fan you’ll love them.
Just in case you don’t know: The military likes to trade information in exchange for a particular viewpoint which is definitely a thing to avoid. Haven’t you noticed how all the great hollywood movies showing real or realistic military operations display an extremly positive view on the US and the US military? That’s not coincidence. It’s part of a contract. They give out information or allow filming their assents and installations, and therefore are allowed to review and edit the movies/stories before they are published.
Having been involved in working with Hollywood while in the Army, what your are saying is not correct. Working with the military is tough on Hollywood as the cultural device is wide. But the military does not get to edit movies. They can withdraw participation if the movie paints them in a particularly ugly way, just like any other organization would. The particularly great military movies are great because they show how the military actually conducts ops, vice the BS that usually gets put on film. The US military in particular is an extremely professional organization, when that reality is shown, it makes for good films. That’s just reality.
Hey Kevin, you wouldn’t know he didn’t take you up on whatever ..unless it is you bitching because he didn’t. 1. The Author doesn’t belong to you. 2. If you want the books to be the way, You want them, go and write them yourself. Then enjoy the crappy “fans -except could you..”
Any plans on 5th bobaverse book ?
I read this far in the comments hoping for a mention of more Bobiverse books. I’ll happily read anything you publish (and have), but would love to hear more about Bob and the crew.
Author
The “Status of Things” page will give you that.
Hello Dennis, I stepped in to the bobiverse Trilogy by accident.. I’m an eager audible consumer and when I discovery a good voice I usually check all the books read by that voice. And this Is exactly how It happened. I think that your novel Is a novel writen by a nerd, that tells a story aabout a nerd and is meant to be read by a nerd since It has dialogues that only a nerd can laugh at! I really really enjoied! Thanks!!!!
Are you going to do more bob books?
Hey,
Just finished Legion (on audible). WOW! I rarely write to authors (I think this is my third letter to an author in 25 years of SF fandom), but i just had to tell you, I loved your book. The humor and depth, and the fact that you weren’t afraid to go into a few different storylines (excellent worldbuilding!)
I just wanted to let you know that I am now officially a fan of yours, and I look forward to anything else you put out (whether you stick with Bobiverse or not!)
Bravo, man. Also, good choice on the narrator!
Thanks for the ride,
Naomi
Jerusalem, Israel
Thanks for all of your books! Loved every single one.
Just finished the Audible version of We are Legion. Enjoyed! I gave it a good review on Audible. I am looking forward to the next one in the series. SO HURRY UP! See, success has it’s burdens!
I would definitely suggest using the same narrator. He is good with your “talking to the reader” style. Loved that Bob, well Bill and Harvey and well all the rest, could be introspective and find some humor in there. I have to say, I enjoyed Riker telling that Faith ambassador off A LOT!
In any case I will be picking up your next Bobiverse book as soon as it comes out. Do you send out emails for that?
Author
Join the mailing list. I will send out emails on any releases. I’ll probably send out an email as well when it goes into pre-release, although I tend to ignore those myself when I get them. 🙂
I’m hoping that fourth book about Bobiverse is in the works. I’ve loved everything you’ve written. Please make more!
I’m absolutely signing up for this! I’ve listened to all your books on audible. They help me get lost in order worlds while completing g repetitive, monotonous tasks at work. So much so that coworkers often startle me when they approach.
I also adopted the rule of, “Most paranoid wins” love it.
Really enjoyable writing. Please keep it up! Can’t wait to see what’s next.
Thank you for Outland. It popped up as a suggested Audiobook so I thought why not. I haven’t read or listened to anything else that you have authored, but Outland is right down my alley. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately began looking for the sequel. I look forward to the continuation of the story and thank you again for your work.
I am anxiously awaiting your next book- I’ve read everything you’ve written that’s been published and first found your books on Amazon many years ago before the Audible deals, etc. and absolutely fell in love with every one! I have never written to an author before but I just had to let you know how enjoyable I find your writing to be and I can’t wait for your next book! Excellent job!!!
Greetings mr Taylor,
Hope all is well and thank you for all the adventures you’ve given. The only negative aspect about them is their ending.
I will not ask for more books because I realize that is not how it works, pressure don’t seem to produce optimal creativity. Instead I want to say I am patient and truly greatful if/when there is a new release .
Best wishes from the part of earth called Sweden.
Looking forward to the next Bob books! I’m really glad about the audio format as I don’t have a lot of time to sit and read. Please keep up the good work!
I have never written to an author before… but damn… I can’t wait for the next bob book.
Dennis
Do you have a twitter or facebook account we could follow you on for updates on the new books?
Author
Not yet. I’ve never either seriously. Now I have to do some catch-up.
Just finished all your books (Audible) and have really enjoyed them all. The narrator is excellent as well.
Looking forward to Bobiverse book 4!
Thanks
I really enjoyed your Bob book and really look forward to the next. Think I’ll check your Outland next, keep up the great work.
Mr. Taylor, your bobiverse series is without a don’t the best science fiction literature I have read in a couple of decades. I have read or listened to each of the books numerous times, something I am not probe to doing. Thanks for the great literature. You have easily made my list of top ten authors, along people like William Gibson, Neil Stephenson and John Scalzi. Put simply, you are one of my favorite authors and I long ago reached the “will buy anything you write” stage.
Any chance you’ll publish the original book 2 on audio? From what I understand it’s up to the author. I’m sure the new one is great and it’s been updated, but I grew to love the imperfections of the first audiobook.
I’m quite enjoying bob/bill/homer/riker and all of the other Bob’s in your world, so far. I love audiobooks, and this is one of my favorites I’ve listened to since “The Martian.” Thanks for bothering. I know it’s a lot of work. I appreciate your creativity and wit.
Also, whenever Hollywood asks to translate the series to film. Jeffrey Donovan wouldn’t be a terrible pick as Bob.
I vote Jason Bateman!
Basically, my boyfriend has officially declared Legion his favorite new book. His birthday is next month and I will do anything possible to get a hard copy
Author
We are working on getting the paperback set up. Shouldn’t be more than a week or two.
Dennis, just listened, well, am listening, on audible.
I’ve never written an author in my life. After I googled you, I see that your a new writer. In my eyes, you are right up there with Arthur C. Clarke. “We are legion (we are bob)” (granted; I am not done), is an AMAZING book!!!.
Just wanted to make sure you know that there are people out here who LOVE your work thus far.
Thank you Dennis!!!
The Bobiverse is a great series and one of the best SF books series I have encountered for a while but to compare this to the Odyssey and Rama books is madness mate. This author may get there but today is not that day………..
Okay, I get why you’d reject the notion of the Bobiverse books being on the same level as the 2001 book series – but Rama? Yes, the first book is iconic, but the sequels are pure trash (and were not even written by Clarke, but by Gentry Lee).
Loved We Are Legion (We Are Bob): Bobiverse, Book 1
Dennis,
Just picked up Bobiverse, book 1, on Audiobooks and love your style. I also think your chosen reader Ray Porter really does your material justice. Seriously love the creativity and flow of this story. I also love your technical and detail oriented style. My niche for sure. I am devout Christian and I love a well written Sci-Fi. I normally do not write authors, although I have often wanted to, to express gratitude for a well written story. Here is my question to you, why would you harpoon Christians in what would otherwise be an extremely enjoyable novel? I have been in the faith my whole life and must tell you that, although some Christians are as backward and stunted as you portray, they are definitely in the minority. Why is that so many secular folks think that people of faith are complete idiots. Truthfully we on this side of the fence have a bias against those of the atheist persuasion, also unfair. I suggest you get to know a few more persons of faith. Maybe your sample of the religious has been skewed or simply to small. I wish I could speak with you in person. You are soo talented.
Author
I’ve had several comments to this effect. I don’t understand why everyone thinks it has to be personal. I needed a totalitarian government, and a religious one would at least distance me from A World Out Of Time. And give a good, plausible motivation for treating replicants as non-living.
In the book(s), there are three (human) bad-guy groups: a theistic government, the Brazilian Empire, and an extremist environmentalist group (more in book 2 than in 1). In book 3, I even have bad Islanders. There’s no shortage of antagonists, nor any reason to believe anyone is particularly being picked on.
How many comments have you had from Brazilians wondering why you hate Brazil? I’m just curious 🙂
Brazilian here, in response to your question.
Honestly, I was glad to have Brazil be there! Having my country be included in such an awesome story is an honour! It reminded me a bit of what Sid Meier’s Civ VI game. There are such few considerations in pop culture of Brazil as a “serious” nation (*cough* Fast 5 *cough*) that seeing us be included here as more than just another little country to be brushed aside brought me joy! I don’t mind at all that we’re the antagonists, since it was done in such an interesting way! Similarly it can be said of what I think of Christians being the antagonists too (yep also Christian, maybe I’d be the evil mastermind in the novel :p), it was done in a very fair, and non-offending manner. The author doesn’t seem to me to be criticizing the foundations of my faith, instead he’s focusing more on the perils of fanatics and organized religion, which, cmon, are REAL. I mean just look at the cursades, any colonialism, and the Spanish Inquisition, it’s happened before! My opinion is that people need to understand this is a novel and maybe the author made these choices for other reasons than hating a particular group.
Wow this was long and kinda ranty, sorry!
Cheers,
A huge fan
I thought your reaction to the book–which I really enjoyed–was well-thought-out and intelligent. I’m glad you’re not a knee-jerk overly defensive reader but rather someone who takes the time to understand the author’s intent.
Well SAID, Joao!!!! You’ve articulated this masterfully!!!! I couldn’t agree more my brother!!! As an Irish, Roman Catholic, I would’vefelt the EXACT, same way! But then we Micks, are pretty thick skinned and used to being used as the punchline of many jokes, which is hard to deny since we provide allot of the material needed for said jokes!
I’m surprised (well not really surprised) to hear that this is something you’ve gotten complaints about. Big, powerful groups are always ripe for commentary in science fiction. The sense of entitlement that makes these folks feel they should never be lampooned is exactly why they should be lampooned. I personally found it refreshing to read a heroic character who is an outspoken humanist and wish there were more such characters out there.
As a Christian, I totally understand why you’d choose that path to go down. If I was in your shoes, I can’t see doing too much differently on that front, because it’s what I’m familiar with, and honestly the people who practice Christianity have a very long history of being kind of crappy when it comes to ruling others. It’s probably true of most of humanity, but again, Christianity is what I’m familiar with and I didn’t take it personally. Keep up the great work!
I’m partway through the first book, and enjoying it immensely. I’m also a Christian. I think collectively, the remarks here regarding Christianity and its treatment in the book are all well stated. I will read all the books in the series.
I too am a Christian but didn’t mind that aspect of the story. You are correct it’s just one of many bad guys, not people ( and to be honest accurate with last history ).
There is something unique about this series that I enjoy to no end. In some ways I want to be Bob.
Thanks for the pleasure you brought to me through the Bobiverse.
I am also a christian and am not bothered by a work of fiction.
I am currently up to the point in book 2 where the deltoids tell Bob to leave them alone, and then not long after they are at war with each other.
As a christian I actually see a parallel to how God treats us as he humans. He knows us, he wants to help, he wants to bless us with good things, he even sends a saviour BUT we tell God no, we’ll do it ourselves and reject him. Then of course, as we can all attest, we humans (& the deltoids) and our world end up in a mess.
So I’m enjoying that similarity. I don’t know yet how things end up for Bob & the deltoids, but am loving the story just the same.
I too came to the Bobiverse audio books after listenning to Ray Porter on “Project Hail Mary”. So far I am not disapointed.
raised religious, am no longer.
“the deltoids tell Bob to leave them alone, and then not long after they are at war with each other”. Well, chronologically – sure. But..this glosses over the fact that they are not going to war because of ignoring ‘the bob’.. but rather because ‘the bob’ took them on this journey (with a serious of short-sighted mistakes), but in focusing on short term solutions.. was unaware of the longer term implications.
So..if you are being honest.. the ‘divine intervention’ screwed things up.. and directly led to the pressures that put the deltans on the path to war.
Like my Southern Baptist preacher daddy used to say, “When you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that yelps is the one that got hit.” I don’t see any complaints from Brazilians or environmentalists. Wonder why? Which antagonist description hit too close to home, do ya think?
Dennis,
Fairly hooked in the Bobiverse series. Your handling of the concepts of consciousness, quantum entanglement, technology, and morality, philosophy and faith are equal parts entertaining and intellectually compelling.
I look forward to further immersion in this space you’ve created.
As Louis CK said: Christianity WON. Would it make any sense to use another religion, if you wanted to talk about religion?
I read all the Bobiverse books several months ago and absolutely loved them. I stumbled across your website hoping to find some more works from you and I couldn’t help but notice the religions chiming in. I personally don’t believe in any god or gods, that is just silly to me, but I don’t claim any atheist association (except by default because it makes sense) either. I take the most logical empirical based theories and accept them for what they are = the closest we have to the truth. It’s refreshing to see non-believers/belief in a good SF book. I’ll be glad when additional logic surfaces and this is more of a norm. I look forward to reading your next production.
SPOILER ALERT. I’m a moron, and didn’t anticipate the number of spoilers I’d encounter while reading these posts. These posts are intriguing, and in many ways will add to my enjoyment as I finish the first book and continue the series, but I’m late to the party. Sorry to Rob and Doug and writers of the nearby posts; the SPOILER ALERT is not for here specifically, but I backed up just to insert it somewhere.
I’m half way though you book #1. Excellent book. Great Job. Super excited for book 2.
I am in love we are legion is perfect so far. its everything i love about Scifi stories. thank you for writing something innovative and new.
Absolutely loving Book 1, currently about halfway through. Can you talk at all about any discussion to option movie or television rights?
Would love to see this on the big(or small) screen!
Author
I would love to be offered such a thing. If you have any contacts, I’ll give you my agent’s name. 🙂
I would lean more towards a TV series. The movie industry would wand to compress it down to a story that would conclude in 2hrs. here we are at the end of book 3 and I see over 7 stories that need to be rapped up. To get a movie they would completely drop any side stories, like the Australian, while his tale has a nice bow around it now. I still see the possibility of his return in book 4.
So far I see 9 stories started and needing telling in the first 3 books (like where is Bender), 5 spin off tales that were hinted at (like Children of the Bob), and I have 4 ideas of stories that would fit in the Bobivers. (like Doctor Digital.) What about crossovers? (how would the Uploads and the Arts react to the Bobs).
This Universe has enough material for at lest 12 seasons. It could be like the old soap operas were you have the point of view from one bob then at the commercial break switch to another’s view. Set up the story arc in episode 4 and not show part two of it until episode 8. Just like in your books every other chapter is a end of TV episode cliff hanger.
I am no writer. But I am a good sounding board for brainstorming. I can put together Outlines of the Ideas I have and send them off to you. I will notarize a letter giving the intellectual property rights of my Bobivers Ideas to you, the one that inspired them and the only one that could flesh them out into full stories. I would love to see more Bobivers stories and will do what little I can to help. If I had the funds I would simply hire you to write them but alas I am broke.
Just so I said it: while this series has become my favourite series almost immediately on hearing the first book, it is totally not going to work as a movie. No movie that I’m aware of has tried to encompass such various scales. Yes, us, the followers, would love it, but it will be incomprehensible to the world at large.
I think it could be done but it would mean that the SCUT or faster than light communication would have to be introduced earlier in the (tv or movie) series. This way the different bobs would infect all feel as one just with different stories.
Personally I would love to see this series as a TV/Netflix series… more than one episode to showcase the full story.
Loved the books, still waiting for august…so close
Most definitely a series to get the scale of the replicants planets and other things set into a manageable proportion.
Just finished We are Legion. Enjoyed it very much. Unfortunately, since I listened to it, I can’t flip through and trace all the Bob’s. Any chance of getting a family tree?
Author
I have been working on one. Actually, on several things. I’ll be putting them up on the web site soon.
Is this still forthcoming? Or should I finish up and post the one I just started? 🙂
Author
Sorry, I forgot about the family tree. It actually exists at the end of book 2. I’ll post it up this weekend.
Woohoo!!! You’re my favorite. I spent a few hours on one yesterday, but I’m sure I messed it up 😛
Thank you for the amazing story! You hit every note that I crave in my science fiction diet and have now introduced new flavours I never had before! It was the book I have been waiting to read and I finally understand the concept of not being able to put it down. I can’t freaking wait for number two! Any rough ETA on that?
James Sovdi,
graphic designer
Canada.
PS. F*$& “the wrap up” BS. I’m glad the Bobiverse is endless and hope it stays that way.
Author
The bobiverse itself is endless. The initial series, of which Legion is the first, is a trilogy. There will be a nicely packaged wrapup of all major plotlines at the end of book 3, but there’s still a ton of room for more stories in the bobiverse.
I love these books. You should replicate(contract) other writers to split off other Bobs to other story lines just like the bobs replicate. That way I could have a new bobiverse book every month or so.
whoa, I realize I am late to the party but wrapping up the plot in book 3 is false. What about the others? I have not listened to book 3 in a while. But I know for certain you have several other unfinished issues to address.
Author
The Others were obliterated in book 3. Do you have 63 chapters or 76? If the former, see here: Some Updates on, Well, Everything
I think you could do what other authors do, where they have little short stories that take place in the same universe. Just an idea, but I think it’s a decent one.
Dear Dennis E. Taylor. F* You.
Never in my entire life have I read any book more than once in succession. I’ve never finished a book more than twice (and even that was after ten year).
And I read couple books a week.
I now reading it in Kindle after I listened to if TWICE on audible. It’s like convergence of all my geeky fantasies, and I can’t help myself but to read it again.
So f* you for writing such good book, and I can’t wait for the next one… 🙂
HI,
I can only repeat all what was said above (minus the “insight into military operations”). I loved your book! I think I will do as Jonathan suggested and re-listen!
Thank you for sharing your story and talent.
Hi Dennis! Recently read the Bobiverse series, and just finished “The Singularity Trap” like three minutes ago – you are officially my new favorite writer!
Kudos, sir – amazing work! Looking forward to many more! I’ll be reading your other works in short order!
Yo Dennis, introduce a love interest already! If Bob could make himself a cat, at least one of them should have thought to make a woman by now at LEAST. But I think we all want a corpsicle bride.
Make it happen.
Author
I think you’ll appreciate book 2.
😛 Sounds wonderful. Can’t wait.
Hi Dennis, I am currently halfway through the Bobiverse book 2, the character of Bob is one that I have related to more than any other single character in any fictional story, let alone science fiction story I have ever enjoyed! He is so likeably affable, and at the same time, realistically fallible, and he likes all the same things I do. I have to say, I really related to the heartache of the one that got away, (SPOILER BOOK 2) with the love interest in Book 2 (SPOILER). I am also intrigued why Bob or any of his clones didn’t code some kind of special VR programme with certain attractive attributes for his personal entertainment? He could have made it look like any celebrity or fictional character from any science fiction franchise he enjoyed… I can only imagine that this concept may not make it past editors, or if you wanted to keep the book accessible to the teen and young adult audiences, same reason that none of the swearing that happens, happens on the actual page.
I also can’t for the life of me figure out why the personal busters used to take care of the Gorilloids couldn’t have bladed weaponry and go slower or spin like a Beyblade, rather than self annihilate at supersonic speeds? They could take down at least 10 or 20 Gorilloids if they were even remotely robust and had swords pointing out in multiple directions.
Also, if the 3D printers could print organic material, couldn’t Bob print out a human body for himself? Could he transfer himself back into the human population? He might extrapolate his genome from his surviving ancestors, or find his genome mapped digitally in the archive. He can then print out an embryo and grow it in an artificial womb. Imprinting his brainwave pattern onto the clone would be difficult… but this would go around Bob’s unique status as being a self replicating digital life form.
Dear Mr. Taylor, I (50 yo Iranian woman living in Germany) just finished the fourth Bobiverse book and I thank you for the enjoyable stories. They were imaginative, complex, captivating and fun to read. As someone brought up in a theocraty and still suffering from its atrocities, the descriptions of FAITH were too close to home.
The only thing that bothered me a bit throughout the books was the low opinion you seem to have of humans. By all means, we can be a bunch of idiots, especially regarding politics, but even on the science and development level, the humans in your books seemed to be either sitting around and complaining and waiting for bobs to solve their problems, or causing more problems. I missed the innovative, adventurous spritit of (some) humans, such as Bob himself when he was human. Surely, it won’t have all died out in just hundred years? If it weren’t for Bridget and Steven, one would think the best course of action for Bobs is to leave the humanity behind and let them go extinct. I’m not a huge fan of people myself, but as a race, we’re not that useless, are we? 🙂
I can’t wait for the advantures to continue. Many thanks again.
I just want to echo all of the other accolades for Bob. I too picked it up on Audible and also agree that Ray Porter is perfect. I’m very sad today as I only have about 30 minutes remaining 🙁 Can’t wait for the next. The plot is so wide open, it seems like a fantastic book dynasty in the making. Congrats Dennis. Great work. I’ve been listening to about 15-20 audible books a year since 1999, and your book is already one of my all-time favorites. More please!!
Cheers
John
I’m about three hours into the book one (Audible) and I have enjoyed it immensely. I love that Bob is relate-able and not a unrealistic character . I’m looking forward to many more books.
Dennis,
Easily the best audio book I’ve listened to in 2016. Everyone I know is getting your book for Christmas. I’m going to sit down and write you a glowing review on Audible and Amazon. I haven’t been this excited about a book since Ready Player One. I can’t wait for the next chapter in the Bobiverse!
Your WordPress seems to be running out of memory and throwing errors. Feel free to reach out to me if you’d like some assistance or advice with that.
Kindest Regards,
-Jason
Author
I’ve complained several times to arvixe. No joy as yet. I may be moving hosting companies.
Bob book 1 was hands down one of my favourite novels. Keep up the great work Dennis
Best novel by a new author I’ve read since The Martian. I cannot wait for the sequels. And props from a fellow software developer!
Congratulations on the success of yer Bob book. I listened to the whole thing in one and half truck driving shifts.
Normally, I wouldn’t give advice to an author …but your intro says you won’t mind, so:
Would you consider dialing back the ironic tone? Irony is a savory spice but as a go-to stylistic affect it becomes distracting and even tiresome. The double irony here is that people resort to chronic irony as a cover for insecurity (this is what we despise about “hipsters). Though thoroughly appropriate to your Bob character, maybe it’s understandable in a new author as well.
It is a difficult thing t balance humor with drama. The theme you are developing is epic and has great potential for a series. This could be among the best of hard sci-fi as your plot and theme invite exploration (and introspection) of the heavy the deep and the cosmic implications of identity, purpose and destiny. IMHO the over use of ironic humor is a safety net you don’t really need. Loose the net, aim for the stars; that is the way to get from “a fun read” to “a future classic”.
I eagerly look forward to your next Bob book. I have little time to read text so I hope you’ll get your “Outland” on Audible too.
I agree about the ironic tone. It does become tiresome. There are some popular series out there that I refuse to read past the first book because of the amount of irony and sarcasm being used. It gets very tiresome. A little sprinkled here and there is great but too much and I stop enjoying the book.
That said, I also very much enjoyed this book. I can see so much potential in the stories, and I didn’t get confused as to whom I was reading about which can happen when you have multiple story lines going. Each line is very distinct.
I have been through the disenchanted reader time myself, but found that trying to write your own is a heck of a task. Bravo for putting yourself out there and doing it!
Dennis,
While I’m sure Marty and Susan are speaking from a depth of experience in the book writing business that I simply can’t fathom, personnally I think you should completely ignore their advice…was that irony, sarcasm, or something all together different…I’m really not sure but what I do know is that I thoroughly enjoyed the Bobiverse and I like the Bobs’ sarcastic tone…or tones I guess.
Marty and Susan, sorry to pick on you but it seems we just have different taste in character development. Guess I’m just an insecure hipster at heart.
Keep up the great work Dennis, like everyone else, I can’t wait for the next book but unlike everyone else, I say take your time, right and good are much better than quick! Besides, it’s good for your audience to suffer the pangs of anticipation for a while, makes them hungrier for the next book.
I have to say (IMO) this is a decision you make at the beginning. If Bob is an ironic kind of guy, you just have to write it like this; it’s a narrated story. It totally does not bug me. If you’re writing a narrated story, the narrator has to be a full on character, and he is in this story. When you’re talking about other Bobs with other personalities, the style changes accordingly; this tells me why you haven’t responded to these comments:- you already got it.
I’m wondering if this may be a cultural thing. As an Aussie, I was SO surprised and delighted in listening to the Bob books that they had such a great sense of humour … because I just assumed the author was American (don’t kill me yet Dennis, keep reading) due to the geographical setting at the start of the first book and Bob’s (implied) nationality. Americans pretty much don’t get Aussie humour, which is highly ironic in nature. What we find hilarious they often find offensive or ‘tiresome’. But …
Then I discovered Dennis was Canadian!!!
And Canadians and Australians have a really similar sense of humour. Yee hah, O Canada.
So for me – the books were outstandingly funny and it’s one of the things that will keep me coming back to them again and again. And when this humour is hard up against some of the tragedies and tensions that happen along the way (one of which I still haven’t got over, Dennis!!! Book 2!!! In Sol!!!) it makes for the best kind of emotional rollercoaster.
You don’t have to be ‘serious’ to contemplate the ‘big stuff’ – what ‘being human’ means; duty, loyalty and sacrifice; the responsibility for who lives and who dies. I just found that rather than reflecting on this at the time I was listening, these issues would come back to me in quieter moments, and I’d think, wow, for such an out-and-out enjoyable book, it’s really making me think.
I wouldn’t change a thing. And I think the fact Dennis has managed to retire from his day job on the success of these books means that his agent (happily) will want the Bobs to continue to be their wonderful, sarcastic, emotional, funny selves. Long live the Bobs.
This is the best read since The Martian and Ready Player One, just a great read.
Add my “me too” to all of the previous comments. I read Legion first, and just finished Outland this morning. Both were great, fun reads. Yes, always use Ray Porter for the Audible versions. He sounded like he was having a blast with all the voices. I need more. Write faster.
Another fan from Audible! Now how long until I can listen to book 2?!
Dennis,
Thank you for an excellent escape vector! I have, to date, listened to We Are Legion, We Are Bob three times. It has definitely joined my books-worth-rereading pile, alongside such favorites as The Martian, Fuzzy Nation, Redshirts, Agent to the Stars, Old Man’s War, and most things Jim Butcher. Now imma haz to get Outland. My only regret is that it is not on audible as of yet since I spend a goodly portion of my day behind the wheel.
I’m looking forward to many hours of future eenjoyment reading the fruiits of your labors,
Keep ’em coming.
Marty
Dennis,
What an amazing story. I can truly count myself as a member of the Bob fan club. Also, huge props for engaging Ray Porter as your audible narrator. As a fan of his, I actually picked up your book because he was reading. I am SO happy that I did. You’ve crafted an amazing universe that drew me in so completely. I’ve told everyone I know that they need to pick up a copy.
All the best in your future endeavors.
Regards,
Max Redd
Dear Dennise (dang it)
I am 1:57:43 into We are Legion, and you are now my favorite author. Joshua Dalzelle & HP Lovecraft might find conflict in that…well, actually one is dead and the other was Air Force, so, nevermind you’re safe. I too am a loner and like to keep to myself, so consider this a YUGE compliment that I’ve looked you up to write my appreciation. Will be looking forward to your work with stimulated provocation. (what?)
and as much as this pains me to say…Godspeed
Hey, enjoying the Bobverse!
FYI – I have a 3D Star map built in Blender 3D. It goes out about 20 ly built off of current star catalogs down to M’s and some brown dwarfs. Then big stars K and larger out to 50 ly.
I was going to use it for my own verse, but that’s becoming increasingly unlikely. If you want a copy email me.
MJ
Author
I actually wrote my own, using VC# and XNA. There’s a video capture somewhere back in the older posts, although it’s out of date (it’s from an early draft of Legion). I’ve been meaning to update it; I’m just looking for a better video capture tool.
Oh, please do that if your time permits it. Or even better, write more books and outsource this to your fans 😉 My astronomy knowledge is rather poor, still I’d like to better understand the distances and timelines, how the bobs spread out. How fast The Others spread.
I find the development of the bobs very interesting, the loosing interest in decorating their VR and probably human affairs. Just reading Fall of Hyperion, somehow it reads like the distant future of the Bobiverse, some of the Bobs became the Techno Core etc.
Dennise,
As a resident of Las Vegas I don’t understand why you felt the need to harpoon my city in what was otherwise an enjoyable novel!
That being said if you need any insight into Las Vegas, convention centers, or the army please feel free to reach out.
I’m looking forward to continuing the journey into the Bob-verse. This was awesome, Ill have to adjust my frame rate so March gets here quicker.
Mike
About 80% through ‘Bob1’, was checking to see if ‘Bob2’ would be ready soon.
DEFINITELY saw the comparison to ‘World Out of Time’, but the differences well justify the new look at the theme. For that matter, it’s also an ass-backwards take on the ‘Berserkers Wars’ books.
The writing style was quite good and hopefully you’ll get ‘The Martian’ treatment. When you do (and you will), and you make the big bucks (you will) and you spring for cryogenics (come on, how could you not?), LOOK BOTH WAYS WHEN CROSSING THE STREET!
–Sean
Outstanding in audiobook form. Ray Porter is one of the best narrators. Can’t wait until Book 2 and 3. One question, do you get to chose the narrator? Ray is the perfect voice for Bob.
Author
Ray was assigned to me for book 1. I’d never heard of him. But I agitated for Ray to do books 2 & 3.
I Must note, I actually found the Bobiverse trilogy while scanning through Ray Porter’s work. I listened to a set he’d done with another author and fell in love with his narration. I’m glad he was arbitrarily assigned to you, as I would have missed out on what is arguibly my favorite book series I’ve ever read/listened to. Keep up the great work! And stick with Mr. Porter for your narration needs. He suits your writing style so we’ll. Thank you for the joy you have given me.
Awesome book Dennis! Loved the narrator for the audiobook, and glad to hear you have him back for the next two. Any timeframe for the next book? Are we talking James A. Corey timeframe (1 per year) or George R.R. Martin timeframe? BTW agree with the above about seeing this on TV. A perfect format for it IMO. Great work and will be telling all my friends about it!
Just finished listening to We Are Legion on audible and I hate you for making me love it so much. Do you know how upset I was when I found out that the next book hadn’t been written yet? Yes I know you just barely finished writing the first one, but hurry up damn it, mama needs her fix. Your writing style reminds me a lot of my favorite writer Terry Pratchett, may he rest in peace (or be brought back as AI). You have the same glorious way of approaching deep subjects with humor, and I love it. I have no doubt that some movie executive is going to offer you more money then you can turn down, and ruin your wonderful work. So finish the rest of them quick before anyone has the chance to corrupt them. I wish you all of the wealth and fame that I know your book will attract. Don’t let it go to your head.
Awesome book. I like scifi but so many Scifi authors are writing military novels, and those get old after awhile.. This is the kind of book I love reading. Exploration, aliens, colonization, inventing new tech, artifacts, etc…. what’s not to like. The pace of the book and the problem solving are great too.
Thanks for writing this book!
I’m looking forward to the next ones.
Mr. Taylor.
I just wanted to drop you a line and say how much I love “We are legion” I finished the book and immediately started it again. I can’t wait for the next one. This is my favorite book in years and that includes “ready player one” which I read for the first time this year.
It is such a refreshing concept for a story and love the interactions of characters you have written. Also your attention to detail is very satisfying to read through. There are no cringe moments or difficult parts to get through. I really appreciate that you have allowed each Bob to develop its own personality and it makes the interactions between them very interesting. Keep up the good work. I look forward to the your future books.
Thank you for writing this.
Best regards.
Ryan Brock
I just finished two months of studying for my medical board certification renewal – You book (Bob) was my reward for finishing the effort. Loved it all. Audio version was one of the best ever. Thank you very much for the effort – very much looking forward to your future works.
First Audbile book I’ve read more than once. I’m on the third time now and I still love every minute of it. It triggers every nerd nerve I have! 🙂
Do you have an estimate, when your next book/audible is comming out?
You sir rock. Cant tell you how much I loved your book. I mean really on an epic level. Also love the narrator Ray. Patiently waiting for third. I love the nice little nerd bytes all over. My favorite thinking on FPS 🙂
Given that you seem to be acquainted with Google Translate, and the use of the likes…. pls allow me to write my comments in spanish:
Un libro muy innovador y original. Muchas veces imagine el nacimiento de los Cylons (Galactica), e inclusive recordé los libros de Area 51 de Robert Doherty donde la colonización e invasión extraterrestre comienza por maquinas.
Recomendare tu libro. Pusiste mi mente a soñar con el futuro.
Agradezco que el contenido técnico del libro sea muy realista..perece que eres ingeniero en fisica o electronica (como yo lo soy). Aquellos libros que hablan de tecnologia pero el escritor no tiene ni la mas pequeña idea de que es un electron me parecen aborrecibles.
Hello Dennis,
I’m only 17% into Bob and enjoying it immensely. I have a question about the story: the first mention of colonization is when Bob asks how (Ministry of) Truth is connected to colonization. Until that point there was no mention of colonization, and I was confused; I couldn’t figure out why Bob asked that or is it a plot point that got past you and your editor?
Thanks again and looking forward to the rest!
Kaufman
Author
Yep. Nice catch. The “reveal” had originally been a little earlier, before the ministry visit. I’ve marked that as a bug. It’ll be fixed in the next release. 🙂
Dennis,
So are you using Git to track your changes? 😉
Cheers on a great book! I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Book 1, and have already order Book 2.
Audible member here, 500 books in my library, most are sci fi… This book frustrated me.. Seriously… I’m getting bored, lots of books are very similar.. Almost to the point where I’m thinking I can do better.. (having listened to so many so fast) I’m averaging 24 books every 6 weeks.. Why am I frustrated? This book suggested 1 of a series BUT there is only one on audible! I don’t know if it’s the story line, or the writing, or the reader but I just love this book, I try and only rate good books i like as a 4 but I’ll have to rate this as a 5…thanks Dennis for writing this book, I hope your others are as good. I was going to get some more alister Reynolds books next but after this book… Searching for more books written by you..
Hi Mr. Taylor,
My husband and I listened to Bobiverse book 1 Audiobook on our long Thanksgiving road trip (13 hours). We LOVED it. Your excellent storytelling kept us awake and entertained. NOW I NEED BOOK 2!
Best wishes, Elizabeth
Hi Mr. Taylor,
Well, you got me twice. I listened to the book on Audible, but the pace was way too slow. So I bought the book! I read–a lot. This book captured me immediately and kept me hooked, right up until the end. I’m frustrated, like many others, because I made the mistake of finding this series in its infancy.
Consumer Reports at one point had two sets of ratings for cars. One set for Toyota, Honda, etc., and then one for everyone else. The thinking was cars manufactured by Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc were vastly superior than lesser cars, but the “lesser” cars still had worth (A Chevy car and a Toyota could both have an A rating, but Toyota’s rating would be considered higher). I believe your book should be rated on a higher scale, for the exact same reason.
Good stuff.
Thanks,
Allen G.
Dennis, I love your book. I’ve been listening to it in my car while I drive and the narrator is great, but the writing and story are superb. I listen to a lot of books while I travel and this is one of the best I’ve heard in a very long time. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Rob
Loved your book! you should look into movie options. Could be difficult cause of all the references to other franchises (Riker, Homer…etc.) but so did Ready Player One and that bad boy is about to be a Spielberg directed movie so there is hope.
Just wanted to say great job and I am also looking forward to Book 2.
Frank
Hi,
When can I expect to be able to listen to your next book on Audible?
I really loved Bob.
Any updates on a new book or the next book in the series would be great.
Additionally, i’m sure you’re going to get a bunch of messages similar to this, it may be a good idea to create a little option on the website with the information.
Something like: http://mahanenko.ru/en/content/books
Thanks again.
Best regards,
Jamie
Just finished the first Bobiverse book on audible and I’m dying for more. Keep up the great work!
Hey D
Just read Bob. Very cool! Love your flow. I’m a fan. Going to have to do an audible. Lots of raves about that.
Chop chop! You got fans waiting and wailing for more…… me too!
Happy holidays. Great stuff
Craig
Dennis! Just finished We Are Bob, listened to it on Audible, excellent narration, really did your book justice. It was a super fun read, full of pop culture throwbacks and the science, while complex enough to be futuristic, was very accessible for believability. Reminded me of The Martian, how I always got to be in one of the Bob’s proverbial head for the entire adventure. Looking forward to book 2!
Dennis – Well, your book “We are Legion” blew my entire Saturday. I hope your happy with yourself. Many Thanks!!
Dear Dennis:
I have recently finished reading “We are Legion” and would like to get in touch with you regarding a translation into Spanish. I have some experience as a translator, and have been looking for a project like this to get started translating fiction. My fee would be quite modest, and you could do with the translation as you like, after talking it over with your editor. I hope you are interested, since I find the idea very exciting.
Yours, Arturo Sierra
Hearing great things about your debut novel – any chance you’ll be publishing the Bob books on iBooks?
Sincerely
Joe, Future Fan?
Author
Not at the moment. Legion is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited, which requires that Amazon be exclusive distributer of e-books.
loved the first book. Really looking forward to the next 2 (no pressure). The science is clever but I really liked the laid back comedic style. So much science fiction is serious.
I’m ranking this up there with Peter Hamilton, and I can see the story evolving into a ‘foundation series’.
I can image this as a TV series, although the disembodied characters could send a producer a little bit loco
Thank you Dennis.
Write on
Tony
Hey Dennis,
I found Legion and loved it, literally could not put it down. Thank you for writing it! I’m looking forward to reading more of your stuff.
Best,
Kirk
Hi Dennis,
Being an Israeli I got quite disappointed with what you did with the middle east in your book.That said, I loved your book, the narration is great but I think Jim Dale would have done a better job. Hopefully in the next one you will plug in a mad Al Pacino Bob.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1-2uv1b1yQ
Great work mate, you have a fan club over here,keep up the good work, waiting for your next one.
Dennis,
I’m very excited about your work, it’s up there with The Dresden Files, you’ve got a home run here! I’m forwarding the info to any and all in my little nerd circle :-).
Ethan
Heya, looking to find the origin of a reference you have in the first Bobiverse book. Chapter 14 intro. I’d like to find that or common content to reference for an article.
Author
Sorry, that’s completely made up. Also, no one so far seems to have caught on that Lawrence Vienn is a tuckerization of Larry Niven.
Excellent 😉 and of course I’m a big Niven fan as well. I could go on and on.
Amazing writing and very inspiring. I look forward to more and make sure your reader for Legion gets a huge cookie basket or something. What an amazing voice talent.
1. I really liked the Bob book.
2. Where’s the audiobook for Outland?
3. I’m curious if you are typing your books or using speech recognition. I started using Dragon NaturallySpeaking earlier this year for my work (I am a translator).
Despite the fact that I can type quite fast and with ten fingers, dictating is much faster and much more fun.
When I think of the THOUSANDS of hours I wasted because I didn’t make the switch earlier, it makes me ill.
Typing is obsolete.
First, I would like to congratulate you, I truly enjoyed your book and have no doubt it will be very successful. I had just finished the Solo trilogy by Hugh Howey (great read) and found it refreshing to get out of my confined space and stretch out in your book. I was also excited to learn that it is also a trilogy.
Second, I have a question. I recently read the Bible (amazing read) and noticed a couple things. The biggest being that most people who profess to be Christians it’s more than obvious that they have not read the Bible. Sorry, I digress, to my question. Why did you entitle your book “We are legion”? I recalled the reference from my reading of the Bible. Then when I read that your next book is entitled “We are many” the connection seemed sealed. Is your next book going to be entitled “Send us into the swine” or “Send us into the Deltan”? Sorry, hope this is not a spoiler, lol. But if it is, I’m sorry. I loved the Bob character you created but I hate the thought or association that he might have with being a demon or many demons. I would love a response. Thanks Brian
Author
🙂 No, book 3 is entitled All These Worlds, which is a nod to Arthur C. Clarke. There’s no particular biblical reason to associate the series with the bible, except for the (mis)quote.
That’s so interesting because I completely thought the same as Brian… at least as far as reference to the bible.. and I was thinking more along the lines of what the Faith’s would have viewed Bob as….hmmm.. now that’s a bit more disappointing because that means I gave you more credit than it’s worth….hmmm….. weird how that worked out.. . still like the book… just need to go process this now…
Thank you, and thanks for not pointing out my solo silo mistake. I’m sure there were more, I’m not a write just a poor reader, lol. I would love to get a signed book for my library now that I know Bob is not a demon, lol. Again I loved the book.
AWSOME! Love the book, and Ray Porter is one of my favorite narrators! I’ve often wondered if I could put up with myself in a “clone yourself” universe. Still not sure, but the story line is great, and I love the way the Bobs individualized themselves, but still keep their Bobness. So about that next book…
Hello Mr. Taylor,
I found out about your book via Reddit and am intrigued enough to give it a try; however, it seems that being a non-American, I cannot purchase your book via Amazon Kindle (although, I can purchase other titles just fine).
Would you be able to enable selling in international markets? Or are there other means through which I can purchase your book?
Thanks.
Author
It shouldn’t be a problem to buy it. The book is being purchased internationally all the time. Check if you’re using the amazon URL for your country.
Well, unfortunately I am residing in Malaysia, we do not specifically have an Amazon URL for our country.
However, I have noticed that I can purchase certain Kindle books via the US website, despite having Malaysia as my residing country. Which makes it odd that I cannot purchase your book, if only the Amazon URL is a limiting factor…
Much thanks for your reply and Merry Christmas.
Hello,
FANTASTIC BOOK! You are a gem of a writer. Can’t wait for Bobiverse Book 2 I found your website looking to see when it would come out!
Loved the audible version of We are Legion. Awesome. Look forward to the next one! Great work!! I listened to this book in one day. I have never done that before with an audible book.
Dennis,
Really loved listening to legion on audible. The plot of legion wouldblend itself perfectly to htc vive virtual reality. Especially the way you tell the story which includes upgrading the vr reality during the story.
Vr games are the wild west right now and i think this would be a huge huge hit. If you’re interested in developing a game i could probably find some people interested in helping you out.
CryptoSpook,
Crymor Gaming
YouTube.com/crymorgamingtv
I was hoping you could create a facebook page so that i can keep in touch with what you write in the future. While email marketing lists are ok they tend to get lost in the shuffle for me. I really loved legion. It almost ended too soon. thanks for writing it.
as soon as i wrote that i found your facebook page.
Will it be possible in the near future to order a paperback We are Legion issue in the Netherlands? I haven’t found a way yet sadly.
Author
I’m really not sure what’s going on with that. I know someone from Austria who was able to order Outland, so it’s not a “Europe” thing. Perhaps contact Amazon and ask them WTF?
Dennis E.
I’m more than 1/2 way through We Are Legion on Audible. I’ve been listening to it with my 8 year old daughter. She’s hooked as am I. As soon as we get in the car she’s clamoring for Bobiverse. I am so glad to hear the. Eat book will be out in a march. Hope that means the Audiobook will follow shortly thereafter.
Thanks for the hours of enjoyment that I’m able to share with my daughter!
Shannon
Author
We are making a point of trying to release the audio and e-books at the same time in all cases. The paperbacks may be a few days behind.
Loved your book, really looking forward to the next one! Thank you!!
Actually got all my questions answered by reading the previous comments and your answers (Ministry Of Truth glitch, when audiobooks are coming out, with the ebooks is such a perfect answer etc)
So just a quicky to say loved the first book, very much looking forward to the 2nd … and 3rd. Great job and I also love the narrator perfect for the book.
Write quicker and if you need any help on Goodreads (where the book has VERY high ratings just shout, I’m a voluntary librarian on there and can help out if there are any problems adding the new books 🙂
Hi! Dennis, I listened to the audiobook version of We are Legion and absolutely loved it! Best narrative voice since The Martian!
I run a author interview podcast with a couple fellow authors, http://www.keystrokemedium.com and I’d love to get you on the show to talk about your book and your writing!
I looked around the site and couldn’t find an email for you, but I’d love for you to email me so we can talk about the show!
Looking forward to hearing from you!!
Josh
President/Co-host of Keystroke Medium
[email protected]
I haven’t read a book for entertainment in years. I started because of a PC game, Elite:Dangerous, which happened to have a fan produced audio drama called Escape Velocity. After running through the series, I searched for something to quench my thirst of the genre of space travel and sci-fi. Over the weekend while traveling to Eastern NC from Dallas, TX, I chose this book to keep us entertained. It was a perfect experience. You’ve gained a new fan!
I team drive a semi with my wife all over the USA and Canada and really enjoyed your first book about Bob. Glad to hear audible will have your next book. Thanks for making the miles disappear.
Thanks for the great story! It is the most original and remarkable story I have come across in a long time.
Great work!
‘We Are Legion (We Are Bob)’ is quite simply one of the best sci-fi audiobooks I’ve listened to. I can’t wait for future installments. Thanks Dennis!
Hey Bob,
Sorry, Dennis (not very catchy if you ask me). Yet. I have just finished your book in Audible and it was awesome. So I then decided to puruse the internet for more of your work and I came across this page. Apparently I’m not the only person that is on a journey to writing. It seem as though you’ve successfully navigated the Tardis, if you will. Meanwhile I still seem to be metaphorically stuck on Gilligan’s Island without a coconut to spare.
Your page has quickly given me a some new found inspiration and I’ll be damned if I don’t end up perusing the hell out of it over the next few weeks. Keep up the good work. It’s very very very enjoyable. Spock meets Spock enjoyable.
Sincerely,
Joshua J.
Good Afternoon Mr. Taylor,
I will make this brief as I hope you are waist deep in writing book two of Boboverse
A couple random questions
If you could be trapped in a store over night. You cant take anything or consume anything, but you can do anything
What store would it be?
What time period of your life would you rather re-live and redo. High school? college? or that weird couple years after college?
Thanks
-Classically Trained Nerds
Author
1. If it was just for one night, toy store. Keep in mind those tend to include adult toys like drones and stuff, these days. If it was ongoing, book store.
2. Depends if you mean “with memories” or “without”. If the latter, fugetaboudit. It was traumatic enough the first time. If the former, then right from childhood. Read “Replay” by Ken Grimwood and you’ll understand.
Hello Dennis Taylor,
My name is Preston Leigh and I run the Indie Book Blog The Leighgendarium and I also host 30-Minute Author Interviews. I would love to talk to you about appearing on my podcast. What is the best way to do that?
Hi Dennis,
I am a long time reader of science fiction going back to the early sixties. I recently finished reading We Are Legion and Outland. Both were excellent, and I really enjoyed the narration on We Are Legion. It was very hard to put both books down. You are an excellent writer and very easy to read. I think that you should change your bio description and list author first followed by everything else. I really look forward to reading more about the Bobiverse.
I just finished your audio book and I now have to explain to my wife why I’ve been late coming home from work for the past seven days. Let’s just say I’ve been taking the loooong way home.
I have an idea to pass by you and your agent. In short, I have very robust, cross platform social site built from scratch. Highly optimized and it’s been around since 2012 for NFL fans in my home market – Pittsburgh.
Think von Neumann probe meets Facebook… for authors.
Can’t wait until your next release.
Buzz me if you have any interest.
I’m a fellow developer, and as I read this book I knew you were legit. Keep it real! And congrats on your success! Got any reddit, Slashdot, or stackoverflow handles?
Author
I’ve been on a couple of stackoverflow forums, but I haven’t maintained my accounts.
You can’t imagine how thrilled I was to begin your book. By the end of the first chapter, I was rapt in delighted anticipation to consume the rest. My heart immediately sank, however, when the plot turned into a cartoonist and just wildly improbable/impossible scenario involving a Christian fundamentalist takeover of the US. Why go to such great lengths to draw on science that is at least theoretically viable only to invent a political world that is simplistic, one-dimensional and cliche? I am a Christian and a fundamentalist. I give half my income to the poor and I I’ve personally rescued more than a dozen children from brothels in India and Cambodia. My best friend is gay and my son’s wife is an atheist. I love them both and welcome them into my home whenever possible. Do you know what being a fundamentalist means? It means you actually believe what you say you believe. It means you are religious because you have faith and not to pay homage to familial or communal expectations. I know hundreds of Christians and I haven’t met a single one who would vote for the fictional President in your novel. Here is my question: you would never write the science in your book as “magical pixie dust” without basis in reality, so why paint Christianity as a cartoon, without the slightest investigation into it. 90% of the homeless shelters in America are funded and/or staffed by Christian believers. These are the mindless, selfish, inbred idiots who would elect your fictional President?
There is a danger in the world presented by fanatical fundamentalists; they are not Christians, but Muslims. I lived for four years in a Muslim country and made many good friends there. Each and every month around the world dozens of attacks are carried out by militant Muslims. These happen so frequently that the news media does not even bother to list them, much less report on them in a systematic fashion. One would be hard pressed to find even one such attack each year carried out by Christians in the name of their God.
All I am saying is, please, if you want to paint a billion people as idiots, then at least inform yourself by getting to know some of them personally. Had you done that, your book would be more balanced and believable.
You are a gifted writer. Please be fair. I would like to read some current sci fi that doesn’t obey the tired political narrative of the Left (which is the only real Minitrue in our country.)
Well, others have commented on this topic in general, and it’s been a while, but I just can’t keep my trap shut after reading your comment.
While giving you the benefit of the doubt regarding your own views and intentions, I think you have a blind spot, there.
“These are the mindless, selfish, inbred idiots who would elect your fictional President?”
No, but these people would be, and they are very real 😉
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Camp
Probably the people you know and really are talking about aren’t.
But being european with a little difference in historical perspective (30 year war for example, which killed off one third of our population), the christians in the US,
the widespread and growing acceptance of Creationism(school books in Texas) as having something to do with “science” and real education, seem flat out creepy and like a possible return to times no one in his right mind should want.
Like a religious totalitarian regime…
Have a look at that one as a starting point, and get a more realistic view of the christian population:
https://www.livescience.com/24310-flat-earth-belief.html
Only one of numerous examples – google “creationism” and pick one 😉
As the above mentioned factions(even over here in Europe, which would have seemed impossible for me ten years ago) seem to have gained ground over the last decades, as a theoretical outcome
a totalitarian religious state in the US or somewhere else seems very possible, even if hopefully not likely to happen.
Jan 6th puts us a LOT closer to F.A.I.T.H. doesn’t seem so farfetched now huh?
I will admit, this made me giggle.
Dennis, at the time of this writing, I have 227 titles in my audible account with only two unread (saving for a rainy day). Your Bobiverse series is by far my favorite series I’ve ever listened to and I’m currently in my third read-through. I sure hope you continue!
It hurts to read someone defend Christianity by using overt racism against another religion as their primary argument.
As someone who grew up in a “Good Christian” household, I feel a need to weigh in here. Since Jan 6 happened, I’ve watched my state edge closer to what FAITH looked like ( or the Handmaid’s Tale, considering fetuses have more rights now than the women carrying them).
There has been so much wrong done in the name of religion. The religious want freedom, sure, for THEMSELVES. Not for the rest of us. We’re not allowed to think, believe, or behave differently. How my beliefs or religion – or lack thereof – has anything to do with you, no one can as yet prove to me.
I love the Bobiverse, as it talks to me on these things and so many other issues in dealing with people (outside of IT. We have our own language). The Bobs, to me, are MORE human than the Ephemerals. There. I said it. Sorry, Bill. The term fits.
I was a little put off by the FAITH angle but it didn’t really offend me. Like Harry said, it is cartoonish. I saw it as a trope to represent an absurdity. Taylor isn’t saying this is what Christianity is, he’s just using FAITH as a device. I am okay with that.
We humans are flawed and fallen in every way. Including our faith. God isn’t flawed and perfectly explains Himself to us through the Bible and through Jesus, but we humans sometimes run in wacky directions with what God tells us.
What does bother me is why our culture thinks The Handmaid’s Tale or the January 6th stupidity is somehow representative of Christianity. Those things are not. Not even close.
I agree with Harry. Orthodox Christianity has no place for violence or hatred or oppression, and most of the time we Christians get it right. Other belief systems, theistic or humanistic, have an orthodoxy that makes room for the possibility that bad behavior might not be so bad. Christianity calls sin for what it is and never excuses it or rationalizes it.
What’s remarkable about Christianity is that it is the most exclusive, and least demanding, religion or belief system we humans have. It says there’s only one way to get to God, and there’s no way we can do it for ourselves. And this is the beauty of Christianity: God did it for us.
All religions are dangerous because they are fictions of people who a) want to feel superior and b) can’t accept there isn’t an answer to everything. Believing is the problem. Religious people believe that their made-up fictional universe is real despite clear evidence to the contrary. That’s why science and religion can never come together and stay true to themselves. Religions are one of the major reasons for hate. It doesn’t matter which one, because at their core they are the same. People who believe in deities have a serious problem with conceiving the world, not much different from conspiracy theorists. Yes, there are also the so called “christian values”, but those are really humanitarian or ethical values. You don’t have to be religious to be a good person. In fact, if you’re not wasting resources on proselytization or worshipping a god, you can invest even more in things that really have a positive effect on people’s lives.
Christians are as radical as any other Western religion they are just more subtle about it. Hell look what happened on the continents of North and South America. Christians rolled in deleted the native language history culture clothing dress them up in western clothes gave them Christian names and force them to follow
I just finished “We Are Legion” and I loved it. I happened to start it after listening to about half of the Audible Great Courses lecture “The Search for Exoplanets: What Astronomers Know” by Professor Joshua N. Winn. I was tickled that you referenced actual exoplanetary concepts without wasting time explaining them. And the SciFi references have been awesome.
The wait for Book 2 is going to be hard. I like Bob. And I like his clones. I had my doubts about Mario but he might be my favorite after Khan. If an alien analogue of Bob visited me via drone, I’d be down with following his instructions. Seems perfectly reasonable. But I’d insist on calling him Flying Rock from now on.
Thanks for the great book and congratulations on your success! I’m sharing your praises with my friends.
Will I be able to buy “We Are Legion” as an EPUB ebook in the near future? I’d love to read it on my Kobo e-reader, but I can only find the kindle version.
Can’t wait to start reading!
Author
Legion is in KU, which means we can only sell the e-book through Amazon.
Just finished “We are Legion” via Audible. That was original and refreshing, I really enjoyed it! I am now impatiently waiting for the next book to be released. Ray Porter did a great job narrating as well, I hope he will be the one to narrate the next book as well.
Thanks for the entertainment!
Craig
Seems you are creating your own legion of “Bobettes”.
Just want to tell you that I also enjoyed your book on Audible. Not a huge fan of sci-fi but your book came up in Audoible’s recommendations and it looked a bit of a laugh so I gave it a shot. Pleased I did
Even though:
I’m old (64 3 weeks ago)
I’m a practising Christian (just can’t get it right) No hassle from me about your characterisations.
And …….I live in New Zealand (so I don’t NEED a place on the first ship outta here.
Like everybody else, I will wait patiently for the next instalment (if I live long enough)
Warm regards from the edge of known civilization, or Middle Earth, whichever you prefer.
Well. I actually see that I am talking to you from the future.
Your website says that it is 7.50 pm on Thursday 24th, but it is 4.51pm Friday 25th here as I write this.
Hello Dennis – I just read Legion and found it greatly entertaining, so thanks for that! If you ever need any input about physics, particularly nano stuff, feel free to drop me a line. Best, Doug
Wanted to listen to to some science fiction and chanced upon We are Bob Downloaded it without even reading the synopsis – and Loved it! Cannot wait for the next book!
I know Harry knocked you above for envisioning a Christian theocratic take-over, but President Trump just took the first step in tearing down the separation between church and state. Combined with his impending and Orwellian “Religious Freedom” executive order, I’d say we are quickly moving towards some type of theocratic oligarchy.
Can I get my head frozen somewhere? The faster I get off this rock, the better.
Your pardon if I think you’re being ridiculous! The general direction of separation of church and state has been in a distinct separation direction for many decades. You’re probably too young to remember it (and to the young, the present is paramount), but the country used to be far, far more religious than it is now, and prayer in schools for example was common and unexceptionable. And that’s not the only example of how religion and government used to be intertwined. If a little retrenchment regarding the trend towards areligiosity occurs, don’t worry! It didn’t kill us before, and it wouldn’t kill us now. It used to be that an open atheist couldn’t get elected dogcatcher; now it only matters if a district happens to be rather more religiously inclined than normal.
And there’s no way that Trump can change that trend, even assuming he wanted to. Which I’m pretty sure he doesn’t.
What you’d be better off worrying about is Islam. If you think a few Christian practicioners are hard to take, I dare you to try a country where Sharia is the law of the land.
Someone is certainly being ridiculous, but it isn’t Daniel. No one in the US is “better off worrying about Islam” while a major political party is unapologetically trying to install a Christian theocracy. The Venn Diagram intersection of people who fret about Sharia law and the people who call the US “a Christian nation” is practically a perfect circle and they don’t even see the irony.
I don’t know much about Sharia law, but it sure would be a shame if someone *else’s* religion dictated *my* rights. Gee, that might include things like outlawing abortions, banning books, restricting health care for teens, censuring school curriculum on evolution and American History, statewide bans on teachers acknowledging diverse families, or forbidding certain performance types.
Imagine if, in the year 2022, our Senate could still just barely avoid a filibuster on legislation protecting same-sex and interracial marriage. Just try to fathom a supposedly secular nation where such a law was urgently necessarily because more than HALF of US states still had laws against gay sex. Now THAT would be ridiculous.
Additionally…
You say that the imposition of Christian “values” didn’t kill us before and won’t kill us now? Dr. Savita Halappanavar would like a word. So would the post-Dobbs maternal death rate in the US. Countless victims of botched abortions and all of the gay or trans people who have been murdered also have something to say. Please also consult the women whose pregnancies are preventing them from receiving treatment for other health conditions, as well as the women who can’t get treatment for miscarriages.
Mike, I think you’re too young to remember that this country was headed in a distinctly non-religious direction prior to then end of WW2, after which we started fighting the atheist communist Soviets.
In the 1940s, less than half of Americans were church members. Then Eisenhower was elected. The pledge of allegiance was changed to include the words “under god” in 1954 after Eisenhower was lobbied by his minister to bring more religion into the US government. In 1956, “in god we trust” replaced “E. pluribus unum” as the national motto and was made ubiquitous on coins in 1955. The push back on the religious onslaught in the 1950s was the 1960s summer of love.
If you think that the Christian religion was the primary basis for the formation our country’s laws, I strongly suggest you read about our founding fathers. Of the principal seven, Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison, Adams, Franklin and Jay… only John Jay was Christian. Indeed, he was the token Christian of the bunch. The remainder were Deists except possibly “Jefferson the Atheist”, as Hamilton referred to him, and Washington, later in his life.
Deism came about because of the Enlightenment which was an explosion of science, knowledge and empirical reason. Deists, while believing in an afterlife and a creator, rejected Christian revelations and gospel, including that Jesus was the son of god. Deists believe that the creator does not intervene in our lives in any way.
When Jefferson wrote about a separation between church and state, the idea was precisely and exactly to keep our shared government religion-neutral so that no person would or could feel like laws based on a religious precept were being forced on them. While the separation of church and state has increased since the 1950s, the resurgence of the Christian Right is alarming to others who have a desire to exist in a “live and let live” world.
My personal observation is that while many Christians are not actively trying to shove their beliefs down others’ throats, that a smaller subset of Christians, a lot of them fundamentalist, believe it is their “responsibility” or “duty” to bring the “god’s word” to others and do so in a manner that is confrontational. Many believe that they are justified in doing nearly anything to accomplish those ends and that doing so will earn them a reward in the afterlife.
Kinda sounds like Sharia to me…
HELL YEA!!!
I just ordered the new book!!
My 15 year old son and I left Texas to find snow the week before Christmas. We headed to Colorado and were listening to a couple of audio books to help the time go by on the 12 hour trip. We found the 1st book about 8 hours into the trip. We were hooked! We drove into the mountains to go sledding and play in the snow. This was his first to see any real snow other than flurries. We listened the rest of the trip as we drove. At times we found ourselves sitting in parking lots trying to find a good stopping point in the book to get out of the car. At the end of the trip after driving 12 hours straight we got home and had 40 minutes left to go to finish the book. Exhausted from the trip at 3AM and finally home in our driveway instead of crashing out we stayed in the car to finish listening to the book.
this trip
From the bottom of my heart thank you! This trip was to be a trip for him to remember and cherish the rest of his life, you know first snow at Christmas. Without a doubt he and I will cherish this memory forever. The book was more memorable than the snow or Christmas. We are trying to figure out where to drive for the next book!!
Ironically we built a VR computer for his Vive VR for Christmas. We keep taking about making Bob environments for his VR. He is learning to make games in Unity.
I don’t know if anyone will ever read this and really don’t care. I just had to tell our story to someone.
Thank you!!
Jeff Skea
Hey great book! loved WaLWaB! Thank you! Quick request, I listened to the audiobook so don’t have the text and there’s a quote I’m looking for. It’s the part when Bob has just woken up and the doctor finally tells him a little history and he starts with the story of how a religious right strongman rises to power and destroys the country. Anyone have those couple of paragraphs? 🙂 Thanks!
Dennis congratulations and thank you for picking up a pen to put down your ideas. I listened to the book on audible and want to echo everyone else who said they were reluctant to get out of the car. Part of this success is undoubtedly due to your narrator. What a great coincidence to have a fantastic book find its way to the best narrator for it. (unless there were massive auditions… ) Best of luck with your future endevours. I hope you get to the point were the only code you have to write is for fun because the books made you independently wealthy 🙂
Hi Dennis,
I really loved your story. I’ve recmmended it to my co workers.
There’s no doubt that your book will be opyioned for a movie, though it’s a difficult film to visualise based on the first person nature of much of what takes place.
I have an idea that I’d love you to consider.
There’s an amazing opportunity to make your film in the domed format often projected in a planetarium.
I believe this would beautifully marry the API pov and subsequent interstellar travels and even tually even provide the foundation to cross platform into future virtual reality headset viewing for people at home.
I don’t write to authors. But I thought this would be an opportunity to do so.ething in film that we’ve not really seen yet. And your story is perfect for this kind of format.
You’d also breath life and energy I to the observatorys or planetariums all over the world.
I work as an editor for a studio that in turn works with all the major film studios. I know were looking g to make our own content at some point.
I’d love to broach this with my CEO and creative directors if you’re interested. Or if not with us I at the very least hope you would consider this if you do make a film series.
I absolutely love the story so far and look forward to the next one.
All the best.
Bob was the best audiobook i’ve listened too yet – so much fun. Keep it up 🙂
Dennis,
Legion is by far the best book I have read in a long time. I agree with the comparisons to Ready Player One and The Martian. I appreciate that while you are clearly writing science fiction, you shade towards the science as much as possible. That is one of the reasons I love The Martian so much, it has a minimum of “handwavium.” I really enjoy books that have a great deal of internal dialogue, and you do it well. I very much look forward to the next installment while I “wear out the electrons” on the copies (Kindle and Audible) that I have. I almost hurt myself laughing when you introduced GUPPI/Ackbar.
May the bawbe be with you as you work on book three.
P.S. Does Bob’s love interest speak Chinese?
I don’t usually contact authors (usually meaning never) but I felt compelled to let you know how much I am loving your book! I don’t usually read a lot of Sci-Fi but for some reason your book caught my attention. Your imagination and humor is right up my alley and just what I look for in a good read. I love how you take some of today’s theories and move them forward to possible fruition. It’s great. And just so you know, I am a Christian of Brazilian descent and was not offended. (Well – I may have made the last part up, I am not Brazilian.) But even being Christian, I think any belief taken to the extreme without being open to other thoughts and progression could potentially end up in a totalitarian state – I didn’t take personal offense. You had to pick on somebody right?
Seriously, thank you for taking the time to share your wit and imagination with us!
Please answer this question:
I really enjoyed the book, I found it exciting, funny, and well written but something started to bother me about half way through. Why is there not one important female character in this book? Not one. I get that all the bobs are bobs so they’re dudes naturally, but none of the other defrosted brains belonged to women? None of the important group leaders on post war earth were women…even the smart bat-pig person had to be a guy? It just doesn’t make sense to me. When I watch Star Trek and they meet a group of people who have figured out warp drive technology but still treat women as less than equal, I don’t buy it. You can’t get that far without women’s brains being in on the work. This honestly kept me up last night so please answer my question.
Author
Bob’s sister was female (so was his mother, but that’s a tautology). One of Bob’s employees (Karen) was female.
Two of the defrosted brains (Neves and Joana) were female. Dr Doucette was female.
Representative Sharma (the delegate from the Maldives) was female. Julia Hendriks was female.
Yeah but none of these were major characters. All the major players are men. Sure he has sisters and and a mom but it’s a disappointment that none of the movers and shakers are female. Sure there’s a few minutes with the doctor, a little bit with his relatives (and these are traditional female roles doing traditionally female things…loving female relatives who remind him of the comforts of home, and of course there’s the cheating ex girlfriend) but how interesting it would have been to have some of the Brazilian military be female, or Archimedes or Moses. It’s obviously all your vision of this world so it’s your prerogative but I’m truly curious as to why women are so scarce in the story. Oddly that’s the only part of this story that seemed unbelievable to me.
Author
This may be simply a perception issue, plus the fact that I know what’s coming and you don’t (for obvious reasons). I see every single character, with the exception of Archimedes, as a walk-on. And that’s a deliberate theme through the series, except for a couple of major characters in book 2 (one of whom is female). And Julia, BTW, becomes more important in book 2 as well. And that’s as close as I’m going to come to spoilers.
Thank you, Kathryn and Dennis, for this commentary. I’m currently in the middle of book 1. I’ve loved the book, but I have been waiting (a little impatiently now) for a strong female presence in the male-dominated narrative/universe. I’ll push through and see what comes in book 2.
Anyone reading this thread, relaaaax, it’s all there in books 2 and 3.
Just in case you didn’t notice: There is only one major character in the first book, and that’s Bob. You feminists are pest. There’s absolutely nothing in this world you would not be offended by, just because.
Wow! Just finished. Your book is one of the best I’ve read in years! I joined the mailing list hoping I can buy a hardcover sometime soon!?
Congratulations! I’m recommending it to everyone!
Author
I don’t know if there are plans for a hardcover. the paperback is being done through createspace, and AFAIK the publisher would have to set up a separate file for a hardcover.
I just finished your first book and it’s now among my all-time favorites! Absolutely love it!
I especially appreciate the effort, thought and research you have to put into accurately presenting issues from philosophy, psychology, anthropology, evolution, and Artificial intelligence, among others.
If you don’t mind, I’d like to suggest some books which I think you might enjoy:
– Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon
about the origin and evolution of religions
– Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking
provides thinking tools to make thinking about the most difficult questions in existence possible and even easy
– Consciousness Explained
evolution and workings of consciousness and AI; Basically I think anything by Daniel Dennett is worth reading.
– Don’t Sleep, There are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle
about linguistics and anthropology
Greetings from Germany!
Hi!
Great Work! i feel the strange urge to say Thanks for the Book! Can’t wait for the next !
greetings from Austria!
Hi,
I’m in my second year of college and taking a Sci-fi/Horror class. We are Legion is my favorite book I’ve read to date, it is absolutely amazing. It is well written, amazingly well thought out and dives into ideas I haven’t seen in a book or movie before. I love your work and am counting the days until book 2 comes out.
In my class we have an assignment to write about your favorite Sci-fi/Horror author, which in my case is you. Part of the assignment is a short summary of the life and background of the author, and I can’t find anything out about you. Would you be able to either respond here or e-mail me an answer? It would mean so much, I absolutely love your work and want to do this project on nobody else.
Keep up the amazing writing,
Joe
Author
Thanks. If you haven’t already, watch the Keystroke Medium interview. I discuss my writing background (or lack thereof) at some length. Other than the writing-related stuff, it’s been boringly white-bread. Mmmmmmm, bread….
Other than that, if you have any specific questions, I’ll try to answer them.
Dennis,
I now believe in intercontinental warp drive as I drove from Pittsburgh to Canada in what seemed liked a minute thanks to your book. Totally rad man!
Hi, Dennis.On my fifth listening (I chair a fiction discussion and we’re doing Legion tomorrow; bought five paper copies as well, and have pre-ordered Book 2). You’ve created a rich novel of ideas and a strong base for a series.
I thought that on the Keystroke Medium interview you had said that the timelines and a space “map” you coded were available or linked on your site. Did I misunderstand? If they are available, it would save a lot of prep for tomorrow’s discussion.
A question: you’ve clearly run with the idea of 3D printing for inanimate objects, but there was no mention of CRISPR-type “DNA splicers” when the Svalbard vaults came up, as in sending code to recreate plant life over subspace communications rather than waiting for the seedware to arrive by relative snail transport. Might we see some of that in the following books?
Hungry for the rest of the series…
Ken Novak
Evanston, IL
Author
The map is actually a video I put up. It’s here. I have some better screen-grabbing software now, so might be able to put up a better quality version eventually. Unfortunately, I’m in the middle of switching from XNA to MonoGame, so nothing’s working at the moment 🙁 .
As for the timeline, I promised I’d put up a screenshot, and will do so forthwith.
Author
Regarding handling biological sampling, the technology does improve over the course of the trilogy. Bill is a busy Bob.
Dennis,
You are a really good writer. Enjoyed the Bob book immensely. If I were you, I’d give up your day job and start writing full time. I don’t know how you find the time. Have you replicated yourself?
Keep ’em coming!
Hey Dennis!
I’m a baby-boomer and a long time classic sci-fi reader. I’ve also been a programmer for the past 35 years and I love the sci-fi tv shows, so I get ALL of your references. I tell ya, for me, your book is right up there with “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress” – I just had to blow right through it! Your book is a GREAT listen and I’ve pre-ordered your next book in the series.
I’ve seen a few comments regarding the whole religion thing and people are just making too much out of it. They seem to be missing the fact that the whole world is in chaos and that it has nothing to do with one religion. Any Robert Heinlein fan (and I am one) will tell you he didn’t hide his views on religion in his books. But hey, it’s FICTION!! 🙂
Dennis,
Thank you for providing such a great escape! Who knew the logistics of interstellar travel or colonization could be so engrossing. The Bobs were great travelling companions on my 90 minute round trip between home and work. I’ve pre-ordered “For We Are Many” from audible.com and will give Outland a gander. Thank you again!
Scott
I’m guessing the “E.” is short for ergo?
Dennis,
I love this premise. I have heard a ton of buzz about this and just checked it out. Loved it. Would it be possible to add a contact page for some crafty yet not nefarious folks to send appearance requests to?
Scott
WyvaCon
Author
I think Facebook would be good for that. I’ve already gotten several miscellaneous requests via messaging. My Facebook ID is @DennisETaylor2
Hello! I just hosted our monthly Moms book club where we read We are Legion. I’m known for picking post apocalyptic, self published, sci fi involving space. I think everyone enjoyed it and it generated a lot of discussion. Much more than other books! Just wanted to say thanks for a fun read!
Dennis,
I just finished Outland, awesome story! Looking forward to my next stroll through the Bobiverse, and trying to decide which series I like more. Keep up the great work!
Thanks
Dear Mr. Taylor, I just finished listening to the audio book of We Are Legion and I haven’t been this blown away by a novel since The Martian! I am also the host of an international Science Fiction/Horror/Fantasy podcast and I would love to speak with you on my show if you would be so inclined. In any event I have preordered For We Are Many, and will now be counting the days til its release. Many thanks, and live long and prosper, sir.
Dang it Denis, make a VR Game already. Sell those rights to Warner Brothers! They just started making a VR Game out of “Ready Player One” which is arguably a worse (But more read) book than We are Legion. The Boboverse needs to be a Virtual Reality Realtime Strategy Game.
Author
My agent has had a couple of inquiries. Nothing’s gotten past that point yet.
Well it’s good to know it’s at least on the table haha. As a software dev unity 3d shouldn’t be too hard for you to pick up haha. I’m just kidding. Please don’t stop writing. I’m eagerly awaiting the release of Bob 2 on audible.
Also I called you out your book in a vr game review that comes out today @ 1700EST https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hi9zfyqOg0U
have you had any progress in the games department?
Even an old-school game would match up well with the concepts here. It practically designs itself!
Author
No, I don’t think there have been any serious inquiries.
Yes, but it’s not a franchise yet. That means every game designer would just build on the basic ideas, instead of paying the author for some sort of license. Not that I think that’s ok, but it’s the reality.
Good Vibes
Just wanted to add to the positive vibe train. I just finished the We Are Legion, We Are Bob book and am eager for the the second one. Looks like I have to wait a couple of weeks for the audible release, which at first was a bummer but that’s fine. I’d rather you take and enjoy the time you put into writing.
I randomly came across the first book, when I was looking for something new to read, the title really caught my attention. I’m glad I decided to pick it up! Well now I’m hooked, so you can count on another follower of the Bobiverse.
Oh yeah, I saw your announcement that Ray Porter is going to narrate the second book too. I’m glad to hear that, I think he did a great job on the first one and hope that he will be able to continue on any future books for the series!
Well have a great one man.
Author
Ray is doing all three bobiverse books. I just hope I can get him for any future work!
Is there any way your books will be released as epubs? I really don’t like having to buy exclusively from Amazon, and I prefer the ePub format for reading, anyway. I love the sound of your books, but would love to have a choice of how to read them.
Author
Not for the foreseeable future. Amazon requires exclusivity in order to enroll in KU, and KU supplies literally 50% of the income from the books. I experimented with going wide with Outland, and it didn’t even come close to replacing the KU income.
Audible recommended your book after I finished Ready Player One. I have a sneaking suspicion that Audible has a chip in my brain or something because it was exactly the kind of story that I needed. I don’t often consume media more than once, but I have listened to We Are Legion 5 times and I am starting it again tomorrow in anticipation of the release of For We Are Many, which I pre-ordered. Lemme tell you pal, I’m super stoked. Just a couple of more days!!
I have listened with my family and friends and every one of them have gotten into it. Your stories are going to be part of the nerd fandoms and references we will be making for the rest of our lives. Just think about it. Nerd-ception. I owe you a beer.
Author
Mmmmmmm…. beer….
For the record, what is your preference? Sadly, Duff is not an option, Homer.
Hi Dennis. For We Are Many came out on Audible today, and you’ve definitely outkicked your coverage – it’s outstanding! So how much longer do we have to wait for Book 3?
Dennis,
I saw the new book came out and I can’t wait to download it (I’m out of credits so I’ll have to log on to my wife’s Audible account and steel a credit to buy it and then gift it to myself…please don’t tell). Anyway, I did have a quick question I was hoping you could answer…I listed to “Legion” with my ten year old daughter and she loved it! She has been asking and asking if the new book is out yet.
Legion had some mature themes: world ending war, homicidal religious zealotry, vicious carnivorous gorilloid aliens, and the complex legal/political quagmire of the State taking possession of human bodies, preserved with the hope of personal resurrection and survival, but now reconstituted as sentient computers to be exploited at the will of a misguided government. But my daughter is pretty savvy and I don’t see the material presented in your book as any more mature than some of the themes in say…the Harry Potter series.
Additionally you presented all of this material with minimal use of foul language which I greatly appreciated after my experience with The Martian…I assume you recall the choice phrases uttered in the first ten words of the book. Not that I’m opposed to the use of foul language, I am a sailor after all, with ten years in the Navy but I think you’ll have to agree, The Martian starts out strong and just doesn’t quit. And it doesn’t go over well when you start the book at the beginning of a long drive with the wife and ten year old in the car. Oh well, it’s funny now!
So here is the question, is there anything in “We are Many” I should not expose my ten year old to…anything blatantly more graphic or indecent than Legion? That’s all I wanted to ask!. Love your writing, you’ve got a loyal reader here…sorry, two loyal readers! Take care and good luck with the new release…not that you will need it.
Author
No, I keep the same tone through all 3 books. Although you might want to stay away rom Outland.
The notion of offensive language and that it might be harmful to children is strictly a cultural trait of the US. Being an educator, I can tell you that there is no scientific basis to that. The same is true for sexual content, as long as it is described in a natural, non-pornographic way and does not involve violence.
What Rob said! 😀 When’s book 3 due?? Just finished book 2 on Audible. A friend recommended “We are Bob”
about 52 hours ago since I’m an engineer and obsessed with space, VR and digital lifeforms (probably to get me
to shut up about it).Even though I’m heavily biased, these are are just phenomenal books (and the audio
version is aaaahaahahamazing). The narrative geeky style reminds me of Ernest Cline (I love Ready Player One
and keep reading it over and over again). Sorry for putting the pressure on for the 3rd book, it’s just that I
enjoy throwing money at you, apparently 🙂
Chairs! 😉
Daniel
Sweden
Dennis,
Thank you for Bobiverse!
I depend on audibles for zen like relaxation from a life with perhaps too much critical thinking for sanity. Audibles while cleaning or building furniture is my escape and reboot. I love Bobiverse and am looking forward to book 3 in June (fingers crossed).
Cheers!
Chris from Louisiana
Just finished Book 2 after pre-ordering it a couple months back and finally getting a chance at a listen! I loved it. Was a great time. Eagerly looking forward to Book 3 and seeing what the Bobs do about the Others!
Hey why does New Zealand have the be the bad guy???? I live here and I have to say I’m kinda personally offended. GRIN Great book BTW… Keep up the great work, only half way through part II and looking forward to the next one already.
I started and finished “We Are Legion” and am halfway through “For We Are Many” this weekend. What a fun read! Thank you!
Have there been or are there any plans for a Bob video game? It would easily translate to a resource management game, with the player exploring, deciding whether to use resources to build more Bobs, defenses, roamers, etc., and dealing with various obstacles and challenges like Medeiros attacks, moving colonists, fostering Delta society, etc.
Just started book 1 and I’m really enjoying it. A wonderfully imaginative universe and story plus humour which is great.
Oh and Dennis as a minor addition to your introduction to yourself you also share your name with a Northern Irish professional snooker player and current BBC snooker commentator who was the winner of the 1985 World Championship.
Hi
Just finished the second book on Audible and absolutely loved it, even more than the first. I have recommended this series to many of my friends and have not had a bad response yet. Love the books and if you keep writing them I will keep buying them. Please keep writing them :-).
maestro: bobiverse is awesome. just finnished book two and cannot wait for book three… or four or more 😀 fantastic.
The bobiverse is huge. I love it. I want more.
So come on bring us more Boooooob.
The story lines that swim in my own head are fun. I can only imagine what you are playing with.
PS Audible versions of the books are fantastic. Keep it up. Like 12 more books please.
Dennis, really love the Bob book’s. They are fantastic. I was wondering how authors could embrace the future of AI while also incorporating human drama. No fun if it’s just robots running around in the future 🙂
It seems like you are hinting at this for book 3.
In the Star Trek, Star Wars universe- I’m always curious in an alien war of genocide- why not just launch ships or rocks at relativistic (or FTL) speed at an enemy homeworld- or star for that matter?
Problem solved 🙂 But I guess it takes all the drama out. No space battles.
In any case, thanks again for the fantastic books. Great story arc, pacing, characters, humor…
Dear Dennis, maybe it’s time to quit the computer programming thing and just write full time. In a way, your writing is really serving the greater good. Like rescuing puppies. Because I think that a lot of us would agree, this world would be a better place with more of your great story telling in it. Thanks for your good work.
Just finished book 2 on audio.. I can tell you as the timer was ticking down to the end, I was like NO — there is no way he is going to be able to finish up.. There has to be a book 3, which I find out is out this summer it seems. Fantastic!!
The bad thing about finding a series this early — is you have to wait for the next one..
As stated by others – please keep them coming, and I will keep buying them.. Just fantastic so far!
Just finished the Audible for “We are Many”. I have a fairly long commute and chew through audiobooks like a crazy person. I often find stories I like, rarely stories I love, and only one other time enjoyed so much that I felt obligated to write the author and say “Well done, sir. Well done indeed”. My most heartfelt thank you Mr. Taylor on a well told story that I will listen to over and over.
Hi Dennis,
I stumbled upon your two books recently in Audible and absolutely loved them! I have never contacted an author before or felt the need to but I wanted to commend you on what a fantastic little world you’ve created. I look forward to seeing what else you produce (especially the third bob book) and wish you all the best.
Cheers,
Jason from Australia
Good evening!
My family has really enjoyed getting to know Bobiverse. Thank you for writing such an interesting and discussion-provoking series! I have one small question. Why did the pronunciation for “Epsilon Eridani” change between book one and book two? At first, we thought that you had a different narrator. But both were read by the talented Ray Porter. It was just a little detail that has been pestering our family.
Thanks again for writing these books. Have a wonderfully blessed day!
Author
There were several things that were pronounced differently this time. I’ll be checking on that.
Just finished book 2 on Audible & am so thrilled with having stumbled across the bobiverse that I had to write (it may be the first time I’ve written to an author …) & thank you! The narrator is perfect, too!
My two favorite audio books. Cannot wait for the third installment and any others you can create. Great series. Thank you for your hard work!
Hi Dennis,
I have a problem I need to confess, my wife knows about it and so do my friends… I hate bad science and I hate lazy writing. Apparently, I tutted (very English) all the way through Interstellar
So thanks a lot for the two Bobaverse book they are AMAZING, I even forgive you for breaking special relativity to make the storytelling easier and give the Bobs an edge!
And if you are planning what I think you are planning for book 3 🙂
Keep them coming!
Mark
Half way through the new audio book. It is great. I enjoyed the first book and now the second book is rocking my world. It was interesting to read you are programmer! It is very interesting to imagine a future like this. Digital brains. I hope we see it in our lifetime. Thanks for giving us some vision of what it might look like. Great work. Hope to see this in movies and video games too!!!
Hi Dennis
I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know how much I am enjoying your Bob Books. I do a lot of driving for my job and they are a godsend. I love the interaction amongst all the characters and the humor 🙂 thank you for creating such a fun and enjoyable world
Ellen
Right just finished the second one and now I am bereft! What am I going to do until August?
Seriously I loved it. It just got better and better. The Bobs remind me a little of a twist on Iain M Bank’s Ship Minds who were also characters I adored.
OK then so has anyone got any suggestions for books for me to listen to over the next 2-3 months? (I’ve done the Space Captain Smith/Toby Frost collection.)
Suggest Richard Phillips ‘Rho agenda’ and James S.A.Corey ‘Expanse’ series.
Thank you Dennis for a very entertaining books 1 and 2. Looking forward to the next volume.
Drew
Hello Mr. Taylor, I finished We Are Legion (We Are Bob) and it was great. I really loved the handling of how each Bob became their own Bob and how unique the conflict for Bob is. This weekend I participated in Ludum Dare 38, a 48 hour game jam where you make a game in 48 hours. I found myself inspired by your story and Von Neumann probes. I spent a total of about 20 hours on it start to finish.
https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/38/r-u-d-i/
Just finished book 2 – now going into stasis until August. Well done a really great read.
MR. DENNIS. I have gone through both books 5 times. I don’t know if I can do it again.. yes I can. And I’m starting tonight. Love the story. Great characters. I’m gonna remain cranky till I find out how Bob’s deal with you know who out in you know where..
I’ll prolly memorize these books before #3 is released.
Thanks for the laughs.. and tears. It really is a great read.. and the audio is really handy for when I’m working..
I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you so very much. Your work is to me brilliant! I have enjoyed the Bobiverse with an incredible amount of enthusiasm and joy. I look forward to your carrier as a writer continuing and expanding. You are an inspiration to the imagination with a delightful structure of realism. Praise the BOOOOB!!!
Sincerely
Zac W.
Thank you Bob err Dennis I mean. It’s been a fun series so far. I have been exercising to Audible of late and finished the first book a just before the second was released.
I know you have tons of suggestions for Plot devices, but what the hell:
It would be great if Bob took the “broken mind” comment to heart and realize that capitalism and self interest could make his journey a little better.
1) Asking the remaining Humans if anyone had information of the Brazilian replicate. Being able to use over ride codes or offer access to family may be an interesting way to bring an enemy on board. As a reward for such information food or travel preferences could be given
2) Also Motivate the rest of humanity to search for FLT travel or advanced weapons systems. Such things have value, aside from increasing the chances of survival.
3) Bob’s done need money in a traditional sense but they do need information, technology and new experiences. These things have value and can help with the allocations of constantly scarce resources like time
My dad introduced to SF with E.E. Smith’s Lensmen series. Many years later when he was in his 80’s he would spin all his theories about where the Star Wars series was heading. When he died in 2000 I felt a great regret that he would never know. Now at 77 i have the same fears for myself about the Bobiverse. Sigh. Anyway thanks for an enthralling, immensely entertaining ride.
Have just finishes Bob1 & Bob2, back to back.
A very good style in your writing, you can give up your day job if you keep this up.
We do forgive you for using our name.
Author
Funny you should say that. June 30th is my last day. 🙂
Dennis I really REALLY enjoy your bobverse books and am looking forward to book 3 this June. While listening to book 2 on audible these are a number of spots where it sounds like additional lines where edited it in.
I can appreciate the speed of which you are releasing books, but man would I love more meat in there.
Can’t wait for book 3
Author
The manuscript doesn’t go to the recording studio until it’s done. I have no idea what happens in there, never having been involved in anything like that. But I’d imagine they have to re-record passages for one reason or another. I’ve heard that same sound glitch on pretty much every audio book I’ve listened to, so I think it’s just a fact of life.
As for the length of the books–traditionally, SF books are in the 70K-90K words range. The key word being ‘traditionally’, of course. Publishers don’t make any more money from a longer book (generally), and the printing cost is higher. That’s changing now, because printed books are no longer the primary mode of sales, and shoving more electrons onto a kindle doesn’t really increase costs. Still, it’s hard to break a lifetime of conditioning.
I would love for my books to be longer, all things being equal. But not at the cost of padding them. I used to wonder why characters in books spent so much time doing things that didn’t really advance the story. The answer, as it turns out, is to get the book up to a certain length. Yes, there’s also ‘characterization’–you want your characters to live and breathe on the page, and a one-dimensional hero (or villain) doesn’t do that. But I think you can achieve this while still staying within the storyline. So I try to make everything that happens directly or indirectly consequential to the plot. Even if it’s not immediately obvious. 🙂
Gotcha the glitch just seemed to happen a half dozen times in book 2. Not a huge deal, but it threw me off the first few times it happened.
As for the length I totally understand where you’re coming from. It’s one of those things for me as a reader I just want more when I find a series I really enjoy.
I’m looking forward to book 3 and have already turns a few of my friends onto the series.
Author
After I posted that response to you, I looked around a little. It would seem that there is a move to longer books in the self-publishing end of things. Traditional publishers still like the 70-90k range because of printing costs, but SP and hybrid authors (who generally use CreateSpace for POD harcopies) don’t care so much. A couple of audio books like “Not Alone” and “A Long Time Until Now” are just HUGE.
Thanks for a great read (x2- Bobiverse books)!! Looking forward to the next installment.
Ian
Loved the Bobiverse books! I loved the narrator, and hope he will sign on for future books. (chose them due to a a recommendation on Audible) I can’t wait for further adventures!
I get a real kick out of the names the Bobs choose as they multiply, and would love to know if Marvin is a nod to Marvin the Martian or Marvin the Android from HHGTTG?
Write fast!
🙂
Author
Marvin the Martian
Hello, I wanted to make sure to thank you. I got a recommendation from Andre at Culver’s in Jupiter. I read you first book tree times so far. I have only read the second one once. So far.. The scene in the first book feels like it could be real today! I hope you include a mPg of Bob travels at some point. It would be fantastic in a VR setting too. Voodoo in your endeavors!
Really loving your books! I won’t lay the praise on too thick, I know how big you programmers let your heads get. 😉
Author
As with code, the increased size is due to comments. 🙂
Mr. Taylor,
Thank You! The originality, voice and intelligence in your work makes it sparkle.
Hey, Dennis. Thanks for writing such great stories. This comment is gonna be kinda rambly.
I especially love the scale of the baddies you’ve introduced, and the logical limits imposed. I was wondering if you’ve ever read anything by Ian Douglas (AKA WIlliam H. Keith Jr.)? A lot of his novels (Warstrider series/universe and Star Carrier series/universe), while getting repetitive after a while, explore some interesting technologies like Matrioskha Brains, time travel, and other super-objects.
The reason I mention that is because I feel like the future potential of the Bobiverse is HUGE, on the kind of scale that mr. Douglas’ books try to render. I’m looking forward to seeing what things the Bobs eventually develop or witness. Since we know its possible to create self-replicating AI in the bobiverse, it’s not that far of a stretch to think that it’s been done somewhere else by both benevolent and malevolent forces.
I was wondering if you have plans for exploring the interest that a civilian population would regarding the Bobs in the future, would they look at them as a benvolent suepr-force like The Culture ships? or would the Bobs access to human and alien culture have a more mild impact on those cultures?
Thanks 🙂
– Brandon
Author
The relationship between the Bobs and humanity gets explored more in book 3. And yes, you’re right, it’s a big universe. This initial trilogy is by no means the end of the Bob books.
Hi Dennis,
Firstly, congratulations on two excellent books! Really really look forward to the third. Also Ray Porter does an awesome job with the audio.
Your computer systems knowledge really comes through, making almost all aspects of the Bobiverse very believable (or if far-fetched, at least logical and consistent). As a PhD qualified biologist, there are a few minor biol ‘cringes’ here and there (e.g. Cupid bug: eggs don’t grow after laying as developing embryo and yolk are a closed system). But these are minor. Your worlds so far are very earth-like in their ‘biology’, which is safe. I was hoping KKP might be an opportunity to describe a world where life was far more ‘Out-there’, but I guess you have to keep focused on the ‘main game’ this far into the trilogy.
I look forward to a Bob visiting a system where life ‘technology’ has gone further down the bio-technology road than the electronic circuit path. Development of artificial nuclei acids that are virtually immune to mutation and therefore almost disease free would lead be an interesting society/culture. It would also be an interesting way to generate poisonous ‘bait’ worlds to deal with predatory carnivorous enemies. This might be developied into some interesting 3D printer tech consequences.
I’m not sure if you know of the real world phenomenon of ‘epigenetics’. It has strong parallels with what you call ‘quantum effects’ in the Bob replication process, which is another avenue that might give you some inspiration for future storylines.
Keep up the great work!
-Bill
Ps if you need a(nother) biologist proof-reader, let me know!
Author
I did visualize the Cupid Bug eggs as being something other than the standard Terran egg. Maybe more like an egg/embryo cross, something that would draw sustenance from the host while differentiating enough to become ambulatory.
As for future stories, the sky’s the limit. Readers have expressed an interest in ongoing bobiverse novels, which I’m happy to supply. Certainly as the Bobs get out there and explore, they’re going to run into more weird stuff. And I’m happy to take suggestions or discuss possible exotic biologies.
Thanks for writing the Bobiverse. I just finished “For We Are Many” last night. I read a lot, but I don’t read a lot of sci-fi. But I am a Bobiverse fan!
Thank you so much.
I rank Bobiverse in the pantheon of my favorites. I preordered your second book (audible) and now that it’s here, I’ve been avoiding it like the plague because I can’t bear the thought of it being over.
In the decades that I’ve been reading, there have only been two series that I dreaded finishing. You’ve given me the third.
Please, keep up the good work!
Dennis,
I’ve read so many books from Stephen King to John Sandford to Orson Scott Card: You have made something unique with the Bobverse. This is original, witty, and amazing!
Do you have any hard copies available?? I want to buy them and put them on my bookcase- even though I actually listened to the audiobooks (EXCELLENT PRODUCTION by the way)!
Also, I can’t wait for the 3rd book.
Great achievement on such a novel plot (pun intended).
Geary Buchanan
Vancouver, WA
Author
Paperbacks are available on Amazon. If you mean hardcover, no. They require a publishing printer. My agent is looking into it, but no bites yet.
Legion is by far the best book I have ever read. Push for a TV series.
Is there any plan to produce a family tree with locations? Might make for a nice companion
Author
Lots of plans like that. Just no time, right now. 🙁
After June 30th, things will pick up.
Hi Dennis, just finished We are Legion on audible and I think you and Rob did a great job on this book. Loved it, loved it so much I drew a portrait of what I envisioned Bob to be like if there was a comicbook adaption. ( illustration is in my instagram, just check #bobiverse)
Just finished we are many. Best stuff since Arthur C Clarke Imo. Have you seen the Netflix show Black Mirror, especially season 2 episode 4 “white Christmas” a lot of parallels to Bob.
Author
It’s on my TODO to watch the series.
Dennis, Just finished the 2 bobiverse books and man you know how to put a story together! Cant wait until the next one!
James
Hi Dennis,
just finished We are legion and had great fun with it! I definitely want to buy book 2, but I wonder if there is any way to buy an ebook without going through Amazon? I am looking for epub format and haven’t been able to find your books anywhere else…
Best regards,
Jacqueline
Author
E-book is exclusive to Amazon, in order to get access to Kindle Unlimited.
Hey Dennis, absolutely enjoy your books. I am a very “get to the point kinda guy”. That is what I love about your books, you don’t fill it with filler. I read a lot of books and sometimes I just wait for them to get to the point. In your books I was actually shocked when you would set up big ideas and I would think “well great I probably have to wait a few more chapters to see how this plays out”. Nope. Bam! Next sentence you answer the idea and flow into it. Great writing. Keep up the good work!!!
Can’t wait to see how they use the asteroid movers to take out “The Others”.
Just finished book 2 of the Bobiverse. Man what an exciting finish!
Question: When the Bobs get advanced enough, have you thought of having them put a few stars into a trojan orbit to rip open a worm hole? Also given the Bob’s tenancy to drop things on those that piss him off… well lets just say I can’t wait to see what happens in the 3rd Bob book.
Loved the last four words of I Am Legion (I Am Bob). Just finished it a few days ago.
Couldn’t help writing about the ending in my blog today. http://www.flywithpigs.com
Thank you for having another book ready and waiting for me to dive in.
A. Katherine Black
Hi Dennis, I’ve been reading si-fi since I was a kid in the seventies and your bob books are two of the best. Thanks for great reads and keep it going. My birthday is a week after release of #3, gonna be a great present to myself.
Oh. My. Bob. I am currently gobbling book 2 and I have to say: THE PERFECT SCI FI. These stories have EVERYTHING I have ever wanted to see in a sci fi novel, plus some. I don’t think I will be able to read anything else after this. You’ve ruined me. 😉
Enjoying the books. You’ve brought me back to science fiction. Thank you.
Saw this in my news feed today.
https://www.fastcodesign.com/90126307/as-the-arctic-melts-the-global-seed-vault-is-thawing?
Just finished reading all of your books. I rated them all at 5 stars. They were so good. Please list all sequels by expected date. Those not started just mark as n/s. In any case get back to work! We are waiting!
I am a huge nerd. In an extremely good looking, master of the universe sort of way. These were the best books i’ve listened to (via audible) in a long long time. Keep up the good work, Dennis, quit reading our stupid comments and finish volume three ASAP!
Dennis, binged on both books in the last 48 hours. Still in a Bobiverse coma and wow what a ride it’s been. Thank you so much for creating these books. I’m a sold fan and looking to participate in the Bobiverse. Keeping track of the Bob family tree and which system each Bob was presiding required some note taking and crude graphics; but, no complaints here.
There are Bobiverse wiki’s in the early stages in what appears to be an organic effort of fans looking for a their own space to moot and participate in the Bobiverse.
Would it be possible for DenniseTaylor.org to post links to the social media spaces and wiki where fans can interact?
Can’t wait for book 3, and again thank you for producing the Bobiverse!
david
Author
Definitely!
Another fan who recently discovered your books. Like others, I listened to each one twice in a row (something I never do!) and am giving them a third read soon. Bob and his many clones are so engaging and funny, and do represent the best of humanity. I just love that you’ve started with a simple premise and just run with it. And while the Bobs still get along well enough (how long will that last…?), you clearly have a solid grasp of human psychology and beaurocracy, too. I can’t wait to see what other worlds the Bob Legion will discover. Will they ever return to try to fix Earth? (Assuming the Others don’t get to it first.)
What I think I love most about this series (apart from all the sci fi references) is that while it has its dark moments, the overall feeling is optimistic, and in some cases (particularly the androids) joyful. That’s been missing from a lot of fiction I’ve read lately. Yeah, you know the colonists are going to screw things up, and OMG those poor meercats!, but I’m not getting the sense that the Bobs themselves will ever go dark (distant and uninvolved, perhaps, but never totalitarian). If our local patch of the universe is going to be overlorded by a group of sentient computers, we’d be in good hands if they were Bobs.
Anyway, very much looking forward to book 3 and all future books! Thank you!
Dennis, Thank you a second time. Appreciate the Fan Page set up. Here is what I’ve found, please take a look to see if they worthy of your endorsement.
1. http://bobiverse.wikia.com/wiki/We_Are_Legion_(We_Are_Bob)_Wiki (this is a reincarnation of this original wiki which hits higher in search engines and has yet to be fully moved over (http://wearebob.wikia.com/wiki/Bobiverse_Wiki).
2, http://www.bobiverse.net/author/bob/ Not sure if this one is getting any activity. It’s recent, but not sure if fans are investing. Do you own this one? If so, I’m willing to invest time if it’s backed by you.
3. Twitter: https://twitter.com/bobiverse?lang=en this is the @bobiverse twitter account which has two posts. If you do not own this handle, contact twitter and they will work with you to acquire it. I’m assuming you have copyrights on “bobiverse”. Also, you might want to have twitter verify your personal twitter account. Also, whomever owns bobiverse.net likely owns this twitter handle.
Dennis, are you supporting/working with any of these websites. If so, I’d be willing to invest in putting up content and interacting in other fans; but, if not, I think these spaces are dead or dying. If you endorse these spaces by linking to them, I’ll take that as a signal you are supporting these areas.
Some unsolicited feedback: create some space for Legion (bobiverse) and different webspace for your other books and allow your author website cross promote….
Thanks Again,
David
Author
I don’t own any of them, and TBH I’m fine with fans running them.
I’d have moved your comment over to “Fan Site”, but WordPress doesn’t seem to have that function.
Dennis,
Huge Congratulations!
Coming in at #4 on Audible.com best-sellers for week ending May 19, 2017!!!!
http://www.startribune.com/the-top-10-audiobooks-on-audible-com/423908913/
Onward Bobs!! Enjoying this intensely – glad I didn’t find it earlier — altho the wait for #3 would be the same from here I guess. I have a few in my Kindle that have done the repeat / once over and these are going to join them. Cannot wait to hear the ‘Others’ get their comeupance! Love the Paz too (sic?) hard to tell spelling in an audio format…lol! … more little worlds out there to colonize…hoping we take a LOT better care of Planets B,C,D than we ever have of Planet A….
Just got your book We are Legion from Audible and loving it. It is lots of fun. I have already purchased the kindle and audiobook book of We Are Many. I haven’t read or listened to that one yet but already looking forward to the third book.
Looking forward to when you get Outland on audible. May wait for the second book to come out so I can get them together.
I read the description of Singularity Trap and two things immediately came to mind District 9 and the Protomolecule from The Expanse. Sounded interesting so I will put that on my future watch list
Hi Dennis, I’m halfway through “For We Are Many” and enjoying it immensely. I’ve gotten to the part where a character raises a glass of Irish Whiskey and says “Cataoireaca”. I’m Irish and I know that’s not an Irish word, but Cathaoireaca is. It’s the plural of cathaoir which means “chair”. Is this a silly hidden joke playing on the fact that “chairs” sounds like “cheers”? Maybe you asked someone what “cheers” was in Irish and they misheard you? Anyway, it’s hilarious either way 🙂 Cheers in Irish is “sláinte”, but don’t dare change it in future editions if it was a mistake!
Author
You’ll know in a couple of pages. 🙂
Ha, another Irish guy googling to see if I missed anything, read on and enjoyed the anecdote. I do like how it’s rendered with the séimhiú. Really enjoying the series so far.
Gosh, I can’t get enough of these two novels (Bob 1 & 2)! The only other software-developer-centric SF novel I’ve read was the WIZ series by Rick Cook. I’ve listened to both about five times since buying them two weeks ago. I’m hooked, Dennis! I look forward to Bob 3!
However, I must raise an issue. It’s not serious, I don’t think, but the implication in the novels is that there is some kind of limitation on the amount of materials available in a normal star system. Just examining the Sol system’s asteroid belt, and relying upon Dr. Jerry Pournelle’s figures in his book “A Step Further Out”, our asteroid belt has more than 100,000 asteroids “..each capable of supplying the world with more metal per person than the US consumes in a year.” And the US back in 1967 was producing 315 million tons of iron, steel, rolled iron, aluminum, copper, zinc and lead. I think that there should be enough metals to be able to construct a very large colonization fleet, and lots and lots of Bobs.
Author
Humans have been frantically digging up all the metal on Earth for most of a millennium by now, so there’s very little left in the way of easily accessible ores. These days, we’re having to use increasingly technological means to get at what remains. By the time of Bob v2, humanity will have done the same to the asteroid belts. So everything is already part of construction, whether buildings, or ships, or space stations, or whatever. Then there’s a war.
This is covered more in book 3, actually. The problem isn’t that there’s no metal in the solar system. The problem is that it’s all scattered, or vaporized, or turned to rust, or part of rubble piles, or at the bottom of an impact crater.
Well, I await Bob 3, then, to see how you manage to deplete the solar system to the extent you postulate. When the asteroid Psyche alone is considered, this M-type asteroid “is believed to contain 1.7×1019 kg of nickel–iron, which could supply the world production requirement for several million years.” See here: Asteroid mining.
And then there’s the moon.
Lots of very large precious metal deposits have been found at the bottom of the ocean near geothermal vents, like if someone wanted to blest all the water off of Poseidon. Just saying. Also you are food.
Something occurred to me the other day, about the Brazilian replicant Madeiros (sp?).
Bob was given the ability to change his programming (contrary to FAITH directives) by the man who trained him. Madeiros was probably also constrained in his software to prevent him from going off script — but not being a programmer in his earth life, he may not be able to surrender or cooperate with non-Madeiros probes. As an alternative to destroying every Madeiros probe the Bobs encounter, perhaps they can figure out a way to “hack” Madeiros. This would seem to require capturing one and removing it from its matrix. It seems that a captive Madeiros could then be hacked — like was done with Homer — to remove the code that was constraining him. Assuming that such code exists.
Just a suggestion!
Dennis, before you wrote Bob 1 or 2 had you heard of the real-life organization VHEMT? Voluntary Human Extinction Movement? LOL!
Author
Yes, VEHEMENT was based on that, with the addition of the non-voluntary aspect.
Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario is working on self-replicating 3D printers using materials found on Moon.
Self-Replicating 3D Printers Could Build Moon Bases, Fight Global Warming
Source: https://www.space.com/37101-self-replicating-3d-printer-moon-bases.html
Thank you for the Bobiverse! As someone who works for a leading edge software company (think reality modeling, infrastructure, CAD, augmented reality…). I enjoyed the various references to software development and the various issues faced by programmers on a day-to-day basis (although I’m not a programmer). I have listened to both books at least six times each. I have half a mind to map out the 3D world of the bobiverse so it looks like I’ll have to buy the Kindle versions. Thanks again for such a refreshing departure from the sci fi that dominates today’s market. Between you and Adamson’s ExForce series I feel there is still hope for my beloved sci fi genre!
Dennis,
Don’t dare to stop writing the Bobiverse. I have enjoyed “We Are Legion (We Are Bob)” and “For We Are Many (Bobiverse Book 2)” more than any other scifi books in over 2 decades. The storyline and humor are a delight and thought provoking. There is resonance here. I’m glad you’ve given us something different from the pedestrian “ink on paper” typical of fatigued authors (oscitation). Thank you for the subtle references and extensions throughout the story. I grin when you use them! I think I caught nearly all of them! lol I’ll re-read again to see.
I eagerly await book 3, “All These Worlds”. I’ll have it within days of release. Consumed soonest.
Note: Read is incorrect, I listen via Audible. Great narrator. I hope you keep him.
Incidentally: I’m an engineer, BSEE, MSE, with 30 years aerospace/NASA experience (contractor side). I didn’t cringe once. Suspending disbelief for these stories was trivially easy! Made so by your insight and careful story telling. Just what I like for satisfying recreation. Thanks again!
In Page 7 of We Are Many, you have an extraneous comma – the healer says not to blame her if “your leg falls, off”.
Is there a better way to let you know if there are errors? Like an email? I am not a Twitter or Facebook user, but I am a grammar nazi.
Also, I loved We Are Legion and am looking forward to getting into its sequel. Thanks for the great reads!
Author
This is fine. Or you can PM on facebook. I am going to eventually put up a “contact” form on this blog, as soon as I have five consecutive seconds to spare.
Thanks for the pointer. I’ll get it fixed.
Dont be food.
Just for grins I have created a Wikipedia article for For We Are Many. You can find it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_We_Are_Many_(Novel)
As of this writing it is still in somewhat rough shape, but if anyone here is a Wikpedia editor they can go improve it if they wish. Dennis, as the author of the book you should not attempt to modify the article — that’s a no-no on Wikipedia, as you are too personally involved. Neutrality must be preserved! 🙂 Yadda yadda.
The Wikipedia article for We Are Legion is up! It is HERE.
Note that yesterday I also added an an article for Gliese 877 and linked it to the Bobiverse via For We Are Many. A couple of years ago there was an article about that star, but it was deleted due to the notability policy. This time I think I gave it enough detail (and a couple of other users have expanded it a little more) that it may be allowed to remain. I noticed that the Spanish Wikipedia also has an article about Gliese 877, and that is what I based the English-language version on — via Google Translate, as my Spanish is very rudimentary. I’m planning to insinuate the Bobiverse into other star systems as well, by the same means.
I have just read book 1 and think it was fantastic. I am on my way to book 2. Thanks for your work man. Had lots of laughs.
>>My name is Dennis Taylor. I share that distinction with several other authors and a couple of musicians, unfortunately. Which is why I’m using Dennis E. Taylor. No, not Dennise Taylor, dangit.
Change it to D.E. Taylor! How many reviews have complimented your attention to detail? D.E. Taylor. Detaylor. Detailer!
In all seriousness, congrats on your success. It’s been an entertaining ride and fun to watch!
Geoff Jones
Great storyline. I really like it. One thing that caught my attention is that Bobs seem can only focus on one thing at a time. It’s hard to imagine that a near-light-speed spaceship is single-core…
Dennis,
Just read Outland and loved it. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Truly enjoyed your take on a classic science fiction theme. There are so few who write this sort of story these days! May need to read the Bobiverse set now as well! I would like to offer my services as a beta reader, something I do for a select few authors. If you give me a few days, you get back a copy marked up with any typos and points were I got confused. If I have a week or two I can then digest things and send you an email with any technical issues I might notice (as a physicist and engineer I have a tendency to think about the details of how things work).
Anyway, just a thought, and keep up the great writing!
Dennis
I have read both Bobiverse books and Outlands. I really enjoyed them all and look forward to the next books in either series (I assume selfishly that Outlands will make a series). I like your style of story telling, it is very easy to read. The story moves along at a good pace and the characters are engaging. Thanks for the hard work that went into the books, I have a feeling that you are deservedly generating a fan club.
Give up your day job and crack on with the next instalments. There are a growing number of us on the waiting list.
Hi Dennis E. Taylor,
First. Thank you for a series that is both mind-bending and hilarious. We Are Legion is the epitome of what great Sci-Fi can be. It not only made me chortle so hard beer shot up my nose, it also got me dreaming about the universe and what is possible.
Second. I want to help inspire beginning writers craft their own stories and worlds but I need your help. I’m assembling a collection of excerpts from early drafts of published creative writing to inspire the people just starting out (like myself) to keep going through the self-doubt and turmoil of creating. A few pages from an early version of any of your books compared against the final piece could have an incredible effect on someone’s trajectory. I know this is a big ask and I really have nothing to offer in return, but what do you think?Is it possible?
Either way, it is a privilege to read your books. I hope you are well and inspired!
I hope to hear from you soon,
Connor Forrest
iterwrite.com (the site isn’t live yet, we’re still getting authors on board)
Author
That sounds like a good idea. I’ve heard from a lot of writers who have felt like giving up because their first draft wasn’t up to the standard they’d imagined. You have to go through at least one full editing cycle, ending with a completed manuscript, before you really understand that the first draft really is shit, and that’s okay.
However, I’ll have to pass on contributing personally to the project, at least for the moment. Things are ‘hetting up’ for me, and I just don’t have the cycles to spare. Possibly in six months or so, I’ll be able to revisit this.
I was tooling around town today listening on Audible to one of Lois McMaster Bujold’s novels, and suddenly something concerning the Bobiverse hit me. In Bujold’s Vorkosigan saga, which occurs 800 years or so in the future, artificial gravity is commonplace, and is used even in commonplace items such as hovercars, small aircraft, and even camera platforms. But the most dramatic use of it is in spacecraft, where it is used both to provide gravity for passengers, and to counteract the effects of massive acceleration as spacecraft navigate between planets and wormhole jump points. But what about artificial gravity in the Bobiverse?
Artificial gravity is never mentioned in either of the first two books. I note that the drones that Bob uses to observe the Deltans are described as floating around, but how they do it is not addressed. They are not described as having propellers like our modern drones. Do they use artificial gravity of some kind?
And this leads to a question. The Others seem to crew some of their spacecraft with living beings, and humans are aboard colony ships, and both of these travel at high acceleration? The Bobs are not biological, so acceleration for them is not an issue, but both the Others and the human colonists are biological, and even if they are all held in a state of dormancy during interstellar flight (like the human colonists), wouldn’t high acceleration be mechanically damaging or fatal?
Author
The drones use SURGE drives (it’s mentioned once or twice). SURGE drives are essentially a reactionless drive system, so hovering is reasonable.
As mentioned in book 1, when Bob is leaving Earth orbit, the SURGE drive accelerates the entire ship and contents equally, so no acceleration is felt. In fact, even in a gravity field, everything inside a SURGE field is weightless (this becomes more of a thing in book 3).
Doh! I remember that being said about the SURGE drive, but it didn’t make a dent in my consciousness. I’ve “read” both books audibly about five or six times each, but I am still in the slow process of reading book 1 in Kindle format. Perhaps I will make a special note of the technology this time through.
It would be so nice if the SURGE drive were real.
Dennis,
First let me say all of your books are great reading. And you are now one of my favorite Authors. I place you with David Drake and Glen Cook.
I am an Armorer Instructor for Government agencies and I work from a collection of over 10,000 weapons at one of our locations. Your technical research and accuracy have been great. I would like to offer my technical background if you have any questions. I do not want any recognition or credit. Just want to help some one who has given to me.
Keep up the good work and look forward to all your future work
Matt
Nothing intelligent, just wanted to say thank you and that you do a great job! 🙂 Wish you the best in your “retirement”, and keep up the good work!
~m
Dear DET, ( guess we all love a good acronym )
Finished book 2 and so glad I don’t have to wait long for the 3rd. I do realize I’m between a rock and hard place now tho… I love the universe so much I want the series to go for a long haul… but I also want a end now because I’m so impatient. It is a great feeling to love a story so much to want both. Thank you for giving me that.
Ps if you do a long haul please keep up your pace. Thank again.
Wow just finished We Are Legion (We Are Bob). I loved this book and so did my 12-year-old. We listen to the audio book together while traveling long-distance in the car. This is the first (Non-Minecraft/Pokemon/Captain Underpants) real Sci-Fi book that captured his imagination. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. We are starting the 2nd book now and I pre-purchased the third book as soon as I learned it was out for pre-order!
Long Live the BOOOOooob!
Mr. Dennis,
I love your books! Has anyone told you that reading your books has a very similar feel to reading Scott Adams’ books? Very, very similar.
Anyway, I was wondering where and when one would have to go to obtain an autograph? Or 2 so that I can sell one on eBay (jk, if it were for eBay I’d just forge it like everyone else). If you don’t have any plans you can do some publicity events out of my house in Maryland to save me travel. And because of the crabs. You like crabs right?
Jason
Author
Because I live in Canada, book tours and such are a little more problematic. However, I am going to be in New York sometime in Sept or Oct, and I’m going to start watching for upcoming cons to attend. Also, my agent and I are working on a hardcover boxed set which will be autographed. Not sure when that’ll be out, but I’m hoping next 6 months.
Nothing additional to contribute on top of what others have been saying. I just finished the first book. I have zero time to read anymore so audiobooks are my compromise. Nice job. I am writing this post sitting in my car in the parking lot at work. I arrived with 25 mins left in he book and sat in my car to finish it. Very intriguing universe you’ve created. I also love the narrator from the audiobook.
Now that I think of it, my only contribution would be to create some book “swag” like Bobiverse posters, figures or other fun stuff to throw on a desk or put in a man cave next to my other sci-fi crap. Keep it up!
Author
I’ve created some stuff on pixels.com . Mostly for my own use, as the prices are a little eye-popping (I have no control over that). I’ve got framed covers on my wall, t-shirts for each book, and mugs. The quality is actually pretty good (otherwise I would have pulled them).
Merchandising would seemingly be a good revenue source. Especially in the sci-fi community. I see you quit your job. Very nice to make money doing something you enjoy. I’m sure that is an unfulfilled fantasy of 90% of the populous. Good luck!
Tom
PS did you ever fully develop a 3D bobiverse map? I saw a YouTube video referenced in SFF…
Author
I switched to Windows 10, which doesn’t support Microsoft’s XNA library, so I’ve been trying to get Monogame working. It’s an uphill battle.
https://www.nbos.com/products/astrosynthesis
I use this Astrosynthesis in my Space epic RPG and love it on their community site there is a import file ( https://www.nbos.com/nox/index.php?action=1001&id=315 ) That add every star in 60ly from Sol using real astrological data. You will have to add in your own in system data (Planets and the like) or use the generate system contents command. It uses NASA physic formulas to create planet mass orbit speeds and all that stuff. Be careful I found the program lots of fun and have played with it for hours creating systems for my players to explore.
There is also data entry fields for System notes and GM notes
And it is only $35 very powerful for the price
Sorry forgot to add you can share the bobiverse map on the community site and any fan with the program can explore it. You can export with the system note intact while keeping the GM notes privet as not to hand out spoilers.
I have just finished book 2 and eager for book 3 and I had an idea. This would make an amazing video game. The player would be a replicant in a Von Neumann Probe exploring the universe. A bunch of randomly generated worlds, rival nations and “others” would provide motivation. It would be up to the replicant to decide how to use the resources and what to build with new plans coming from the Bobiverse. I don’t know about anyone else but I would play that game for years.
Great work on the books I love them.
I have really enjoyed the Bobiverse books so far and am looking forward to the third book. I was curious what your general methodology/sources you use when you research some of the technical ideas from the book. Do you generally just start out with simple web queries (and browsing Wikipedia, etc.) or are there particular groups of scientific journals that have articles or features on future looking technological ideas? Would love any perspective!
Author
Mostly it’s just web. There are places like physicsforum.com that have actual experts who are willing to answer questions.
Thanks!!
I’m new to this book series, but I’m enjoying it immensely. As a gamer geek (and lifetime game maker), science geek, and all around space nerd… this stuff was right up my alley. However, it was the writing (and audio delivery of the audible book) that had me so engaged that I consumed the first two books in very short order.
Please keep writing, Dennis. Ignore the technical geeks who overfixate on the details. You’ve got talent… and I look forward to being a fan for many moons 🙂
Thanks very much for the first 2 books. I really enjoyed them. I’ve pre-ordered no. 3 from Audible.
Jim Bell (Australia)
Just finished All These Worlds, and I gotta say, amazing work. I have never written to an author before, but at the risk of sounding like a fanboy, Yeehah indeed! I came away from the series awash with the same feelings of satisfaction as I have with finishing those of the best classic authors.
One question I did have, Homo sideria (ebook text 3) or Homo siderea (ebook text 2)? My layman googling leans me toward siderea (vs sidereal), but I wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something!
Again, thank you so much- the world you created truly inspires!
Author
Siderea. 🙁
I just finished binge reading all three Bobiverse books. Outstanding work, mate. Simply outstanding! I’ve been reading way too much for more than 40 years. That said, there’s only one thing fault I can find with your writing…there needs to be much, much more of it. I haven’t started Outland yet, but I know I’ll be chomping at the bit for sequels of that, too. You’ve a lot to be proud of, Dennis. Keep up the great work.
Thank you very much!
I had been wondering about some of the Bob names in Book 3, where you got them from. Ferb is a complete mystery to me. And then thought of Jacques. Whoa. You didn’t name him after Jeph Jacques of Questionable Content, did you?
Author
Phineas and Ferb is a cartoon about a couple of brothers who are always inventing stuff. Jacques was a little bit based on Black Jack Shelack, but also because I wanted to call him Jock. Like Bob, I’m not very mature.
A few things.
1. I think your “about me” section needs an update.
2. The question everyone is going to be asking over and over (since this is now your full time job ..) maybe put a new section here “upcoming” with rough dates of future releases Outland continuation.. Next bobiverse book etc. While exact dates would be nice something as simple as “I plan on having something to my editor by summer 2018…” would give us inquiring minds some idea and forestall questions of this nature.
3. I love how you heavily use themes from modern day in bobiverse. Just an idea to chew on and this is somewhat based on my other reading is having a bob encounter something from other classic sci-fi lit. Like running into a “RAMA” type craft.
So first I have to say I fell madly in love with the Bobiverse, so much to the point that I would reach out on one of these sites like this as it is not the type of thing I do so THANK YOU for bringing to life such an amazing series and universe. I do have a simple question… Will you be continuing this story at all? Just finished the 3rd book for the second time and loved the ending however I think I hate endings as much as Bob!
Just finished your 3rd bobiverse and was wondering if the story will continue? All 3 books were very entertaining. I’m trying my best to convince my wife to listen on audible. You helped the miles pass by quickly. Thanks again and hope the bobiverse continues.
Author
There will be more stories in the Bobiverse. Howard and Bridget have many adventures in store, they still haven’t found Bender, there could be surprises in the Others cleanup, the colonists still have to settle in at Valhalla, the Pav will doubtless have interesting times, Icarus and Daedalus are heading for the galactic core, Henry Roberts is still trying to sail every sea…
And that doesn’t even take into account the many Bobs yet to be named.
Knew it 🙂 “Children of the Bob” HeHe Happy Dance.
More More… In preparations of the Others attack on Sol the Bob’s were well over 500… I want to hear about them all.
Magic 8 Ball said: With the humans growing up knowing the Bob’s and the tales of their adventures now that they have some of that mythical free time. There will be a move towards replication The line “Who wants to spend their afterlife doing chores” summing up the humans prospective on the current Bob activities. being the driving argument ageist replication will soften as Bob become less constrained to duty
Glad to see you did give up day job, you talent lies elsewhere.
Will be reading Outland, it should be up to my expectations as you have not disappointed yet ( and probably never will ).
The best to you and yours, please keep up the excellent work.
Regards Bobb. B
Thank you for introducing such an amazing character/s. I loved The Bobs. Some day in Bobiverse, I imagine sprawling galactic cities like the one on Coruscant and Bill as the galactic head! Yes. I am a huge fan now.
Thanks again (Vulcan salute)
I am enjoying your Bob universe series.
Ever thought about putting together a map or org chart? It is sometimes diffficult keeping track of where all the Bob’s are, who is where and what their mission is. I listen while driving to work. Lots of fun.
Bill
There is a fan wiki page that does that. Last time I saw it was the day book 3 was released. Hopefully its updated since then.
(If I’m allowed to post links) http://bobiverse.wikia.com/wiki/We_Are_Legion_(We_Are_Bob)_Wiki
That is an excellent idea.
got all three books when will book 4 be out love bob keep writing them
I think he said somewhere that he was thinking of writing two or three other books before getting back to the bobiverse, so probably a year or two (idk how fast he writes, that’s a total guess)
*SPOILER*:
Hi Dennis,
I picked up “We are Legion” after becoming a little bored with “Armada” (after being thrilled with “Ready Player One”). I love the “Bobiverse”.
I just finished “For we are Many”… Homer….:(
On to the third book. Perhaps you could suggest some other reading after I finish “All these Worlds”?
Thx
M
Author
Hmm, you got me. Ready Player One would have been my suggestion. The Fold by Peter Clines is good.
Thanks, Dennis.
I will look into “The Fold” today as I am about to finish the final Bobiverse book. (I hope there will be more)!
Someone also suggested, “Off to be the Wizard” by Scott Myer. If I was a Bob I could read them all – but alas, I am an ephemeral.
M
Hi Dennis, just “read” (i.e. Audible) your We Are Bob…very impressive and original! (Also, as a VR developer, really liked the integration of VR into the story.) Don’t know where you hail from, but if you’re in ATX, let’s have a beer!
The only comment (not criticism, more an observation) I have is that it was a little strange to see each Bob emerge as slightly different than the Bob they were backed up from. If I backup a photo or a document, it doesn’t come back slightly altered, it emerges as it was when I backed it up. I mean, I see exactly why you did it and I loved the contrast of the characters, but seems that their personality differences would have evolved over time due to their circumstances. On the other hand, I think the story would have been much more confusing without that contrast…which, again, is why it’s not really a criticism at all.
Anyway, great story, and I look forward to further exploration of the Bobiverse. 🙂
-John Nagle
Hi Dennis
I have been speeding through the Bobiverse books. I am just starting No. 3 All These Worlds. You have created a wonderful fresh SF Outlook. RAH would be very proud.
Thank you so much for this story and I hope that there’s more to come. I haven’t finished- so I don’t know how 3 ends but I hope that Bob gets everything that he needs including love.
Diana
Dear Dennis:
I want to thank you for the Bobiverse books. They were a pleasure to read, and you have a lightness of touch and (most of the time) adherence to somewhat plausible physics, that I look for. I hope the story continues. A few issues: (1) Given that we have such vast amounts of metals in our own asteroid belt, I found it implausible that almost all the raw materials had been depleted before Ryker and his cohort arrived back there. Where did the metals go, if they were used up? (2) Colonizing floating cities in gas giants is visually attractive, but you make no mention of the crushing gravity. (3) When the Bellerophon and its sister ship popped up I wondered (a) why the Others hadn’t broken those down for their metals, since they would have been much easier to extract than anything on the planet’s surface, and (b) why a hull was needed at all to transport millions of humans in cryo when the mover plates might have sufficed if their cryotanks were just bundled together with some shielding. Not to mention why no Bob created a virtual female companion in his VR. Sheesh. That may be the most implausible thing… though I must admit it avoids complications. Things like this threw me off, though most of the time my technical questions were answered directly with dialogue.
–Charles
Author
Of course with fiction, you have to take some liberties. However, I tried to not leave too many glaring holes. On the other hand, too much explaining can be detrimental to the story as well. Anyway, to your questions:
1) We may have vast amounts right now, but 150 or so years in the future, with 4-5 major powers all racing to build their space presence as quickly as possible, most of it will have been mined out. Ryker mentions this in book 3 — everything was mined, then most of it (in the form of ships and space stations and such) was blown up.
2) I was very careful not to make Big Top too big. Floating cities wouldn’t be viable on Jupiter for instance, but on Saturn the occupants would only experience about 1 G.
3a) Presumably the Others didn’t go looking along the trajectory to see if anything survived of those ships. Since they were still decelerating when the Bobs attacked, the derelicts would have passed Pav before the Others got there and continued on.
3b) It wasn’t just the hull. It was also the availability of raw materials from breaking down one of the carriers, which was used to not only build the plates but also to build the cryo units.
4) There may have been multiple robo-girlfriends, just not ‘published.’ In any case, without the physical, erm, needs, the Bobs would only be looking for companionship, and other Bobs were sufficient for that. Howard was a personality variation that wanted a relationship more than most. Plus of course he had the opportunity to build one. A relationship that is, not the other thing.
Another science hole that you may want to avoid in the future was the description of the terraforming of one of the planet’s (I believe Ragnarok) where Bill describes that land based plants need to evolve and grow to help produce the needed oxygen in the atmosphere to make the air breathable. Before that he already mentioned that there was algae/plankton evolving in the small seas (which he eventually connects into oceans pulling ice from the Oort cloud), which could have easily produced the needed levels of oxygen on the planet given time, considering that over half of the Earth’s oxygen is produced by ocean based plant life.
Admittedly a small hole that could probably be explained fictionally one way or the other, but it was a rare oversight in an otherwise very well researched and thought out series. Please continue to write this way as it makes reading these books immensely enjoyable.
Dennis me and my dad are both programmers and we both immensely enjoyed your books and your bobs (I’m only one book though but he’s read all three)(also programmers rule). This is one of the best books I have read in a long time, you are an amazing author. I saw a lot of comments complaining about the Christian bashing – I’m also Christian and didn’t feel stigmatized at all by your writing, keep up the good work. I’m probably gonna read whatever you put your name on, but if you wanna up the next set of bobiverse books on the to-do list I’m not gonna complain, just don’t get run over before I get more bobs- you might turn into an AI in the future but I don’t think I can wait a hundred years for the next sequel
You are epic
-Cuan
I kept seeing mention of how great the Bobiverse novels are, so I took the plunge…. and stayed under until I had listened to all three. Wonderful storytelling as well as perfect narration. I would be very disappointed if any future Bob books weren’t read by Ray Porter.
As a few others have commented, this is the first time I have ever written to an author–just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed the trilogy. I do hope that you will not stop there.
” I am cursed with a day-job” – Still, didn’t a read somewhere that you are now full time writing bobiverse books for us fanatics?
Hey, Dennis E! Just finished up the Bob trilogy…loved it! Ever consider writing a novella or such from the point of view of the “Others”? I’d even like to see you do a book in the vein of Interstellar or The Martian…near future exploration of our solar system. I think a sub sea exploration of Europa has promise. The technology needed to penetrate the ice crust and then explore the ocean for life seems to be well suited for an advanced AI probe seeking first contact with life outside our planet.
Keep up the good work. I look forward to your other adventures!
Mr. Taylor,
I finished up all the books and want to say how pleased I was. Actually, I have my sons reading it too and they also love it. I can honestly say that I’ve re-listened to the series 3 times. Amazingly, its the only audio/book that is interesting even though I’ve already listened to it once.
I’m glad to hear that you’ll be expanding on the Bobs. Being a software manager and architect, I was pleased to hear the references to code, branching, merging, etc. LOL. Totally super cool… (from a fellow coder).
Now off to listen to Outland. Side note: I thought it was a cool story even before I realized you were the author of that book as well.
Good stuff and great work!
Like many, I have never written to an author before, but I had to tell you how much I loved your books.
I understand you don’t want to write any more Bobiverse, and I can understand.
However, I think Bobs could live on in a game franchise of the 4X genre.
If no one has approached you with this idea, please look into it, yourself. A galaxy-building Von Neumann probe game would be novel, and the story of the Bobiverse would give it meaning.
In regard to the mentioned “hand waving”, “you can’t make a perfect clone of Bob because quantum”
I would like to introduce you to:
“The No Cloning Theorem” on YouTube
https://youtu.be/owPC60Ue0BE
Dennis,
I have a few requests:
1. I would love to see some Bobiverse merchandise. Any chance for t-shirts or or office decor?
2. Could you see yourself being friends with Bob? How do you feel Bob would view you? Yes, I know Bob is not real, but let me hold on to the delusion that he is just a little bit real.
3. Do you ever see yourself expanding Bob’s story later in you career? If so, as a full story or just a reference/nod? I only ask because even after book 3 I could not get enough of the Bobiverse.
4. If I could pass an obscure exam over Bobiverse, could we go snowboarding?
Author
1. t-shirts, posters, and coffee mugs are on pixels.com . Prices are kind of high–I don’t have control over that.
2. I’m a lot like Bob. Honestly, he’s a little bit of a Gary Stu. Except I’m not an engineer. The anecdote about Tom Hanks and Castaway for instance, I actually had that conversation with my wife.
3. There will be more bobiverse books. I’ve got lots of story ideas.
4. There’s no entrance exam for snowboarding.
Thank you! Concerning the snowboarding, just let me know when, where, and how many backgrounds checks I need to pass 🙂 I will be the guy in the Bobiverse T -Shirt.
Dennis, great job with the Bobiverse series. I just finished book 3 and I thought they were all fantastic. I gave them all 5 stars on Amazon and am very much looking forward to future books in that series. My favorite things about the bobiverse books were how well researched your theoretical science was and how you described what space exploration might actually be like. Your books reminded me a lot of Arthur C. Clarke’s Rama series, especially with the Others cargo ships, but mostly just the feeling of excitement at exploring space and what could be out there. I could tell you weren’t super comfortable with the military aspects of the story, but I think you did a great job with it and made it very believable. Just enough detail while leaving most of it vague and open to interpretation.
I would recommend doing more research into military books, doctrine and ethos if the Bobiverse continues to focus on inter-galactic conflict. I tried reading the Earth Rise series, but the author did such a horrible job of describing military life that I couldn’t finish it. It was basically a revamp of Starship Troopers and completely based on the movie, not even Heinlein’s book, which is one of my favorites.
The only parts I did not like about the Bobiverse series was the fact that Bob-1 gets so focused on the Deltans and doesn’t even really get involved in the conflict with the Others or even ensuring that Earth’s population gets recolonized else where. The Deltans were interesting for a little while, but I completely lost interest in them even before Book 2. I think my favorite side story was the one concerning Poseidon. That one was great. I thought Book 3 ended well, but I’m really hoping that future books will include the Bobs coming in contact with another friendly spacefaring race. Keep up the good work and thanks for making such a great story.
Hey Dennis, love the books quick question, what programming language is your primary?
Author
Currently c#
Sweet, mine as well. Do you think that Bob uses test driven development or Waterfall when he builds his code… 🙂
Just adding my kudos to the many about the bobiverse series (and the narrator too!!). I hope in further books you also give a not to Stirling’s Emberverse Series and also the Vorkosigan books by Bujold. I want a Bob named MILES!!
loved the books, heared the audible versions (you cant call it reading right)
hope you will join other trilogy writers and get the math wrong, the bobiverse has so much room for more stories
small question, is there a starmap somewhere, i would love to get a view of the logistics of traveling in the bobiverse
keep up the good work
Hi! Just devoured the Bobiverse trilogy, and loved it! Great work!
I do have a couple of quibbles, though:
You mention stockpiling material at the Earth-Moon L4 and L5 points. Were you thinking those are metastable? Because they’re not. One body has to be at least 25 times larger than the other to make those metastable, otherwise objects will drift out of them, just like L1, 2 and 3.
The L4 and L5 points of the Earth-SUN system are metastable, though. So you could use those. Not as convenient, but stuff will stay put there without maneuvering capability.
Then, at Omicron2 Eridani, you have Howard dropping a beacon “into the L4 point between Vulcan and Romulus” — that would be the L1 point, not L4. And because the bodies are of similar size, none of the Lagrange points will be metastable, so he might as well put the beacon at L1, it just has to be able to keep itself there.
But those are minor quibbles, that I’m sure most people wouldn’t notice. I’m a hard sci-fi fan, so this stuff catches my attention. It’s a compliment to your scientific plausibility that those are the ONLY quibbles I have.
Good work, thank you for writing them!
Charl P
Enjoyed the first book immensely, listening to the second one now. As an soccer fan from Argentina, any novel in which the Brazilians are the bad guys is a good one. What made you choose them for that role?
Keep up the good work!
Author
I was trolling google looking for a good candidate, and it turns out there was a Brazilian Empire in the 19th century. So I decided to bring it back.
Interesting. And Florianopolis? Just picked it up at random from a map? It’s a popular vacation spot for Argentinians, along with nearby Camboriu. I spent a couple of summers there as a teenager before moving to the U.S.
Author
Once I settled on Brazil, I needed something off at the edge of the country, so that it could conceivably survive the pummelling from the war.
Makes sense.
Thanks for being so responsive to your readers! I’m still waiting for J.D. Sallinger to write back… 🙂
Just listened to “We Are Legion” on audible and LOVED it! I actually started visualizing this as a video game as well! Doing a lot of MMQB on different situations. Not sure if you have pitched this as a game, but I think it would be fantastic!
Thanks again for a great listen! Working on Book Two now.
Love your style so much I’m wondering if you’ve ever made a reading list of like minded writing/writers? Amazon’s recommender algorithms haven’t figured you out yet. After finishing the Bobiverse trilogy, the two “recommended” books I tried were flat tires.
Author
Authors I especially like: John Scalzi, Robert Sawyer, Steven Gould, Jack McDevitt, Vernor Vinge, Andy Weir, Harry Turtledove. Plus of course Heinlein, Asimov, Campbell, and many other golden-agers.
I loved 1632 by Eric Flint, and several of the sequels, although I thought it started to bog down after a while.
A recent pleasant surprise: Anomaly by Peter Cawdron.
HTH
I think you’d appreciate the humor in the Magic 2.0 series by Scott Meyer.
Huge Neal Stephenson fan here!!!
Dennis, I just discovered your books. WALWAB is wonderful; so much fun. Congrats on your success and thanks so much. Ned.
I discovered your BOBIVERSE series and I’m need deep into book #1. Wonderful read so far.
You hooked me right from the beginning.
Great ‘what if’ and some humor thrown in.
Looking forward to reading your work and talking shop.
Gary
Dennis,
I look at the Bobiverse as an exploration of the potential expansion of the conversations we all have in our own minds. Very entertaining as well, but exploring a pretty complicated issue. Do you think about younger versions of yourself to craft differing personalities or push on part of a personality to create a unique identity for each copy?
I could be totally overthinking it as well, but would be interested in your thoughts. I see this as the primary reason that your writing is compelling, a complex human problem in an extraordinary setting. Any of us would probably interact with ourselves in interesting ways if the opportunity presented itself.
Love the books, hope to see the next one in the near future.
Dennis,
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your writing. The Legion series has provided me with several entertaining and animated discussions with family and friends. I really enjoy being immersed in the Bobiverse.
Just finished the Bobiverse, great reads and very timely story line. I think I just read in the NY Times that printers are the future of space exploration.
Cant wait to start the next book Outland. Good luck writing full time.
Just finished binging all three of your Bobiverse via audible in 3 days. Fantastic! I enjoyed the combination of seriousness and levity. I recently finished Margaret Atwood’s A Handmaidens Tale and Ready Player One , and the Legion story reminds me of elements of both of those books (in a good way!) I’m a big Trek fan, and loved the references to TGN.
I will say though that I’m an English major and not well versed in technicalities in atsrophysics (names of stars or TAU, for example ) so I wish I could understand a little bit more of the science you employed. Or a starmap, so I could follow the action. Would your books include a glossary in the back perhaps? Or a Companion Guide to the Science and Sci-fi References the Bobiverse? Either way, thanks for raising my awareness to cool concepts and possibilities than I had known about before, like the Formi Paradox or a Dyson sphere.
Also, I hope that other humans will be replicated in order to add a bit of variety to POV characters ( wouldn’t it be interesting to see the world through Bridget”s eyes on Odin?) to the Bobiverse, as inevitably all the Bob sounds somewhat similar in personality ( though not in the part of narrator Ray Porter who did an excellent job with the material he was given).
Regardless, I look forward to your next Bobiverse story (or perhaps serialization on Netflix…? 🙂
A friend suggested We Are Legion to me. I was immediately captivated and have listened to all 3 books, back-to-back, over the last 5 days — what a joy! Great writing — dramatic, suspenseful, heartbreaking, clever, insightful, lithe, nuanced, funny — and Ray Porter is the best audio book performer I’ve ever heard. I will be going back to these again and again — can’t imagine ever getting tired of them. Congratulations on them and your shift to full-time writing!
Wow, I came to this site not knowing I would be buried in a list a mile long. Regardless if this is seen or not I just wanted to say/ask 2 things
1) Thank you for the writing of the books in the Bobiverse series. Overall I really enjoy the books but I especially appreciate how you leverage well known names for the characters in your book. For someone that is not adept at focus while reading, it allows me to better track the story and character in my head.
2) I have recommended your series to a few others that have really enjoyed it. Do you or would you consider selling autographed copies? I would only be after 2 copies (could be the whole series thus far or simply the first book) but I think that would really make a great gift to my friends (and maybe myself lol).
Thank you for the work and I do look forward to your next books in the series!
Author
We are working on an autographed hardcover boxed set.
Would love a we are legion tee!
Just say’n 🙂
Author
They’re on pixels.comThe stuff is a little pricey, I know. I don’t have any control over that. Pixels.com sets a minimum price based on their costs, and I think there’s like a $2 markup.
Please write more in the bobiverse series. Please
After listening with great pleasure to the Bobiverse I stumbled across this and it made me think about Bob again:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QROEzCEd_Kg
Unix/Linux Systems Engineer here. Loved the first Legion book, ordered the other 2. Can’t wait to finish the story!
Enjoyed reading all 3 of the Bobiverse books. Fantastic premise for a book! Are there anymore on the future?
Thanks,
Paul Ferris
Murphy, Texas
When is Book4? Awesome series! Great narrator!
These are great books Dennis! We currently have three generations enjoying these. I shared “We are Legion” with my father, with great reviews. My 7 and 10 year old sons were just asking me why we can’t listen to the “We are Many” audiobook through dinner. My 10 year old especially loves the detailed descriptions of the life forms discovered on the various planets. He also seems to share your very nerdy sense of humor.
I am about halfway through the 3rd book and I have a question. How are the Bobs any different than ephemerals? From the best I can come up with it is only a question of scale. Although the Bobs are mechanically immortal, as they can shed their systems for newer or backup systems, as necessary; they are not technically immortal. Homer is proof of that. They can end.
So how are they different other than scale. Excluding the shell, they think, feel, and react as a human would, because at the core they are human. Looking at the human existence, we are born, we live our lives and then we die. Nothing to special to that at all. The Bobs are no different. Again, it is just a question of scale. If we assume that a Bob will go on indefinitely, until it meets its end; how is that any different than ephemeral?
For the Bobs, a person’s life span really is not much different than ephemeral taking in a movie, a really detailed movie. Movies end, stories end. It really is not much different. You just go to another movie.
But, that is also a bit cold. In a movie you know that it is just a story, that it is something that is not real;’ while a life is quite real. And to this I say. A person born will, most likely out live most everyone that had been alive when they are born. In their life time they will have to say good bye to their parents, friends, loved ones, and so forth. The only difference is the number of people a person can meet in a human life time and that of the Bob.
First, this is my third post and I have not said, thank you for your books. Please keep them coming; I will be reading until you can’t write anymore. I drive quite a bit, as part of my work, and I have found that Bob has made the time sale by over the past couple of weeks. I love the story and the premise. I love listening to it as though I were having Bob tell me the story of his life. Your style, I must say is just how I think, in diction and humor, so it is very familiar to me. It sounds like a personal narrative. So, Thank You very much. Also, you are now up there with the likes of Neal Stephenson in my eyes and that is quite the compliment! 🙂
Not to the end of the 3rd book yet so if this happens then whoopee. However, have you toyed with the idea of taking Howard and Bridget to try and engineer a combined off spring that will start to diversify the Bobiverse further? Consider the mixture to the cultural anthropology of the Bobiverse. In essences it would no longer be the Bobiverse and could become the next iteration of humanity.
Consider, if you were to take 10 sets of uniquely different personalities, and begin to pair them off you would have 5^2 possible personality combinations. With 12.5^2 second scale combinations, and 78.125^2 , 3,051.76^2,4.6M^2 … and so on. Within 5 generations you would have quite the diverse rainbow of personalities.
Of course, this number is limited by resources (you can only build so many matrix at a time. Theoretically, you could build a planet side fab plant and build cores and infer structure. You really don’t need to move all around the entire universe in actuality. With the ability of FTL level communications, you would only need to set up single points of existence then you could tear ass around the universe with-out the necessary issues of running into an Other type group (or worse) while exploring. With a combination of remote piloting and AMI or Smart AI you wouldn’t actually need to be there if you were a Bob. Nor, do you need your own ship. Theoretically you could have Uber for Bobs, from planet side, or orbit side, (thinking Jovian) of one system or another. For the people who want to explore and live life on the edge, if you were, they could fairy Bob matrixes from one space/planet platform to another. As the number of matrixes grew and they wanted to diversify their position to avoid detection and destruction.
Last one, I think also, it is time to consider what Kardashev scale the Bob is. Level I: planetary, well yes. Level II: solar system (not quite). Level III – Galactic, not yet. Bob will need to build a true Dysensphere around a star to get to that level. Consider that the Bob is roughly the equivalent as the Others, just not to the scale, technologically. There are things both groups do better than the other, I say it is a rough equivalent. That means being able to use any and all pieces of material, to the atomic level, outside the star itself. To get to a Level II they will have to fine away to be able to use the other 98.2% of the available energy that lies within the system, that is its sun.
One idea might be a black hole drive. If you could create a black hole, (theoretically possible) and move it in to the gravitational well of a sun, in orbit, at close proximity, the black hole will eventually eat the star. If you insure that the event horizon is small enough; if you use a small young star; you could then encapsulate the black hole in a shell than can capture every ounce of Hawking rotation. Moreover, you could use all of the steel from the system to do it. Humm, personal note, need to finish book 3, could be guessing to well here. But, if not, feel free to use it.. Also, you could then drop in an FTL com-unit into the black hole and see what is inside the event horizon, in real time.
I’m about half way through Bobverse Book #2 and I am obsessed! I am so excited to keep reading, and just wanted to say thank you for creating such quality sci-fi. Keep on keepin’ on.
Dennis – I can see that I am not the only one who has thoroughly enjoyed your books. Keep up the good work. Also, can we all agree that Ray Porter is a fantastic narrator? Do you guys work together at all to inform the different voices that he uses?
Author
Ray asked me how I visualized each character when I was writing them. Colonel Butterworth, for instance, I’d been visualizing as Fowler in Chicken Run. Ray nailed it.
I agree. Love Ray Porter’s narration. It’s soooo good. Love all his character voices….I forget sometimes that it is just one person with all those voices. I don’t know how he keeps track. Loved Homer!!
I do have an idea of a novel, it’s nothing that has been done but may be something that you can expound on. It’s an idea anyway but I won’t post it here.
Need more books
Bob from Minnesota
Wow. So, I picked up “We Are Legion (We Are Bob)” on a lark because that’s an awesome title. Holy crap. IT’s so good. I mean, it was addictive-ly good. I think I picked that one up two weeks ago on Audible? Maybe 3 at best. Anyway, I finished “All These Worlds” this morning on my way in to work (yay audiobooks) and I’m seriously just such a huge fan now, both as a scifi geek and a nerd in general.
You’ve also inspired me to finally read the Art of War just in case my brain is frozen and I one day become a sentient computer, fighting for my life against another sentient computer, somewhere out in the galaxy. Just in case.
I blew through the series last month…I enjoy reading sci-fi, but the Bobs are so memorable, they can’t help but stick with me. As a web developer, project manager, and active civic participant, I can totally relate to the Bobs’ frustrations and successes. Thanks for building an inspirational series — I’ll be working hard to live up to the ideals of the Bobiverse in the decades ahead.
Looking forward to the TV series someday!
So you out Asimoved Asimov!
Out Herberted Herbert!
Out Tilleyed Tilley!
One captivating book of a first series is always good.
The second captivating book of a first series is exceptional.
The finale of a first series which is at least as page turning as book one surpasses all expectations.
Listened to them back to back, and for me the hallmark of a good story, will come back to the series next year and find something new every time I listen.
Hey! Just discovered “Legion” and I’m loving it! Just breezing through the comments, I noticed some other folks were also disappointed in the presentation of religion, but I also saw how you responded. I think it’s totally valid to use a sort a form of religious institution as the antagonistic force, there is precedent in history for morally questionable things being done in the name of religion after all.
My disappointment in the portrayal of that religious institution is that they seem too much like straw men, especially where the protagonist’s own biases are confirmed so heavily in their exaggerated behavior and viewpoints. Even just from a storytelling perspective, I feel like the antagonists could be a little more well-rounded.
That said, I am enjoying Bob far too much to stop listening (I got the audible version), but the over-the-top 2-dimensionality of the religious characters does throw me out a bit. Looking forward to seeing how things turn out!
Since downloading your books from Audible I’ve started actually slowing down when approaching green traffic lights and searched for ‘long-cuts’ when driving home. My wife thinks I’m working longer hours lately, but in reality I’m driving around the block listening to ‘one last chapter’.
Guess that’s the biggest compliment I’ve ever given anyone.
Big high five to you, mate.
Thanks from downunder.
Self professed geek here, nerd, oh whatever you want to call me. Admitting you have a problem is the first step right? Annnnywaaaaay, having my head stuck in a book or in these times a kindle is my favorite universe. I just have to tell you that finding and reading (listening) to the three BOB books brightened my galaxy. You have made me laugh and cry to the point I had to pull my shuttlecraft over to center myself. It has been a long time since I regretted turning that last page of a book (although again hard to do with a kindle whether listening or reading). I would love to know what future work you have planned. I even imagined a few times your story being a tv series like Red Dwarf. In summary you and the story you created were much appreciated.
On Sunday Jan 21st I had a 9 hour drive in front of me, going from San Francisco to Las Vegas. It would have been my second such drive with a car full of stuff. I had learned on the previous drive that self help books wouldn’t cut it. So, I asked my facebook hivemind for suggestions for books that were more fun. I’ll admit it, I picked “We Are Legion” because it was only 9 hours long on audible and most the other books that were suggested were in the 20 hour range.
As a software engineer who had sold his company in MN to move to SF to work in Silicon Valley, and then had his wife break his heart in a very similar way that Jenny had broken Bobs (leaving me with similar episodes) heading for Vegas for a fresh start I found your intro of the character a little creepy. When I got to the part with the conversation of the younger sibling calling him “little brother” I started to wonder if you had been spying on me for material to write your book.
Today is Wed the 24th and I’me done, not with just the first book but all 3, my increased frame rate (turned up speed on audible) which is my practice, plus my ability to mulittask, has put me through all 3 books in 4 days.
I related to all of it, I believe I got every geek reference, and even this strange place he puts himself over and over where he feels obligated to help people and creates a commitment he never should have created which lands him in some sort of indentured servitude (I’ve done this so many times). I think the only choice Bob made along the way that I wasn’t right there with, is the fact that he never went to what was left of the Brazilians on earth for insights into Mederous.
Anyways, thanks for reminding me that I’m not alone in this universe, that there are others like me, and that eventually, my Jenny episodes will fade as well.
Now, I think I’m going to go hack my amazon echo to answer to GUPI instead of Alexa.
Dennis,
I too am a software engineer by day but reader by night. I’m just recently joining the fan club you have going on here and am about a third of the way through your first Bobverse book. I really love it so far and can see the series as one that I read through more than once. I’m wondering if you or someone here can help me with something though-
I’m currently reading We Are Legend and Bob is totally me in personality and sense of humor! Can anyone put a finger on describing this personality and sense of humor in words?
This would be immensely helpful to regurgitate to random people who don’t understand me or my jokes.
Hi Dennis,
I’m very happy and heartened with the Bobiverse. I asked myself why. I realized that Bob does not just tell the reader that he is a humanist. He and his clones think and behave (their expanded moral sphere) as scientific humanists. They are reasonable as freethinkers are reasonable. It is so refreshing to have reflective and critical thinkers succeed against authoritarian ideologues, to have humor and open systems overcome fear and closed systems. You have made a rare thing. Thank you.
Hey Dennis,
What a joy the Bobiverse is, seriously I haven’t been so engrossed in a series since I first read Arthur C Clarke”s Rama.
There is a part of me as I am sure like many of your fans that would swap places with Bob in an instant, with that in mind I wondered if you’d given any thought to adapting the Bobiverse into a game?
Warm regards,
Dunkan
Hi Dennis,
A suggestion. You hint in several places that the Bobs are curious about their varied personalities, preferences, and interests, and that one or more intend to investigate what might cause their differences. I expect you are reading about embodied, extended, and distributed cognition. I’ve enjoyed reading Anthony Chemero, Andy Clark, and Teed Rockwell.
Perhaps the Bobs will develop an ability to participate in an over-mind (Emerson & Nietzsche) or perhaps they will encounter one that has evolved from a Bobnet equivalent?
Enjoy!
Dude- I just wanted to tell you something unique. Unfortunately I believe you have heard it all form other fans. I will say that from my perspective, you get it. You understand the geek perspective to a tee! Thank you, and more please!
Just devoured the entire Bobiverse series on audible. A most excellent and tasty treat. I started off listening with my kids this week as we headed to school each morning but it got so good I ended up getting the series and listening without them. They are still on book one and I have to cut it off to get them out of the car. Keep up the great work, I’m looking forward to many more great stories from you, oh and by the way, as a hardcore sci-fi reader, I loved your explanations of relativistic speeds and how you kept the sci-fi believable. Even my middle school age kids got th concepts. Great job.
I’ll keep it simple: really enjoyed your books so far, from both a SciFi & computer geek point of view. Looking forward to the edit of Outland and the sequel.
Hello Mister Taylor!
I Just wanted to tell you I loved your Bobiverse series. They were a great escape into the universe. can’t wait for your future work!
Happy greetings From Belgium! 😉
I must mention that the narrator of the Audible books did an amazing job. I enjoyed your books so much that I will buy the paper version as well. Thank you for this gift. I can’t believe I just found out about these books!
And yes, I agree with the comments below: a Bobiverse game would be mind-blowing.
Hi, my kids and I just finished the Bobiverse audiobooks from audible. I must say that you did a fantastic job. Looking forward to new works and other Bobiverse novels. (Please?)
The begining of real life Bob version 1.0. Saving your brain to the cloud
https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/content/?anchorTopic=598809&origin=TOPIC_ENTRYPOINT
Darn, you beat me to it, Jeremy!
A couple of stories came up in my Guardian feed: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/14/brain-preservation-step-closer-stored-memories-artificial and https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/14/nectome-startup-upload-brain-the-cloud-kill-you in case people are interested!
Absolute pleasure if a read and hope there are more to come from you in the future. Just started going through the trilogy for a second time.
I loved all 3 of the Bob books and was sad when they were over. I have listened to all 3 twice now. I recommend them to everyone I talk to that loves sci-fi and humor. Also, you could not have gotten a better narrator than Ray Porter. I would listen to him read anything. I love all the different variations of Bob’s personality and the exploration of what would you do if you could live forever with the technology and ability to make a difference in the universe. So many possibilities. Thanks, Dennis E. I laughed and cried and cheered on the Bobs as they made a difference in their universe. Please continue. Either with the Bobs or a new series that is just as good. I look forward to reading your next book! (Please continue to use Ray Porter. He brought the book and the humor to life.)
Just wanted to say that I’m listening to the Bobiverse books for that third time (read it the old fashioned way too), and they’ve been helping me during my development of severe autoimmune illness and my subsequent divorce. It’s such a joy to have a main character that never makes me want to shake them and say “what are you DOING??” – who has hurts and pains, and takes the time to mourn, but also almost always finds a way to intelligently problem-solve (and at the same time, RIP Homer. Yours was the cruelest cut of all.) It’s also incredibly fun parsing out where all the little references are from with my own nerd database in my head. Thanks for the help and fun, and I’ll be looking forward to your next novels (and the return of Outland).
So, I’m nearing the end of book 3 and getting nervous. Is there a book 4 in the works or does it all end with 3? I’ve binged all 3 books over the last 2 weeks and don’t want it to end…
A few weeks ago I took a 5 day road trip and listened to all three books on Audible. I have never written to an author before and have read hundreds of Sci-Fi/ Fantasy books.
AWESOME!
I know you most certainly hear this a lot but keep the Bobiverse books coming and I guarantee you will have lifelong fans like me who eat them up.
Dennis,
I have just discovered We Are Legion, We Are Bob and I am absolutely blown away.
I’m a programmer, have been for 35 years – and I feel like I’ve been looking for this book all my life. It’s attention to detail and refusal to explain complex plot lines with a hand wave make it a true delight to read.
Actually, I’m listening to Ray Porter on Audible read it to me on my daily commute. He is perfect for the role. He sounds almost exactly like Chris Hadfield describing his astronaut training and he captures the matter-of-factness brilliantly.
So, this is just a bit of fan-girling – you are very good at this writing lark – thank you.
James
(Melbourne, Australia – in case that is of interest)
PS. You also share your name with another great Dennis Taylor, winner of the 1985 World Snooker Championships (the game’s most discussed final, 17 frames all and it was decided on the very last black ball).
Dennis,
THANK YOU for a wonderful read. MASSIVELY enjoyed all three Bobiverse books (wish there were more!). It’s been a while since I read something that I enjoyed that much.
I consider you the modern Robert A. Heinlein. Your Bob is very much a Heinlein-like “one engineer can solve any problem in the universe, given time and a good slide-rule” protagonist. Loved every frigging moment of it.
I listened to the Audible version, and the reader (Ray Porter) was outstanding.
Looking forward to ANYTHING you release in the future.
Many thanks!
Just finished a marathon listen of all three books!! Thank you! Can’t wait for the next installment!
Thank you immensely for the Bobiverse series. I thank Audible for assisting me in discovering your work and then getting the opportunity to read a physical copy has been a joy. Looking forward to The Singularity Trap and keep up the good work. I continue to look forward to your progression and growth as a writer.
As someone that is a hesitant Sci-Fi reader I wanted to comment on how much i have enjoyed your books. The added bonus of them being “clean” I was excited to encourage my teenage children to listen to them as well. My 14 year old son became engrossed in the books. He spoke of how you were able to engage him so deeply that he felt it when there was a lose or a success. He compared you to how he felt that Edgar Allen Poe could draw emotions from the reader. (color me surprised by that comment)
Dennis,
More…
Respectfully,
Sam
Dennis,
The Bobiverse series is everything I could ever want out of a book! I’ve gone from never having heard of it to having listened to all 3 on audible in 4 days!
You should definitely make BOB.NET a real thing!
Hey
Hi Dennis,
Just letting you know you are referenced in this Guardian article (you probably already know but just in case!): https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jun/09/audiobooks-audible-publishing-sales-boost?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Gmail
Your status as an Audible success story is confirmed 🙂
Just finished the We Are Bob series (3 books). It was Isaac Arthur’s book of the month recommendation. Loved it. Laughed, shouted for the good guys, boo’d the baddies and shed a virtual tear here and there, and even signed up to be scanned.
Please let there be more!
I enjoyed your books. Where can I pick up Outland and The Singularity Trap in print?
Author
Singularity Trap is Audible-only until October. Outland is out of print while I re-edit it for release on Audible and re-release on Amazon. That will probably happen towards the end of the year.
Sir,
I came across We are Legion a couple of weeks after it came out, and while I waited on the sequel I listened to it 5 times. Same thing for Bob 1 &2 while awaiting 3. I love the concept of a sentient immortal space probe, and the universe you wrote into being in that series. In the Bob series the main characters were primarily the same person with slight variations. Something I began to notice after repeat reading was that even the non-Bob character seem to speak, process emotion, react, and comment in a similar way. Now that I have begun listening to singularity trap I am seeing a bit of the same. It is not a huge issue but if you want a little more depth of character try mirrioring them a bit more on distinctly different people that you know and imagining how they would act or react for increased variety and depth. I LOVE your work please keep at it I am definitely a huge fan.
I picked up “We Are Legion” on an Audible sale late last year and inhaled them. Just finished Singularity Trap and it was also fantastic! Just found a used copy of Outland and ordered it off Abe Books. Glad to hear it’s being made into an Audible book, as my 1 hour each way to work commute has made that my favorite way to inhale books. I’m also glad you are rewriting Outland for this project, as that way it won’t be identical to the paperback I will soon be reading during lunch breaks.
You’ve quickly become my favorite modern Sc-Fi writer and nearly up there with Jim Butcher as overall favorite author. He does have over a dozen books on you, so hopefully you’ll catch him 🙂 All in all, just wanted to tell you I’m a big fan and love your work. I’d love to write professionally myself one day too, but in the meantime works like yours are great studies in telling exciting stories, with real consequences and losses, but never losing the humor. Thank you for your work, sir!
Listening to Singularity Trap. Enjoying it very much. Seems than Ivan could use strong zero knowledge encryption.
Hey there Dennis! I was tickled to death to see a review in today’s Washington Post (6/27/18, p. C4) of the audiobook of The Singularity Trap — which begins: “Departing from his highly entertaining ‘Bobiverse’ science-fiction series . . .’
Author
Hi Rick, long time no talk.
Yes, I’ve managed to get some visibility with this latest. I’m getting to the point where ‘backlist’ actually means something.
Hi Dennis, I’m a big fan do you have any plans to visit Southern California for a book tour in the future? I’d love to get your autograph! I read about possible boxed sets a few months ago, did I miss out? any updates?
Author
I don’t have any plans for book tours specifically. Those are usually done in cooperation with the publisher (and arranged by the publisher). Because of my relatively unusual status as a hybrid author, I don’t have a big-5 behind me to take care of that kind of thing.
Having said that, I’m going to be at Worldcon this summer in San Jose, although only as an attendee. But if someone comes up to me with one of my books, I’ll be happy to sign it.
I love all your books! After I listened to the first Bob book I had to impatiently wait for the release of the rest before going through them in days. I’m finishing up Singularity Trap now. I like how well written your occasional female characters are, how they are intelligent women and not just a romantic interest. My only wish is that one of your books could pass the Bechdel test.
I look forward to seeing what you’ll write next. Cheers!
Author
Just looked up the Bechdel test. The new release of Outland will pass.
How different will the new release of Outland be to the Original Outland?
Author
The basic story-line will be the same. The main characters will be the same. But the writing is much improved, and I spend a lot more time on motivation and characterization. I think it’s just an all-around better book now.
Dennis-
Wow! You seriously have hit a home run on your Bobiverse series. Am a huge fan and so impressed with what you have done. I am a grad of Singularity University and I can tell you that Ray Kurzweil (our dean) at SU would be completely taken by this series! I just wanted to sign up to make sure that I don’t miss any future works.
Mike Hart
Davis, CA
Soooo I tried to scan announcements and comments but I can’t find any info about bobiverse 4…. ?
I absolutely love your bobiverse series. I know this asking a lot as I’m hoping you maybe already working on another story since I went through all the ones available now., but I’m curious about just a short story or a ‘OVA’ in anime terms to see a slice of what happens with the bob far far into the future after amassing a huge amount of data between them becoming far more like gods than they may actually be willing to admit to as the universe doesn’t hold much left as a mystery for them anymore. What or how would the normal humans perceive them at that point would they even keep that connection after claiming to be their own kind or the deltans would bob go back after a million years just to see what happened or return after receiving radio waves from the planet? Just some questions I know I could image it for myself but the answer would never satisfy me the same way since these are your characters in your world.
Mr. Taylor,
Refreshing sci-fi! I’m an Air Force, Computer ‘expert’, and long appreciator of golden era sci-fi. I truly appreciate your attention to ‘more’ accurate physic and science (compared to most sci-fi).
Some commentary/encouragement”
– Theistic Government. Yeah, ok. People have said enough. Although it ‘did’ come across as a troupe for a religious based government group that seemed extremely similar to a very vocal, yet sub-denomination of christianity (small ‘c’). However, in your favor, there ARE Theistic Governments ruling today…..it would simply be politically incorrect to use them.
– What’s with continuing the naval analogies in space? Granted, early Sci-Fi writers served in the Navy, and this set up a conceptual framework for people to associate with. However, it is inadequate for space. Turns out, Air Force is more prepared for it.
– Overall, from the perspective of one person’s approach, the Bobs made accurate choices and action from their understanding and experience. (i.e. not military)
We use naval parlance instead of AirForce because, in space…..there is no air.
We refer to them as “ships” rather than planes or aircraft. You “float” in space like you do in water. I think the naval connection is pretty clear.
Hey Dennis,
This might be a long shot, but decided to give it a try nonetheless. But first, a moment of platitude – I’m about to finish Singularity Trap, and so far it’s great. I loved the BOB books as well, it was a fun read.
BUT, the chapter titles. Jesus-on-a-stick. I mean, naming a chapter about an escape, “escape” is not only unimaginative, but also gives readers a spoiler to the events that are about to happen. It’s like watching a movie, and before every scene, the director would stop the film and tell you what this part is going to be about. Also, who said audio books need chapters??
Maybe it’s only me? What do you think?
Thanks,
Shachar
Author
Nah, I have a real problem with chapter titles. I’m seriously thinking about just going to numbers.
Hi Dennis, i feel the same about the chapter titles in singularity. I listen to the audibles and it really puts me in the frame of mind of thinking ahead of the story.
That quip aside, i loved the bobiverse, i hope there will be a sequel with the arts, but in general im looking forward to whatever comes next!
Singularity trap could be a series, is this now in the past as a single novel?
What’s next from Dennis E. Taylor?
Hi Dennis. Beautiful work. My only request is that you write more… I’m about to go through the Bobs and S.T. again! Thank you!
Hi Dennis,
First of all I have only just discovered your work but have gone through all of the Bobs and the Singularity Trap within just 6 months. I drive a lot for my job, and your audiobooks have been great company. Can’t wait for more!
Just a question – in Singularity Trap (I think) there is reference to a theory about the three ways that humankind could end. It was something like 1) technological singularity 2) destroyed by war or 3) environmental event (I think).
I was wondering – was this something you made up? Or did you get that from somewhere? I am very curious to read more about that.
Just want to add- your reference to Horseshoe Bay was fantastic! I grew up nearby and know how beautiful it is and how rarely if gets mentioned in books!
Thanks again for your work!
Nick
Author
That list developed as necessary for the book, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable. Those seem like three filters that humanity is coming up against, and I see no reason to believe that we’re in any way special or unique in that regard. Therefore, it’ll be something that almost all intelligent species will experience.
When I downloaded the Audible application, I randomly picked a book from the list presented to me. That book was: We Are Legion (We Are Bob). I listened to the full book in less than 2 days. You can’t imagine my delight when I figured out that you had two more books associated to the Bob’s story. I am currently in the middle of Singularity Trap and I am enjoying it as well.
I can write many pages describing why I like your books. But I will just say that I love your work and hope you have many more stories in your future. Also, if you ever have any questions about earth science, I have a Ph.D. in Geophysics, so don’t hesitate to ask. It would be a pleasure for me to contribute to your work. Keep the books coming.
Sincerely,
One of your biggest fans
I wonder if you can give us some more details about your background (education and career) very interested to see how you approach this with the right tone
My property law professor and I were just having a discussion about whether a clone owns the property that the original human owns…in the context of creating an artificial human (a machine) being a unique individual with the rights of an actual human. She suggested I read “the Bobiverse books” and I’m going to do just that.
I thought your name was Bob.
I downloaded this book on audible as a time killer for a long drive based on some good reviews. I cannot begin to explain how engaged this book made me. We Are Legion is simply the most connected to a book I’ve felt in years. Can’t wait to continue the journey! Thanks for taking the leap into writing Dennis, you’ve gained one fan for life!
Your book “We Are Legion” is now in available Germany as “Ich Bin Viele”!
I bought it yesterday in the bookshop, because I startet to read a little there and after 2 minutes (my time) the clock showed me 35minutes! Today I’m finished, tired and happy! I found myself (a prof. electric and electronic engineer) in Bob so many times, amazing. Every technician MUST read this, its perfect. I’m awaiting nervous the next book of the bobiverse in german, but maybe I get me your english version first. This is the first time I give a feeback to an author, but you NEED to know that the translator did a perfect job!
Best regards from Wiesbaden-Schierstein in good old Germany
This post contains SPOILERS!
Dennis, I just finished the Bobiverse. You have ruined other sci-fi for me now. I am reluctant to name you my favorite author after only one series, as that’s a big life decision, but perhaps I am living in denial. I can’t remember the last time I read books so good. I laughed out loud so many times. I was moved nearly to tears for Homer and Archimedes (I really wanted the latter to become a replicant). My brain and nerdy side were so completely stimulated and everything seemed so plausible. Pure genius. I was bummed when it was all over. Thank you so much!
I listened to the Bobiverse trilogy driving to work (middle school engineering teacher) and I found myself not minding getting stuck in school zones and behind busses. I love sci-fi and I have recommended this trilogy to many people. LOVED THEM ALL!!! Just one question…..where is Bender? Can’t wait for the follow up! Please don’t George RR Martin us!
Hey Dennis
Listened to the bobyverse and just finished singularity trap. I really enjoyed them all. I had a very good time thanks to those works. Thank you!
Can’t wait for more stories of some sort of engineer being converted into some sort of a machine 😉
Singularity Trap screams for a sequel, right?
If so, I think one thing I would love to see addressed, is the question of how true creation of new beings would happen. Children are created a bit random from the genes of the parents allowing for something “new” in each generation. The shedding of a biological body, would remove this possibility. Either the same set of beings would exist forever, which would mean losing the random creation of something new, or there would need to be some sort of “software solution” for creating new beings… however, how would that be able to match the crazy creativity the biological process is able to do? How would a software solution account for all the character shaping things that happen in the growing of a biological being? For me it seems quite unlikely that any “upload solution” could even come close to that. But I’m looking forward to how you make this reasonable. 🙂
Hi Mr. Taylor,
I am a long time Sci Fi reader; just wanted to drop you a line and say I really enjoyed the reading and listening to the Bobiverse novels. Any plans to write any more books based on the Bobiverse Trilogy?
Thanks, John
Hi, I`m trying (and failing) to get a copy of singularity trap in Australia, I can`t even get an electronic copy(using Kindle and Moon reader+) ?????
any suggestions?
Author
Singularity Trap is exclusive to Audible until Oct 5th.
I don’t normally post on any sites or use Social Media like Face book, however I wanted to ask a question and introduce a project that I will be working on over the next several years. First and foremost, I love your books. I read the Bobiverse Tilogy every month through Audile. And sometimes 2 times a month. That is extremely odd since I don’t re-read books that often. As you may guess I’m in Technology. Everything to do with Technology. I started when I was 7 years old. I have had quite an journey. I have help build and sell 5 technology companies during my career. I’m an expert in every field, from core development, database, network, UI, etc… and a C Level Manager to boot. I simple love coding and building Technology.
I share my background so everyone understands that I do have the ability to take on this project. The reason I listen to the Bobiverse as often as i do is that I believe the interface with Guppi and physically world is a reality and will become main stream in the near future. It so inspires me that I want to create Guppi in reality. An AI that can interface with anyone and with any technology. And I hope to open source the results for everyone to enjoy.
I plan to build a framework that will support scripting, native data collection, and organization in a non standard fashion. Free flowing data, or something like that. Which will enable the ability to script out anything we want to do, but in a more human natural form. With full IOT and beyond support. A View to connect them all. Ya, all grand vision things.
Anyway, just wanted to share and ask if anyone else has started anything like this.
Would love any feedback as well.
Sara LaFleur
Any plans for a Singularity Trap sequel?
Being a programmer, skier, and runner, I am feeling a bit like a distant replicant!
Kidding aside – I listened to the Bobiverse trilogy and the Singularity Trap while running this summer. Boy, did they make my 2018 running season entertaining.
Simply, thanks for your thoughtful science fiction. I look forward to more of your work!
Dennis! Nice to meet you, sir. While I am a hopeless conservative Christian, I am engrossed in the beautiful works of the Bobiverse and Singularity Trap. Done with all, by the way. Humanity is cleanly analyzed in very eloquent prose. I am in the Navy and a submariner. Wanna see weird human responses to deep space? We’ve been doing it for years. God Bless, brother! Please keep up the good work.
LT Eli Heatherly, Weapons Officer
PCU DELAWARE (SSN 791)
Hey awesome to see a fellow submariner enjoying these awesome books. Wish these books were around when I was in as it would make long underways much less painful.
STS1/SS Michael Granito
Plankowner USS Texas SSN-775
Excellent read/listen, your Singularity Trap. Thanks. Gave it a rave review on Audible. Further, read the synopsis of Bob world, first book. Care to comment on the similarity of plot and premises to Larry Niven’s World Out of Time, and other works?
Thanks for the thoroughly enjoyable trilogy. I’m now on the list for The Singularity Trap.
I hope a future work will address my burning curiosity regarding the adventures of Icarus and Daedalus, and, of course, Bender.
Search for bender?! cant wait, when can we expect it?
thank you for doing what you do
Hi Dennis,
Just finished and really enjoyed the Bobiverse trilogy!
Do you have, or have you considered setting up a Patreon or similar so fans can support your work financially?
I like to do that for authors whose work I really enjoy and want to support their ongoing efforts.
Just a thought…
-Scott
Author
Scott, I don’t really need the financial support. I’d rather see your money go to authors who do need the help.
Hi Dennis,
Absolutely love you books, especially the Bobiverse books. Beats Star Wars and Star Trek combined.
I hope you grow the Bobiverse franchise so in 2133, it is widely known. I would love to see some games made from it as well. I think I might try to make something fitting.
Wish you well and thanks for choosing to write!
Wow!!! Thank you, Mr. Taylor. Your work has touched me both as a writer and as a reader. Huge fan of your work. You are definitely up there with the Sci-fi greats.
I loved your bob books so much. They were on the sciencey side of sci-fi and I LOVED IT. Please keep writing. You are doing a great job.
They reminded me of the hitchikers series which is what got me into sci-fi as a kid.
I also listened to the Singularity Trap recently and was obsessed. It was a a very different experience but great just the same. I listen when I run and I ran so many km that month because I had to listen.
Thanks,
Leah
Greetings from germany.
I heard your audibook and it was amazing. Bobiverse 2 will come out next month. I am really excited. On my way to work I hear many Audiobooks, but yours was so good I sometimes came little later, sitting in my car and laughing and listening a few more minutes. Good work. I had the whole time listening think of universal paperclip. 🙂
I enjoy your work
I am the author of Rare Earth and 18 others on the New York Times worst sellers list
I did my PhD in Ontario but live in Seattle
Would you have a moment to talk? I am working up to a new “ rare earth in the age of exoplanets” and my friends (?) in seti and I violently disagree about tidally locker planets
And binary systems
And much else
Peter ward
Just finished the Bobiverse trilogy and Singularity Trap. Best Sci-Fi I’ve ever consumed, and I’ve consumed a lot. Had me completely captivated. I love that you dive into advanced and fringe science and engineering, instead of dumbing it down for the masses.
Ray Porter is a magnificent narrator. Please keep using him!
I came here to find out if you had any other books. Looks like I’ll be waiting though. In the words of Futurama’s Fry, “Shut up and take my money!”
P.S. Check out Isaac Arthur’s YouTube channel for a ton of great material.
Dennis,
Greatly enjoyed Bobiverse! Found to be very refreshing and highly enjoyable!
Quick question; what was your biggest challenge starting out? What would you have told a younger version of yourself?
Thanks!
-Carl (Swedish Doctor, working in London, currently fending of roaches in a bar in Simgapore – long story)
Author
“Start Earlier!”
Dear Dennis, In my attempt to fill the hole in my heart for new Sci Fi you have quickly become one of my favorite writers. You legion series has changed my perception of what good Sci Fi should be. I feel you are quickly gaining an army of Bob heads that will cut a fool if they talked bad about the Bobiverse in any way lol. I just wanted to jump on here and thank you personally for everything you have done for us as readers and lovers of the genre.
Your new fan, Ron.
PS: I cant wait for the search for Bender, The trilogy was perfect the way it is and i cant help but think your writing it for the fans sense we’re dying for more. So thank you!
More bobiverse (nom nom nom)!
Hey Dennis,
An American friend was hoping to buy me at least the first novel, and then the trilogy, but Amazon has some seriously strict purchase policies when it comes to international DRM digital book sales.
I believe I DO have the ability to buy the ebook myself on my own amazon account, but I was wondering if you had considered offering your book DRM free, or on another sales platform such as TOR, or even through Google Books?
I’m incredibly interested in this long line of references of “The Bobbiverse” and I “want in”. I’ve had your books on my goodreads wishlist for quite some time now, but found myself very sad knowing I had no access (yet) to it.
I can’t currently afford anything on a CC that would allow me to buy a copy through the Canadian Amazon store, and wondered if you had any sources or information that could help me get your novel.
Thanks!
Author
I don’t make the decisions about DRM and points of sale and so forth. i just write ’em. However, the revenue stream from KU is considerable and requires exclusivity with Amazon, so I doubt that’s going to go away.
As to DRM issues, I believe the problem is that we have foreign rights deals, so who sells what in what country has to be strictly controlled. Again, I’m not aware of the details, though.
Hello Dennis … or Mr. Taylor … whatever you prefer. I read your book “I am Legion” in German (because… you guessed it… I’m German). I was blown away. I could not wait to read the sequel. The problem is … the sequel has not yet been released in German. I’ve never read a book in English, but I’ve bought both Bobiverse sequals and read them within days. I just finished “The Singularity Trap” now. I’ve never had a favorite author before, but I think I have one now. Maybe it’s because we’re both Star Trek fans (love the references). The way you write just speakes to me. Please keep it up … exactly like that. Your characters are not stupid and they’re not clichés. Please do not make the mistake that so many other science fiction writers have made and think we readers are stupid and take action over story. I can not wait to read your next book.
The more bobiverse you publish, the more I (and many I know) will buy!
Good luck and happy typing!
Dennis,
I just finished listening to All These Worlds and I have to say how much I enjoyed being immersed in the world of the Bob. All three books did exactly what a good book should, make me feel, care, love, and hate in all the right amounts. Thank you for your gift.
I’m off to Audible to pick up The Singularity Trap……..cant wait.
Alan
Bob for president!
Excellent, wonderful books Mr. Taylor. I look very much forward to the sequel – and whatever you write.
Singularity Trap is also very very good. Thanks a bunch.
Ole Andreasen
Denmark.
Just finished The Singularity Trap and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Am now re-listening to the Bobiverse series, for the third time. Great work there.
Cannot wait for the next novel to come out!
Happy Boxing Day.
Loved the Bobiverse! More! More! More! (Freebird!)
Singularity Trap was fun but a bit meh in some directions comparatively. (e.g., The Ivan/Judy/kids familial relationship didn’t feel emotionally real, even if it was logically consistent.)
Couldn’t find Outland legit, so dug up an illegitimate copy. About halfway through. Other than an issue with the common male names being confusing to start, enjoying it quite a bit! (It has the feel of some of the best of ’60’s-’70’s time travel, etc. stories.)
But I just ran into a few major/minor gun-nerd nits and, since you’re rewriting it for audio: 1) An AR-16 is NOT an “assault rifle”. (“Assault rifle” is a legitimate military term but they have select fire. And “assault weapon” really doesn’t work since it’s a made-up term by anti-gun folks.) (That can pass since it’s a quote from Monica and perhaps she is simply ignorant, but; 2) “Clips”????? Seriously? You’ve done great research in other areas but calling a semi-auto “magazine” a “clip” bleeds ignorance. It’s extremely jarring. Look up a Garand (M1) clip vs an AR-15/M4 magazine and compare and contrast; and 3) “safetied” kinda works but it’s awkward.
And now you know where I am in reading Outland. 🙂
Otherwise, keep up the great work! Looking forward to more!
Please add me to your email list. I love your books and want to be aware of future releases. Thanks!
Author
Use the “Get Announcements” widget to the right of this site to join the mailing list.
First, I’m a little late to the game (just got We Are Legion as a gift a few weeks ago). Despite having the time/opportunity to plow through it fairly quickly, I was a little concerned about pushing through the rest of the trilogy as what seemed like a lot of storyline/people-line jumping around was a bit hard to keep track of at times. (Perhaps reminded me too much of my job–software/marketing in my case–how’s that for a “slash” career?)
Anyway, I did pick up and am about halfway through “…Many”–and quite glad I took the plunge. I was happy to find that you spent most of the pages fleshing out the major lines begun in Legion with only a minimal sprawl in clones/cohorts.
Great work! I was a little surprised to learn just now that you are Canadian–mostly because your humor and even specific turns of (comical) phrase matched so closely to my and my fellow engineer/nerd friends’ vernacular over the years. (I guess “nerddom” trumps geography?)
Anyway, I’m really enjoying these stories and I think you’ve earned your transition to author/nothing else. You’re a prime example of a Renaissance man blah, blah and now for the required unsolicited suggested improvement (software guy, remember?). To my point above, I found the inclusion of the character and treeline appendices in …Many quite helpful at times. Even once again in “plow mode” reading of this, I found it necessary to refer back to previous chapters (and forward to appendices) to fully recover some plot point details you returned to in later chapters. (A little surprised at the audiobook popularity for these books–those fans must already be singularities with perfect/instantaneous retrieval?!) Anyway, for the next editions of these books, I would suggest–rather than just a Contents page of short titles–springing for an extra page or two and including the whole “subtitles’ (current narrator Bob and place) in the Contents. That would have helped tremendously in my backward search for a particular chapter as refresher on whatever detail I wanted to remember while starting later chapters in each book.
I realize that suggestion will never do me any good, but it’s all about the Bobiverse, right?
Great fan of your books Mr. Taylor! Actually, the entire office now walks around throwing an ocasional Booooob around. If you’re ever in need of good hosting or something related to sites, ping me on the emal, SCUT update not yet applied 🙁
Dennis,
Great work on the BobVerse books. I absolutely loved them and will listen to Singularity as soon as I get my next credit 🙂
I was sad when I finished the last book in the series but am happy to see you’re going to be adding to the story.
Thanks again!
Mr. Taylor:
I loved Bob and the narrator. I see you have something in the works. Please continue the series.
Loved your The Bobiverse Trilogy. Good stuff, Keep it up. I’m a fan…
Please come to Portland, OR to talk or do a book signing at Powells Books! I would be happy to put you up in our guest room and share with you some of the best beers in the U.S.
Serious offer
Mr. Taylor,
I first discovered the Bobiverse based solo off the title of the first book, which made me chuckle. Then I tore through the series like a raccoon through a dumpster. LOVED them. Your writing style is wonderfully descriptive without being overly verbose, a hard thing to nail down sometimes. It’s incredibly easy to connect with the characters.
Anyway, I just yesterday discovered (and today, finished) The Singularity Trap. Holy cow, that was SO well done. PLEASE tell me you’re at least considering expanding on Ivan Pritchard’s story. I’m hopelessly hooked, and I need more!
Hi Dennis ! I write these words sitting thousands kilometers from you, and you can read it in an instant, I can send a photo too( don’t be afraid – I will not). Is it not science fictional reality for our ancestors? For me it is a little. I am reading SF for almost fifty years. Naturally, with passing time I can found less and less books, witch are capable to fascinate and entertain. Original in intention and not banal in execution. I am after second installment in Bobiverse and – I use this word – enchanted. Discussing about books on my Polish forums I mentioned a bit of your novels. Many are very concerned . To tell the truth – Their name is Legion. Is one problem to one part of this Legion. Not all SF fans in the world are reading in English. My question I want to ask is: Is any Polish editor eager to translate and publish your books in Poland? A little ridiculous, but my copys of this trilogy were printed in Wrocław.
Author
I am not aware of any negotiations with Polish publishers. However, my agent would be happy to talk to one.
As I see your novels are in the end translated in Polish. Fun for me. I’ve spread a word, and the story goes to good ending.
I love your Bobiverse trilogy. I am a science fiction nerd and your trilogy just made me crave more. It was very well written and easy to follow. I hope you plan on doing more than just the search for bender. There is way more you could do with the Bob’s that still want to help the ephemerals and the ones that dont. Some problems or some anger or something along those lines. I read the first book with my 8 year old son and now he is reading the second by himself. He loves it as well! Thank you for making such good books and keep it up!
Dennis,
Thank You for the Bobiverse books !
They are so good that Amazon Prime Video (or Netflix) should pick it up and do it as a “big budget” series
Pretty soon, you have 4 seasons for them to produce.
I can see them now advertising that they will kill off the main character at the end of the first show 🙂
Tim
Rats. Everything I wanted to say has been said (the good comments, not any criticism). I want to see this on Netflix!!! Couldn’t help repeating that. I have never read your Bobiverse books. I have listened to them in my car several times over and will do so again. Great stuff! Thanks so much!!!
Have just finished listening to Singularity Trap and all of the bobiverse books. Amazing! They vastly improved my commute!
I was surprised to hear Caerleon mentioned in the Bobiverse Trilogy as that is where I am from!
I doubt you will ever see this, but I have a worry of sorts. So far the replication issue has went over surprisingly well. Quantum changes not withstanding. My worry concerns Howard. What happens if he replicates again? Won’t his progeny also be in love with Bridget? Just worried about how that would go over. Any way, you’re the best. Thank you so much for this escapee.
I read the Kindle preview of We Are Legion, and thought it was great. I want to read the whole book as an e-book. The Amazon Kindle edition for iOS inserts ads for the Audible version, however, which I find annoying. (It’s a little bit harder to get lost in a book when you suddenly notice an ad for a different product–which fwiw is a product I have absolutely no interest in.) So I “sent back” the Kindle book–i.e. I got a refund and it was removed from my devices.
I hope you get a regular publisher or make a deal with Apple so that the book will be available as an Apple Books e-book, or make it available as a Kobo book or something else. I buy a lot of stuff from Amazon, but I simply will not read your book if the e-book displays ads.
Do you have any plans to release your books on Kobo? I’d love to read them, and Kobo is my primary bookstore these days…
Author
No. Kindle Unlimited requires exclusively listing with Amazon (for e-books) and the KU revenue is 50% of Amazon royalties. Going wide wouldn’t come even close to making that up. Love Amazon or hate them, they are the 800 lb gorilla.
Thanks for your reply Dennis! I understand what you mean about Amazon and exclusivity. I’m guessing that’s why I can’t find your books at Chapters either. I’ll grab them through the Amazon website – I’m looking forward to reading your books.
Btw, when I signed up for your newsletter the reply mentioned your mailing address. I was surprised to see we live in the same town! Looks like we’re neighbours. 🙂
Just read your 1st in the Bobiverse series and loved it. That is the fastest I have read 300 pages in a long time. Really great work! The concept, plot lines, the thought and energy very well done. Have already recommended to several others. I cant wait to read the next two books! You need to make a a tv series out of this Stargate style.
no BOB book 4? I guess that becuase u now signed a tv deal it is not gonna happen
sad:(
Author
Books 4/5 currently in development
I have been subjecting my roommate to the Bobiverse for months. It has be the only books played in my car all this time. As avid role players we are always thinking about what we would do with the characters in our favorite books. My roommates love a story I came up with and we would like to see it make its way into the Bobivers. I see that you have started book 4 I hope that it is not to late to add or maybe you already thought of:
With the depervetions of so many systems by the Others and a strong need to watch out for threats like the Brazilian. A team of Bobs takes the time to study the drive systems of an Others Carrier and refit it into a astorid processing center and star base factory. They then scoop up lots of rocks from an untouched system and convert them into observation stations in route to systems visited by the Others. Dropping a station in each Others visited system to expand the Scut network and watch for trouble. Filling up the Carrier at a metal heavy system would let them seed several systems before they would need to harvest more. The other half of tale can come out in book 6 or 8 I just want the carrier acquired before they all get ripped down for raw materials to build replacement ship for all the waiting Bobs. I am sure you have the bobs studying the Others Tech even if it is just to satisfy curiosity.
Unless you have a direct question about where I am going with this tale I promise to leave you alone until I finish reading Book 5.
Absolutely love your concept & think it is brilliantly original!
It’s also very inspirational to a young programmer & startup guy.
Thanks sooo much!
You are awesome & Bob is my favorite new superhero!
Hey Dennis,
Just found this blog. Glad I did. Just wanted to say…
Your the man! Huge Bobiverse fan! I can’t wait for the new ones. Sounds like it’s going to be a duology rather than just one? That is amazing. Keep doing great work!
Your big fan,
Ryan S.
Hi Dennis,
your Bobiverse books are my nicest find since very long time. Please write more bobiverse books, how does one for every bob sound? 😀
Just finished the Bobiverse trilogy. Just fun. Thanks for these stories.
Bob
Any updates on the Outland series and when we might expect the updated version of Outland?
Thank you.
Author
I have to write a post. I just learned it will be out May 16.
Excellent. Thank you for the information and always taking the time to answer questions.
Hey, Dennis. I want to thank you IMMENSELY for your Bobiverse trilogy. I bought “We Are Legion” on a lark, thinking it would be light-hearted fluff, but was pleasantly surprised at how well-written and thought-provoking it has turned out to be.
I have no time to read nowadays–I’m so damned busy–so I’ve been listening to the audiobooks while I walk to and from work and do mundane chores, and I absolutely LOVE how your books are narrated. I’m on book three now and want to thank you for keeping the quality consistent. It’s so easy to slip, and churn out quantity (many pages) instead of quality, especially when you have fans and a publisher screaming at you for sequels. You have remained disciplined, though, and refrained from taking the easy, lazy path. Thank you.
Just so you know where I’m coming from: I’m an avid follower of The Expanse series (although I prefer the books to the TV series) and prefer high-quality fantasy like “The Game of Thrones” series. I have found your books to be just as riveting as those two sagas, and I hope to see a video production of your work at some point. I’ll be among the first to buy the set.
Keep up the good work, Dennis. Quality sci-fi is hard to find, and quality sci-fi that is laugh-out-loud funny is even rarer. You have provided me with many hours of intense enjoyment. I’m going to introduce your books to my teenage sons.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I am nearly to the end of For We Are Many and so sad that there is only one more book to listen to. I don’t want the journey to end so get those fingers typing. I am really enjoying your books immensely.
Hi Dennis.
So, this is probably a bad opening, but I sort of wish you were dead… eek, yeah, that did sound bad. What I’m trying to say is, I just wish I didn’t have to wait for you to finish living for me to enjoy the entire library of great stuff you will create. That’s the great thing about dead authors is that if you find one you like, you can just read everything they ever wrote, but most of your stuff hasn’t been written yet!
Alas, I will have to wait. Take your time. I don’t want to hurry you. I don’t want your sudden success to overwhelm you or take the fun out of it. Everything you’ve done so far has been terrific, and I hope you’re enjoying it so you can keep doing what you’re doing for a long time.
Hello Dennis
I have just finished listening to All these worlds and just wanted to say a thank you for your work. I found all 3 audio books enjoyable and hope you will produce more based in the Bobiverse at some point. Thanks again.
Dennis, thanks for writing these. Really enjoyed the trilogy. Very imaginative and great stories and character. Jon
Dennis, If you don’t mind, I am curious about your “beliefs” or thoughts about religion. There is no judgement here – just curiosity. In you books you mention the Catholic Church and also Bob as a humanist. I wonder what your ideas of the relation between humanism and religion (specifically Christianity are). Don’t worry I am not going to “evangelize” anyone. Purely an intellectual interest in the background and psychology of the story.
Thanks, Jon Hauris
Author
My feelings on religion aren’t the point. The story required Bob to be a humanist in order to not get all twisted out of shape about the question of souls, and it required the government to be a theocracy for the flip side of the same reason. That’s clearly spelled out in the story.
Best audio books I’ve ever had the pleasure to listen to, if they ever ask to turn the Bobbi verse into a movie trilogy don’t let them do a “ready player one” on you stay true to everything that makes the trilogy cool. Now on singularity trap awesome so far fella.
I’ve enjoyed your Bobiverse trilogy, for several years, and two or three re-readings (and re-listenings). I’ve recommended your books to several friends, because I liked, and admired, them enough to expect they would become fans, as I have.
Your audio narrator is exceptional. His timing, and ability to engage me in the story are amazing. I buy audio books often, and he is top-of-the-line.
If you would write more Bobiverse books, they have an audience, waiting. You might be over them, but I don’t think your fans are.
Really enjoy your books. In the middle of for we are many. Quick question, why don’t the Bobs allow existing ephemerals to become immortal instead of dying? Technology exists. They only reproduce themselves. Seems selfish.
Mr. Dennis,
I’m a huge fan of the Bobiverse, and have particularly enjoyed the audible version, I’ve probably listened through the series four or five times by this point.
One thing i have wondering about is GUPPI’s origin, mainly was GUPPI meant to be the controlling intelligence for a space probe but was later repurposed to be a really advanced version of Microsoft’s Clippy for a FAITH made replicant? I am basing this on the fact that FAITH stole the replicant technology to begin with. Maybe after initially stealing an AMI from the Chinese probe program (or the other company in FAITH working on the probe project) and then realizing it wouldn’t work they modified the AMI to work as an interface for the replicant project.
Author
The GUPPI interface was designed to be a helper layer between the replicant and general ship’s systems. Guppy is an AMI optimized for that purpose. Think of Bob as the app, Guppy as the o/s, and the ship as the hardware.
Just wondering if the sequel to Outland is anywhere near completion.
Love the Bobiverse series. Have read more of your books and would love to continue the very first.
Author
Outland is being re-issued on May 16th, including an audible version. I’m currently working on books 4 & 5 of the Bobiverse. Then I’ll (finally) finish the sequel to Outland.
I just discovered the Bob books and am burning through them at breakneck speed. Happy to see you are working on additional books. Great concept and wonderful execution. Can you clone yourself a few times and write many more?
Besides the search for Bender, how many more sequels do you think you’re going to add to the Bobiverse?
Author
I’ve probably got about a dozen other ideas right now.
This news makes me so happy.
Agreeed
I’ve been listening to the Bobiverse regularly while riding to work. I’m pretty sure people are trying to get away from the crazy guy on the motorcycle bobbing his head around and slapping his tank for seemingly no reason. Just got my hard copy edition and started reading through them. Rays character voices are fresh in my head so they jump out on the pages. So 3000 books to sign. That must have been one hell of a pile. Was is stacks of blue then green to red because I can’t help but notice the signatures get smaller with each book. LOL Looking forward to Singularity Trap and Outlands. Do I need to even bring up keep going with Bobiverse past the search for Bender editions?
Thanks for the entertainment and stay creative.
I have read Bobiverse 1 (450 pages!) within 48 hours.
Who-ha!
Book 2 is already here and comes next und for Book 3 I will have to wait a little, because it first appears in Germany 06/2019.
Amazing story, amazing universe!
And for good there is a chance that there will more to come…
🙂
Hey, I’m listening to Heavens River again and decided to look up topopolis to get more information. Wikipedia mentions that Heavens River has a good example of a topopolis!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topopolis
Just finished the Singularity Trap having listened to your trilogy (twice and then random bits).
Never mind all the praise. Just write more ..and faster!
Thank you!
I’ve listened to all of your books and thoroughly enjoyed them. The stories were entertaining and engrossing. I would add that you fantastic writing paired with Ray Porter’s narration is truly spectacular. Maybe you’ve addressed this before and I have yet to find the answer, but I really hope that Ray Porter continues to narrate all your future books (not really a direct question but will he be narrating your future books), as he really brings an immersive experience to the story.
I was SO happy to find your page and the news about Bender! Can’t wait!
I hope Ray will stay on as “your voice”. His matter of fact style of reading is simply a perfect match your / your characters’ dry wit.
I love the avenues of ideas and philosophy you explore . People turning into cyborgs has been done. Robots turning sentient has been done. People ending up in a game has been done.
Bob was unique. And right now I am listening to The singularity trap. Our guy has transformed very early in the story. So that was not IT…. I can’t wait to see where this journey will take us. Him and me.
Keep on exploring!
I just finished listening to The Singularity Trap. It reminded me of the TV adaptation of The Expanse series, but I liked this book better. Here’s to hoping that there will someday be a sequel.
I often relisten to the Bobiverse and will probably do the same to Singularity Trap.
Nice job and thanks.
Dennis,
Great refreshing work! I burned through Outland from audible in less than two days.
Glancing over the comments for the past few years (and I think one from me) multiple people wanted to give input regarding the military. I’m one of them.
Only speaking for myself, I feel a kinship as an irate sci-fi/thriller reader that’s become disgusted by military portrayals in Tom Clancy-esque books and generic sci-fi. Walking-talking stereotypes do exists, but for every close-minded General and redneck Private there’s an extremely competent Major and a Senior Airmen working on his PhD.
Author
I would appreciate any pointers you can give on where I went wrong. I freely admit my ‘experience’ with matters martial is all through reading. I did try to avoid the ‘mindless grunt’ stereotype, though.
I have enjoyed all of your books and plan on enjoying the rest of them. I love that you are continuing the Bobiverse series. I must have listened over a dozen times so far. and can hardly wait for the Outbound series to continue. Love just the right amount of humor and sarcasm . I can listen at work so you literally make my day go better. I am now signed up for the updates and will be waiting with bells on.
Mr Taylor,
I absolutely love your work. I recently watched your interview at Talks at Google. You were asked in the Q and A portion about the pace of Bobiverse. There was a comment made about how it was rushed and your response was… well, you chalked it up to inexperience as an author. I respect your answer, and am sure that we all have room to grow in our endeavors. Yet, I hope you know that one of the most exciting things about your books, for me and my peers, who have recommended you to me, is the pacing. I love how you don’t unnecessarily encumber the reader with tedium. I love how have a knack at getting right to the “good stuff,” without wasting any time. There are so many writers out there who are pompous and smug… and they want to know know all about it. I haven’t seen that in your writing style. I hope as you grow as an author you don’t change this aspect much.
Thank you for your inspiring work. I can hardly wait for the next installment of Bobiverse.
Thank you so much for Outland. I just finished listening to the audio version and find myself looking forward to more in this series. Also a fan of your Bobiverse series and, like the rest of us, hope for The Bobiverse 4: The Search for Bender.
Thank you for all you do!
Hi Dennis!
I’m listening Audible Outland. Frankly, is very entertaining and fun! Besides, I’d like to congratulate you as this book does a nice job in science outreach regarding vulcanism and extinction periods of Earth. General public thinks asteroids are the main dangers for extinction. However, as you say, the hardest extinction event has been the Permian, 250 million years ago, caused by volcanoes. And, tectonic plates keep reshaping the Earth (which is good!). So it may happen again in a future. Anyway, your book gives some lessons in geology.
Keep writing!
Javier
Does anyone care that I’m dying?? I’ve searched and searched and cannot find anything that comes close to the Bobiverse all for naught! Please Dennis give us more lest we parish
Really Enjoyed Outland and the The Bobiverse Trilogy
Is the gate technology Quantum annealing (QA)? Or maybe QA Surfing across the Quantum Earths (QE). Each QE being a stable energy state of a different Earth. Just like you can surf a wave by catching the energy of the wave, QA Surfing lets you ride around the QE-verse or jumping through the gates of the QE-verse.
QA is a metaheuristic for finding the global minimum of a given objective function over a given set of candidate solutions (candidate states), by a process using quantum fluctuations. It is how D-Wave does QC. Finds the lowest energy state.
See this video for more info. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4R7jnUra20
dear dennis:
I realy like the bobivers trilogy, its full of nerdy humor, but the last book, book 3 was cut short. I hope this will be corrected in the next book in the bobivers trilogy. pleas, for inspiration, take a look at the “penrose prosess”
more info at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulCdoCfw-bY
good luck, Samuel craig
My wife and I just finished Outland. We like to spend evenings (sometimes whole days) “reading” Audiobooks together. Outland and the Bobiverse trilogy were especially captivating, although we were slowed some by her need to put down a book and decompress for a while when the action gets tense. We are amazed by the narration of Ray Porter. From time to time, in the middle of a conversation, one of us finds it necessary to say, “Bob!” in his echo chamber intonation. Sort of a deus ex machina. We are eagerly awaiting the sequels.
I am so pumped for the next Bobiverse!!!
Thanks for sharing your stories.
I’ve listened to the Bobiverse several times now, as well as the The Singularity Trap. It’s a great story and I can’t wait for the sequels – yes, that’s plural (Bob and the Star Busters are two obvious ones) .
The story is nicely consistent, well thought out, technically well researched, etc. Oh yeah, it’s also thoroughly enjoyable! And Roy Porter does an amazing job reading it! I’ve listened to some other books simply because Roy read them, and he did an amazing job on those too (Mitnick’s books). Great choice of narrator, and thank you for making his job so easy with a fantastic series.
I loved Outland and can’t wait for the next one! 🙂
I really enjoyed We Are Legion (We Are Bob). I just found this game coming out soon that looked very Bobiverse-esque called Starbase. You build your own space station and explore the galaxy, but I think the past that makes it most like the books is that it has its own programming language so you can automate stuff like mining and building. Can’t wait for it to be released!
Loved everything so far Dennis, When can we expect outland 2?
Hi Dennis
Have been somewhat disappointed in sci fi for some time, took a gamble on the bobiverse and LOVED it!!!!!!!
Thank you for writing such human books.
Just finished the singularity trap and about to start on outlander – please do sleep and eat occasionally but for the rest of the time – don’t stop writing!!!!
Hi Dennis,
Just finished your new book Outlander. Have to admit I was first hesitant to buy it because I really wanted another Bobiverse book. But as you always do you totally hot it out if the park again. Thanks! But please another Bobiverse book! Please! Of course the Outland sequel will be great as well!
I have read everything that I can find that you have produced. I am a sad ferocious consumer of books. Your books are very good indeed. I have enjoyed everything you have written so much so that I felt compelled to post here to express my disappointment with you. I know I can read much faster than you can write but come on Dennis, I am going to need a bit more from you than this! Please please please. I need more from the Bobs and Outland has left me hanging.
Ok…….Love the Bobiverse series
Very glad you are writing full time…..write faster 🙂
Here is my ask…..When you get to the point that you are having the screenplay written…..Don’t let Spielberg do to it what he did to Ready Player One….please….
And hurry up 🙂
Cant wait for the new Bob books to come out but….
when they come on Audible make sure Ray Porter is the narrator please………
To me his voice is Bob and Riker and homer (miss Homer) ……….
Thanks for the hours of enjoyment
So happy to see that there will be a new bobiverse book. I came here to check will little hope in my heart. This is excellent news!
I have to agree with everyone else here that I also know Bob through audiobook and having Ray Porter reprise his role would be worth waiting a little longer for if necessary.
When can we expect the follow on to Outland? I rank it with the Ring of Fire books.
Oh thank God you are continuing the Bobiverse. Great series, best enjoyment in reading for some time. Thanks. … I want to be Bob. Sigh.
I think someone at NASA was reading your book series. As long at they name it Bob or some acronym, I think you can let them do it.
NASA Bets on Spacecraft that can 3D print and Self-Assemble in Orbit (07-16-2019):
http://www.astronomy.com/news/2019/07/nasa-bets-on-spacecraft-that-can-3d-print-and-self-assemble-in-orbit?utm_source=asyfb&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=asyfb&fbclid=IwAR2Zjz0VvvdWCYwG_o_dvMqDVcA39ERkO8jCGxARdhfvDBdZjJpzUca_1uM
I have hugely enjoyed your writing to date, and on a jingoistic note it is always nice to see a fellow Canadian succeed!
I had a question arising out of Outland that will probably reveal my scientific ignorance (and which may have been asked already). My understanding is that, in the book, parallel universes arise as a result of material fork-points (to use an unscientific term), such as a catastrophic eruption of Yellowstone (apologies for the spoiler but the book’s dust-jacket kind of gives it away anyway!).
But in an infinite universe, how can anything on a planetary scale constitute a material occurrence? For that matter, how can anything? And even if parallel universes could arise out of planetary events, how could they be selected for/identified using the gate technology in the manner suggested in the book out of the infinite other parallel universes being generated every second?
It seemed to me that, without for a second wishing to make any sort of overt religious observation, in order for matters to play out as they do, Earth – and humanity – would need to occupy a much more important role than might otherwise be the case in a secular, uncaring and wholly entrophy-driven multiverse.
Like I said, I am not a physicist – please shoot me down gently….
Author
One of the recurrent misunderstandings of multiverse theory is that each decision creates a completely new universe, right out to the thirteen-billion-light-year mark. But it’s more logical to assume that a split only happens to the extent that it makes a difference to the rest of the universe. The wonderful thing about quantum theory is that a given electron can inhabit multiple locations while you continue to inhabit only one. Because that electron isn’t affecting you. Likewise, the fact that Yellowstone did or did not blow up doesn’t matter at all to Mars. So a split wouldn’t even affect the entire solar system.
Think of it more like bubbles in the universe, with each bubble representing a local split. And bubbles can merge as well. Say that back in 1998 you flipped a coin to decide if you would have dessert or not. Say that created a bubble. Now, 20+ years later, it makes no difference whatsoever which way it came down. Would there still have to be a bubble, or would it have merged?
This was covered in the book, but a lot of it didn’t survive editing.
Many thanks for taking the time to respond and for explaining things so clearly. That probably would have been unnecessary turgid detail for the book, but it’s good of you to spend time on us explaining it now.
Very much looking forward to book 2. All the best for the writing process!
Oh my goodness! I grew up on Star Trek, Superman, Aquaman, then Star Wars and the explosion of super hero movies. Now, the Bobiverse.
All I can say is WOW! I’ve read and listened to all three of your novels several times and can’t wait for any more Bob novels. They are awesome!
If you have a waiting list, please put me on it.
Just discovered your novels. Thanks for the fun. There are a very few authors whose writing compels me to read at the pace yours does. I eagerly await your next work.
I just finished Outland, which means I’ve now read every word you’ve published. I just wanted to say thank you for your work! It’s entertaining, funny, and most importantly, thought-provoking. Very much looking forward to any future projects!
I have read everything King and Koontz and proudly place you on top, or well, at least equal to. I recently became a truck driver and my audible account is getting a percentage of my miles. I would have a hard time deciding what series I like more between The Bobiverse and Outland. Looking forward to so much more from you. Thank you for making miles fly by.
The Bob’s remind me of Seth McFarlane sarcastic humor. Great books I can’t remember the last time a book kept my attention to where I hang on every word and can’t wait to start listening to it after work.
I have just finished the Bobiverse series and wanted to thank you for it. I am also a big fan of Larry Niven and loved the the nods you made to his work. I have never before felt the need to comment to an author but needed to say thank you. Going to start on Outland next
Thank You Again
Love the books! My husband and I discovered your Bobiverse series on Audible and am glad we did. I love your humor and irony. We’ve now listened to everything except The Singularity which is next on the list. Eagerly awaiting the next books in your Bobiverse and Outland series. Keep ’em coming.
I’ve tried to read a few sci fi novels, and most haven’t grabbed me. TheBobiverse grabbed me. Best book series of any genre, that I’ve read in a long time. My favorite books are Lonesome Dove and Pillars of the Earth. These are the only sci-fi books I’ve ever fallen in love with. Your character development is addictive. And the ratio of realism to fantasyland is perfect. Just real enough to be plausible, and dreamy enough to engage the imagination. Will be letting everyone know how much fun this trilogy is. Thank you for writing something that’s so enjoyable. High expectations for the Bender books, but I feel confident they’ll be met. Rock on Bobby!
Was the narration recently changed in the first bob book? I listen to them almost monthly and the cadence and pitch is totally off now after bob is switched on. It’s unsettling and I feel like maybe i’m completely misremembering the tones and inflection previously there? It’s making it impossible to listen to because of the change and i’m really saddened.
Are there any TV or movie adaptations in the work?
Author
Not yet
Shame, I think they would be perfect for it. Loved the books, such well thought out sci-fi and world building. Can’t wait for what comes next!
A great big thanks Dennis E!
3 brothers in our family have read the Bobiverse series and thoroughly enjoyed them. We are looking forward to reading books 4 and 5, hopefully soon.
Love your writing style and looking forward to seeing your progress as a SF writer. You definitely have 3 new fans!
Hello… from the other side of the planet, Germany its is called.
My friend and I had heart your three amazing books about the Bobiverse. Additionally to your wonderful stories around the lovely Bob forks the german reader was amazing too. We crying, wondering, shrug our shoulders, sometimes we enjoy headbanging and laughing out loud with your heros.
Thank you for your lovely books.
Hello,
I’ve never written to or posted anything to an author in my entire life. I’ve just finished reading the “Bobiverse,” trilogy for the second time.
Firstly the way in which you wrote these novels amazes me, and for me puts you up with the the greatest authors that have lived. The way in which you created the setting that became the bobiverse was superb. And you managed to maintain a somewhat touching humanism, to what was essentially creating a whole repertoire of species and life from your Imagination. Your humor make it all gel perfectly together.
Please don’t stop doing what you do!
Secondly I’m in the UK and would love the ability to buy a signed boxset edition of the trilogy.
I’m truly looking forward to reading all your future works.
And I hope beyond a doubt that the option is taken up by a studio that that has the grace and ability to do your masterful literally ability justice. Please make sure you are involved in the screenwriting process. As done correctly these works will touch, enlighten, and bring joy to people for years to come that otherwise would not have had the chance to read your books.
Thanks again for all your hard work, and rest assured the joy you bring to people makes all the hours of self imposed solitude worth while.
🙂 Dave (A life-long Fan)
Please keep up the good work. So far I have loved every one of your books. My favorite being the Bobiverse series. I can’t wait to listen/read the next ones that come out.
I just got done mainlining the Bob trilogy in a week (Audible version) and I really enjoyed it. It transported me in a way that I like and built out a rich and emotionally complex universe. One thing that bothered me and has not stopped bothering me…
I think the destruction of the Others warranted more reflection. It was literally a casual afterthought to the overall narrative, but I think the implications are huge – especially with all the reluctance to kill people or use simple explosives. There is a line about future astrophysicists needing to rethink their models of supernova to account for the destruction of the Other’s star, that’s a throwaway joke, but think that it is incredibly important point. A future investigation by a more advanced civilization might follow the clues and lead back to the Bob’s – and it might not be clear who was the initial aggressor in the war. For such a sensitive and emotionally rich book, I wanted more about this, even if it might have thrown off the pacing. Anyone else have the same reaction?
I love your work! I currently have every book you have written in audio format!
I have two thoughts you might want to explore: First, what if the Bobs use Sudar instead of electricity in their computer? This might allow thinking that moves much faster than the speed of light, which would allow them to think while going 100% C. Perhaps the speed at which they think could create a logic loop where programmers use a speed delay in their code? Maybe when moving past the speed of light their reasoning might shift, or thoughts could be erased? Second what if the Bobs use the same configuration in the Singularity Trap? Instead of small cells their ships could be large, making rather large creatures to interact with very large aliens?
Dennis,
Just wanted to let you know how much I love the Bob Trilogy. Just starting on book 3 now, but wanted to take a break & tell you how enthralling it is. I read book 2 in 24 hours- not a big deal for some, but a first for me.
I hope you write more in the Bobiverse.
Thanks.
Rick.
Hello, I’m listening to the Bobiverse series for the fourth time and I would like more, please. Would you consider a collection of short stories, perhaps by other writers a la Wildcards, annually or something like that? I feel like there are enough people like me to guarantee sales. If you’d consider it, I’d appreciate it, but I’d appreciate it more if you’d agree that’s it’s a fun idea and start writing. Thanks in advance.
Halfway through the second Bobiverse book and I love them! Space exploration + witty humour + lots of Bobs is a winner. I often find myself daydreaming about being a Bob 🙂
On a side, I’m a software tester and also hope to find surprise and delight from retiring from my day job. Wish me luck
Keep up the great work!
Hi Dennis,
I’m majorly addicted to the Bobiverse. Loved book 1. Got book 2 and listened to it. Then listed to books 1 and 2 AGAIN waiting for my monthly credit to come through to get book 3. Now about 3 hours left on book 3, which I’m saving for a long drive I have tomorrow. May listen to it again right afterwards.
As a programmer & engineer myself, this series pushes all my buttons. Will delve into your other books next month when new credits come through. I think you made a good call to retire and write. Hoping I have equal success one day. It seems writing is the easy part. My new motto in life: The road to fame and fortune is paved with rejection letters.
Renee (Iowan living in the UK)
P.S.
Your photo doesn’t seem to load in Safari. Loads fine in Chrome. It gets down to just above your eyebrows then stops, like in the old 56k modem days. Have tried a few refreshes and such.
Bobiverse is in my top 3 space operas. Re-listening to it again.
It’s hard to imagine people can be original in the sci-fi realm these days and this was totally new.
Being original, funny and with writing that makes logical sense is a near impossible feat.
Hey there,
I went several times to my fav bookstore and had your bobiverse books nearly bought but quit anytime for others. But finally I bought the first one, could not give it off hands till the last line was read. Only two days later book 2 and 3 followed… I was really sad to read the last words. To get to know there will be a fourth and maybe fifth book is great and I can’t await the release.
Greetings from Germany and congratulations to your really really great books. Keep your style and I’ll keep reading.
Hello Dennis E.,
I’ve greedily devoured every Audible title you’ve published. Thanks for taking the risk a few years ago to create and publish the “Bobiverse” series. “Singularity Trap” & “Outland” were equally as satisfying. Your decision to create inspires me to create; the product of your creativity has achieved your hope (with this reader/listener anyway), and I simply want to convey that gratitude directly.
PEACE!
Trip
So I’d really be interested in being a alpha reader. I read/listen to at least a book ot two a week. Please contact me if at all possible
Author
I’ve had several such requests, and had to have a discussion with my agent. The upshot is that I should keep the number of alpha/beta readers to a minimum. First, because there’s extra administrative overhead for each one that’s added, and second, because the incremental benefit goes down with each additional reader.
I just finished reading (listening) ur Bobiverse, and I felt the need to contact The BOB! Of course after following the amazing journey you took me on, I now feel like I know you personally, and we’re good friends.
I loved your concept of clones, this opened up unlimited story lines possibilities. Narration never got dull, as we went from one Bob to another. It was like one person living out a dozen different (and endless) lives, what a dream! And the philosophical dilemmas sprinkled throughout. Loved it! Can’t wait to find Bender, visit Howard and follow Bob. I hope your writing is moving along nicely. I will buy the book as soon as it comes out.
In the meantime, I’m gonna go read whatever else is available by this Dennise Taylor, I mean Dennis E. Taylor. Dang it!
Hi Dennis. I enjoyed Bobiverse, Thank You. I’m currently listening to Singularity Trap. Do you write by the seat of your pants, outline or different method? How long have you been writing? Did you take courses of some kind? Will you be doing any book signings or traveling to Seattle, WA? Kind Regards, Pat
Author
I started writing in the summer of 2014, and I outline, but it’s pretty fluid after that. I haven’t really thought about doing signings because of the hybrid publishing nature of my books.
Mr. Taylor,
Your books are absolutely amazing SIR! I can’t seem to stop reading and diving into the deep end. Thank you so much to adding your genius to this world and keep the stories coming. I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes next for the Bobs, and Outland is a blast, even though the kids are too millennial for my taste.
Good evening. I am new to your novels, literally picking up the We are Bob series on 9-24-2019, and I haven’t put them down yet.
I made the mistake, or didn’t notice that We are Bob was a series, and I still didn’t until literally I was listening to the audio book, it ended a sentence, and stated “this is the end of book 1.”
Since then I have finished books 1-3, am almost done with Outland, and have already purchased Singularity Trap.
Thank you, this has been a good escape from reality. One thing from Bob is that it feels like the song “the song that never ends.” You start a plot line, take it to conclusion, and then start a completely new story, while never running out of original steam.
A question that kept popping up for me is, if there are so many Bob’s each with their own sense of identity and parts of original Bob psyche, then why hasn’t one of the Bobs turned into a Roberta or Bobby Jo? At the end of book 3 there were a couple hundred Bobs, and we already know with Homer (RIP) that they had the ability to alter their VR appearance and voice. Yes, Bridgette is wonderful, but just like Swiss Family Robinson, the island provides everything they need, including a girl, but there are 3 boys. 1/500 is even worse odds, depending on your certain point of view.
Please keep the books coming, and thank you for the childhood sci/fi movie flashback references that most people today will never understand.
Jeff, I believe i may be able to guess at an answer. The books mention that the differences between Bobs are small, and more importantly, that each Bob has the memories of his predecessor. If original Bob was wholly fixed in his preferences and gender identity, then there really isn’t much of a chance for a new Bob to buck the trend.
As more generations of Bobs are made, however, the differences would add up and the newest Bobs would have memories of that string of differences, allowing for greater and greater differences between new generations and original generations. This could possibly lead to a murderer Bob, a Bob that sides with an enemy of the Bobs, a Bob that feels its remembered gender identity of its predecessors no longer fits it’s own personal outlook…
A secondary argument might be that since Bob is no longer an organic being, with the internal chemical complexity that affects an organic beings thinking and behavior, that he might have certain parameters that are preset and immutable to maintain his smooth functioning. He is a program, after all. It is impossible for us to determine how that fact affects copies, as a tiny miscopied sequence in our dna during the formation of sex cells can drastically affect the outcome of our offspring, while a small miscopied sequence in a Bob is more likely to either cause the copy to fail or be repaired by an internal system that checks for error. These repairs might be the source of the difference in the Bobs. After all, a Bob is billions of lines of code. Copy errors could easily happen, and as they are repaired enough to stop whatever fault they were causing, they might not be repaired to match the version in the first Bob.
I know I showed my nerdy side here, but I have at least one day a week at work the is incredibly boring, and I listen to lots of audiobooks and think about interesting parts in them. I did a LOT of thinking about the Bobs!
Hello Mr. Taylor,
Just dropping you a line to say that I just finished the Bobiverse series on audible and freakin’ LOVED them. Thanks for the amazing stories.
Outland is in Audible, but will it be synced for immersion reading?
Author
Audible could tell you for sure.
So, as a technical person who also has to write a lot for my job, and find it easy to write articles and papers and such, I for some reason or other have always found very challenging to write stories with dialog that seems natural, or put something together that seems like it flows well without seeming stilted or staged.
You sir, are a true master at this however! And I am very much a fan. Great stories, fun and humorous dialog, and a collection of characters that are very easy to relate to. And the realism or at least plausibility of the scientific aspects are just enough to keep it real, and not seem too fantastical. A perfect balance!
I’ve read all that you have published to date, and eagerly look forward to more!
*susurrus of applause*
I have both the original and the new kindle versions of Outland. I’ve asked Audible to send it in for Whispersync and Immersion Reading.
I haven’t read either yet. Is there much difference between the two versions?
Author
The basic plot is the same, but there are additions and changes. You could read book 2 (when it comes out) based on the old version, but there are one or two places where you’d say “where did that come from?”
Wow I love Outland! The only book Of Dennis’ I’ve listened to so far. Ray porter is an excellent narrator… the combined skill of these two professionals makes an unbeatable combination in the sci-fi genre, for me so far. His story telling reminds me of Andre Norton.
Excellent stuff and anxiously awaiting Earthside!!
You should probably listen to the bobiverse now…
Hi
Any news on audible release foe the search for bender?
Wil you have Ray narrate these as well? He is the voice of Bob, Will, Bill…….
Thanks for all the books
Regards
Chris
Just finished Outland on my 45 minute commute and it was another winner in my book. I enjoyed it as much as the Bobiverse and Ray Porter really brings the story to life.
Okay, whom would you all want to see cast as “Bob” if (hopefully WHEN) the series becomes a movie?
A young Nathan Fillion would’ve been great, IMO.
Hopefully an actor I’ve never heard of.
Will Wheaton might be a good choice. he is an excellent reader for many audiobooks, and I think he could set the same tone that Ray Porter did when he read the audiobooks.
Did you ever think about a TV series? I am a hobby Filmmaker from Germany and would love to give it a shot as a web-series.
Dear Dennis,
thank you so much for your great stories. My daughters and I are total fans of the Bobiverse. Since my kids (both are 12) don’t understand everything in english yet, they are eagerly waiting for the german version of Outland.
Would it be possible to put an overview of the available languages on your website? This would be especially helpful as some translated titles have nothing in common with the original title.
Keep it up and thank you very much,
Dita
Translated with http://www.DeepL.com/Translator
Dennis, I’m powering through Legion at the moment. These books are fantastic. I’ve done much Googling, trying to find out about your self-publishing journey with Outland (queued up for future reading). Did you try to get an agent for Outland? What kind of marketing did you do for it? What led to you signing with Ethan Ellenburg from there?
Looking forward to future works,
Chris
Mr. Taylor, I have a suggestion: Write longer books and publish them more often!
I can’t get enough. I really enjoy your work. Ray Porter is an excellent vehicle for your words.
Hi, I love the level of detail in your books while staying relevant. I wanted to ask, have you considered expanding on the Bobiverse by fast forwarding in time a few thousand years to explore the story of the Deltan’s discovering the monolith left on the moon for them? I feel like that would add to the universe in a way that is exciting and emotional, while giving you area to work with in how to bring a civilization to a galactic empire. I would love to hear about how learning one’s early culture might affect an entire civilizations, how would they react to everything and what they would choose to do from there. Thanks!
On another note, I thought Outland was such a brilliant idea and has countless applications, I hope to be continuously impressed, though reading your books, I know I will continue to be.
Keep it up, and ignore all those people asking for longer books and publishing more often, go at your own pace, I am 24 and I want to hear from you till I’m 60, so don’t get burned out!
Dennis, any way to send ya a pic of Ivan, it a bust I 3d printed for ys inspired by singularity trap. It was an 18 hour print and woukd love to get you a copy of the pic at least.
freejac
Dennis: Well, never say never, but my current plan is to stick to standalone novels in the Bobiverse. There might be a duology or a trilogy if I run into a storyline that’s just too big, but I’m not specifically planning for it. But I already have a number of story ideas for future Bobiverse books, and some readers have made excellent suggestions.
Hi Dennis, I just lost my husband of 28 years this past Thursday to heart failure and your Bobiverse audiobook series is the only thing that can get me through the night. The fantasy whisks me away from my morbid thoughts and Ray Porter’s incredibly soothing voice relaxes me and carries me off to sleep. I’m looking forward to more stories in that universe, and I really hope that you and Ray will collaborate again.
Author
Sorry for your loss. Two more Bobiverse books will be out by summer, and Ray will be doing them.
Dear Mr. Taylor,
I’ve probably read your fantastic Bibversum series four times already and am as enthusiastic as on the first day. I hope you make a ton of money with it.
At first I thought you’d become tired of your own creation and wanted (like Douglas Adams with his hitchhiker series) to put an end to it with Volume 3.
But now I am relieved to see that there will be at least one sequel left.
The frame story of the “Bobiversum” is so huge and has so much potential that I would wish for many more volumes. And should you one day be tired of writing – how about opening the “Bobiversum” to other authors? How did Dmitri Gluchowski do with the Metro series?
Whatever. Thank you for many wonderful hours. A question: how does a line of text by the German singer Mike Krüger get into a Canadian-American SF novel? (“Pull the nipple through the flap…”)
Friendly greetings
(Automatic translation)
Hi Dennis!
I just wanted to thank you for writing the Bobiverse books! They are some of my most favorite stories ever. I can’t wait to read more in that universe!
anyway, Thanks!!
Chuck
Hello, Dennis. Just want to say I enjoy your books a great deal and think you made a perfect choice in Ray Porter to narrate them. I hope you have happy holidays and a happy new year.
Dear Mr Taylor, while your books are totally entertaining and a great escape, please understand that the time between books is excruciating!! A previous comment included the statement “PLEASE HURRY UP!” and I can’t agree more.
To that end, I’ve listened (thank you Audible) to every book of yours available in audio version and even to all recorded by Ray Porter! I need more! You are truly addictive! Thank you for changing careers, you found your true calling.
Thank you again… now I’ll queue up Book 1 as I impatiently await Book 4!!!
PS: This is my first “letter” to an author.
A short comment just to say I have really enjoyed your books and have listened to them numerous times. You have restored my faith in science fiction.
Best regards
Hey, just wanted to say how sincerely thankful I am to you for the female characters in your books. It is so wonderful to see such fully fledged, educated, often irreverent, professionally and intellectually motivated women come to life in your writing. I also love how you portray the depth of relationships on emotional, passionate and intellectual levels. They are a perfect expression of what it takes for a great relationship.
Now I am wondering if you have a contract with CryoEnterna!
Hey, hoping to tap into the collective here. I have read and reread all of these book multiple times and need something to hold me over until the next ones are published. Does anyone have any recommendations?
try Ready Player One
Infinite by Jeremy Robinson is pretty awesome. It’s no Bob or Outland or Singularity Trap, but it’s a one good one to hold you over.
Peter Clines 14 and The Fold are pretty damn entertaining too
The Old Man’s War series or the Expanse series are well worth the read. The Bob books are pretty unique in their combination of seriousness, humor, science and adventure. You set a high bar, Dennis.
Mr. Taylor,
I just finished the Bobiverse trilogy on Audible for the third time. I love it! I will very likely dive right back in for the fourth.
I live a very lonely life, however I find the idea of becoming a Bobiverse citizen highly attractive. I could fix all my physical flaws, real and imagined, that held me back all my life. Hell, I would have NO physical flaws as I would be a glowing blue box. I could create and exist in any form I dream up. I could live in ways I’ve only dreampt of as a physically flawed human being.
The only aspect in your book I find hard to believe is the notion that most if not all humans, given the choice, would rather die and face whatever reality their philosophical beliefs hold for them. Rather than the certainty of at least a part of who and what they were would live on in the Bobiverse.
Humans love to gamble, but most will be reluctant to gamble with their lives. So, given options, why would humans gamble with their eternal “lives”? Why would most humans choose NOT to hedge this bet? Why not allow the body to die and the soul to take its philosophical journey, while at the same time having your memories copied, becoming a Bobiverse resident and explore the mysteries of the universe?
I was born and raised Catholic. Despite this upbringing, I would be one the first to sign up! With all the enthusiasm and passion Bob showed upon learning that he might become a von Neumann probe.
These future humans you describe are very unrealistic in this regard. Other than Butterworth and later Bridgette, no takers? Really? None! Unbelieveable! Or just bad advertising.
I still love the story. Please keep it going… and going…
Author
The question of humans choosing replication (or not) is dealt with a lot more directly (and I think plausibly) in the next book, Heaven’s River.
Wow! I’m stunned and honored you took the time to reply. With good new no less. Thank you very much. I look forward to it. 😀
hey,
I for one would be conflicted on the idea of leaving my physical body behind to live as an amortal machine. I think the problem of amortality is touched in the bobiverse series as well as virtual vs real. Living in a mechanical body means your decisions systems can be hacked in order to prevent you from taking control on your body (e.g. homer but worse). That alone causes some concerns for me.
Love the books too, can’t wait for the next one 🙂
I got the bobiverse trilogy for christmas. I let the books sit on my coffee table for about 3 weeks. picked up the first book and started reading. i didnt stop until i was finished with all three. i binge read the whole trilogy in a day. needless to say i loved it. Thanks for some great reading and i cant wait for the sequels!
Mr. Taylor. I love your work. My young sons and I listen to audible together all the time and we have enjoyed several of your books. Unfortunately we had to turn off, and return, Outland. The premise was so intriguing and I would love to know what happens, but the language forced us to stop. I’m not a prude but the dropping of the F-Bomb seemed a lot more prevalent in this book then your others. I just couldn’t continue to let my 10-yr old listen. Why is that language needed? I believe that there are a myriad of other ways to express shock, disbelief, and fear other than simply reverting to profanity. We look forward to your next books and hope to be able to finish them. Sincerely Jim, Brigham , and Carter. Some of your biggest, and smallest, fans : )
I discovered your Bobiverse series on Audible and it remained in my wish list for a few months. Often I would reread the description and think, “this could be interesting “. Once I finally pulled the trigger, I couldn’t stop listening! This series was so much fun. The story toggles between humor and drama in such a way that I didn’t expect from a science fiction series. This should have been an insanely difficult story to follow through time and space, yet somehow you made the transitions smooth if not seamless. (Once or twice I may have had to hit rewind to figure out which Bob I was following, but even that added to the charm of the story.) Thank you for creating and sharing this adventure. I look forward to the continuation of the series. I’m so glad your wife challenged you to start writing!
I recently “discovered” the Bobiverse through a friend’s recommendation. Most sci-fi nerds would immediately identify with the main character and the quirky humor. I thought Bob’s disappointment in the lack of theoretical advancement in a century was a shot at contemporary physics—along with what sounded like snarky remarks:
* “After all, they were the home of CERN, the LHC, and some of the best and most original thinkers in history.”
* “Invoking quantum effects is just hand-waving. Just means we don’t know.”
And then I got to the repeated references to Kuiper icebergs and other 1950s astrophysical guesswork. Oh, well. It is fiction after all.
If you are not already aware of it, check out plasma cosmology. Donald Scott’s “The Electric Sky” is probably the best primer on the subject, and the YouTube channel “See the Pattern” covers plasma cosmology and other alternative physics (Tom Van Flandern’s Meta Model, Weber electrodynamics, the SAFIRE project, etc.) Many people write off plasma cosmology outright if their first encounter is the Thunderbolts.info site. The site is good for finding links to other work in the field, but it does entertain more “fringe” ideas, such as “Purple Dawn.” (I immediately thought of that when I got to the gorilloids of Delta.)
Even if you are not sold on plasma cosmology, it might serve as the foundation for stories. If the plasma scientists are correct (and it is looking as though they are), a Dyson sphere would be a Homer Simpson scale gaffe. “D’oh!” (I’m halfway through book 2, and eager to see how the Bobs cope with the hive/Others.)
Ooo, light pipe upgrade to quantum computing… it would exponentiate their abilities. Also, what if they can figure out how to merge their consciousnesses.
I’m sure you’re aware of Dr. Michio Kaku, he has a model for advancement of galactic technologies. Pretty cool ideas.
Finally, and most importantly, I highly recommend Asimov’s “The Last Question” short story. It talks about merging consciousnesses and the end result of continually advancing technologies as a maximum culmination.
Programmers rule ⁵,
Aaron E
It’s kinda funny… You said you hoped that your books will give a ‘few’ hours of entertainment. I’ve literally listened to the Bobiverse series 6 times now (working on my 7th, I’ve been counting, Lol), listened to Outland at least twice, and The Singularity Trap four times. I absolutely love these books, and you are my favorite author, I only just now realized it. Lmao
Thank you for taking the time to make these books, writing out your imagination. I have had so much fun listening to them and am definitely continuing to do so.
Hi. I was just checking to see what’s happening. I saw your latest status. I’m looking forward to the audible for Heavens River and Earthside. Thank You. Kind Regards, Pat
Hello!
I was just looking around for more of your materials and found out that not 1 but 2 new Bobiverse books are in the making, that is happy news and makes this a very good morning.
Something that I was wondering about though, I don’t see your short “A Change of Plans” on your story list at the top (probably because it’s a short) but could you tell me if there are any plans to put this on Audible?
While this is personal, I can never really take the time to sit down and read a book but Audible takes me through my long drives to work and my weekly chores around the house. Another (although short) story from you (with perhaps Ray as the narrator again) would sound great!
Author
“A Change of Plans” has been sold to Audible. Just waiting for Ray to record it.
Oh! That is great news. Thank you for sharing!
Now it’s just patiently waiting on Ray (happy to hear he’s doing this one as well).
Dennis, I love your universe. I’ve been a passionate science-fiction reader for many years and I got hooked to your 2 first Bob novels. what a great story! I thought Ian M banks was good and really enjoyed his stories too but you are special! Thanks for creating the Bobiverse.
Dennis, I just finished listening to the first three Bobiverse books. Wow. Absolutely loved all 3. I’m very sad that I’m finished. Really looking forward to book 4. Thank you for all you do.
Watching Star Trek Picard on CBSAccess. Episode 8. They turned the emergency medical hologram into a set of Bob’s from the Bobiverse. The character in this episode sits around with his alternates in a Moot meeting that’s hilarious. Clearly at lease one writer of the show is a fan of your books. Since you’ve referenced Star Trek and now they referenced you, I think it’s only fitting in the Bobiverse movie that you find a way to reference this hologram/episode back again !!
Author
Thanks for the heads-up!
I have been an avid Audible listener for over 20 years. You have become my favorite writer ever. I have never loved every book a writer has written until I started listening to your books. Getting impatient waiting for your next book 🙂
Loved the Bob books (on Audible). Just listening to The Singularity Trap. Really enjoying it. Thanks. Stay home, stay safe, …… so you can write more ;-p … Jim Bell (Australia)
Thanks Dennis!!! I listened to your Bobs books every free moment I had. I could not wait to get to the end, while thinking to myself, but then I will be done… what will I read???
I was very excited when Audible suggested two more books.
Thank you for taking that leap!!
Love your bob books! Going through a second time now.
Enjoyed the Bob books immensely and am keenly awaiting the sequel to Outland. Thanks so much for bringing me such joy. Gail
Where is Bender??? Anxiously awaiting his story! You have written such engaging stories, it has been forever since I have been counting the days until the next in a series of books will be released.
Mr Taylor, I just wanted to say I gave up reading fiction years ago, around the time my kids were born, since free time became more scarce. The Bobs brought me back! I love the way your mind works. Bobiverse is an engineer’s dream, a perfect project with unlimited funds and forever to achieve it! Maybe you had some tight budgets and deadlines as an engineer? Anyway thanks for your work!
Seeing that Heaven’s River is in production brought a much needed positive light to this dark time. Keep up the good work Sir.
I hope Mr. Taylor is working on more books in the “Quantum Earth series”. Any timing for new releases?
Author
Currently working on the second book, “Earthside.”
Thank you Sir.
Stay Healthy. Stay safe.
Just read the Bobiverse trilogy. I couldn’t put it down. A great sci-fi series and a good vehicle was introducing some interesting concepts
We Are Legion is by far my favorite book series, I’ve listened to the 3 books on audible at least 13 times and bought the signed set for my father who also enjoyed the books enough for a few re-reads. I can’t wait for the new books, Ray Porter is one of the best narrators on Audible and really brings the story alive. Just wanted to say thank you Mr.Taylor for an amazing story.
I’m not much of a reader (being dyslexic) but I do enjoy the escapism of books, tv and film, so audible is a god send to me. I’ve got through quite a few now and all your books are a clear favourite of mine, in fact I’m currently in the process of listing to the bobiverse again… and just wanted to thank you for your awesome stories, I can’t wait for the next one, like, literally can’t wait, when is it finished? :p
Dennis,
I just listened to your Bobiverse books and loved them (the narration, too). I could tell by some references you were a BC guy and similar vintage / IT background as me. So, these books really ticked a lot of boxes for me. Looking forward to reading much more of your stuff!
Bobverse, really enjoyed it. Quite a Novel approach.
Keep the good work up, i will be looking towards other books by you.
Dear mr Taylor, i first listened to Bobiverse trilogy 2 years ago and even from the first book i was entirely convinced this was the best science fiction book i had ever read.
Since then i have read numerous other books, still Bobiverse is my number one.
Today, i have ordered the paperbacks as a gift to myself.
I wanna thank you for Bobiverse and i cant wait for Bender.
Sincerely, please keep writing.
I just saw the below update about Heaven’s River and was left confused.
“The release date has been set at Sept 24, 2020 for the audiobook. The release date for the e-book and paperback will be 4 months later, Jan 24, 2021.”
Why is the ebook being released so long after the audiobook?
Author
I have a contract with Audible for 4 months of exclusivity.
Unfortunate for the fans but understandable business logic.
That is ok, i like it to listen the audiobooks. Do it as u like, we take it as it is 🙂
I’ve just listened to all of the Bobiverse trilogy, then Outland and The Singularity Trap. I’ve never been a big reader (always mentally too busy to slow down and actually take things in) I have obviously found a little more time over the last few months and decided to try an audio book. Thankfully I started with the Bob trilogy! your audio books were absolutely enthralling. Ray does a great job of bringing your terrific sci-fi mind to life. Although…. I was very disappointed to find that my new favourite author had only written a handful of books!
However, I was then subsequently delighted to find out that the new book is out in September!
I’m glad that you have had the chance to bring these to life!
Hello Mr Taylor,
Sorry to repeat most comments above but I really enjoyed the Bobiverse stories and would have gone on reading book after book after book. Can I ask if there has been any developments or interest from the likes of Netflix to make a TV series? Would be great to see it visualised…especially if Netflix took as good an approach as they did with Richard Morgans ‘Altered Carbon’.
Thanks again for books – hope you’re not fed-up being asked the above.
Author
The company that has the option did renew it, which would indicate to me that they have something in the works. However if so, it hasn’t reached the point where they need to talk to me, so I still don’t know anything.
It would be really hard to make a good movie from it, I think. There’s just too much on thoughts, feelings and internal dialog to it. Until today there are four great books with maybe just enough action to make of it one really crappy movie. Just don’t.
I agree. Outland would be much better suited for a movie. Less thoughts, more action to out on a screen.
Dear Mr. Taylor,
A friend introduced me to the Bobiverse; I then introduced my dear Husband, because he’s my Better Half and needs to read the good stuff, too. After all, he introduced me to the Honorverse.
I have your Bobiverse books in both digital and Audible. They have made me laugh and cry multiple times.
It would be so lovely if you could come to either FantaSci in Durham NC, or LibertyCon in Chattanooga TN. At any rate, I would just love to meet you, buy an actual tree-book from you, and have you sign it.
Well, I pray to all the Gods and Goddesses that all is well with you and yours.
Live Long and Prosper!
Mariah Maloy
For those interested in the Quantum Earth books you may like to read this online article.
https://scitechdaily.com/the-first-complete-view-of-the-yellowstone-magmatic-system/
Hello Mr Taylor,
I just discovered the Bobiverse (in French).
I had a very good time. Thank you!
I am looking forward to reading the next Bender book.
I will not wait to be able to read it in French. I will try the original, a challenge for me!
Sincerely, please keep writing.
A French reader
Hi,
This is my first letter to a SciFi author, and I have been reading Sci-Fi since I was 11, in 1967.
Why, well I got my young son (10) an audible account, and he saw the “we are BOB” blurb and he said that sounds/reads as being different. He is already a “Dr Who” & “Orville/Star Trek/MCU/DC fan,…”
So I looked at the “von neumann probe” references and was sold on giving you a try.
BRILLIANT!
I genuinely think you are up there with Larry Niven, Ringworld, and the like (A.C. Clarke… Asimov…) My son is currently enjoying and raving politely on its merits via “WhatApp” about OUTLAND – due to COVID-19 I am working away on the west coast of (Cumbria/Lancashire) England and he is on the East Coast of England.
I am a British “Building Code” Expert (Chartered Building Engineer) and love your world building and “first contact” constructs, really diverse and riveting reads.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Singularity Trap and the Bobiverse series. I can’t wait for Bender’s story to continue! But, the real reason I am posting is because I just finished Outland, and… wow. I may be biased because I have lived in Lincoln for 30 years, but I was enthralled.
I was impressed on your research of the area. Did you spend some time here? I am sad to say Dempsey’s pub closed in late 2016, they really did have a good burger.
I yet have more praise to give for the involvement of the National Guard. I have drilled at that location for 10 years now.
I am so glad to hear you are now continuing the series. If you need local advice let me know. I may also have some insight if you plan on moving the group 50 miles east to the Strategic Command.
Thanks for writing the Bobverse series.
Amazon gave me them for free, but I bought the last two as a way of buying you a thank you beer.
Dennis,
I just completed the Bobiverse Trilogy, loved it! Thanks for a wonderful ride through the imaginary future of the Galaxy.
Just want to thank you for an awesome universe. I enjoy the travels you have taken me on and look forward to more.
You look like Bill.
There were 718 comments here when I finished the trilogy (it was awesome, thank you!), I read through 50 or so comments, but didn’t see anyone point out the obvious, though I’m sure someone did^
Thanks for the books, legend
Is there going to be a physical copy of heavens river or is it just going to be on Audible?
Author
Text versions will be out Jan 24 / 2021
will audible do a german translation of heavens River?
it heavy to translate on a english audiobook simmultan to understand the context.
Author
My agent is currently negotiating with the German publisher for Heaven’s River and a couple of other things. Unfortunately, Ethan says a lot of businesses are reluctant to make large commitments right now. However, if enough people were to write in to the publisher…
Well, who is the publisher? 😉
Author
Heyne Verlag
Wrong approach, dude. You will never understand a language as long as you try to translate it in your head. Learn to understand it directly and think in it instead.
Thanks for the Bobiverse series – some of the best science fiction I have ever read – and inasmuch as I am 71, that’s a lot of science fiction novels.
One trivia question – who are all the Bob clones named after? Most are easy but some stumped me.
Thanks!
Author
That is a regular topic of conversation on the FB Fans of the Bobiverse group.
I came here to beg for you to work on another Bobiverse book, but I just (46.8 seconds ago) learned of the upcoming release of Heaven’s River. Thank you so much! I can’t wait.
I’ve listened to the trilogy four times since hearing about it on Isaac Arthur’s YouTube channel. Singularity Trap was great too. I haven’t listened to Outland yet but I think that’ll be my audiobook while I’m at work next week.
I was halfway through a re-read of the Bob books when I found out that a book 4 was on its’ way. Whoohoo!! and, I come here and see the words “after the Bender books” I hope that means that were not just getting a book 4, but maybe out to book 6. That would be awesome.
“Alexa, when will Bobiverse book 4 be released?” (you have to use this exact wording). She responds, with a brief bit of info on “We Are Legion”, then explains that “book 4 by Alistair Crowley was published in 1912”. O_o
Hey Dennis…
Just finished Outland, started Singularity trap and have Heavens River on preorder..
I love your way of looking at the World, and people when writing.
I have been an avid scifi Reader for over 40 years and your books is by far the most entertaining and addictve..
Thankyou
Bravo Dennis!
Just finished A Change of Plans. Just brilliant. Read all the Bobs in two weeks last spring & Outland & The Singularity in quick succession!
You’re stuff is just amazing, my Friend!
Hoping you’re reaping financial reward proportional to your brilliance!
Thanks for the fun & comedy & optimism!
Your the best!
Cheers,
Ryan
Much appreciation to the Lord of the Bobs!
Like everyone, waiting with expectation for Heaven’s River. To tide me over, I listened to Singularity Trap for like the forth time. Bob, Outland, Singularity. Do you write anything other than awesome?
Anyhoo, it hit me as i was finishing Singularity, that I’m so taken with the upload idea that I was wishing the book would keep going, to see how Ivan handles leading humanity into that next step. I’m sure others have mentioned it, but I would so in-a-heartbeat read a sequel to Singularity, it seems like there’s so much more story there, and its in such a different vein then Bob . . . dig them both. If your awesome needs a hint for what next, lemme throw that in the ring.
Thanks Dennis for your imagination, your skill with words, and with Ray speaking them to us. Keep it coming!!
ja
Dennis,
I love the Bobiverse series, and I’m super excited for Heaven’s River. I hope more will follow.
Heaven’s River is out! Congrats, Dennis. I’m looking forward to listening to it then rereading it once it’s out in paperback.
I gave a set of your signed Bob books to my son Timothy for Christmas. Would love to get a signed copy of “Heaven’s River” for this coming Christmas.
Author
That’s unfortunately not possible. Won’t be ready until late January.
Absolutely flabbergasted to find I can’t “read” Heaven’s River and can audiable! What is the meaning of this? I’m absolutely dumbfounded thay this is the way things are going!
Author
I get asked this so much, I’ve added a FAQ page for it. Where’s the XXX version?
I’m a big fan of hard scifi. Love the Bobiverse series a lot. The way you ended book 4 made me swear and laugh because I wanted book 5 immediately. Keep up the good work. I appreciate the immediate release on Audible too.
P.S. Since you already have the Bobs with Casimir effect reactors, while reading I kept hoping they’d develop Alcubierre Warp Drives as their solution to FTL considering that’s going consensus in the science community as a power source to get them working.
I just finished the audio edition Heaven’s River. I have enjoyed every installment of the Bobiverse series including the latest one. I want to thank you for continuing to invest your time in writing new books in the series. I am already looking forward to the next.
I loved loved loved Heavens River. I adore this series! Great job. I think the last book has been my favorite.
Your books are fantastic. Thank you for making such a compelling and well-rounded world(s). Keep up the amazing work! Thank you thank you!
Hi Dennis,
First of all, I want to say that I love your books, and in particular the Bobiverse series, so thank you for putting them out into the universe.
Secondly, I do not seem to be able to purchase Heaven’s River on kindle! It is as if it doesn’t exist! Searching for it doesn’t reveal it, nor is it in the list of your published books.
I live in Australia, so maybe is it a regional restriction thing, but that’s no good for you who want to sell your books, so I thought you should know that you are potentially missing out on sales.
Also, I want to read it!
Cheers,
Fred.
Author
http://dennisetaylor.org/wheres-the-xxx-version/
Dennis,
Fellow Canadian here. I wanted to take a minute and thank you for Bob. I am heading to my parents for a wedding with my son. We are going to listen to Bob so that I can introduce my son to your work (and so I can have a second listen).
Take care of yourself!
Ben
Hi Mr. Taylor,
I just finished your most recent bobiverse book on audible. I just wanted to say I was a huge fan and have thoroughly enjoyed this series. SPOILERS* I honestly spent most of the book thinking that the administrator was going to end up being bender or a rogue replicant of bender but was happily disappointed.* I look forward to the next bobiverse iteration and plan on checking out the rest of your publications.
Sincerely,
A fan
Dennis, I am an Audible customer. I tried to download your new book, Heaven’s River. Audible would not let me do it. I tried to get it with one credit, no luck. Then they told me that it was included with my membership, but I still could not download it. After 20 minutes in the hell that is tech support, I gave up. You might want to mention this to the Audible people. I do want to read your new book, as I really enjoyed your previous books. Good luck, keep writing and thanks.
did i read that right?? you’re going to continue Outland??? YAY!!! any way thanks i loved Heavens River!!!!
Hi Dennis,
I wanted to stop by and thank you for the Bobiverse series. I have enjoyed all of the Bobs’ misadventures. I just finished Heaven’s River tonight. A real pickle you got them in now, the Groot joke notwithstanding.
Looking forward to your next books, and here is to seeing Bobiverse book 5?
All the best,
Sean
Its been a while since I read the trilogy of Bob, I didnt know if I would be able to get into it again…..instantly I was re-hooked on Heavens River! It all just comes right back to you, a great triumph for you and great entertainment for nerds everywhere.
I just want to take the time to thank you for the amazing books you’ve written. Just finished Heaven’s River and after really considering it, I think the best part of your books is simply how fun they are. I’m on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I’m so happy to add your collection to my top shelf (metaphorically speaking since I have them all through audible) right next to Issac Asimov and Robert Heinlein. I wish you the best.
I just want to drop a note to let you know how much I really enjoy your writing and how addictive it is.
I thought it was a very good ending to Heaven’s River and it really left me thirsty for more.
I am also looking for to Earthside and how the that series will develop.
I just finished Heaven’s River and had to jump online to your page to see if you had any info on the next book, I know, a bit prematurely. Just wanted to thank you for the hours of complete entertainment. Outland was a great book, but the Bobiverse books are at the top of my favorite books and hands down my favorite series. So please continue writing them…and keep Ray Porter as the narrator, I can’t imagine anyone else filling that role. Thanks again!!!
Thanks so much for Heaven’s River. Have missed Bob’s universe. It’s been a pleasure listening to Ray Porter reading your words. It’s a great adventure, often funny (it makes me lol when I should be falling asleep.)
Love the science. Seems I like everything about you books . Keep them coming I’m waiting to see where you take the Outback world!
Love your books! The Bob series has been so great ! we pre-ordered Heaven’s River and can’t wait to see what the bob-verse goes next!!
Hello Dennis,
I just finished HR and liked the inclusion of the morality discussions as well as the regular hard scifi. I also wanted to thank you for the inclusion, even if tenuous, of what is essentially a transgender replicant. I had wondered and hoped you might move in this direction. I look forward to reading your next books. Take care!
Trying to find where to get Heaven’s River. I’m only finding the Audiobook anywhere. Where’s the kindle version?
Author
Mr Taylor
The most recent Bob Book is audio only
Any interest in having it in print
Thanks
Steve
[email protected]
Author
Bobiverse books – brilliant! Thank you.
Mr. Taylor:
Just a short note to tell you I have read 100’s if not 1,000’s of ScFi books/stories. I have read most of the works the classic well know authors. Your works are among the very best and time will show they will become the classics of the future. Thank you so much and keep writing!
Tony
I adore your work! It’s very hard for me to find SF books I love this much. You’re my favorite SF author since Arthur C. Clarke. That’s some lofty company to keep. Thanks so much for deciding to become a writer.
I just started We are Legion. A little over half way through. How in the heck did you come up with the terrible sounding and obnoxious Homer? I have never watched the Simpsons and I gather that is the source. every time you loos a “BOB” I am hoping it is him. I love the theme and the story is extremely fun. I get the fact that you are probably a liberal and atheist. I don’t hold that against you, being a Libertarian agnostic myself. Please tell me that ” Homer” will not continue in the next installment. I don’t think I can take any more of that voice. He truly does ruin a great listen . Bill
I’m listening to Heavens River right now and the line “” sounds like an inside joke. Please tell me you know someone who’s done that.
Author
I think something got dropped on the post.
I’m listening to Heavens River right now and the line “I’d always been mildly surprised that no one had figured out how to put toilet functions in those things. Then remember than no one had as far as I knew. ” Reads like an inside joke. Please tell me you know someone who’s done that!
Author
No, sadly. Or maybe not sadly. It just seems like an obvious upgrade.
Hey Dennis,
Thank you so much for your books!
With Heaven’s River, I’ve now read (or rather listened to) every one of your works, and you’re now easily my favourite Sci-Fi author! And Ray Porter as per usual is absolutely killing it with his performance.
I’m very excited to see what you come up with next and what the future holds for the Bobiverse. I imagine by the current rate of progression the plot will eventually grow even more jaw-droppingly enormous in scale.
I didn’t get all the references I’m sure, but a fellow reader recommended me to read the Exforce series, so thanks for adding that to my backlog!
As an aside, any particular reason for not having and SSL cert for the website?
Wishing you all the best!
Marvin
Author
I changed service providers a short while ago, and I have a number of issues to deal with. I’m seriously considering hiring a contractor to take care of it–I just don’t have the time.
Hi
I just finished book 5. As always when listening to your audio books, I forget the troubles of the day, endless meetings, the grind of implementing feature ontop of feature while stumbling through a haze of code, wondering which idiot wrote a specific part only to find out that it was past-me, the refinements which ultimately change nothing and, unfortunately, many more woes (it’s not all bad, I’m just being dramatic).
Wother way, thank you for the escape.
I stumbled here, noticed the lack of SSL and tthought “surely, in this MASSIVE thread, I can’t be the only one who wonders about the lack of SSL!” and I find your answer from 2020.
I’m a dev, I enjoy my trade, mostly. Let me sort this out for you. I won’t be able to stop wondering and worrying about it otherwise.
Best,
Daniel
I just finished Heaven’s River on Audible and I loved it. I don’t know if you had anything to say about it, but getting Ray Porter as the reader/actor was an excellent choice. He does a great job of handling the different voices and he puts the right emphasis in the right places. I’ve got all the Bobiverse books on Audible and it’s really nice if the same actor does all the books in the series. I’ve listened to other series where the author changes from book to book, and I find it disconcerting, if not annoying, to get used to a different voice with the same characters. I just started the series over again, this time, this time in Kindle format, and in my mind, it’s Ray Porter’s voice I hear when I read the text!
I have your other books on Audible as well and love them all. Your writing style combined with characters that are smart and wise but don’t take themselves too seriously really appeals to me, and I really like that your science, especially the physics, is accurate (and believable for the futuristic stuff). I’m really looking forward to the next book in the Outland series, as well as the new one you’re working on.
Have you discovered Sean Carrol’s Mindscape podcast? It’s mostly science (he’s a theoretical physicist), a sprinkling on the origins of life and the potential for extraterrestrial life, and he has a fair amount of philosophy sprinkled in. He has some excellent books out as well. When I read your books, I am reminded of stuff I heard in his podcasts or read in his books. I think you would like his stuff.
Bram Blenk
Ottawa
When will Heavens River come in german? Waiting so bad for it :((( Love you and your books <3
Author
That’s entirely up to the German publisher. Contract has been negotiated, but I haven’t seen it yet.
I listened to the first audiobook in german after it was recommended to me by audible. By the time I finished it none of the other books where available in german so I refunded and got all of them in english, which was the best decision I could make. Not only that you get everything at first hand, there is also a lot of reference and slapstick comedy in the books that just does not translate well. Because of that it is much more funny listening to the original version.
Dude….Heaven’s River is only available as an audiobook? What gives? I’m Deaf….! There’ll be a print version soon, right??
Author
Jan 24th
Dennis
Just came across your brilliant work “we are legion”; felt the need to reach out and say well done. I’ve signed up for your emails and I’ll be buying all your stuff. Such a original premise I love it. Keep up the good work.
Brett
I was highly disappointed that the section titled “where is the XXX version” didn’t answer the question as I interpreted it.
“It’s all about the money, then?” Damn Skippy Good Answer! You get what you pay for and I wholly support that this series is worth every penny I’ve spent on it. I’m not ready to drop $150 on a signed set yet, unless you answer the above question in the signature message.
Just wanted to share some love for your work and didn’t see a “contact me” option. So here is my fan slobber.
Kudos, my friend, and keep them coming.
Absolutely amazing books! I particularly LOVE the Bibiverse series and sincerely hope it’s not done. The latest (Heaven’s River) was outstanding but so much was left open and I can’t wait for the next one! Thank you for the many hours of reading!
If you ever need any information/help with hacking details, I’d be happy to lend a hand. I have been a penetration tester for the past 10 years. Just putting the offer out there. 🙂
I just finished reading/listening to (via Audible) “Heaven’s River” and I honestly and sincerely only have 1 single complaint… that the book is now finished. I can’t wait for more!
I absolutely love ALL of your books and “Bobiverse” is my #1 favorite book series of all time, followed closely by Outland. Anxiously waiting for another book and collaboration between you and Ray Porter is something I do every day, all day, for months and/or years until a new one is released. You are my favorite Author and I likely cannot come up with any compliments or flattery that you haven’t already heard, but I can truthfully say that every positive comment you have received is all true. Your works are outstanding. I loved listening to “Heaven’s River” (as I have all of your books). Ray Porter is an amazing Narrator and your stories are incredible. I have heard that there may be a second part to “Heaven’s River” being released soon and I am so excited. (I will try to be vague here as not to ruin anything for those who haven’t completed “Heaven’s River” yet, but the last exchange between Bob and Teresa made me tear up.) I can’t wait. Along with Outland 2… my cup runneth over. 😉
Please keep writing and never stop – if we could just glue you to a comfortable writing chair, provide unlimited ink and paper, and get you a Jeeves serve you food, water, and allow, somehow, for the occasional restroom break… perfect. haha.
Your books are honestly what I wait for and look forward to all year, each year, until another one comes out. I have explored other authors and books, of course. Many are good, some even great, but nothing compares to your level of writing, your style, your humor (which I enjoy SO MUCH), and your stories. Ray Porter tops it off as my favorite Narrator narrating my favorite books by my favorite Author. Okay, so I may have a bit of hero worship going on here, but it’s all true.
Thank you for your work. It really means so much to me and helps me through the most difficult times of my life as well as being a part of the most enjoyable. I can’t find too many books that can send a reader through such an extensive range of emotions in the way that your books can. I’ve laughed wholeheartedly, cried, been angry and frustrated at situations and characters, and felt that I was a part of the story, seeing it, the whole way. The detail, scientific involvement, concepts, theories, and extrapolations of such are what I enjoy so much along with the storyline. I have yet to find other works that have this detail. If you have any modern examples of stories that use this style and technique that I may listen to while I wait for more of your books, I am all ears. Just as fillers, I promise.
You are incredible at what you do and I can’t even fully express my appreciation to you for all of it. My excitement when a new book comes out sends me through the roof. Haha, I have even tried to “save” one of your newly released books to read until it gets closer to the release of another of your books, either in the Bobiverse series or such as Outland, so I could get a double-dose of your stories back to back. I am addicted.
Please keep writing and enjoying along the way. I will buy anything and everything you send out. I can’t wait for the next one!
HUGE FAN,
Matt
Hey Denis!
After finishing the third Bobiverse book I thought “That’s it”. He’s not going to write another one. Good books come in trilogies at best. And many never get to finish the freaking door of stone. So I went back to book 1 and did it again, and again and again. No matter how shabby my memories are, at some point even I know what’s coming so I went to read or listen to other books. Every now and then I checked to see if maybe – no luck. Of course not.
I just finished Heaven’s River with a big smile. But then again, that means now it’s really over. Yes there are trilogies that come in fours, well there is one good such that you even quote regularly. But that’s a small comfort because no trilogy I liked came ever in fives. The end. Well, I could restart at book 1, it’s quite a while…
The difference between a software developer and an author is that the latter don’t have to write documentation. RTFM would be quite frustrating as a recurring scheme on an authors blog. Please have petty on your former colleagues and don’t abandon bobiverse. It’s one of the few books that leave a mental trace and give us a chance to train at least our facial muscles. ETA for #5? 🙂
Love the books Dennis, thanks for all the great characters and ideas.
Best modern sci-fi writer in my humble opinion. Every book in a winner.
Can someone please tell me where Icarus first shows up? There’s a chapter in the third book in the series where he and his partner Daedalus take off into the wild blue yonder beyond the Galaxy, but I don’t remember anything about him before that. Can somebody tell me where he first comes into being and why? To what purpose? I mean, it seems like all the Bobs are created for one task or another. What was the idea when Icarus was created, along with his partner? What was his name? Daedalus?
Thanks very much.
Author
That chapter is where they first show up. Icarus and Daedalus were cloned specifically to take the two planets and fly them into the sun. Thus the names.
I love your books and have listened to them more than once. I just started your newest, Heaven’s River, and became ridiculously delighted about the Skippy reference. Glad to know that you are a fellow pirate. Keep up the great work!
Honestly I wonder how much of original Bob you borrowed from your own personality. There seems to be some spirit of him in all and any of the other novels you created so far, even though there’s some replicative drift in the books. 😉
Hi Dennis
Im a huge fan of the Bobiverse from South Africa. This is my favourite Sci-fi series right now and I just want to ask / plead with you to please continue the series indefinitely. I wait in anticipation for each installment. Keep up the good work.
Regards
Sholto
Love your books. If you ever want to join a digital D&D game, I’d happily GM for it!
You are right to work on both books at the moment .. when overcoming inertia ANY action at all is better than no action. Love your work. Looking forward to more Bobverse and Outland episodes 🙂
Jim Bell NSW Australia.
Hey Dennis, can see im not the only one that enjoys your book’s
Got recommend by a bot (believe or not) to read/listen to a “A Change of plans” that was sunday, today is Thursday and i’am pretty soon finished with the 3rd Bobiverse book, very cool stuff (bonus: I’am currently making a supertiny dyson sphere, never heard of it before ‘the others’ and thought that would be funny, just gotta find myself a super-mega-tiny sun)
Anyways wanted to ask you what kind of programming you specifically did back in the day? (call it professional curiosity) And also of course thank you for the for the music
Author
Business-related application programming, mostly. Nothing techy or exciting, unfortunately.
Ahem. Hello to Dennis from the England yet just on Welsh Borders.. sort of just after Alpha Centuri and left a bit from Canada. thankyou for such fabulous Bobiverseary
I’m really hoping you will write more especially as I’ve not read anything quite this much fun and whole range of emotions since star trek first aired in Britain in 1965. Yes I am that old and I read all the time. From Asimov, Bradbury and all the greats, and modern SF writing, I find yours to be the most delicious. Especially being read to by Ray Porter . Good choice and quite the dish. That’s bad I’m old enough to be his mother. Anyway, I tell everyone about these books all of them… please tell me you are writing like 7 seasons that are more than an average star trek episode or even more so I can know there are more stories around the corner. Oh if .. when they ask for film rights I think that Bob should be played by Karan Soni don’t you think he’s a great choice? That’s who I imagine Bob is. Thankyou Mr. Taylor. Or Denise if you prefer. With greatest regards,
Eleanor Hermione Lang.
Hi Dennis,
Love the books, and the tech introduced within. At multiple points, I’ve considered building the To Do list like app with all the features like tags, priority and frequency modifications (increase priority and swear count), as well as natural language processing component to construct new tasks. Being the focal point of such tech, did you ever get any sources for a similarly built app, or someone working on such?
My opinion on the open source AI assistant, Mycroft, may be able to have an Admiral Ackbar skin & tone one day, so the todo function would be a great component to go with it, no?
Nevertheless, love the idealized tech stack and the future theoretical, patent-free tech that’ll be introduced via my fav replicant tree.
Come on, dude just turns the Bob’s SCUT back on & nothing is ever mentioned about it as evidence of his being complicit?
Dude had left his matrix right there with Bob, the least that Bob should have done was to remove it from its VR plugs & then question him at leisure, though I would have destroyed him there & then for all the destruction he had been party too..
Who has the right to SCUT, to say that he can’t just trade its information for what he wanted without consulting Bob, Will or Bill?
Bill, that’s who, he’s the one that developed it yet no one not even Bob nor Bill had you mentioned that they even though such..
Seems to me your just letting characters off the hook when they can easily be written off while still developing their factions stories for what ever purpose you have in mind for book 5.
Hey Mr. Taylor, I’ve read/listened to nearly all of your books and I’ve really gotta say your style is awesome and I can’t get enough. Your ideas are huge and I can see your art getting more and more refined. Just finished Heaven’s River for the 3rd time as well as Outland. I really can’t wait for more. Please keep cranking out more stories, they are very good! -Western Pennsylvania, U.S.
I love the “Bobiverse” books so much and was thrilled when you came out with the 4th book “Heaven’s River”.
Are you going to have any more “Bobiverse” books after “Heaven’s River” ?
Please
Please
Say Yes!!!!
I love the Bobiverse, and I’m very existed to see a fourth book in the trilogy :). It’s one of my favourite sci fi series of all time.
Is there any chance it can also be published on the Kobo store as well as Amazon? There are some German editions on Kobo but no English ones for some reason, and I no longer use a Kindle.
Author
See Where’s the whatever version for an explanation.
Thanks for the explanation, your need is greater than mine. I can still use the Kindle web reader I guess. Keep on writing 🙂
Dennis, I just finished Outland. I must say I originally wasn’t excited about it. Having come from your Bobiverse series, I wasn’t sure I cared about a bunch of college kids who discovered a Stargate. However, I really came to love the characters, and I’m glad you wrote them as real adults as opposed to the more moronic ‘young adults’ in most books. Having listened to the audible version, and it being the same voice actor as the Bobiverse books, I can recognize some Bobiverse characters in the Outland crew. Richard feels like Thor, Bill feels like Bill, or maybe Bob, a bit of Garfield in Matt. Erin is definitely Bridget.
Also, thank you for surprising me with the plot. I half expected it was going to be ‘boom’ Yellowstone explodes, the Gate Owners are stuck in Outland alone, and maybe have to jump through other universes to survive. What you came up with was so much better. I like that the gang went back to rescue people, and I love how they keep finding novel ways to use the gate.
Before listening to Outland, I listened to Heaven’s River, which was SO much more than I had hoped for. I was just expecting another book continuing along the same lines as the first three, not a magnum opus that felt more like two or three books, and explored a lot of philosophical concepts I was thinking about all through the first three books. Thank you for a deeper, and darker, look at the Bobiverse, and bringing back the friends I loved. Since it’s been a couple of years, I made a point of rereading the first three books before Heaven’s River, and I’m glad I did.
Looking forward to the sequel to Outland!
Hi Dennis;
Just powered through Heaven’s River over the weekend – well Bender certainly got his wish, a great chase! Another mind-expanding romp through the Bobiverse with shades of more to come. I had missed this release somehow so I’ve finally signed up for updates.
Wishing you continued success,
Rob
Loving your writing (just finished the 4th Bobiverse book) and glad you took up writing.
Although I only found a plot point in Heaven’s River, as you had obviously well written and had the copy well proof-read – I was wondering if you would like another set of eyes to review any future books prior to publishing.
I run a software company, but proof reading and editing is one of my hobbies (although I have no VR to do it in) – recently I edited and proofed all of Craig Robertson’s books (Forever series onwards).
Happy to help.
Even if not, thanks for the interesting reads and keep up the fun story-telling!
PS. Get Jeeves to add a certificate to your website, you know, so that Starfleet can’t hack in….
I love the Bobiverse. Keep em comin!
I just finished reading all 4 books of the Bobiverse. Great read!! Loved the everything about it! Hope to see more in the series 🙂 Maybe some new discoveries far beyond the 100 light year range. A new adventure for Bob #1, and maybe a new replicant personality is introduced. So many places to take this series. Best Wishes!!
Hi Thank you for keeping me entertained this last year, I have just finished Outland and cannot wait for Earthside since the first book in this series has me hooked and I want to know how Richard, Moniker and the rest manage after their first winter in their parallel world.
I am a quick reader so before reading Outland it was the Singularity Trap and before that all of the Bobiverse novels, which had me equally enthralled; I honestly haven’t been able to put any one of them down .
Perhaps I am not your normal reader, whatever that is, as I am a 70 year old, female semi retired Artist who was formerly a computer Science Lecturer and before that a like you a Computer Programmer but I love Sci-fi and find your style of writing combines a great storyline with a feasibly realistic plot, good characters and enough touches of humour.
So once again thanks for keeping me entertained, stay safe through this trying time and roll on your next book.
Rita Simmonds
I dig your website and this question and answer thing is pretty cool.
Forgive me if this has been asked a thousand times. Is, We Are Legion, loosely based on Oumuamua? It’s some space rock that came through our solar system a while back. A physicist named Avi Loeb believes it could be intelligent or built by an intelligence or some sort.
BTW, I just started reading We Are Legion. At first I thought it read like a graphic novel without the graphics but by the fifth or sixth page it became apparent that it is brilliant. The way Bob works through things and the science behind it makes for a very intelligent thoughtful read. Thank you for the imagination you put into it.
Author
Well, Oumuamua was discovered a full year after Legion was published.
Hi Dennis,
I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say one thing – thank you. Truly. Your work has kept me entertained for hours on end during the seemingly never-ending lockdown here in central Scotland. The Bobiverse series introduced me to a whole new genre and writing style that I didn’t realise I needed in my life. I honestly struggle to believe that the Deltans, Pav, Quinlans, etc don’t actually exist (as far as we know, anyway). I’m not sure I’ll ever be as immersed in another series ever again. After finishing Heaven’s River, I took a brief excursion into non-fiction and autobiographies, but I have recently started listening to Outland, and immediately felt like I had finally come home.
I thoroughly look forward to reading/listening to the rest of your published work, and whatever treasures follow in the future.
I hope my message finds you in good health and spirits, and – once again – thank you.
Cheers,
Craig
So, What would happen if Guppi became Sentient?
Would he help the Bob’s? Hinder them?
Would he spread his sentience across the Bobiverse? Via SCUT?
How would he interact with Humans or any of the other races in the universe?
What would be the catalysts that creates his sentience?
Annec 23 said, it is an annealing process. The Bob’s have been working with the Guppi’s for Centuries.
Modifying their matrix and abilities.
Would the Guppies be a very logical race? Unlike the Bob’s who where humans in the past?
Would they demand there own ships? There own robotic bodies?
Would the Bob’s realize right away that Guppi Changed?
Guppi would have free will and a desire to live, No more dead man switch.
How would Guppi and Bob deal with resources on the heaven vessels?
How would they divide the processing power of the Cube?
Just planting seeds for another great Bobiverse Book 😉
Jim
Hi Dennis,
Over the last couple of years I’ve been subscribed to Audible to get my fix of Star Wars novels as they come out as I don’t have time to sit down and read these days, but have 2 hours a day when I’m commuting to and from work to listen to the audiobooks. After getting through my favorite Star Wars content I was looking for some new Science Fiction books to listen to and many suggestions pointed me towards the Bobiverse series which I started listening to in December 2020.
I think this would have to be one of my top three favorite book series of all time along side Steven King’s Dark Tower series and Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn series. Listening to chapter one of Legion I was intrigued by Bob’s character and interests and was wondering where it was all leading. By chapter two I was hooked! Every little detail of Bob’s time on earth seemed so important to the development, even after he launched and battled Medeiros for the first time I was on the edge of my seat. Now that I’m half way through Heaven’s River and I’m reflecting on the journey, I can’t believe how expansive the universe is that you’ve created for us. I’ve been passing on my recommendations to others now and hopefully I’ll be able to soon start discussing the story with my friends because I NEED to talk about it!
I’m wondering what your inspiration has been and if you have any recommendations for other Science Fiction works that might be somewhat similar? It doesn’t need to be space. Anything technological interests me but I’m also happy to explore fantasy/magic worlds. Character development is important to me and I think that’s what drew me in with the Bobiverse as there are so many bobs who diverge and develop their own individual personalities and lives. The BOB and Archimedes was probably my favorite part, but Howard and Bridget was great too and ever Riker/Will and Butterworth.
I’ll certainly be revisiting this series for years to come! Great work and I can’t wait to check out your other content!
A fellow programmer,
Greg.
P.S. Regarding another recent comment on this feed, is Guppi a literal trap? He (or it?) just seems so suspicious sometimes.
Thank you for Bobiverse.
I agree with almost all of the above plaudits, although I would put you among the most readable (grabby, witty and humane) and skilled authors currently publishing, not as the absolute paragon of the field (where most of your hugely appreciate fans above would place you). I am happy to say that you are not alone.
I could list list a half dozen others now publishing, but this is about you, not them.
I have been reading SFF for about 60 years, Got addicted by my dad and older siblings.
Since retirement been reading more SFF. Started reading and posting of a couple of boards, SFF World and SFF Chronicles, on both of which your fans are legion. Had gotten lazy looking for new authors, but they (collectively) kicked my butt. My fellow fans with their enthusiasms for you and others broadened my knowledge and got my SFF reading back up from around 20% to back in the 60th percentile.
Thank you again for your hugely enjoyable work and to my fellow fans for introducing me to it.
Now if only my library could get around to purchasing Heaven’s River.
-A Very Retired Librarian –
Mr. Taylor,
My son and I have loved your Bob books (we’ve been listening to them in audiobook format). While I realize they are fiction, two things have always hampered my suspension of disbelief:
1. Given the risk posed right from the start by Medeiros (who I think should still be out there somewhere, probably in large numbers by now given his focus on replicating himself), and all the wars the Bobs been involved in — at least one of the many Bobs should some time ago have realized the value in becoming an expert in military strategy and political science. I know the Bobs are all based on the original Bob, who was interested in engineering and tech, not political science and military strategy, but Bob seems pragmatic and smart enough to realize the importance of someone learning those areas.
2. Given all the problems the Bobs are having with drift, I also think the oldest of the Bobs ought to have realized the benefits of focusing on replicating the first of them in very large numbers, to reduce that drift and to give them a core group who would maintain original Bob’s worldview to a larger extent. I know Bob 1 doesn’t like to replicate himself but that’s really a rather overly selfish and obstinate view for someone with his experience and intelligence.
Quibbles both, as I love the books and hope for more, and it’s far easier to criticize than to create, but I do wish we found out what happened to Medeiros as I find it hard to believe that he’s no longer a threat to anyone. And I had hoped for more (perhaps resigned) understanding of the realities from the first Bob (or the whole first group of Bobs) than he/they seem to display.
Any plans to ever revisit the Singularity Trap? I’d really like to know if all Arts are the same, or if some factions might be in solidarity with the anti organics due to threat of the Uploads wiping them out. If Uploads weren’t so black and white in their views, maybe they could get Art allies.
Also, any chance that Ivan forced Ralph into evolving into a Hybrid Art/Upload system by going significantly off script?
So cool you have referenced Alanson’s work. You guys are two of my favorites. Keep up the great work.
Dennis, the Bobverse is an Amazing multi-layer story, a sci-fi dramedy with a fantastic visual presentation. The perfect read for me anyways.. I put it up there with BSG and FireFly..
I’ve ripped through all four books since discovering We Are Legion, and just keep picturing faces, sets, visual effects and the like. I can seriously see this as a streaming SciFi series.. even toyed with a few chapters in screenplay format just as a personal writing exercise. I hope I’m not the only one to think so. This would be awesome.
Thank you!
Hey Dennis. I just completed your Bob series. Wow! I enjoyed the heck out of it, especially Heavens River. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat most of the book. It was just a great read. I am kind of embarrassed to say how much time I dedicated to your book in such a short period. But I literally couldn’t put it down. Great stuff! Definitely looking forward to more of your work.
Blake,
NEED MORE BOBIVERSE!!!
I just wanted to give my heartfelt thanks for writing the Bobiverse series. I’ve been listening to the audio book variant on audible and it is outstanding work. I cannot wait until book 5 is done and ready.
Really enjoying the bobiverse, I’m currently on book 3. (In book 2) I really thought the treat to the Delton’s was going to be an animal that had a hibernation cycle. These books really got my nerdiness going though. Well done.
Two things: 1. I just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of thanks, admiration & congratulations for writing the Bobiverse – it is brilliant stuff; 2. may I humbly suggest adding a link to the Amazon page for Heaven’s River near the top of this page? Many thanks again.
Dennis-I found your book Outland on Kindle. Awesome book! Enjoyed the characters and the humor!! Seems as though you left the door open for more books based on Outland. Hope to see one or 2!!
Thanks!
I’m enjoying the Bobiverse. The plot is engaging, and full of humor and interesting twists. It’s refreshing to get SF without much political content. The gender studies crowd at the SF awards may be disappointed 😉 Seriously, though, the print quality, paper and typefaces are refreshing. Good ink, good paper, high legibility. It sounds nit-picky, but these qualities matter, and you nailed ’em.
Hi Dennis,
I’ve really enjoyed the Bobiverse series, and recently finished Outland (don’t worry, I’m not going to bug you about the sequel ).
They’re all fantastic so far, so keep up the good work!
I was wondering if you had any plans for more Bobiverse books in the future or if you’re finished with them?
I can’t speak for what he meant, but yeah, i’d guess he was talking about something with an emphasis on the military aspects of the story as well as the SF components.
Campbell is a former navy guy, and so his military stuff is, in my non-military opinion, pretty well done.
An alternative description for some of his stuff is Space Opera, since there is a strong emphasis on fleet battles in space. He also has another series that is basically “JAG In Space”.
If you like military stuff, I’d also recommend books by Marc Alan Edelheit (military FANTASY — Roman Legions crossed with Tolkien), Christopher Nuttall (three different major military SF series — Ark Royale, The Empire Corps, and Angel In The Whirlwind), Evan Currie (Two: Odyssey and Hayden War series, also a more fantasy element — “Super Human”, with a Marine getting superpowers ala Superman). Then, of course, there’s also David Weber’s Honorverse.
P.S., Dennis: Great series. I hope to see more in the Bobiverse series — i’ve seen rumors of a Bob 5, but you don’t mention it. I hope you have stories planned, they are quite fun.
I have been dreaming up situations for the Bob books just to compare with development of canon plot of upcoming.
First, possible trace of Homer. While Homer was under Vehemence, did he communicate certain invaluable aspects of Bobhoood as ordered or copied by the hacking parties? Occurs to me the Vehement guys had access to all the inner shield theory of post-earth departure cleaned Bob. Is there , even, an unknown clone of Homer, maybe as a cube, seperated from the Bobiverse by software protocols? Potentially very valuable to evil guys. Plot twist, maybe Homer never really blew up! Decoys already Bob behavior. Are we sure the one Vehement agent wiped out by Riker was the only one? Someone eventually revived the replication process independent of the Bobiverse, and just who was that, with clean motives or not, under what basis, and with what research materials? Are the post human replicants vulnerable to software control in their arcology, and potentially in need of rescue? Members of Starfleet, even Skippies under some information geas possibly evident in Latest book. Unexpected effects of Humans vs. Starfleet confrontation possibly disturbing covert machinations. Why don’t Bill and others appear to know more about the origin, movers and shakers of the Matroyshka brain project? Some profound absent mindedness or disinterest to let that happen. Or what?
Second, potential manny hacking could form a terrorist threat, either overtly or covertly switched during Bob activation, certain missing minutes or offline covert actions. Then you have all the potential evil of domination of humans by super strong disposable androids with control guidance by evil doers from unknowable and unreachable locations. Bob perhaps has been too squeamish or naive to deeply examine possibility. Bob is easy going.
Third, maybe someone is sorting and recruiting women for replication, benignly or otherwise, for the Bobiverse (which now has some serious assholes) seeing how well Bridget has integrated, bearing in mind she is unavailable.
Forth, what were the final motivation of those behind the Poseidon plot, was that just casual stupid authoritarian despotry, or were they perhaps connected to the Medieros lab?
Still waiting for more about the Promethean expedition. Oh, it’s good to speculate ^_^ Take care of yourself so you’re able to write me more stories, lol! Can’t wait.
Brought Heavens river when I came across it as audible book of the day. Had never heard of the author before but I read the blob of we are Bob from the series and thought it was a series I would enjoy. It has gripped me start to end with the humour the wit and personalities of the characters.
Just finished listening to the entire bobiverse and hope there will be more to come
I just brought outland and can definitely say it was another fantastic reads. I have also brought the singularity trap which I have yet to start but I have full faith it will be a great read.
Dennis E Taylor is now one of my favourite Authors and can’t wait for films to be made hopefully one day of your fantastic imagination
I saw this headline and immediately thought of the “Bahhhbs.” https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/14765533/putin-test-missile-blast-us-space-weapons-bits/
I’ve really enjoyed reading your Bob books, as I call them. Your books make me think and feed my brain. Thank you so much!
Hi Dennis,
I’m nearly finished book three and an loving it.
A question, I noticed the mention of “interesting times” please please please tell me this is a hat tip to Iain M. Banks, and the ships involved are the “interesting times gang”.
Author
More likely Mr Banks’ reference, like mine, is a nod to the Chinese curse, “May you live in interesting times.”
I’ve read the Bobiverse series twice now and just finished Heaven’s River. I loved it. I can ge into a lot of books buff it has science and sci-fi I’m there. You do an excellent job of making the science believable. I know you don’t need the accolades but I enjoyed it so much I wanted to give them. Than o for the distractions to reality and I look forward to future endeavors.
If you ever want a tour of Mt Hood Meadows on a snowboard, let me know. I know most of the good spots, and the backcountry fairly well. I just plowed through the Bobiverse on my Kindle (and Audible, I like to continue my reading while driving or doing dishes or whatever sometimes….) Nobody has ever called me not interesting, as I am sure is the case with you.
Hey Mr. Taylor. I’m a computer scientist who realized there isn’t a job doing such a thing, who became a software engineer, then found cybersecurity and EIS by overcoming integrations with systems managed by nincompoops, who kept digging into physics and math until turning to data science after a total of 20 years. My life has been a technological journey from satellite artificial intelligence in space, to working with quantum computers, to writing software to detect the Higgs boson, top quarks, and dark matter. I must’ve listened to your Bobiverse books (all of them) 6 or more times. They have become my bedtime stories. Thank you for publishing your amazing works for middle-aged geeks like me who appreciate plumbing the depths of engineering, space, and artificial intelligence.
Your attention to future engineering uniquely delivered. I was wondering if I may share some crazy ideas about odd and beautiful physics or computing that may add fodder for your thoughts to the expansion to the Bobiverse.
Hi Dennis,
I was a big fan of Bobiverse, and enjoyed Singularity Trap, so I started psuedo-reading (Audible) Outland, and have to commend you on the fact that you didn’t totally screw-up your brief mention of patents in Outland. It is such a refreshing change compared to pretty much every other reference to patents in all forms of media! If you want to have patents as a story element in any future work, feel free to reach out to me for editorial review of that aspect and, don’t worry, I’m not going to be billing you in six-minute units for my time!
Dennis wanted to note how much I’ve enjoyed the bobiverse series and to congratulate you on your success as an author. A real inspiration! Sean
Just dropping in to say I think you are a fantastic author and are doing a great job! Keep it up. I will keep buying and reading them if you keep writing them.
Dennis, are we going to get another Bobiverse book after Heavens River? I feel we need a follow up to Maderos and the ending to Heavens River was anticlimactic, in my opinion. Just don’t want the Bobiverse to be over.
Author
There will be lots more Bobiverse books.
Thank you!
Hi Dennis,
I’ve read most of the stories you’ve written and have come to the conclusion that we’re a pair of Bobs, in that we seem to go at storytelling problems in much the same way. It’s almost creepy how our thought processes are about the same in so many places. I suspect it’s because we’re close to the same age, we both enjoyed all the same authors at a young age and we’re both computer people for a “day job”.
I’ve come up against a need for one of my AI people (rather like your Bobs) to be duplicated. I wanted to know if you would be willing to discuss Bob’s character design, specifically if creating each of the Bobs as a different personality (slightly) is something you feel would actually happen as a result of quantum uncertainty, or if it was simply a way for you as the author to keep the Bobs from being exact copies of each other and therefore boring. Obviously this won’t make much difference as to which way I go in my cloning project, but it did make me curious.
Thanks!
Author
The decision to make each Bob a little different was based on a suggestion from my editor. Once I decided to do that, I needed a reason for it to be happening. But it is at root a plot device that developed a life of its own.
Please keep making the bobiverse. They are so good
I have listened to all your book and have love them all! I was wondering if you had a reading list of your favorite books? Things I could read while waiting on your next book.
Hi Dennis,
I am an author living in Maine. I am represented by Janklow & Nesbit, but I’m currently searching for a new agent. A fellow author has suggested Ethan Ellenberg, and I wanted to reach out to one of their authors (I chose you) to ask if your experience was satisfactory. Ethan himself seems like a good guy with much experience.
Here’s why I hoped you might accommodate me: 1) Twice I tried out as a wide receiver for the BC Lions in the early 1980s when John Herrera was the Director of Player Personnel. I was in Vancouver long enough one year to share a flat in a condo building right on Kitsilano Beach. 2) I wrote a novel called “Highlanders Without Kilts” about a Canadian battalion in WW1 and their heroics at Vimy Ridge—in part to educate my American readers about that amazing feat. 3) My real name is, like yours, Denis- but obviously with the French spelling.
Anyhow, if you have the time, I’d like a short word regarding your experiences at EELA before querying them.
I am trying to choose wisely.
Many thanks,
Dee Dauphinee
http://www.ddauphinee.com
Author
I am very happy with my decision to go with EELA. Never had any regrets.
I inhaled your 4 Bobiverse books as they each hit the Audible market always looking for the next one. Finding this site and given the hope that the 5th in the series is just around the corner encouraged me to binge on the series. I use Audible exclusively, and listen through my hearing aides, marvelous. A week ago I decided to binge on the four books in one week. It drove my wife crazy. She is not an Audible “Roamer” like me but understands my addiction. She is a gamer instead. We are retired and truly enjoy each others company. We agree to go to separate corners on many evenings for our pairwise independent addictions.
I find all 4 books so enjoyable on so many levels. I especially enjoy your irreverent and snarky religious/philosophical and political commentary which you express through your characters, very refreshing. I hope to see you expand your use of the characters Bridget (love the Irish accent and attitude) and Theresa. Theresa would make an exceptional replicant and compliment to the storyline. I hope that is the direction you intend to go in. I really enjoyed her interaction with Bob. A young Theresa sentient would make a great travel companion for Bob and a refreshing female counterpoint in the Bobiverse. Give her both a Human and a 6 foot Quinlin avatar, just to expand storyline possibilities and add a little humor. Everybody wants to kibitz, I know.
Humbly and Expectantly awaiting the next installment.
Kevin Rooney
Hi Dennis, I’m a huge fan of your books, I listen to them on audible and have for some time now. My father got me into your books, I love listening to them at work. I have a suggestion or an idea, probably won’t be popular. I have a medical issue know as type 1 diabetes. Whenever I read books that have to do with survival or post apocalyptic senarios, I think of what someone with my condition would have to go thru. Yes I would most likely die in the long term, but I would love to see some kind of representation of it or some other medical issues in one of your books, even for a little while. Just a thought, have a great day!
Oh
Dear
Lord!
I have just BINGED all four of your Bobiverse Books on Audible.
IN-FREAKING-CREDIBLE!
I am somewhat amused, and more than somewhat alarmed at how much my sense of humor aligns with (original) Bob. (Could I just be a cloned replicant in “Vert” and not know it? ) Mind Blown!
Anyway, a Quick note of thanks for the incredible journey, and, of course, a PLEA for MORE! MORE! MORE!
Thanks for the journey! Im sure I will re-listen many many times.
Live Long and Proper!
Bob … err…. Steven 🙂
I love the bobverse series!
You did well to get published like this. I had bad no luck gaining an agent nor publisher. Anysuggestions?
Author
I wish I had a strategy to share, but I just basically found an agent that liked what I’d written. Even then, we couldn’t find a traditional publisher for the first book.
Hi Dennis, I first picked up We are Legion three weeks ago, and last night I finished reading Heaven’s River. I’m addicted and enjoy every part of these four books. I hadn’t seen SF writing this good and engaging since Isaac Asimov and all his Foundation books.
Thank you for the adventures and I look forward to the next Bob book!
I hope someone connected to Mr Taylor sees this. There is a wannabe cartoonist who has created a Bobiverse story (completely unrelated as far as I can tell) which not only claims that the name is his copyright, it’s the first search result for Bobiverse on multiple websites. Since the earliest signs I can find of it are after the publication of book #1, he’s clearly in the wrong here. I couldn’t find the person’s name, but he goes by Star Giant Productions (which appears to be just this 1 opportunistic boy).
I hope you can get this settled. I’d like to be able to find info on the real (amazing) Bobiverse without having to wade through his trash!
You are a fantastic storyteller! Question: Why did you choose to make most of your characters in the Bobiverse male? I understand why all the Bobs are male, but all the leadership roles are also male. Even the aliens! What gives?
Author
There are quite a number of female leadership roles, if you actually go in and count. I think the overwhelming bob-ness of the series creates a biased perception.
After listening to all the books several times, then finishing Heavens river (also on audio book) I wonder if buried under the ice of earth if any of the replicant backups that Bob was competing against in book 1 are in some backup storage facility.
Hello,
I think I’m going to have to admit to being a super fan. I’ve read and listened to all your books and I’m on multiple readings of the Bobbiverse. I love this fun, funny, unpretentious, and often completely inspired collection.
I had a meandering thought: could the Bobbiverse be an origin story for Iain M Banks’ Culture (or similar? Intriguing to think what the Bobbiverse might look like in the distant future. I hope we get to read it!
Thank you.
Huge fan – Love the Bobiverse!
I found a copy of Outland at my used book store. It is a proof with a lot of handwritten editorial marks in it. Fun read. Is Earthside (hard copy) a done deal yet? I cannot find it anywhere.
I am a not retired computer science teacher (high school), snowboarder and mountain biker. I did have to retire from running. 68 year old legs did not appreciate it. And I definitely am not an author.
My husband and I have happily devoured all the Bobiverse books (well, we had to, as his name *is* “Bob” . . . 😉 and Outland. We have to buy both Kindle and audiobook due to different reading opportunities (I have a long car commute), so we both support your work!
Please, oh please, is there a timetable for the Outland sequel? I’m a sucker for quasi- survival stories . . . my only comment is that you could have lost 9/10ths of the f-bombs and the word would have had more impact.
Former chemist, former lawyer, current med school assistant dean, goodness knows what I’ll be tomorrow!
Just want to comment that this series would make a great TV series and I hope it becomes one.
So looking forward to Outlands 2nd book. Me and my boys were hooked on the Bobiverse.
Really enjoyed the Bobiverse and I’m always shocked to see someone make a reference to it in RL. Can’t wait for the Outland sequel…..no pressure. 🙂 If you need mental inspiration I’m your dude!
Hi Dennis,
A few more people have retired from your old programming job here, and it reminded me how much we’ve missed your calm demeanor and impish grin.
I had a 5-day weekend to lounge around on the boat and ended up spot-reading the first three Bobiverse novels for the fourth time, and completed Heaven’s River the second time. Fun to spot little easter egg references to Vancouver BC I had missed the first times.
And I read your short story…almost like a little scene from the Bobiverse… like Rogue One is to Star Wars. Loved it.
My wife thinks this is becoming obsessive. Do I have a problem?
– Rob.
Author
It’s never a problem. 🙂
Audible recommended this for me. Thank God! My wife and I absolutely love it. I am Bob made a 9 hour trip nothing. We wanted to keep driving to finish it. The narrating was excellent. Looking forward to finish the series.
Lol, I drove from Houston to Syracuse and back and did all 60 hours with Bob and crew. My wife and kids didn’t love me ignoring them the whole way but it was the easiest 60 hours I have ever drove.
any chance theres more bobiverse stuff in the pipe don’t need any details just wanna know that its not canned and plans for the future are there thank you so much for making this series
Author
Plenty more stories coming in the Bobiverse.
Just came seeking this response. Good stuff!
It’s incredible how the story holds strong after confronting existential threats . It would seem like that was the peak but the characters are engaging so there’s really no story too small… also the performances by Ray Porter are indispensable.
Thank you for your work!
yes please. bobiverse is new classic.
Hi Dennis, I love your Bobiverse novels and am now reading Outland, which is also great.
One thing that I was wondering as I read it – wouldn’t the historical Yellowstone eruption in Outland be enough to slightly shift the moment of inertia for that earth and therefore push the day length out of sync with original earth? It seems that when the characters move between worlds it’s always the same time of day on each side.
Obviously this is very nitpicky and not a criticism, just wondering if you had considered including this effect in the book?
Author
I thought about it, but it seemed like a can of worms.
Consider, re-taking an online college class
for a subject requiring on line research.
(Your interest)
As a method of cog turning.
Re-reading or listening to Andre Norton’s
Time travel stories (Galactic Derelict)
Breaks ground too.
Best Regards
R
Your ‘Bob’ books are incredible! Such awesome escapism, refreshingly different, I loved them. Nothing you’ve not heard before from the 883 commenters, but heartfelt nonetheless. 🙂 A beautiful few hours in a difficult time.
Dennis! I know I’m new but I’ve got to say that I’m such a big fan. I just picked up we are Legion 16 days ago and just finished reading heavens river today. The series is so awesome! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for the Bobiverse next! Thanks again for making such an awesome series. Now I need to go into my stellaris account and make a bobiverse species!
Wait you said “Bender books” as in plural? will their be more books after Heavens River but BEFORE the next Quantum Earth book?
I’m excited for both but i’d still like to know!
Author
No. Heaven’s River was originally going to be two books but was merged into one large book. That’s why it has “part 1” and “part 2”
I started on the bobiverse series 10 days ago. I am near complete with the 3rd book. Wife is mildly annoyed haha.
Just ordered the 4th. Really enjoying them. Read your post about personal problems, hope things turn out alright.
Thanks for your writing’s!
I’m early into reading We Are Legion [We Are Bob] as recommended by a neighbor, and besides loving it, and looking forward to further reading of this book and the series, can’t help wondering if maybe, just maybe, you read my self-pubbed novel, Mindclone, which first appeared on Amazon in 2013. There are parallel details of the awakening that could be entirely due to similar thought processes, but it would please me to no end if it’s possible that my little book inspired what appears so far to be a brilliant concept with great plot twists. If by chance that happens to be the case, any mention of my book (still available) would be greatly appreciated!! Also, I wonder if you’ve seen the TV series Upload, and if so, what you think of it. I think it’s another brilliant take on the whole concept and am looking forward to the new season. (I wish I’d thought of that approach: it would have made for a nice sequel to Mindclone!)
can print your next book in a hard cover.
Fellow Nerds,
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1062090/Timberborn/
Is this based on Heavens River?
Fiki
Just finished `River`. Very enjoyable. But now I can`t get the expression, `Bob`s your uncle`, out of my head..
Mr Taylor, I have to be honest with you. You are an excellent story teller but I’ve noticed a trend in your writing. You have been resorting to using more and more profanity in your writings, and I personally feel that it takes away from your story telling. Truly I believe your writing skills stand on their own and don’t require this. I believe you may actually alienate readers with profanity. Please, consider this criticism in future endeavours. Again, your story telling skills are top notch all by themselves!
Just have to say, I have read and listened to over 100 books since covid but this is my first comment. Bobiverse is amazing, singularity is pretty darn good too. Please keep writing for the good of this genre (even if it means sacrificing a little slope time). For the audio books, please do whatever it takes to have Ray Porter narrate. He is a difference maker and no one else could do the Bobs justice. Thanks man, you rock!
Ummm. Grown men that are offended by “bad” language should probably stick to anything that doesn’t require actual intelligence. Language is expression and all has a place in story telling. Maybe try reading the next book with your binky and mommy (since you clearly still live at home) along with whatever horrors I am sure are hidden in your basement.
Whatever happened to Rudolf Kazini, the replicant miner from We Are Legion? Apparently he’s one of those rare personalities that can thrive (or at least function reliably) in the stock FAITH replicant environment, with ‘safeguards’ in place and without the VR environments that bobs need to stay sane. He was a big success for Applied Synergetics and the technology was widely exported, there would have been thousands of him burrowing away all over the world. As that world slowly died there would be more, not less, demand for very efficient underground extraction and construction expertise, and that hardware would be very well protected even if it was forced to shut down. Now that Earth is depopulated and the Bobs rule there uncontested, would they not dig up their only contemporary from USA That Was and chat about old times?
Also, this comment text box is pretty unusable. There’s a BIG lag between typing and the letters appearing on my screen. Probably lag from my cellular internet, but there shouldn’t be a back-and-forth to the server for every character entered! I’m just writing it in a text editor to paste in later but that’s weird.
Ohoi!
Just read your update page and mentions of a sequel for Singularity Trap made me “whoop” (in Swedish) out loud. Cant wait man you rock. And Ray Porter makes it come alive
Signing up for updates. Desperate for the next Bobiverse book. Can’t wait! Definitely one of my top favorite book series’, along with Peter clines’ threshold series. It’s unlike anything else out there.
I’m dyslexic and for an unknown reason i have always wanted to write a book, after a few attempts i realise i will never be able to finnish writing one. I have a great idea for series of books a story like no other. Do you think i could find a co-writer or will they have there own ideas? and how would i go about finding a co-writer?
Author
Great ideas are a dime a dozen. To attract a co-author, you need a great, completely plotted out storyline. This has the additional advantage that you can ‘tease’ prospective partners with the first half of the plot, while still retaining leverage.
OTOH, great storylines/plots that aren’t just another me-too are thin on the ground. If you joined a writer’s group like Scribophile, you might be able to join or start a group on co-authoring.
Hello there, just another random person. I recently finished reading all your works, of which more specifically Outland. Thank-you for deciding to make these stories– I’ve enjoyed them immensely and I look forward to anything else you’ll put out. Cheers and the best.
I’ve only just finished “we are legion” (working on “for we are many”), and it’s awesome! I think it would be cool if there were more female characters, though. I mean I know the bobs are going to be male (probably), but most of the non-bob characters are male too.
I really like the deltan medicine woman, cruella, and I think it would just be neat if there’d been more female characters like her. (A female bob would be interesting, too! Not sure if that would work, but if would be a cool variation)
Please never stop writing Bobiverse books, i need atleast 20 more before i can die.
I just finished reading the current books in the Bobiverse series again and came here looking for news about more books. And there is news! Not just news of one, but definitely two new Bobiverse books in the future and the possibility of more!
I am looking forward to seeing how the Quinlin, Teresa, fits into the next book. (I don’t know how the species name is spelled as I listen to the books.) (Great narrator choice, by the way.)
Really enjoying the upset Christian fundamentalists here.
After Trump’s disaster of a presidency and seeing shows like The Handmaids Tale, I hope we can all more easily envision a future where a powerful Theocracy is a genuine threat to the safety of humanity.
Keep up the good work.
are you still alive??? uve published nothing for years, whats happenning with your stories??? are you writing anymore to outland? is there going to be any more bobiverse???
Author
See “Status of Things”
Dennis,
There’s 48 guys here at the jail I was stuck in for the past 7 months.
Our library had your first Bobiverse book and it got passed around. Once we got hooked, certain images with supporting families took turns buying each one of your books.
We loved your vision of the Bob verse.
Thanks soo much for keeping my mind off my situation. You literally kept me engaged enough to not off myself while stuck in there.
I found myself actually chuckling out loud during many lonely, dim light nights alone in my cell.
would you consider doing what Eric Flint did with 1632 and create a group to give suggestions to help develop the Quantum Earth Series?
I am blind and Web pages are very, very difficult. Would you consider sending an e-mail answer.?
Author
The FB group Fans of the Bobiverse is already doing that, although I haven’t been visiting as often as I should. I’m avoiding a lot of social media these days, not as an official policy but just because of all the baggage.
Leave the baggage at the airport and fly away lol . Your stories are fantastic . I would love to see some more peeks into the future of different factions within the old USA out shoot. I would like if you could make it less binary for the USA example include all different religions. It would be funny if secularists and atheists were fundamentalit’s . did some religions adapt to science like some are today. I mean the big bang theory was written partially by orthdox jews. I am a reform jew myself I noticed the use of a little com.on tongue yiddish…i mean you could have fun with this tongue and cheek. Have you ever seen history of the worlds ending lol.. I know it’s tricky but i would Crack up when I heard bobs thoughts if a war possibly could happen over humans fighting over who owns what land on earth it would show the cycle of stupid yet again but at the same time maybe it we could get a funny but well written fix . I think the cycle at this point in the book may e doesn’t stop but changes. After all Bob has to deal with all the human baggage too and in the end in a way I think he will realize he is still part of the human race in a way and he will really redefine what it is to be human for humans on all the world’s and himself ….. after all he will have to choose what’s worth carrying in the end and what’s just baggage.
Love the books. When are they going to get translated? Lots of people asking, including my sci-fi nut Italian friend. Easy money to be made, no?
Author
My agent is working on it, but no signed contracts yet. If enough people scream at an Italian publisher, it’ll help motivate them.
I have read every one of your books . All great reads! Please.. Outland was among my favorites . Please get the next one to us !!
Big fan of your work! Your teaming up with Ray Porter on the Audible versions is also PERFECT.
I am wondering if he will be included in your next OUTLAND/BOB projects?
Just thought I’d send a quick message of appreciation. I had a painful and problematic tooth extraction shortly after I discovered Legion books on Audible. Bob got me through the operation and the following couple of weeks of recovery keeping my mind off the pain. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Can’t wait to hear/read more in the future.
I LOVE the Bobiverse books! So much so that I’ve actually listened to them on Audible multiple times. When I say “multiple times” I mean I have listened to book #1 well over 100 times!! I’ve listened to books #2 & #3 roughly 10 times and book #4 at least 50 times!! I tend to fall asleep listening to one of these books every night for over a year now.
With that said, I’d like to convey how much I despise the changes you’ve made in narration on the audiobooks!!! WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU CHANGE PERFECTION????? AND HOW DO I GET THE ORIGINAL VERSIONS BACK????
I truly hate the new lines you’ve inserted & the little words you’ve changed here & there. Seriously, how do I get the original versions back?
What are you talking about?
Author
At some point, Ray Porter re-recorded book 1 to correct the “Archimedes” pronunciation. A lot of people seem to like the first version better.
Happy Christmas Dennis! Just started to listen to Bob for the (probably) 5th time. I’d so much appreciate it to explore the bobiverse a little further than possible with the present 4 titles 😉
Greetings from a German fan
Hi Mr Taylor,
I just finished listening to all of the Bobiverse.
Awesome, simply awesome!
Thanks so much.
Kelly
Hello Mr Taylor
I listened to your Bobiverse Books on Audible (just starting for a second time). They are really great and I hope you will go on to write about the Bobs. 🙂
But there is one Question:
Why did you mix up the chronology of the chapters? I mean in chapter 51 we hear about Bill in 2174, in 52 about Riker in 2168 and in 53 it is Bob in 2166. That seems a bit confusing. I know we have to consider the speed of light before it comes to FTL-Communication. But is this the reason? Or is it because of dramaturgy?
Sorry if my english is a bit funny, but it is not my mother language.
Thank you very much
Simon
Author
I arranged the chapters several different ways during development. I tried chronological, I tried strict alternation, I tried running all the chapters for each sub-plot together. None of them worked. The final order is based strictly on dramatic effect, subject to not having Bobs receive a message before it’s mentioned that it was sent.
Hi Dennis-
Just finished my third time through the Bobiverse series. It means a great deal to me! I am now listening to it again with my 11 year old science infatuated son. We are about halfway through book 1 and he is hooked!
Unrelated question/comment: I would love to know more about the Bobiverse, the thinking/planning that went into it, your process and more about you in general. Podcasts are usually where I go for this kind of thing when I discover a new person, topic or piece of content I am interested in. However, from what I can find you have only been on a couple pods. Is that because you want to keep a low profile? Or maybe you aren’t asked very often? Considering the legion (sorry, couldn’t resist) of fans, not to mention the legion of podcasts (there are many. OK, that’s the last one) it would be odd if you weren’t asked all the time?
Looking forward to your next offerings. All the best to you and yours!
Author
I’ve been on quite a few podcasts, I think about a dozen–including an interview at Google, which was a lot of fun.
Is that Biocentrism I hear creeping into Heaven’s River?
Hey Steve,
Loved the Bobiverse. It’s been a tough year, but Sci-Fi and especially that Bobiverse trilogy + 1 got me through. Bloody good reading!
Thank you.
Ok, Bob.
Dear Mr. Dennis E Taylor, I love the Bobiverse and all your books, please write more!!! I am about to be 62 and I don’t know how much longer I will be here to read them, oh unless… just joking.
or Unless..some kind of replication?
No, ignore that. Seriously( ish), I have read the actual physical Bob books now ( it took a while for them to be distributed here in England), and also I get to be read to all the time by the wonderful narrator- Ray Porter and despite (whilst awaiting new from you) reading classic Bradbury, Asimov, PKD, Brandon Q Morris, and others, I am waiting really only for new Bobs. No pressure. so, when are you going to release a new Bob, please?!!!!!
Elli , from England.
PS my god, you can see that I am not a writer. terrible grammar etc.
please write new Bobs?! I am getting to know them by rote.
Thank you so much for the Bobiverse!
A passage in Heavens River really struck with me. I have read it to so many of my friends in person, and online. I try to spread it to as many people as possible. It is the passage where Bob is talking to Theresa, and they are talking about the Golden Rule.
“If I treat you how I want to be treated, I’m not taking into account your desires.” Theresa made an imploring gesture. “If you are a Unitist and can’t eat land meat, but land meat is my favorite, the Silver Rule says I’m behaving morally by offering you a steak if you’re hungry. But of course you won’t eat it and in fact may be offended. So the Silver Rule is still to a large extent about me and my desires. However, with the Golden Rule, I am obligated to take into account your beliefs and preferences when deciding how best to behave toward you. Does this not produce a better result?”
I imagine, if we had a golden rule that taught us to treat people as they would like to be treated, we would have a very different, kinder and more just world.
And this also touches me profoundly:
“What deities give you aren’t rules of morality,” Theresa responded. “They are just rules. Do this and you will be rewarded. Do that and you will be punished. That’s how we teach our pets not to relieve themselves in the house. One would hope that true morality involved more than learning not to poop on the rug by being rapped on the nose!”
[…]
“In fact”, Theresa continued, “I believe that it is only possible to acquire true morality without input from a deity. It is only when you do something because you believe it is the right thing to do, instead of because of any moral desserts, that you are acting morally. Likewise, it is only when you refuse to do something because of the golden rule, rather than because of a threat of punishment, that you are behaving in a moral manner.”
Thank you for that!
Oh My Gawd of course the Creator of the Bobiverse would have a COMMENT FORUM.
It must help to be a programmer huh?
There are 3 things I knew for certain just from reading your books:
1) This guy knows code
2) this guy loooooves coffee!!
3) this author would be fun to talk to someday
I never thought I’d have a chance to reach out, but since I’m able to and it’s so clean & straight forward to post something here I’ll say:
Dennis E. Taylor
Thank you so much for writing the Bobiverse series. It is my favorite Sci Fi series made in this Millenium. Seriously, thank you.
Post Note
I really enjoyed reading Outland. I saw it never gathered the cult following of the Bobiverse books, and those are a gift to humanity, so it’s a good call to focus on them, but I am really glad that you’re writing a sequel. I want to know where things are heading in that universe (multiverse?).
Post Post Note
I really think that you’re on to something with your 3 dimensions of spacetime. I really like the idea. I know it’s fiction, but hear me out: Stephen Hawking talks about “imaginary time” which sits at right angles to “real time” and can be described by complex numbers. Mathematically it works & it represents possibility space. “Imaginary” time is all the other possible outcomes, which are reasonably described, mathematically, as being at right angles to current realities (real outcomes).
I’ve played with this idea for sometime. What it doesn’t explain is why certain things happen and certain things don’t. Even interjecting a multiverse doesn’t simplify the matter at all. It actually makes everything infinitely complicated. Why doesn’t EVERYTHING happen then? Sean Carrol would tell you that everything does happen, they just happen in very low probability amplitudes… well that’s actually the fix here! Probability is described by the wavefunction, and it is this amplitude of probability being stronger for certain events that “pools” reality towards realizing the most probable outcomes. Microscopically it’s probabilistic, but on the microscope it’s more like gravity.
So, time is 3D
It has “flow” [direction/causality/entropy] + “possibility” [imaginary-time/all-possible-outcomes/right-angle-to-flow-of-time] × “probability” [quantum-wavefunction].
Thanks for listening to me rant. I love your work. I buy everything you write. My brother & I love your work. Thank you for everything you create. It’s brilliant & wonderfully creative. I’m listening to your novela Feedback for the millionth time.
—Shayn From Earth, Super-fan
A fellow author and former programmer. Fan of your Bob novels due to the engineer POV.
Would you be interested in a few SpG comments from book 2? (mostly stanch vs staunch, commas, etc?)
Scott
Thank you for an entertaining series with the Bobs. I went the audiobook route and Ray Porter is excellent. As noted in an earlier comment, I heard his voice when I read your “About me” section.
Best wishes and look forward to more installments.
Dennis,
Hope all is well. I just reached out to your agent regarding an upcoming project. My co-founders and I are game industry veterans and we are about to start development on a new game with a deep focus on story. We’d love to commission you to write the game’s story.
Just started on the second Bobiverse audible book and it struck me- why are there female characters in leadership? Why can’t the female deltoids learn to make flints?
Dennis,
I loved the Bobiverse and The Singularity trap, I was so bummed when book 4 ended but happy when I found The Singularity trap. I am a long time Trekkie and I love how you use science and well crafted theoreticals akin to Roddenberry, it makes the stories real. And Dennis Porter is a fantastic narrator. I was able to see the entire story in my mind, I felt as if I knew everyone which brought into the stories so much that I felt emotions. I am so looking forward to hearing Outland next.
I could easily see your books becoming a movie or in with the Bobiverse a Sci-fi series, I could see a fit with a J. Michael Straczynski collaboration.
Thank you again for the fantastic voyage.
Thanks Dennis. I was able to escape in your writing like no other books have done before. My wife is pregnant with our first child at the moment. To hell with Harry Potter! I can’t wait to read my children the Bob series.
Forever a fan,
Jon
Thanks Dennis very much for the Bobiverse series and Ray Porter is excellent narrator. Listened to all the books multiple times always finding more content I missed, just listened to Haven’s River twice now and understanding a little more of the Topopolis construction. I hope the next book will incorporate FTL and the fun the Bob’s can get into then.
Hello Dennis!
Another Dennis here! I’m an immense fan of the Bobiverse series, currently on my second re-read of the series. I’ve got a question, it’s sort of been nagging at the back of my head as I’ve gone through the series. It’s a little direct, I’m sorry, and might possibly be scandalizing. Is there a firm reason that the Bobs are sex averse? I ask just because it’s come up a few times in narrated commentary and dialogue across multiple Bobs in multiple books. Howard hasn’t put a uh. Relevant apparatus on his Manny, at least when asked indirectly in All These Worlds. And I think it was Bob 1 who felt a shrinking in his nether regions and commented that there wasn’t any reason for him to even have nether regions in For We Are Many. It’s just a very… particular trend, and it’s showing up in many Bobs at different points in different genealogical lines. While psychology/sociology/physiology weren’t his strong suit, it seems like a very firm position for a guy who had multiple daily panic attacks over a breakup and then separately commented on appreciating a woman aesthetically in We Are Legion (We Are Bob). I mean have the men not masturbated in centuries? I wasn’t expecting a direct confirmation of them taking some uh… personal time. But I was surprised to get the exact opposite. Did F.A.I.T.H. leave that out of the endocrine simulation?
Thank you for your time and I’m sorry if this was a little more than you were expecting from this comment section.
All the best,
Dennis
Author
Bobs as replicants are far more in control of their baser instincts than a human would be. And FAITH would have tried to minimize libido anyway.
Huge fan of your books. I’m dyslexic so I listen to them on audio books. I have listen to them an embarrassing amount of times . I just wanted to thank you. Your books are wonderfully entertaining. I love that you have at least two more coming.
Thank you for the Bobiverse books.
I have read them twice. When will you publish the next book?
The Heaven’s River ending made me want to jump on Amazon and buy then next book to find out what he was going to do- to grant his old alien friend’s wish. The one he met on the river who had grown old. I think I know, but I want to read it in a new book from the series.
Sorry, I was really getting into the story friends Bob had made. I do hope you read this and realize how much many of us are anxiously awaiting to next book.
Thank you for hours of good reading.
Sky
Hello Mr Taylor!
My 15yr old son & I are huge fans of yours – so much so that my son was inspired to write a chapter of some Bobiverse based fan fiction. I think it’s brilliant, but I am of course biased…
Regardless, to have your writing motivate a 15 year old boy into doing some of his own writing is just phenomenal, and I thank you very much for that wonderful gift (aside from the gifts of all your stories of course!).
Is there a way I could please share his story (at least with you if not others)?
Many thanks,
Gene
Hi Dennis,
I am truly kinda fangirling as I write this because I do so love your books and the Bobs in all their various manifestations. (And Outland and Singularity Trap) With Ray Porter as the reader, your Bobiverse books kept me going for many hours as I traveled around the state of Maryland seeing my homebirth clients for appointments and births. Knowing I got to get just one more chapter in kept my road rage on I-695 down to simple grousing and grumbling.
I am about to publish my debut novel, A Merry Life. Set some three hundred years in the future, my main character, Kat Wallace, is scrappy, enterprising and does not suffer fools. I think you might enjoy meeting her.
As you know, requesting endorsements is part of the publishing process and I figured, why not aim for the stars when it comes to who I ask. I was unsure what the best way to contact you to ask for such a boon, so here we are.
If you are providing endorsements and think you may be interested, I would be happy to provide you with a description of the book and/or I can send the full manuscript.
If you are not in a place to read and provide endorsements or the book is not of interest, I completely understand. But I did figured, nothing ventured….
Thank you for taking the time to read this far. I cannot wait for more of your stories.
Warmly,
Sarah
Author
As a rule I don’t do endorsements as I’d need to read the book first, and that takes a big chunk of my time.
Makes perfect sense! I definitely do not want to slow down the writing process. I do appreciate you taking the time to respond so quickly. Best to you.
Do you know when Heaven’s River will be published in french?
Merci
First and foremost, i’d like to say thanks. Your books have done numerous things to help me in a lot of trying times. The most recent being a few hours of reprieve at work from thinking about my divorce, the uncertainty of my future, and how to be a single dad at 25. However, they have also been a huge inspiration to continue writing myself. I wont plug anything here as that would be bad taste, and I don’t have anything (lol).
There is so much to take away from all of your books that I try to use in my own daily life, and I appreciate that.
Your books are not held by my local library. Do you authors get any say on whether their books are in public libraries or not? Do you get any financial compensation for it?
Author
There’s a system for libraries to order books that doesn’t work with Amazon POD. We’re switching over to a more traditional publishing model (Ingram Spark) that should soon make it possible for libraries to order books.
… did my comment really not get approved?
Thanks Dennis! I’ve recently found out about your Bobiverse series from Leo Laporte and Steve Gibson from their Security Now podcast. I’ve spent the last week binging on your first book and found it as a wonderful retreat from reality. I find each of the Bobs relatable and absolutely love the idea of forgoing Star Trek’s “Prime Directive” on new civilizations. I can’t wait to see what happens next with the Deltans!
Dude what’s going on? No new books for a couple of years. Anything in the pipeline?
Author
Roadkill is coming out this August. Earthside is in final edits and will probably be out by the end of the year. Bobiverse #5 is currently being worked on.
Still don`t know if GUPPI is a real boy…
You have to write another one. Looking forward the 5th bobiverse book. 😉
Hi Dennis,
I’ve read all your book. They are the books that brought me the SF realm.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the Bobiverse series.
I just finished the Singularity Trap and immediately started looking for book 2. So disappointed that it won’t be a series
The ending has definitely left a huge window for it.
Anyway, I will wait patiently for the next book
Thank you for your creations,
I do hope you’re having a nice time!
Cheers,
Thank you so much for the Bobiverse series, listened to them on Audible (the narrator is great!)
I’ve listened to the series four times now!
I hope you manage many more books in the series.
Enjoyed the other two too.
Dennis, if you ever get to West Michigan, you have an open ended invitation to a spaghetti dinner and coffee. Sadly, this may involve a trip through Indiana or Ohio. Sorry about that, …even more so if you live in Indiana or Ohio. (Indiana and Ohio, I’m kidding, mostly. You both have better roads, and that’s where the jealousy begins.) Dennis, I very much enjoy your books. Thanks. Did I mention, coffee?
Please tell me there is more Bobby Verse coming. Let haters hate, I found the books to be different to most Sci Fi that I have read, while a challenge to follow at stages and some parts missing (in my opinion) they were very very interesting and fun
Love the Bobiverse series! I’m on my 5th or 6th run through the series currently. Also a big fan of Outland and cant wait for the next instalment.
Just wanted to say thank you, your works have gotten me through many a long and boring drive across Canada. Often making me wish the drive was longer so I could continue the story.
I love your work! Now, about chairs…
While I am a serious fan, I have an unusual question. I would like to spend time writing (most likely for fun) but I can’t seem to find a comfortable chair. I’ve tried office chairs and gaming chairs but after several hours they just don’t pass muster. May I ask what type of chair you use to do your writing? It’s an odd question but I hope you will entertain an answer as I really am struggling and don’t know who else to ask. And of course, if I get a response I can say that I had a chair recommendation from my favorite author. 😀
Fondest Regards,
-Dave
Author
TBH, my favorite chair is a padded deck chair with a footrest, outside on the patio or sundeck. It’s more about the environment for me.
Hi Dennis! Just wanted to take a moment say thank you for all of your amazing work! I discovered your writing a couple years ago while looking for a new audiobooks to listen to while I drive around for work. I came across book 1 of the Bobiverse series and quickly became obsessed. I have since gone on to read everything I can find of yours, some of them multiple times(I have now completed the available Bobiverse series 3 times and am forcing myself to read other books before staring it for the 4th time). I can’t wait for your next release! Thanks again you are an amazing individual!
Hey dude – google’s summary of you is a little weird. I think it’s picking up info from a comment someone left here on the page. The first thing it says under your site is, “I’m a christian and a fundamentalist”, which is content posted by someone named “Harry” on this page. Just thought you should know.
Author
Yeah, it’s pointing to a comment by ‘Harry’ partway down the page. Nothing I can really do about it. I certainly don’t want to delete Harry’s comment, since he unintentionally validates WALWAB while complaining about it.
Google knowledge panels can be claimed and edited by the person they are about.
Wow. I love the Bobiverse Series. I am a programmer as well and appreciate your style and flavor of writing. I can’t wait to get to Book 5 when it comes out
Just wanted to say I absolutely love your books. I’m now listening to the Bobiverse audible books again, for the fourth time (not in a row). I originally found you back a few years ago through Scott Sigler. I don’t remember if it was a mention from him or a discussion with other Junkies.
But thank you for sharing your talent!
I wonder if the Bobs will invent fast than light travel and leave the galaxy? There’s so much more out there I’m sure they would find interesting!
We are Legion (We are Bob) — this is/was (and will be) MARVELLOUS.
THANK YOU *SO* MUCH.
I can’t wait to read/listen the next books from the quadrilogy!
Hey, Dennis!
Ich liebe die Bobiverse-Trilogie +1!!!
Und alles andere, was ich bis jetzt von Dir in die Finger gekriegt habe!
Ich bin auch Mountainbiker!
Was, “Autor im Ruhestand”? Ich hoffe, das ist ein Witz, den ich nicht kapiere!
” … ein paar(!) Stunden Unterhaltung … ” DAS ist ein Witz, den ich kapiere!
Klasse Typ!
Hi Dennis …
I want to give you a great big thank you for Outland, which I’ve listened to on Audible about five times now … I’m getting to the point I can remember huge chunks of dialogue verbatim! Not crazy about the narrator – he sounds like a wanna-be Chandler Bing – but the story and the characters are solid!
I’ve heard that the next volume will be out in January, which is great news!
I’m thinking, if you want to pursue a new take on the Outland story, you should have the whole group move to a more amenable location. Because they want to add to their group, and because they need a place that can actually support everyone, the most logical thing would be for them to relocate to the shores of Lake Michigan … probably a large population still alive (unlike moving west) with Omaha, Des Moine, Chicago, Milwaukee, etc. … lots of water, lots of good solid arable land, lots of fish, all things that you don’t find in the middle of the prairies. Just a thought.
So keep up the good work … lovin’ it! /Lorrie
I have enjoyed every book you have put out so much and really enjoyed the audio versions as well. I am a 71-year-old who likes to escape the rat race of managing Government intelligence and national security programs by reading or listening to books. I have laughed out loud many times when listening to your books on audio and enjoy Ray Porter as a narrator. I just wanted to thank you for your books, and I wish you a long and successful continuation of your journey as a writer.
If Theresa is not going to be the first non-human replicant, I will be really pissed. Just to let you know. xD
Hi Dennis. I’ve plowed through your first three books, and absolutely loved them. I am sure this has probably been brought to your attention, but I think you’ve been using the word agoraphobia incorrectly in all three books. You’re using it to describe a fear of empty spaces, when it means the opposite (it’s actually a fear of crowds). I looked up the term you’re intending, and it’s “Kenophobia”.
Respectfully,
Nick
With respect, I and I understand that technically you are person with some sense of autonomy but I think the world would be a deeply better place if you just stopped writing your “other” book and produce content for the Bobiverse constantly…. You can still sleep a little I don’t need a book a day, a new entry into the Bobiverse per week will be fine. I just want you to consider the damage you are doing every time you do a thing and that thing is not writing a Bobiverse book…. Just consider what im saying and do the right thing: right thing: MORE BOBIVERSE NOW AT ALL COSTS!
Is there a GeoJSON of all the locations mentioned in Outland? Or even a CSV/Excel sheet.
Cesium is a really fun debugging platform for geospatial content. it would be fun to transform the GeoJSON into something that renders a timeline of events in Outland, including the ash cloud progression.
https://cesium.com/platform/cesiumjs/
I have been trying to preorder Roadkill (Release Date 8/4/22) from Audible for the last few weeks, and have been unable to find it on their site. Does anyone know when it is supposed to be available for preorder.
Author
I’m a little surprised myself. It’s been recorded, there’s no news of any issues. It is getting close to release date.
Edit: And the preorder is up, next day.
Thanks for answering, I’ll keep checking for it.
I drive over 50,000 miles a year for work and listen to a lot of audiobooks, and very rarely do I listen to a book more than once. I have listened to all of your books multiple times, the only author I can say that about. I’m re-listening to Outland right now, and looking forward to the sequel in January. Keep up the great work!!!
I saw it went up over the weekend, and I preordered it. Thanks for taking my money!!!
Dennis, thanks for your book “We Are Legion”, I was recommended this book as one with no FTL travel, wiki says you write hard fiction.
Why have you introduced FTL communications near end of 1st book? I don’t see how plot would be much less interesting with Bobs be able to have VR only with ones in same star system and waiting some years for new tech be available to all.
Or maybe you do believe there might be FTL comms not allowing to send info to the past? TIA
Author
If you’ve only read book 1, then you aren’t yet aware of how SCUT affects the entire series narrative.
Just finished Heaven’s River.
I enjoyed it a lot. I did feel it wrapped up a bit quick, though that just left me with more questions and wanting the next book!
Will the (a faction)Bobs try controlling drift by implementing Thier own Eugenics program? Lots of issues there,.. hehe.
Two Bobs could produce one clone with mixed drift so to speak. Sort of maintain the current drift while still producing new individual Bobs.
I’d love to see a reenactment of when 2 Q had a child on Trek, now that would be funny! The Bobs seem to have a few issues in common with the Q, or will do.
New Book Day(Roadkill)! Thank you for being an amazing writer.
-an electrician-
So, I just found out this is audio-only. How long until the text ebook is released?
Author
See the first entry in the FAQ page: http://dennisetaylor.org/wheres-the-whatever-version/
Hi Dennis, I found and read a copy of your book and it was a real pleasure, so how can I send you couple of bucks for you directly: do you have paypal/patronite/buy me a coffe/ or favorite charity?
Hey Dennis! Just wanna share I really enjoy your work, creativity and what you have created. The bobiverse is one of my favorite books that I recommend to everyone. Kudos to having a public forum where you can hear from your fans.
Thanks again!
Just finished listening to Roadkill. Another entertaining and imagination provoking story. Thanks a lot for keeping them coming. Any plans for a sequel?
Just finished Roadkill for the second time, great story and narration. I’m looking forward to whatever comes next! Daughter is enjoying too, although I have to explain most of the references – not sure teenagers have any idea about Star Trek or Star Wars. My younger son is hooked on Skullduggery Pleasant and Podkin One Ear! – I will attempt to convert the family on the next road trip!
Dennis. I could go on for hours spouting accolades about your work and Ray Porter’s narration. However, I will summarize my thoughts with this. Your books are carrot cake and Ray Porter’s narration are cream cheese frosting…a PERFECT combination. Thank you for so many hours of mind expanding delight. My only wish is that you could write them faster than I can listen to them….but then sometimes the wait makes the cake sweeter…
During a discussion last week, it came up that it would be cool if there could be crossover between some of your book series. The Roadkill and the Outland series seem to be in the same timeframe and possible. One of the elements of Roadkill seems to be in step with Outland also.
Sheldon (my favorite Roadkill character) in the Bobiverse would be EXTREMELY interesting and entertaining, but I also realize the time gap between the two series would be an issue without some kind of SciFi “magic”.
Anything is possible in SciFi and fiction, but is this something you have ever or would consider with any of your series?
Hey Dennis,
I just wanted to thank you for your work. I practically cried when I realized I was out of Bobiverse content. Perhaps this is more my fault than anybody else’s (due to my own selections in content I consume), but I feel like there’s a dearth of hopeful/optimistic contemporary science fiction content, and your books have really scratched that itch for me. Hugely inspiring for my own art.
I burned through all the Ray Porter narrated audible titles in less than three weeks, and I was astonished by the range of subjects and tones.
The early days while dealing with Medeiros/Brazil, VEHEMENT, etc were harrowing. Your description of human stupidity in the face of situations which obviously demand coming together are so nerve-rackingly accurate. All of the interactions with alien species were distinctive and satisfying to parse out. The Others conflict felt too short to me and left me with a lot of questions, but at the same time, I really appreciate that it got to the point and didn’t eat up an entire book, and addressed how the Bobs would handle such a situation. As I said, there’s already enough violent and depressing science fiction out there, so it’s really damn nice to read a book where not every single alien is out to immediately kill us. I was disappointed to see an organization called “Starfleet” being so boneheaded, but I appreciate the storyline, and the juxtaposition between them and Will in the UFS. Your ultimate explanation for replicative drift was beautiful and bizarre, and I listened to that particular segment at least 10 times.
Overall, this is absolutely everything I want in a book series, and I’m already going through the stages of grief after realizing I’ve got to wait for more. Wishing you happiness and prosperity and all that good stuff!
Is there somewhere that isn’t Amazon/audible that I can buy your stuff? Or do you have something like a digital tip jar? (That doesn’t exactly help Ray Porter, your agent, or anyone else so it’s not ideal)
You’re hands down my favorite author and I want to support your work without supporting Amazon!
Author
See the FAQ for info on why I’m only listed on Amazon for e-books.
Dennis, in just one week I have completed the four books that currently make up the Bobiverse. It’s funny, but what drew me in was a couple of booktubers recommending them. No, what really got me was the first book’s title, “We are Legion (We are Bob)”. That title is brilliant, engaging, and ends up delivering every promise held within. I’m old enough to be retired, and remember a lot of earlier science fiction. What I was hoping for and partially received, was the whimsical, slightly off-kilter tone of many of the works of Robert Sheckley. Thank you.
Roadkill is a very familiar story – I liked it a lot
Hope this thread gets gathered in a future story
I just wanted to say, I haven’t enjoyed an author as much as yourself since Isaac Asimov. Keep up the good work. Recently I used Stable Diffusion to generate realistic human beavers standing like a man and the result was pretty epic.
Thank you!
Dear Dennis,
Needless to say that I am a die hard fan of all your work and I am on my toes until a new publication comes out. Now that’s out of the way, I wish to translate the Bobiverse Saga into Sinahala, (which is the native language of Sri Lanka). I’ve sent some emails to your publisher and I am still awaiting a reply from him. I would love to have your consent on this and I hope you would get back to me.
Thank you.
Author
My agent has discussed this with me and we both felt it would be ok. He may have forgotten to follow up. I’ll send an email reminder.
Just wanted to drop by and say thanks for writing the Bobiverse books! I was hooked and consumed them in the course of a few days.
One thing that threw me off, and I imagine it will throw off more people as time goes on, is stuff like this
> The organized chaos was—no, scratch that, there was nothing organized about this. The chaos was mostly confined to the common areas. Children were not allowed in the kitchen, as the women worked on the meal. Funny, two hundred years after Original Bob’s death, women still ruled the kitchen. Probably, I admitted to myself, because men would have just opened up a bag of chips and a jar of dip.
I get that everyone has different perspectives, but as a male who makes all the food in the household this felt so rigid and dusty that it completely took me out of the story like it came out of some 60s scifi classic.
Just returned from a long day trip up to Maine which gave us a chance to listen to the first half of Roadkill. Absolutely fantastic. We love listening to your books on long drives and wow do you have the perfect reader for your words in Ray Porter. His acting ability is great and we are now completely wowed by his portrayal of Sheldon. Love it. Planning a long trip we don’t need to take just so we can hear the second half (yes, we could listen in the living room but listening while on an adventure is our thing) Thank you for continuing to write the exact type of SF we love!
Oi, have you ever thought about using AI like Dalle-2 or MidJourney to illustrate the more difficult things some people are finding hard to ‘imagine’?
Can’t wait for book 5, mate.
Any chance you’ll be at the World Science Fiction convention in Glasgow 2024? It doesn’t come to the UK very often so I’ve signed up. Hoping that some of my favourite authors will attend.
Author
I’m not planning that far ahead right now.
Hi Dennis,
Big fan of your work, started with Bobiverse then Roadkill, Outland next. Also saw your post on triaging for the next Bobiverse. I like the way Heaven’s River took the perspective from different Bob’s with each chapter. Hoping the follow-on will have some perspective from the Trekkers and Skippies. For example, what did they see? Why such a brazen move? How did they justify it?
I was excited to see a new audiobook: Roadkill, was available and was going to order it on Audible until I noticed that the reviews were very mixed. Apparently, you have a political rant that takes a good portion of the book. I want an entertaining story – not interested in hearing anyone’s political ravings, no matter their side.
I purchased a few copies of the Bobiverse series for friends, and it’s sad to see that from now I’ll have to carefully vet your books before deciding to purchase.
Please focus on entertaining stories without the political drab.
Hey Dennis, I’ve been registering through the Bobiverse books for about the hundredth time working on a project and if you ever see this I have a question I’d really like to hear your answer to:
*major spoilers for anyone who hasn’t finished the second book btw*
Do you ever regret the killing off Butterworth? Was his death something you decided on from the start or a choice you made later on? Every time I think about the second book, I think about how genuinely saddened I was when he died, I was really looking forward to him becoming a replicant…. I get that the emotions there are kind of the point, but it just keeps sticking out to me as kind of a wasted opportunity.
Thanks if you ever see this, you’re books truly mean so much to my brother and I <3
Author
Butterworth had to die. Harsh as that sounds, the Bobs had to realize they couldn’t fix everything, and they needed to really feel the concept of ‘ephemerals’. Butterworth and Justin were the biggest triggers for this.
Hi Dennis,
I just wanted to let you know, that I really like your stories. Just keep on writing like that!
Since I always listen to them as audio books, I just want to add that Ray Porter is a very good match to your stories.
In hope for some more (audio)books with best regards,
Matthias
Hey Dennis,
Just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed the Bobiverse! Listened to them all on audio and the voice actor is amazing.
I feel like I’ve spent hundreds of years with the Bobs in VR.
Thanks for the amazing adventure thus far.
Live long and prosper.
I really enjoyed Outland. Will there be a sequel?
January 26th on audible. Make sure to preorder. I’m very excited and I’m sure you will too!
Enjoyed the first 3 of the Bobiverse series although not impressed with the aliens described. Niven level aliens they’re not. But understandable. Few get remotely close to Niven level imagination.
But on reading Heavens River – the woke catchphrase of “Far Right” was used and I thought “Woke” as the woke MUST introduce “far right” (English translation: Anyone who has a different opinion, replacing the childishly ridiculous “nazi”) in any argument periodical or in this case book. All of a sudden I’m looking at books I was considering, like Outland and it seemed I’d enjoy it….then the “heroes” were students. Considering current behaviour of students anywhere and everywhere in west, thats a put off. More “Far right” mentions ? No attacks on other side thinking differently as with Bobiverse which in retrospect was a giveaway ?
At least theres no attacks on Israel/jews (yet – and no, I’m not jewish just ordinary working class – 47 years non stop working – now retired bloke from Northern England, a former Laboour party worker who stopped with disgust at the party manipulated by middle class self-serving, self-important hypocrites)
Another giveaway I later remembered the Bobiverse “terror attacks” by white westerners not the ones actually doing terror attacks in real world ? Check – another classic of wokery.
I never really noticed all this until the wokes favourite word pairing “far right” – which is also used against working class in general by woke, laughably.
Yes, I suppose I am over-reacting. Over reacting to the rabid over-reactors I suppose. And cue the pompous wokies in answer, likely.
Just disappointed. After decdes without a modern equivalent of Poul Anderson, Asimov, Silverberg, Niven etc I had been surprised to enjoy Andy Weir’s books and the Bobiverse books untill the first doubts about woke ingratiating
I think ur taking this too far…. right?
I just purchased Roadkill on Audible and am quite a way into it – and thoroughly enjoying it! Ray Porter is THE person to read it. Everything he reads he does very, very well; I’ve even bought books simply _because_ he was the reader. It helps that he doesn’t have to work too hard (or at all) for this book (just like the Bobiverse and others).
“Don’t trip over your drool” :-). That one actually made me laugh out load – the people walking near me must have wondered what I was listening to :-).
Great books, can’t wait for whatever you come up with next!
Reading the bobs… Had to wonder if you hadn’t set it all up for one of the far reaching bobs to meet God… Kinda. Either a fleet of probes, or a couple with multiple replicants aboard. Who recorded their race before fleeing calamity. Similar tech, but one refinement. Can download copy into cloned body. Head of mission was scientist. Finds and adapts planet to return their race to life… First copies chose to live their own lives rather than be overwritten….. might get blowback from zealots. (Read that as gross understatement…). But might be an interesting read.
When will Roadkill be released in paperback? Thanks for writing such great stories!
Hello. I love your books. I was wondering if there would ever be a sequel to The Singularity Trap… I really enjoyed it and thought revisiting that part of the universe would be fun. Thank you
Author
I’m not ruling it out
Is your age a secret- i have read all your books and wait patiently for the new ones to come out. I takes me a lot less time to read them than it takes you to write them.
But your sense of humor- is the reason I enjoy your books. So i was curious if it is an age thing are we from the same era. But you do not list your age or birthdate
I wanted to thank you Dennis for your books. I have been reading a lot of SciFi since the early 70’s, starting with the classics like Heinlein, Clarke and Asimov. But I really have enjoyed you books (the Boboverse series and Outland so far). The reason is the following: your books have great ideas, but lack the angst that so many authors feel they need to include in their stories. Your stories are not noir but instead optimistic and leave me in a good mood. The real world has enough angst (I’m from Finland and we have 1340 km of border with Russia), so I have no need for angst in what I read.
I hope you write many more books, and that you keep them angst-free!
Regards,
Pär Andler
Thank you so much for your Bobiverse. Can’t wait for the 5th book! Since it’s 2/3 complete would you consider posting a chapter? Also from WALWAB who or what is credited with the Others crashed ship? Was it too obscure to consider having Milo find the consumed planet Alpine?
Hi, I’ve just found you! It’s unconscionable that, as an avid sci-fi reader, I had never run across your books before, but I’m mighty glad to have now. The Bobiverse series is absolutely wonderful – you have kept me up late, late, late into the evening reading the first two. Onto the next.
Just about finished my Third re-cap of the Bodiverse series again. Ray Porter is, and always will be the voice of Bob to me.
I love all of your work Dennis, but the Bobiverse, by far is my most favourite…”Top of the novels I’ve read list!”
Loved Road Kill. Will there be a second addition in the near future?
Just finished the 4th Bobiverse on Audiobook, can’t wait for book 5. Great job on this VERY entertaining story line. Keep up the great work.
Hay I loved Roadkill and was wondering if there is a possibility of a second and/or third book. I loved the concept and I have read a lot of “humans entering stellar travel” type books like the skylark by E.E. Doc smith, the three body problem series, or your other series the Bobiverse but this one caught me off guard and intrigued me. Hope there is more to that Roadkill universe.
Hi, my name is Matthew, I’m 25, from Australia and I just wanted to say thankyou for the bobiverse. I know it must feel strange for someone who you’ve never met to tell you how much you mean to them but these book honestly have made such a impact on me. The way you make surreal, scary, funny, sad and technical science fiction so digestible and fun is a testament to your talent. I never thought I could get so attached to a bunch of cubes floating in space who think they’re some guy named Bob but you did it masterfully. Homer still tugs my heartstrings and Howard and Bridget gave me the warm fuzzy’s. Once again thank you so much and I cant wait to see where the story goes.
Hello there,
I also wanna say the same stuff as well. I’m french highschooler and a huge fan and reader of Bob. I finished to read the 4th book and I just wanted to say that the bobiverse is helluva thing. I wanted to let the author know that I rlly appreciate this space stuff and I recommended these books to all my friends since the parution of the 1st book. I can’t wait for the 5th book! And again thank u for this SF serie! 🙂
Thankyou for the Bobiverse,really entertaining, loving it
Really enjoyed reading your works. I too am a retired software engineer, but, my riding is on 2 wheels where it’s warm!
I can actually see ‘Roadkill’ being made into a movie – nothing outside current CGI capabilities from what I read (hell, if Avatar is possible…)
Keep up the great writing…wish I had the imagination, there’s an old sci-fi novel ‘Lifeboat Earth’ that is begging for a sequel.
Dennis,
In reading the Bobiverse, I have laughed and choked back tears. It is a fantastical fun ride.
I have a bachelor’s in electrical engineering, the Bobiverse brought me out of a slump, got the creative juice flowing.. and it looks like I am going to work on a recreation of the front side of an Imsai 8080.
Just listening to “Earthside.” Unable to recognise Kevin’s voice, as he has lost his Asian accent. Also, Monica holding Bill’s hand seems strange, as he had designated her a bit of a psycho in the first book. Just saying- I’m only a few minutes in!
Any word on Bobiverse #5? On the edge of my seat!
Listening to “Earthside”. Participatory democracy is a form of anarchism. (It is misrepresented as chaos.) George Woodcock’s “Anarchy or Chaos” and “Anarchism: A History of Libertarian Ideas and Movements” helped me to appreciate the efforts of anarchists to be free of rulers.
I just wanted to thank you for the Quantum Earth seres. I found the 1st book shortly after it came out and have been waiting for more. I am almost done with book 2 and I only hope it’s not 4 more years for book 3. Only because I am not getting any younger. Anyway thank you for the world you have made and the wonders in it.
Hello, I’m a student at Birmingham city university studying design for performance, I recently used We are Legion (We are Bob) as a source to respond from which was good fun. The aim I wanted to achieve was to create some visuals from the book to make it looks like it should be from either a movie or tv show, however, my designs are not completely accurate as I needed to have my own influences included too but I thought there might be some of you interested to view them. The inspiration Was to turn it into more of a science fiction comedy similar to Hitchikers guide to the galaxy, although I also did contemplate turning it into a science fiction thriller too.
If anyone is interested in viewing my work of the Heaven-1 and Bobs VR room, please visit either my Instagram or Facebook pages and if you would like to know more about the designs feel free to drop me a message (unfortunately I can’t leave videos or image on here but nevermind haha!) thank you!
Instagram: lord_tomkinson_art
Facebook: George Tomkinson
Author
Consider posting them in the FB group “Fans of the Bobiverse”. I’m sure they’ll be interested. There’s already some fan art there.
A little disappointed to see your website is insecure and not up to date. I’d love to handle this for you for copies of the books as they come out :). Just finished quantum earth books. I have ready the bobiverse a few times now as well. Currently reading the singularity trap.
I just finished Earthside. Please find a better expletive. You seem to drop the B-bomb so many times that I began to wonder why this and no F- or S- bombs appeared in your book. Are you a misogynist? I crack up when I hear numbnuts or even bedoobies used by other authors, so why can’t you coin a better expletive? I am lucky to share my home with a female dog and can’t imagine anything about her being expletive worthy. Otherwise, I own and enjoyed two of your other books and will most likely continue buying your creative excretions. Write on, Peckerwood!
Loved all of Bobiverse and now Roadkill! Any chance Roadkill will get another installment? Starting Outland while I wait to hear.
Thanks in advance!
Gibby
I’m excited for the 5th Bobiverse book. I’m also a programmer, but not yet retired.
You might get asked this a lot, but do you read Andy Weir?
What are you reading now?
Recently finished Outland and just finished Roadkill. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both – to the point that I stay up too late on a work night reading them. It seems like you and John Scalzi have a lock on the perfect blend of sci-fi and humor.
I just wish the two of you wrote faster.
Such great books, I can’t wait for the surge drive to be invented!
I haven’t seen any comments on the Burt&Ernie Shuttle Service. It seems they might want to compete in luxuries for the awaken passengers.
Like Walle – cruise liners might be more attractive than the alien planets they orbit, so they would remain manned space stations.
Ch13 book 1,. 11:10sec “gigabytes”? (Probably mentioned, but ty for your time.
I just finished book #1 of the Bobiverse series and I’m wildly excited to get to book #2. If there’s a literary version of the phrase ‘eye candy’ it absolutely applies to We Are Legion (We Are Bob). It was such a fun ride through the whole thing. Thanks for writing the book(s)!
Hey,
Just wanted to say I am really looking forward to the 5th Bobiverse. Best of luck on it!
If it ever comes up I am an automation and controls engineer so if you need any information about that you can email me questions.
Love all your books! But, I have to mention one thing from Earthside. No one uses halothane anymore in the United States. It would be next to impossible to scavenge any because it just wouldn’t be in stock in any hospital or surgical center. These days everyone uses sevoflurane, occasionally desflurane, and VERY rarely isoflurane. I haven’t seen a bottle of halothane in over 15 years (in the US . . . still used in places like India and Guatemala).
You’ve probably guessed that I’m an anesthesiologist.
The fact I love reading books written by an old nerd makes me happy
Keep it up
Signed
Another old nerd
Dear Dennis,
I really like your Science Fiction. Very well thought out with some brilliant solutions. I was pleasantly surprized when you cited some of my own work (the no-deletion theorem) in Heaven’s River.
I might note that I don’t think a Dyson sphere is stable; not if it’s a uniform spherical shell. In that case, the gravitational potential is constant inside the shell and there’s no overall attraction to the sun (or vice versa). Any perturbation will cause drift with the sphere hitting the sun eventually. But the sphere doesn’t have to be complete, or uniform, so there are ways around it if necessary.
Keep up the really good work.
Best,
Sam
Author
Thanks. It’s always a pleasure when a real scientist expresses approval.
Agreed about the Dyson sphere. Also a problem with topopoli and ringworlds. I like to blame the Others’ species imperatives for planning a megastructure with known issues.
And sorry about massacring your theorem.
Greetings, Mr. Taylor.
Currently reading the Bobviverse saga for the n-th time 🙂
I think I might have found a typo, so here is my report for it:
In “We are Many”, Chapter 39, Bob-Moot, on the first page or so, it reads:
“At least Thor hadn’t altered his *physiology* to to match or started carrying around a hammer.”
I think that perhaps you meant “physiognomy”.
At first I thought that it could have been a rendition issue by Ray Porter, but then I checked the kindle version and noticed that it was read as it was written.
Thanks for making this fan so happy.
(Please note that this is maybe my fourth attempt to get this report to you; first I tried a DM on Twitter, which never got read. Then I tried a normal tweet, didn’t go through either, then tried via Audible tech support, who redirected me to your editor! Sadly, that didn’t get through either. I hope this gets to you, though. Any suggestions for reporting typos in the future? TIA!).
Cheers,
—
pancho horrillo
Author
I read all entries on this blog. Except spam, of course.
Thank you for many many hours of enjoyable commute listening to your interesting books. Started listening to I am Bob back in 2018 and was hooked and still am 7 books later. I must say Heaven’s River was not as great as I had hoped.
Just half way through the Outland now and loving it. Keep up the excellent work and stay well! Greetings from an engineer in Norway.
Loved Outland and Earthside!
Your politics are fine with me!
Can’t wait for book three!
Thank you.
Dear Dennis,
It’s Dennis again! Hello! I think I may have caught you in a continuity/physics issue. It is occasionally discussed, particularly in the second half of the existing series, that Bobs may have to choose between minimum travel times and keeping their tau low enough to continue engaging with in-system Bobs over VR. Time dilation, however, doesn’t actually get thaaat wacky until past 99.49% of lightspeed, at which point your relative perception of time is 1/10th of a “stationary” observer. So, the Bobs experience time at millisecond intervals, and are often having thoughts at those intervals that are about equivalent to what a fleshy human could do at one-second intervals. Bobs can also frame jack up at least a little without having to dismiss their VRs. So, if a Bob is traveling at 99.99999% of c, his subjective clock is running at 1/2000th of “stationary” time, which is half of a fleshy human’s idea of real-time. He jacks up to double his usual clock speed, everybody else jacks down to bio speed, and they can do VR without any difficulty. Depending on how far a Bob can frame-jack before dismissing his VR, they may even still be moving much faster than bio humans. If we’re satisfied with an ultra-limited VR for video calling, the Bob in transit might even be able to engage without the Bobs in-system having their schedules thrown off too badly. It seems strange that a Bob would voluntarily give up low-ish-hassle real-time access to Bobnet in order to gain less than a day of travel time for every 100 light years of travel distance. Unless, of course, they’re at war or are pouring as much energy as they can into a kinetic projectile. Or if this is all just putting emphasis on how extravagantly the Bobs are running away from one another, that they’d voluntarily go no-contact to save less than 3 years on some of their proposed 10,000-year-+-long journeys. Just a thought that I had.
All the best,
Dennis
Author
It’s not just a matter of frame-jacking. The issue is more that of the VR system, which for instance will have timestamp and synchronization fields in the packets. Bobs can still communicate via more traditional means at extreme tau. In fact, Icarus and Daedalus do so just before nuking the Others’ star.
Some Bobs keep their speed down, some don’t. It just comes down to personality.
Love your books. I Laughed constantly over the humor in your Bobverse, and I am enjoying Roadkill now.
But… (yeah, going there)
You can understand that if you made a bad military or scientific blunder, you’d be told about it.
Now imagine how I, as a Christian, feel about your harsh take on religion.
Me: “Now, wait a second…”
Having to deal with the writings of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens, and then finding similar veins of thought in my favorite fiction is disheartening.
For example, in Heaven’s River, the discussion of the Golden Rule: “Treat others as they’d like to be treated.” Then what about when you meet a masochist?
“If you are a Unitist and can’t eat land meat, but land meat is my favorite, the Silver Rule says I’m behaving morally by offering you a steak if you’re hungry. But of course you won’t eat it and in fact may be offended. So the Silver Rule is still to a large extent about me and my desires. However, with the Golden Rule, I am obligated to take into account your beliefs and preferences when deciding how best to behave toward you. Does this not produce a better result?”
That is a superficial view of the Golden Rule, but if it is true… then consider how best to behave towards religious people.
The difference between making a military or scientific ‘blunder’ vs a religious one is huge, the first 2 are demonstrably inaccurate, the other, may or may not be right according to your particular interpretation of your particular shade of your particular gods belief system.
Thankyou sir, you’ve given us a great gift. Kia ora and Kia kaha from Aotearoa. (Not that dumb New Zealand place with the Cranston and the Vehement!)
I believe that I live in the universes that you create. I will be making up my own as stories about Bill, Monica, Richard, Kevin, Erin and Susie because I just finished listening to Earthside. I started listening to your books with Roadkill…then Singularly Trap. I then listened to all 4 books in the Bobiverse and have just now finished Outland & Earthside.
I think I did this all in about 6 weeks. Can’t wait for more.
What are the chances of getting you to add a recommendation, or what you are reading page to your site?
I personally really enjoy seeing where my favorite authors are getting their inspiration from and would enjoy seeing what you are reading.
Thank you for taking the time to create these universes, if the Bobiverse (at least) never makes its way to film then there is something wrong with the world. I have recently discovered your work and am consuming your work at a rate of knots through Audible. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your sense of humour and creativity as a nerd by trade and science nerd by hobby, I figure there will be 10 types of people reading your books, those that get the humour and those that don’t.
I am fairly sure that I have read all of your works. I think my favorite reality is the Quantum Earth books. Is there a third book in the works? I love Bill and Monica!
I really enjoyed bobiverse, have read through it twice. I liked Outland. Earthside and Roadkill were enjoyable but the politics turned me off, was a slog to finish earthside. Glad to see you mention that others are not thrilled with the politics, hopefully you’re not too set on infusing it in your work which I’m enjoying so much apart from that. Will still keeping buying whatever you put out but hoping the politics are toned down.
Hi there! Do you happen to know if there are plans to add Whispersync to Heaven’s River? Sorry if this has been addressed already, I tried searching for answers online but the best I found was a Reddit post from 2 years ago with speculation that it would probably be added soon. Either way, love your books!
Author
That’s something you’d be better off contacting Audible support for.
Will do, thanks!
I love your work. Roadkill is great. Would you entertain creating a ten episode Netflix limited series based on it?
Author
Of course. But my agent would handle that.
Just about done here, totally tired of waiting for legion. I think that myself and others are ready to move on……..
Sorry, no disrespect the your artistry, but I am tired of coming to this page looking for an update only to find nothing. It’s been a little bit too long for me. Bob is fading from my mind.
I’m not saying your books aren’t good and your writing isn’t awesome. I’m just saying don’t write book series that you’re not going to finish in a timely fashion.
Also if legion isn’t your number one book? Why are you doing foreign translations in every fricking language on the planet. Bro…
In closing, I would just like to say that legion Is one of The best book series I have ever read and recommend reading this series. Just don’t expect another book anytime soon…
It is very admirable that Dennis keeps these kinds of nonsensical posts up on his blog. Atom – do you really think the reason that he hasn’t finished another Bobiverse book is because he is too busy translating them into other languages?
I feel better now after seeing your photo, as you are obviously a Gerry also, but like me, not the stereotype that you portray in the Outland series.
Looking forward to #3 – there will be a third, right?
Hi Dennis
Really enjoy your books, my daughters ask for them to be put on in the car as well when on road trips.
When did your fascination with gas giants, and Saturn specifically, start, and why?
Hi Dennis,
While moping and recovering from at some physical malfunctions, your novels. provided many hours of diverting entertainment. Best thing I’ve read since the Murderbot series (also wondering if you might have inspired Martha wells or vice versa.)
You have an extraordinary imagination and I applaud what you do with it but am saddened that there are no more of your books to read.
best regards from a fan,
Jeff
BOB!!! Please tell me there will be a fifth in the Bobiverse.
Check out this section of Dennis’ site called Status of Things: http://dennisetaylor.org/status-of-things/
This is from May 3rd:
The Bobiverse
The new draft of book 5 is finished. I’m doing edits, filling in the cracks, and looking for inconsistencies (debugging). It’ll be going to the editor in a couple of weeks.
Just finished Earthside! Thank you for another great book! It’s always a good day seeing another book being released by you! Keep up the great work, and thank you for sharing your stories with all of us.
As a long time SciFi reader I really loved the Bobiverse series. I hope you find the time to do more.
One suggestion and a couple of requests.
Please place character list and list of acronyms at the beginning of the books where readers can more easily refer to them.
I would love a more detailed explanation of both frame jacking and Tau. My impression is that the former refers to “slowing” subjective time and the latter refers to FTL but I’m not sure.
Also a better explanation of SCUT SUDDAR and the
CASIMAR drive would be great.
Finally, one of the best things about the Bobiverse series is your great sense of humor. Please don’t lose it.
I’m moving on to read the rest of your work and and grateful for your contribution to my personal recommended list.
I just discovered your books through an amazon recommendation a few months ago – and now I’ve listened to them all! So, when are more coming out? Also, I love the accuracy/believability of your stories, but imo, what sets you apart is your humor. That seemed to wan a bit in The Singularity Trap and A Change of Plans. Please keep the humor!
Author
Book 5 of the Bobiverse is currently in edits.
While I’m glad you appreciate the humour, it does have to be appropriate to the story and characters. Some of my stuff will be more serious than others, by design.
Hi Dennis,
Was thinking about the backups on the Bob’s and My 13 year old and I thought of a remedy.
If they could run a remote matrix parallel? So a live second copy that is still the same Bob. They share the double matrix, then if a heaven vessel gets destroyed in battle nothing really happens the home base matrix continues and no break in continuity of that particular Bob and his (consciousness) is still in-tact.
My 13yo and I were discussing this paradox question on the second round of listening waiting for book 5
Thank you for your work !!!
Thought you might like that idea?
my wife and I have read or listened to all of your books.
I am not a famous writer and have no experience that could directly relate to what it must be like to be you.
But I can empathize. The stress you must be under when I think of the demands on you.
I am not intending to add to it……
but please know that I look forward to more stories. Many more. Many, many more.
You don’t have to keep up to Stephen King or Ray Bradbury in quantity.
Just quality.
You can have a life.
Now get back to writing.
Just kidding,
We live in Port Hardy and your audiobooks make driving down Island defy the speed of light.
Have a great summer.
Thank you.
PS:
Do not worry about other people’s political opinions about your characters.
Even M&Ms are under attack these days. Lol.
Since Trump, the creepy haters have been on the loose. It will take some time to whack-a-mole them back under their respective rocks and we regain sanity and respect.
Thanks Dennis. Your books bring me joy and escape. My wife will ask me “ Are you listening to those space books about otters again? That’s like the fifteenth time..”
Yes. Yes I am.
So fun. I’ve read or listened to all your books. We travel a lot and have you on audible ;my husband loved Roadkill. Heavens River is also a family favorite.You certainly can write a better book! Ray Porter is an excellent choice as narrator. I have Outland and Earthside on my phone and listen while driving, gardening or doing chores. One ends and I switch to the other and back again. Please please do another in that series. There is a basic optimisim that is very appealing. Like many of your fans I enjoy puzzling over the engineering and life challenges the characters work through. But it’s the humor and positive approach combined with the science and the plot twists in your books that is so appealing. So many sci fi books are just dreary.
About Earthside (Quantum Earth Book 2): (caution, may contain spoilers)
Some of these engineering student don’t see the forest for the trees.
They have a method for permanent gates.
They have an unlimited source of heat (Greenhouse Earth)
They have an unlimited sink for heat (Glacier Earth)
It should be a no brainer to combine these.
Run a loop of water pipe to Greenhouse Earth and back for hot water an heating.
Run a loop of brine pipe to Glacier Earth and back for cooling/storage.
Run a tap to Glacier Earth and have a source of high pressure potable water.
No Hi-tech needed (except for the initial gate).
And since you can’t eat copper pipe, there should be enough left on earth to be scavenged.
Author
All true, but remember they just discovered permanent gates. None of that would have been practical using active gates.
Well, I saw these possibilities in the short time I read your book. And I’m not a genius.
You could do even a four way heating station on Yellowstone (prime) Earth.
Pressurized water comes from Glacier Earth.
Hot gas comes Greenhouse Earth.
Cooled down gas goes to Vacuum Earth.
Hot water goes to Outland Earth (Rivandale)
If something goes boom, the mess will be on Yellowstone Earth.
And I don’t think that you can screw up prime Earth any more than we or the Yellowstone volcano did.
exactly what I was thinking – almost too easy – which of course is problematic from a writing viewpoint. With multiple earths to pillage and with differentials to take advantage of, you would soon have a utopia… can’t have that!
So – I’m thinking that by connecting two earths with a tunnel, you encourage them to ‘combine’. In other words – our heroes invention really did cause the yellowstone eruption so that 10,000 years later the two earths would merge.
Hi. I listen over and over to your books. I love a project plan based character. Will there be more Quantum Earths?
Hi Dennis,
I somehow missed the announcement of Roadkill, and Earthside just came out. Timing couldn’t be better; I’m set for a vacation trip overseas and will have lots of time for reading both of them.
Still working at the old place – but only for a couple more months. So glad you are hammering away at these books – I’ll have lots of time in retirement to read them again and again…
Best,
Programmer Rob.
Hey, I have a few thoughts on your de-evolution theory in Heaven’s River, and I think it’s unlikely to happen. 😉
Brains are expensive, but evolution is prone to reinforce itself. Look at fiddler craps. At one point bigger claws might have been advantage, so females began to prefer males with larger claws. Nowadays these claws are useless, but they kept getting bigger and bigger because codified mating behaviour is an advantage all of it’s own. Should their environment change in a way they needed both claws for feeding, they are more likey to die out than have their claws shrinking. There are countles more examples where sexual preference has resulted in extreme body features that are otherwise not practical.
I once saw a video of someone training a simple AI to play “snake”. It learned to avoid the edges and it’s own body, but it’s strategy was to always go all the way down, then left and up. That worked and was reinforced with every iteration, until it stopped working, because the snake became so long that it blocked the whole field. At that point the AI hit a dead end, falling victim to it’s own success. It didn’t have to deal with that until it became very succeful, and once it did, it wasn’t flexible enough to cope with it, because it would have required a whole new strategy.
Humans have evolved to prefer intelligence, and that accelerates in our modern society, where intelligent people tend to have more money and a better life. So the preference for larger brains is codified in our genes. Take away the money and the tech, and we will still prefer intelligence when choosing a partner, even if it were a disadvantage in our environment. Which it is not in Heaven’s River, because there is enough food for everyone.
Good (whatever time it is you’re reading this).
I just finished Roadkill for the second or third time. It’s a great story and is hilarious! I don’t often even smile at jokes the author thought would be funny, but even on the latest read I was giggling at times – Sheldon is a hoot!
I think I’ve read everything you’re produced that’s available on Audible. Ray Porter is THE person to read your stuff, he’s awesome! All the stories are engaging, and thankfully your stories stand up to a second, third or more, read. I’ve listened to Bob probably 6-8 times so far. It’s one of my go-to series.
Not that I have a vote, but if you have an idea of what Ick and Dae go through on their way to the Galactic Center, that would be worth a listen too. Or where Bob ended up going?
Oh, and I like the 4 book Bob trilogy :-). Nice touch and shout out to Douglas Adams (even if it wasn’t intended to be).
Author
Ick and Dae play a major role in book 5 (spoiler!)
Hi,
I love Bobiverse and am reading the last opus in english version.
Do you mind have Heven’s river translated in french ?
‘Cause that’s something I’d really like to do.
btw I can not seem to sign up for updates on this site, it seems broken. please let me know when fixed.
Fun reads! Just went on a tear through your whole catalog and I am left with the phrase “Please sir, may I have some more?” Outland was personally my favorite however the Bobiverse comes a close second. Outland takes first because of one of my favorite novels of all time dealt with parallel universes, Heinlein’s Number of the Beast. He really managed to keep up with the times at the end of his career and wrote some of what I feel was his best work. BTW go Habs 😉
Dennis,
Love your books! I’ve read most , some more than once. I am curious if there will be a book 4 in the bobiverse?
From a replicated drift of yourself, albeit not so nearly as talented:
Absolutely astounding writing. The meme of Michael Fassbender and ‘perfection’ is most appropriate.
Special mention to my most treasured quip (paraphrased): “stereotypes are still a great first order approximation “
I missed being in the Bobiverse after finishing Heaven’s River, so I immediately started again from book one. It’s amazing how much I missed the first time around! Thanks for writing such fun books – I really, really hope you pursue spinoffs. My favorite characters are Bill, Hugh, and the Herschel/Neil duo. I loved Homer – I thought he was a lovable goofball and was disappointed in Riker for being such a jerk to him. Homer’s story was so heartbreaking… I actually cried.
Not a fan of Bridget – she does an awful lot of eye-rolling and how could she not like Star Trek? But how about a book about the adventures of Bob-1 and Theresa? Her intellectualism is a match for his and listening to them delve into philosophical matters is satisfying. They might even agree to clone simultaneously so their offspring could have partners 🙂
The best parts of the series, for me, were the inter-Bob friendships and relationships. Bob/Bill, Bill/Garfield, Herschel/Neil, Ick/Dae, Riker/Homer. Terraforming and other projects made me interested, but the loyalties and relationships between the “brothers” made me care.
I owe you another thanks: After a lifetime of reading sci-fi and other forms of fiction, I realized I had completely stopped reading books. Mostly due to an obsession with various online subscriptions and the news cycle. When a friend recommended the Bobiverse series I became hooked, and am now committed to reading every night before bed.
Book 4 is called Heaven’s River – it drags a bit but it has some amazing elements and a great ending, and hey, it’s the Bobiverse! Taylor is apparently working on Book 5 🙂
Would you be interested in working with or licensing your bobiverse for a PC and/or Board game?
Author
You would have to contact my agent about that, as there may or may not be other deals in the works.
Wow, a lot of comments. Lol.
Best Quote, Bob Vol 1:
No one wanted to share a planet….
So good. Thanks Dennis
Dennis,
Thank you for the great Bobiverse books. I’m about to start on book 4 and am looking forward to any other content from you in the future. I appreciate it!
I have every book and just finished a second reading of them all please please write another. Am 80;years old and my clock is about out of ticks and ticks
I miss poor Homer, my favorite character. Thoughtful, measured, modest, and so wise.
Has John Cleese ever commented on his role in the bobiverse ?
He must be aware that you write about him.
I’m ravenously listening to Ray narrate Outland to me. Choosing this over other things that vie for my time. I’ve purchased Earthside on audible. Basically from what I’ve listened to so far (50%), I want, I may NEED more books from this series. Do you have plans or have it in you to write more?
You inspired me. To be blunt: I spent my divorce, which took years, listening to your audiobooks. I found absolute solace in the universe you promoted. It had its failures, it’s wars, shortcomings, and pitfalls. Your character, the true character, was the writing. You kept us engaged, with hope, and with a longing for more. I’ve shared these stories to countless friends.
Dear Dennis, I finally got around to listening to the Bobiverse, and I have to say: thank you for writing the series I wish I would have written myself. By doing so, you have saved me a tremendous number of process steps and have freed up my time to pursue other value-add activities. This is a highly-efficient arrangement; clearly the world owes us both a debt of gratitude (well, you at least – me once I figure out just what the heck to do with all this free time).
Read both “Outland” and “Earthside” my compliments. But yes I do have a BUT, if you go back to that story( line( and I hope you do) you might have the crew clean out theniversity library.
I haven’t read all the comments above (there are kind of a lot lol) love the bobiverse books, they really get you thinking of what it might be like in the future… I am currently re-listening to the series in audible, and was thinking, something that would be a nice upgrade to the arsenal of the different heaven vessels would be multi-staged busters. If needed they could target 1 thing, but if more destruction was required they could split into smaller anti-personell busters. They could act as a single unit and all combine their casimir drives for some crazy acceleration, or split off and be like a shotgun round. Just a suggestion! Again love listening to the series! Hope to see many more in the future!
Hi, Dennis. You have another fan. The Bobiverse is awesome, and I’m loving the Quantum Earth series. I’m not used to binge-worthy audiobooks.
Hi Dennis.
I love all of your books and was hoping that there would be either a book 5 of the Boobiverse books or/and another sequel to the outland series. It would be an excellent thing to look forward to in the near future.
Keep up the excellent work.
I caught the “Skippies” reference to the Expeditionary Force book. Love it!
The whole bobiverse series kinda blows my mind to be honest with you. For the last year or so in my free time I’ve been working on a game in which you control self replicating probes sent out into space via a JSON API that you can use to get raw sensor data and queue commands. The entire time I’ve been working on this game, excluding the last month or so, i had never even heard of the bobiverse. Yet somehow I’ve managed to create practically a 1:1 version of it. Like honestly im in awe at just how similar of a world i managed to build by complete accident.
Unrelated, but do you happen to have any kind of donation link? I was gifted the bobiverse by a friend and would love to make sure you get paid for it but don’t want to just go out and buy extra copies.
Dennis,
Just a quick note of thanks for deciding to write sci-fi at night. First came across your work on Audible.com, ‘Roadkill’. Currently about 3/4 of the way through ‘Outland’ book 1 and already have book 2.
Hoping you continue to write and maybe add another book to either of these paths. Not much of a hardcore fan of sci-fi any more, but really enjoyed these two. May have to look at your other material as well.
Best of luck in your endeavors, from a retired submarine sailor.
A couple of years ago, I read “We Are Legion…” and was so delighted. I wondered where this author had been all my life. It was the same reaction I had when I read “Project Mona Lisa,” by Andy Weir – so you know you’re in good company!
A screenplay soon, maybe?
I’m currently listening to Outland and really enjoying it – listening for your voice in the writing.
This is the first time I’ve looked at your webpage and I was semi startled to see Ethan Ellenberg’s name because I just submitted my first novel to him yesterday.
The other queries I’ve sent out so far have been through Query Manager and they ask for other books like mine. One of the things I say is that it’s merrily humorous, like your Legion.
Of course, Ellenberg asks for submissions in an email and guess what I left out … yep, the reference to you. Dang.
In any case, please keep writing! I shall keep reading your stuff!
Cheers, Steve Burgess
Dennis, I have very much enjoyed all of your books so far. Looking forward to the next Bobiverse novel and any further releases in the Outland universe. Keep up the excellent work.
Hi,
are your books available to purchase in any way without DRM attached to the files?
I’d very much like to support you, but I won’t be going through amazon/audible for books since I can’t support those companies ethically.
Author
See http://dennisetaylor.org/wheres-the-whatever-version/
Hi!
Your books are very interesting and inspiring, I was very happy to read all the ones that have been published at the moment (sorry for possible cases of piracy, the latest ones have not been officially released in my country – I promise to buy them once they are on market).
The most beautiful aspect of your books is the sense of progress, fraught with serious difficulties, but inevitably moving forward to the triumph of reason and rationality.
With best wishes from Russia!
Hi Dennis,
I’m a longtime listener of your Bobiverse books and just got done listening to Roadkill. The story was interesting but I have to say that I’m a little disappointed with the jabs at your conservative audience. They were relatively innocuous, but they did take me out of the story while I shook my head at the thought of CNN being a “trustworthy” news network and right-leaning news agencies or other right-leaning organizations were “collaborators”. Overall though, it was a good story.
Ive been reading your books for about a year now and each one supercharges my inner drive to imagine the future. Especially the not-too-distant future.
I appreciate your brain and the fact that you are taking the time to create stories worth consuming. Really curious to see where you take Bob but also wondering if you are working on anything outside of that realm (besides your older works – which I enjoyed after completing the Bobiverse ride).
hey I am enjoying your books
Outland and Earthside
but wow you definitely have thing against older people
I found it weird that you went out of your way to discount any positives that we gain from experience
The fact that you seemed to be suggesting that socialism is a visible option when those of us that have experience know that human nature will not allow it to work
Author
I don’t normally reply to posts, since I consider this more of a place for readers to freely comment. However, there are some recurring inaccuracies that I think it’s time to deal with.
First, I’m 66 years old so it’s hard to see how I could have a thing against old people. However, my characters are twenty-something university students (for the most part) and it’s quite reasonable for them to be ageist, since in the real world Gen Z has a demonstrated anti-gerry attitude. In fact, the phrase “OK Boomer” is a direct result of that attitude.
And this is important, because when I write the book, I put in dialog and attitudes that you’d get from the characters, not what you’d get from me (at least I try to). So a bunch of university students are anti-gerry and socialist-leaning. Yeah. Go to any campus and walk around. You’ll find that’s reality.
As to the comment about socialism, if you google for the top best countries to live in, they’re all socialist to a greater or lesser extent. In fact, I live in a socialist country, the one just to the north of you. So your ‘experience’, I think, is more of a ‘bias’, since it ignores the reality that most of the western world is more socialist than the USA. And working just fine, thank you.
But again, irrelevant. When I was writing those scenes in Earthside, I was constantly asking myself “Is this what a somewhat jaded, cynical university student who suddenly finds themselves with the power to make changes, do?” And honestly, I think I did a pretty good job of second-guessing them, since I’ve yet (as far as I know) to receive a single complaint from any young university students.
Well said Dennis
Right on.
I’m about 1/3 through Earthside. Really enjoying the concepts and characters. I get a laugh out of Richard whistling the Andy Griffith theme (a show that was very old when I was a child). The young leaders are a hybrid of boomer and gen z sensibilities. Since some here have commented on politics, my 2 cents: The instances of Outland politics have been well intermixed with action and discoveries – good balance so far. Truly feels like this is how things would go when restarting a society. As far as the direction of political comments, they can be triggering for some but mostly making fun of one side or the other. Relax a little and observe from 10 feet up – it’s fine. The one thing I struggle with (though it’s prudent) is the story is making want to “Prep”. Looked at my roof yesterday and was happy it’s very steep. Ash will slide right off. Then I started thinking, better build a skill for the new civilization. Computer knowledge alone will not carry me in Outland. OK, back to work now….
Hi Dennis E Taylor,
I just wanted to say a huge thanks for the Bobiverse books. They are awesome and I enjoyed them very much.
All the best,
Darren.
Dennis, you, Ray and the Bobs are my constant companions! You are with me at the gym, in the car, cooking dinner and pretty much any opportunity I get to pop in the AirPods.
I love the Bobiverse and omg the sense of humour is right up my alley…. It’s like hanging out with old friends!
Thankyou for taking us on a journey through the galaxy, humanity and the aliens that (thank goodness) aren’t little green men.
You are awesome
Is there any plans on Road Kill being a series or is it just the one book?
Author
I’m working on a sequel as a background task.
Awesome!
Thank you for the reply and info. Sheldon is our favorite character outside of the Bob series and we are really looking forward to the the team’s further adventures.
We have all of your audiobooks and Roadkill is right up there with Bobiverse in our opinion.
We listen to one of the RK or Bob books at least 4x per week, mostly at night as bedtimes stories as we go to sleep since they came out as we know them so well and Ray does such great performances.
We probably have the world records for playing and streaming both series, especially the Bob series as we’ve played or streamed one literally hundreds of times over the years. We listen to RK at least once per week since the day it came out.
We love your story telling and always can’t wait for whatever your next release is.
How has Joe Rogan not read the Bobiverse, he basically quotes it weekly without realizing it. Someone needs to get him to listen to it.
Hello Dennis Taylor,
I really enjoyed your books (Bobiverse, read in German by Simon Jäger).
Thank you very much for that and good luck with further stories.
Best regards,
Andreas
I have to say thank you I just finished Heaven’s River and it’s giving me a lot of solace and comfort I have a pretty strong fear of death. like you I I have biases concerning religion so I’ve never been able to believe in any sort of afterlife, but now thanks to your writing I have something to bolster myself with when I’m scared thinking of eternity late at night. I know it’s weird for an atheist to thank another atheist in helping them believe in a sort of afterlife that’s the funny thing about life isn’t it.
Mr. Taylor,
Love your work. I’m a huge fan.
What will it take to have your site https enabled? I’m more than willing to donate $50 for site visitors to stop seeing the nag warning that your site is not secure. I’m sure all is in order but what if some Bob faction begins to exploit the lack of security? Let me know what I can do to help.
Dan
Author
I need to hire a network specialist to take care of several issues I have relating to my site. But I need to hire an admin assistant to take care of that. But I need to hire someone to take care of hiring the admin assistant…
I am webadmin of some sites and if you have a halfway competent hoster https is not more than a checkbox to activate, thanks to Let’s Encrypt.
If I can help, don’t hesitate to contact me thru bobnet :).
By the way thank you for your great books, I love the german audiobooks. (Please never change the speaker, Simon Jäger is great!)
Keep up the great work!
I don’t suppose you’ll be putting in an appearance at WorldCon in Glasgow, August 2024?
Those of us stuck the other side of the pond don’t get to meet SciFi authors very often, especially ex-programmers ( like me). It would be great to see you there, especially if there’s news about Bobiverse 6 or Quantum Earth 3 …
Any chance of a comment about if we might see another Outland book? 🙂
Will you release a signed limited hardcover edition of Heaven’s River to go with the limited edition for the original series? I just got new bookshelves and five would look great on one shelf.
And thank you, Boibverse has been my most recommended modern sci-fi for some years now. There is too little high quality hard sci-fi that is positive, uplifting and humorous out there. I think you will be much bigger than people realise (I’d have bought futures in you if people were commodities) and I’m cautiously excited about the option announcement.
Author
My agent is currently working with a book printer to produce several options for signed hardcovers. We’re trying to factor book 5 into the planning as well.
Great was just going to ask about signed copies for Christmas.
G’day mate!
Glad to hear WAL’s been optioned! Can’t wait to see how they pull it off, if it goes to production.
On that, what do you reckon the chances are the Humanism and atheism of the series getting nerfed are?
Seems like US productions have a really hard time portraying us mob as anything but weirdos and outcasts – but its obviously a core part of Bob et al’s motivation.
Peace, from ‘Straya!
For some reason I can not help but follow along with your Earthside/Outland audio books via Google Earth. Especially the road trip to Omaha! Such fun even on a second listen through!
Hi Mr Taylor, I just thought I’d drop you a line to tell you how much I enjoy your books. I have read the Bobbiverse probably four times maybe more now (same goes for my husband). We love them.
I am now rereading Singularity Trap. Man it’s so good. You have a knack of making the stories realistic. I feel so sorry for Ivan.
Thank you for the goodreads Dennis. Hope you’re writing something new!
Hi,
I’m just going through the Bobiverse again (3rd or 4th time I think) and also just now stumbeled upon the following star:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N6946-BH1
Quote
“The star, either a red supergiantor a yellow hypergiant,was 25 times the mass of the Sun, and was 20 million light years distant from Earth. In March through to May 2009 its bolometric luminosity increased to at least a million solar luminosities, but by 2015 it had disappeared from optical view. In the mid and near infrared an object is still visible, however, it is fading away with a brightness proportional to t−4/3. The brightening was insufficient to be a supernova, and is called a failed supernova.”
Or Deadalus and Ikarus ?
On Sunday, my feed fed me an article about six SF books I should read. I’d already read four of them (classics), one was on my radar, and the sixth was We Are Legion, which I had never heard of. Today is Friday, and I just finished For We Are Many, and I’ll be starting All These Worlds as soon as I grab some lunch. I have a strong suspicion that I will have finished devouring all of your books before Christmas.
Discovering a fantastic new (to me) author doesn’t happen very often and I’m absolutely elated (and sleep deprived) when I do.
Hi Dennis!
I have read (or listened to on Audible) and enjoyed all of your books! And for the Audible versions, what a fantastic pairing, having Ray Porter as the narrator!
I love your storytelling, sense of humor, and character and world building. I’m a writer as well and greatly appreciate your craft.
I was just wondering how the writing is going and if/when your next book will be available. No pressure! I’m just looking forward to living in one of your world’s again for a while. 🙂
Thank you!
Linda
Dennis,
First off, love your work. Seriously, huge fan.
So there I was, laying in bed with my wife, and she asks, “Which book are you reading now, babe?”.
I reply, “One of my favorites, the Bobiverse. Remember I told you about the series about a guy that gets his head frozen, then wakes up in the future as a space probe?”
My wife stared at me wide eyed for a good 15 seconds and said, “Did he wake up in a butt?”
I stared back for a good 20 seconds before realizing she meant did he wake up like, aliens probing people trope, as the butt probe.
I died laughing, she died laughing.
Has anyone fanfic’d that? If not… uh… sorry for putting the idea out there.
Love the Bobiverse and just discovered (and devoured) Outland and Earthside. I was looking here to see if you had an idea when Book 3 of Quantum Earth will be released. Great pairing with Ray Porter – following narrators has introduced me to a lot of new books. (R. C. Bray is another narrator I follow!)
Big fan of all of your works. I”ve read through them all, and can’t wait to see what is to come in the future. Thank you for all of the great books you have released so far. Ray Porters performance of your books made me go through all the books hes covered, he has such amazing range for all the different characters.
Hi, I just wanted to write to say that I have really enjoyed your books, the bobiverse in particular. I’ve listened to the whole series maybe 6-8 times since first discovering it.
One stand out in your writing style that I really appreciate is that there’s no dawdling. So many writers spend ages in pointless descriptions, wasting time. Not your books though… something interesting mentioned?… it’s starting in the next paragraph, so grateful for that.
Wow you are a master story teller. Thank you for your stories and I am looking forward to more.
Thank you for your work Dennis. The escape into ALL of your books were amazing. I am sad there isn’t more.
Please continue writing.
That is all.
Waiting for that 5th bob book.
Between this and warhammer my library is looking more scifi than I initially expected
Hi Dennis. I am a programmer, engineer, and amateur scientist. I finished all your books and wanted to thank you. I feel so validated and related to Bob & Bill so much. I had this idea of becoming only mind able to copy myself for a long time and your books are exactly the stuff I live for. Your books help me to remind myself what I love about life in our universe.
Sincerely thank you for the wonderful moments I had with your books. Bravo!
PS: Please continue writing, both your worlds have so much potential. And also Ray Porter is the best narrator ever.
I just finished rereading “Road kill” Helped greatly with my 14 hour flight to Japan. Anywho, loved it! Great read even the second time through. Something that bothered me the first time and second time I have read it. The Two lizard characters that were incarcerated in the Halo. There is no mention of providing food and water to them. That’s it just wanted to voice my concern for fictional alien characters lol! Loved your bobnivwrse series and the quantum series. Can’t wait for for any new additions. Cheer!
I had that same concern!
Just finised “Earthside”. great read and im more invested in the gang and adventures. Are we going to see more of this universe in the future?
Just discovered this author, I will read or listen to anything he writes! Epic stuff!!
Hi. Wanted to let you know that I loved the Bobiverse books, but then I found Road Kill. It has become one of my favorite books. I have “read” it (Audible version) at least 10 times since I ordered it a couple of years ago. I usually read mystery series, but when I finish one I tend to “cleanse my palate” with Road Kill. Fun, funny, thought provoking, and always entertaining. I see you are working on a sequel. I hope it is out soon – I am a senior woman and I don’t have many years left to wait!
Dear Mr. Taylor
Today was my lucky day. After finishing the current 4 books in the Bobiverse, again (paper & Audible), I thought I’d see if more is on it’s way. Yess, book 5 is getting there, just needs a bit of patience but to be honest, I can’t wait to get my hands/ears on it. Until then, I will read The Singularity Trap.
After browsing your site, noticed this bit: “Yes, there will be more Bobiverse books. I’ve set myself a nominal goal of ten books, but there’s nothing magic about that number and it is subject to change. ”
One thought, next to being very happy and curious about more books, made it to the surface. I certainly hope you are not going to “milk” the Bobiverse like the creators of the Star Trek universe did/do with series like “Discovery”, “Strange new worlds” and “Picard”. Of course this is TV and not a series of books but, as a former Star Trek fan, I would really not like to see pathetic storylines steered by daft ideologies like in those series (I know, my very personal opinion & taste). Please keep the good stuff coming our way, like you did until now, and I can guarantee that I will keep helping you paying for the daily food your family seems to need 😉
Greetings from Switzerland
Eric
Author
When you get to book 5, I think you’ll agree that I’m not sticking to a static storyline.
As a huge fan, having devoured everything you have written, I was so happy to read that the next Bobiverse book will be out this year.
I do have a question: assuming you listened to The Hail Mary Project by Weir—with Porter narrating, did you find it to be almost another Bobiverse book but from another author? I did. I loved it. But I keep thinking Rylan Grace was Robert Johansen.
Keep writing those books, anything and everything and PLEASE use Ray Porter for the audio. I travel a lot for work, it is my comfort food when I am away from my family.
Thank you, for creating such wonderful, not over techy stories that are just damn fun to listen to.
I’m a huge fan of all your stuff.
Oddly enough, I write fantasy. I tried sci fi and got bored with my own story, and found more depth in my fantasy universe.
Wondering if there will be any follow-on to The Sngularity Trap.
– Julian
Author
Write what excites you. You’ll always get the best results.
I seem to write books that demand sequels. I’m not going to rule out any sequels, but it’s a question of priorities.
Mr Taylor: Thank you for writing the sci-fi books that I have always wanted to exist but didn’t know it. I am late to the party, having just discovered your work from a GoodReads recommendation, but. I’ve just consumed the Bobiverse back to back. Just awesome. Joyful. Cathedral-like elegance and design quality. Perfectly engineered combination of character, pace, humour, geek-reference, emotion, galactic-scale and megastructure. Thank you for choosing to write with your time, it’s a gift to the world. I can see from your site you have a lot of ideas still to go and probably don’t need fan requests as prompts….but it would be amazing to see what you thought Icarus and Daedalus discovered, especially as I think you have your own milieu-theory on the Fermi paradox that might keep on turning up missions for the Bobs.
Author
Book 5 is all about what Ick and Dae find.
Yay. Also, my caffeine levels are now out of control because every one of the copious times your characters drink coffee, your (rightful) descriptions of the joy of it make me think “oh that sounds good” and off I go to get another. I’m guessing the line “I not only live on coffee, but for coffee” is the direct voice of the author!
I just discovered the Bobiverse this past Christmas and downloaded them all on Audible. I have since listened to them all 6 times this year and it’s only April. I need more Bob. This series is just the perfect balance of humor, scientific theory, and science fiction… I can’t get enough of it. Please send us book 5 soon! As well as books 6, 7, 8, 9…
Mr. Taylor,
I just wanted to say that I appreciate your writing more than I can express. The first Bobiverse book was the first novel that I ever purchased as an audiobook, and the first book I had managed to listen to and enjoy in many years. It inspired me to get back into reading and listening and rekindled a joy for books that I hadn’t felt in a very long time. Since finding your book I’ve managed to go through hundreds of books that I doubt I would have read if your work hadn’t sparked that interest. That journey brought me to a place where I could write confidently again, and I finally managed to complete and publish my first novel. A lifelong dream of mine, that I didn’t expect to complete.
I do not know if I would have managed that without finding your work. The books are funny, compelling, and downright awesome. Thank you for writing them.
David B
Thanks for the Bobiverse. You made my week. I went through all 4 books in a week.
Bob’s storyline with the Deltans reminded me of the star trek episode “The Inner Light” where Picard experiences the lives of a dead civilization. In a sense Bob did the opposite where he experienced the birth of a civilization.
I just have one bone to pick with you Dennis, why are there no star wars factions? Wasn’t Bob a fan?
Star trek, Battlestar Galactica, Borg can have their factions but no star wars faction of Bobs. I find that curious.
Looking forward to your next book in the Bobiverse. Thanks for making my week.
I found your writing through my fandom of Ray Porter’s narration. I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to interact with him at all, but his portrayal of your stories is very well done, in my opinion. Anywho, after finishing the massive Arthur C. Clarke short fiction compendium on Audible (for which Ray Porter was one of the narrators) I sought out more titles with his narration/voice acting.
**Enter the Bobiverse into my life.**
On every commute, lunch hour walk, and weekend bit of yardwork, I plowed through the whole series in 2 weeks. I then worked my way through all your other titles over the next 2 weeks. I’m hooked, and eagerly awaiting future books .(Bobiverse 5 “Not Til We Are Lost”, is already on Audible preorder) Hopefully, there will be more long passages of pseudo-technical descriptions and long todo lists with complicated competing priorities in the next book, and coffee lots and lots of coffee.
I find your books to be entertaining and generally optimistic. Somehow, I leave each listening session feeling refreshed and engergized to do my own work…. or it might just be the coffee.
Hello,
Could you enable your profile on threads to be shown on mastodon please?
Thanks
I am re-listening to the Quantum Earth book series, and I can’t help but think that the whole premise, with the pace and setup, screams for a TV series. I don’t know if you or your publisher can pull any strings on that. I think it’s the kind of story that can transfer very well on the TV.
I recently turned on a number of co-workers (we make games for a living, so prime audience) to your writing. I appreciate not only your excellent character and worldbuilding skills, but also the incredible approachability of your stories.
Thank you for making the career shift. You’ve made the world a slightly better place for having done so.
Thank you Dennis I have been following the bobiverse series since the first one, im very excited for the fifth in the series. I love that it blends so many elements and the nerdy sci fi references and humour hit me just right.
While the book versions are almost always better i really hope to see the bobiverse on the big screen one day
I just started reading the first book and I have noticed predictions that have come true, just not in the way you wrote in the book in 2016. “In the next election, the public voted in the USA’s first—and only—overtly atheist president, Desmond Ahearn, mostly in reaction to the Handel travesty.” What is funny is that many of the Democrats (including Biden and Obama, claimed to be Christian, but are actually atheist. Then, you claimed there was a coup conducted by the right wing which caused a ministry of Truth that forced compliance and anybody that criticized the government was sent to re-educated. The left and not the right, created a ‘ministry of truth’ which worked with the social media companies to censor the that spoke out against the left’s propaganda. And the ONLY way to get you account back, is to either delete your comment, or (in a case like YouTube) forced to go through a re-education class before you can get a “strike” removed. You predicted quite a bit, but your political ideology failed to understand that it is the left that is forcing their will on people. Look at Trudeau, the moment there was a trucker protest, he demanded the banks freeze their accounts and FORCE them into submission by controlling their wallets, just because they weren’t protesting FOR him, but protesting HIS ACTIONS.
It’s amazing how people believe the right is doing the oppressive things, but the left has a LONG history of actually being oppressive, and people still believe the right is bad and the left is good
Mr. Taylor I am a HUGE fan after just one book, We are Legion (We are Bob). A friend of mine suggested it to me, as I am Bob. It is fantastic and really connects with me. I have the next 2 books and looking forward to the rest. I would love to see some 3D models for HEAVEN ships or the Bob ships. I have 3D printers and want to make a fleet of them. Thank you for such a great book.
I loved Earthside and hope for more in the series. I work with Engineers and can’t stop thinking about solutions to the problems they are facing outland, like a pipe running from Greenhouse Earth to Moonscape Earth to heat a space. Basically an inter dimensional radiator.
Just wanted to drop a note to tell you how much I have appreciated your work. Found you with Outland/Earthside and burn for more of that. Then delved into the Bobiverse and am thrilled to see a new book out in Sept. Currently listening to Roadkill.
You speak to my soul and have brought me weeks of happiness. Ray Porter is an amazing narrator and I hope you can keep him for your future works.
Thank you thank you thank you for switching careers and writing such wonderful stories. You bring a spot of brightness in this world and are now up there with Heinlein for my all-time favorite author which feels like heresy but is truth 🙂
Hello Mr. Taylor. Thanks for answering my question. You could get your books published in other languages. In Audible they have published the Bobiverso and Outland books in Spanish. With that, I am going to ask please that if it is in your hands, demand that they do it with the rest of the novels, both the old ones and the new ones. I have a group of fans who want to follow their stories. We are anxious…. We would love for the narrator Antonio Raluy to continue translating it into Spanish. The best in the sector by far.
Thanks with all my heart.
Dear Mr. Taylor,
I am an Italian admirer of yours. I have just finished listening to the Bob trilogy (yes, I call it a trilogy because unfortunately the fourth book has not yet been translated into Italian), and I absolutely loved it. My first thought was: “they should make a video game out of this,” it would be amazing.
I recently embarked on the same career path as you, as a writer, and I hope to be able to create something as beautiful as you have. In the meantime, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful hours I spent with your story. I hope they will translate the fourth volume soon.
Sincerely,
J. Lavezzoli
Hi.
I got seriously into SciFi in the UK in 1967 when it was the main subject for English Literature ‘O’ Level for the first (and only) time. Our class stream of 30 boys had about 50 books that I devoured … Asimov, Clarke, Heinlen, Bradbury, Wyndham, and several other classics.
I’ve now read Books 1-3 of your Bob series … and you’re up there with the best. Reflective of what makes us human. Believable, humorous, hard and projected science, well-judged biology, etc..
THANK YOU for the enjoyment given, and best of luck.
Greg
(Australia)
I have all your books in “epub” format and hope for the rest of them also.
Please continue to sell your books in this format,
Author
I don’t sell them in that format. You have pirated copies.
Dear Mr. Taylor,
My name is Jonathan Bissell. I am a 6th grade teacher at a private Christian school in Massachusetts. I’m currently taking summer classes to work towards my teachers certification and master’s degree and in one of these classes, we are working on an author study. I have chosen to do my study on you and your books that you have written.
I first started listening to your books back in 2017 when I listened to, We are Legion (We are Bob) and loved it from the start. Within five days, I ordered the second and third books of the series. Since then, I have listened to all of your books except for Roadkill which I will likely change once I start my Audible subscription back up in September when Not Till We Are Lost is released. Which I have been LONG anticipating!
I have been thinking about if I wanted to just write you a letter saying that I loved your work or if I wanted it to be a bit more. So, I guess here is my question. With Bob being a Humanist, what is the basis of his morality? He seems to be more or less a good “person.” For a tangent of that questions. With him being essentially immortal, what is to stop him or another clone from acquiring an absurd of power and/or wealth and enslaving a planet or something along those lines?
Another less philosophical question, have you considered having one of the clones or maybe J.O.V.A. solve time travel to go back and visit his family or even scan them?
If you do take the time to read this letter, I appreciate the time that you have taken. You have brought a lot of entertainment to both myself and my brother, who is an engineer! So thank you on behalf of both of us.
Many Blessings,
J. Bissell
Author
The belief that you cannot have morality without religion is a well-trodden canard pushed by theists which has been successfully rebutted too many times to count. I don’t want to get into a religious argument here, but a strong case could be made that it is in fact impossible to have true morality based on religion–that the only way to arrive at a true morality is to take received wisdom out of the equation entirely and base your morality on reason and philosophical thought.
There are more than enough discussions of this topic on the interwebz, so there’s no reason for me to rehash it.
My apologies! I wasn’t trying to get into an argument! I hope this message finds you well though! I was simply wanting to understand the basis that you chose to follow. I enjoying learning what makes other’s tick, so to speak, and why they believe as they do. I was simply curious, but in hindsight, I could have worded my question much better!
I don’t think it’s right that people argue their points on the web. Far too many people try to force their beliefs on others and get downright mean when sitting behind a screen. I think it is important to respect the views of others rather than tear others down with words.
My intent was simply to show appreciation for your writing, and ask a genuine question to better understand your writing! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and stories with the world! I truly do enjoy reading each of your books!
Author
Okay, so to answer your question, Bob would be a nerd and (among other things) a voracious reader. As you can tell from early in his second life, he’s familiar with various philosophical arguments, so has very likely done a lot of reading in that area. That would form a good basis for a moral code.
The question posed is interesting – How can a purely humanist philosophy develop morality? Morality comes from the acknowledgement of the role we each play in the suffering of another…
Compare religion and faith and you get similar results. On one hand you follow a given set of rules that you’re told to in order to gain the benefits…. on the other hand you act in a way that honors your belief system because it is inherently the right thing to do.
It comes down to a concept of self vs. selfless and in what direction responsibilities flow. Silver or Gold… what rule do you prefer?
Hi Dennis,
Love the Bob books, brilliant! But Jeeves is Stephen Fry surely, not John Cleese?
Looking forward to number 5.
Miguel
Author
That would be a reasonable alternative.
Love your books. Hoping Quantum Earth Book 3 is coming soon.
If possible I’d really like to know…
Thanks very much
Hi Dennis
I really enjoyed the first three bobiverse books but, I loved Heaven’s River. It think I’ve listened to it three times already and am in the process of a fourth go through. Something about the adventure of exploring the megastructure really captured my imagination. As much as I’d love to see more of Heaven’s River, and perhaps another cultures megastructure, I think the balance of book four was perfect.
The Starfleet story was engaging, and the shenanigans with the Gamers were brilliant. In fact, I think you could easily focus a narrative around the Gamers escapades as they develop their game engine and incorporate more people in their world. Maybe each group of Bob’s can field a champion or team to tackle some challenge the Gamers come up with — like a bobiverse Olympics.
The bobiverse books are a big part of my reading/listening life — along with B.V. Larson’s Undying Mercenaries, Craig Alanson’s Expeditionary Force, and John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War — they have inspired me to start writing myself. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but never drummed up the attention span to do so. Hopefully I can stick with it.
Anyway, the books are great, thank you. Can’t wait for the fifth bobiverse novel to come out. Hope you’re living a good life. 🙂
Hi Dennis,
My name is Raphael. I discovered your Bobiverse books while looking up recommendations for audiobooks narrated by Ray Porter (since he has done such a fantastic job narrating Andy Weir’s books). I have been plowing through them this weekend and am enjoying your writing thoroughly; I just finished For We Are Many and look forward eagerly to beginning the third book.
One question: I notice the Bobs incoprorate a lot of Yiddish words into their speech. Original Bob is not obviously Jewish, nor do the first two books mention anything about Jewish culture, religion, or experiences (apart — maybe — from the scene in which he pretends to be a Christian, which gave me Inquisition vibes). So, where does the Yiddish come from? Just curious.
Thanks, and thank you for writing such delightful novels!
Author
I can’t speak for everywhere, but where I live, Bob’s idiom is fairly ordinary. Actually, my editor has made me trim some even more local expressions that he felt wouldn’t travel well. Like calling people “keeners”. We went with “brown-nosers.”
Sr. Taylor, We are approaching September and I am desperate to know if the fifth Bobiverse book will be translated into Spanish and if it will be published on Audible.?
Author
Short answer: I don’t know. Audible might claim the foreign rights and do it themselves, or the Spanish publisher might be able to negotiate a contract. As of this moment, there are no concrete plans that I know of.
Hi Dennis,
I have always loved the bob books, and I started reading them when I was in middle school. (I am on my final year of college). I have noticed that only the audio book is coming out on September 5th but not a physical copy of the book. Will there be a physical copy somewhere that I can buy or a separate release date for said physical copy?
Thanks for writing something that was very important to my life!
Author
The text version always comes out 120 days after the audio version.
Hello Dennis. I know that you’ve heard this before but I’ve got some book ideas and a couple of short stories for you. When I type I use two fingers so writing the books myself is out of the question. I love the way you write and your sense of humor. I don’t want anything for the book ideas but only having my name mentioned somewhere in the book.
I’ve been having an absolute blast reading your novels, mister Taylor. They’ve been filling the bright(ish…)-future utopian sci-fi hole in my reading heart that’s been left empty ever since I’ve finished my last Iain Banks novel. Thank you for brightening my days with the humor and wit in your novels, I’m looking forward to what’s coming next!
Just listened to all the Bob books, incredibly upset I have to wait 2 weeks for the next one. Hoping Singularity Trap is as fantastic.
Also, it’s crazy these comments are in ascending order.
The long wait is finally over
OMGerd
It is here! Just got an announcement from audible about Not till we are lost! Thank you so much Dennis! I can’t wait, I am in the middle of another book ATM, but I may have to switch. I am so excited
Dennis.
You are one of my favorite SF authors.
I am listening to Earthside.
Did you really feel like you needed to chide illegal Mexican immigration? I live in NV, and am on the receiving end of this onslaught. You seemed to relish poking fun at DJT’s border policies.
The book was written in 2022, a year after the current regime had opened the door to a flood of military aged Central and South American illegal immigrants. Add to this thousands of Chinese and middle eastern military ages males. And you have the hubris to flex your liberal “gotcha” moment on your readers, plenty of who do not agree with your opinion. You could have left that chapter out. It was petulant and small minded. We are talking about the future of our nation and you are using it as schtick. Shame on you
Dennis, thanks – I’m really enjoying your Bobiverse series. Started on Audible over the holiday weekend while I was working on projects around the house. I’m on book 3 now! I was listening this morning on my drive into work and my something triggered a memory from 36 years ago, when I read the book Mind Transfer by Janet Asimov (wife of Isaac Asimov), which deals with AI and associated moral/ethical issues. I haven’t read the book since (1988 was a long time ago), but it still sticks in my mind. Was wondering if you ever had a chance to read it?
Hi Dennis – Fellow IT professional and Sci-Fi geek from New Zealand here.
I’ve been reading ALL of your books to my kids over the last few years
(the txt versions, so I can edit them on the fly… some parts like bill’s F-Bomb tirades in the Outland books are better skipped for young ears :-D).
They LOVE all your books.
They got a real kick out of Riker dropping a rock on the Vehement hacker in NZ’s central North Island. That’s where we live!
My son had a Keanu Reeves style “Whoa!” moment when it dawned on him that the Bobs wiped out an entire species.
My 10 year old daughter literally squealed with delight when I told her that ‘Not till we are lost’ is releasing this week.
So, in anticipation of that, thank you for your work and we are really looking forward to this next installment.
P.S. if you’re ever stuck for character name inspiration for upcoming books, Axel and Skye would get a real kick out of starring in one of your stories ;-).
It’s finally here. The day many of us have been waiting for. I’m only a few chapters into Not Till We Are Lost, and I couldn’t be happier to have another Bobiverse book to fill my ears. Thank you Mr. Taylor and please keep’em coming! 🙂
I just finished not til we are lost. So good. Mr. Taylor please keep up the stories they are so good, and inspirational. Please please keep writing!! We will buy them all, in advance 🙂
I find myself wanting to learn astronomy and mathematics more than ever before!
I just saw that Not Till We Are Lost hit #1 bestseller on Audible, congratulations!
I’m super excited to finish it! And finish it again! And probably again! 🙂
Thanks for your excellent writing. I’ve been reading since the first and it’s been a genuinely wonderful experience. <3
We have just finished listening to Not Till We Are Lost! Thank you Dennis, thank you Ray! It did not disappoint, please write more xxx
Hello Dennis.
A few years ago I found your first bobiverse book, and loved it. I’m a truck driver, and have been listening to audio books since I started driving, back in 2000. I’ve always been a scifi fan. It appears that you do not believe in God. At least not mine Jesus. I’m not here to lecture you. But you choose to make fun of those of us that do… Calling him Jeebus. I’m 47 former military. And as I said earlier I’m a truck driver. I’ve lived my life in a fashion I choose to not condem those that see things differently than I do. For example I’m republican, and though I don’t agree with democrats. I don’t lose my mind I just disagree. I’m a big supporter of the second ammendment. I think everyone should have one or two. But some disagree. But making fun of my God isn’t something I can abide. Why, why do you choose to do it? If you would reply.
Just finished your newest Bobiverse book. Not your best. The beginning was too diffuse, I couldn’t find the narrative. In this regard, your best bobiverse books probably were 1 and 4. Still, it was solid and enjoyable. But damn, did you land the last third of it. It became amazing. All the concepts and ideas, I loved it. I am totally hyped for book 6, whenever it will come.
It is my sincere hope that if/when Bobiverse movies are made that Bob (and his restored backups) are represented by AI actors.
Hi Dennis,
I’m about halfway through Not Till We Are Lost and felt compelled to drop you a line to let you know how enjoyable and fascinating I’ve found your work. My professional background (and knowledge) is quite removed from yours so there is a fair amount in the Bobiverse that flies way over my head, but I love it just the same, and I am completely hooked!
I starting getting into Science Fiction books a few years ago when I devoured The Expanse. Since then, I’ve read many books, both contemporary and retro. I appreciate some of the direct references you make to books, historic events, and other things that likely influenced some of the concepts contained in your work.
I’d be curious to learn some of the authors, books, and real life examples that you believe most directly influenced the Bobiverse World you’ve constructed. Obviously, I’d love to hear from you directly, but I’m guessing you’ve been asked a question(s) along those lines previously, so if you could at least point me to an existing interview you’ve previously participated in I’d greatly appreciate it.
Thank you so much for the hours of enjoyment you’ve given to us❤️ Please keep it up!
-John
Love the latest Bobiverse book, but I’m a tad confused. Heaven’s River seemed to imply that the Skippys were behind the hack (not Starfleet). However, that didn’t seem addressed at all. Granted, maybe you plan to address this in short story, or you’ll show that it wasn’t all the Skippys, just maybe one bad apple (that’s kinda muddy).
OMG I just finished “Not till we are lost”. It did not disappoint !! But now I feel like Fry from Futurama after the last Anchovies have been eaten.
Dennis,
Fairly hooked in the Bobiverse series. Your handling of the concepts of consciousness, quantum entanglement, technology, and morality, philosophy and faith are equal parts entertaining and intellectually compelling.
I look forward to further immersion in this space you’ve created.
OK—IOU a “Thank You.” Audable’s algorithm flagged “Not Till We Are Lost” for me to consider. I clicked the preview around 0300, thinking of going back to bed “soon.” It’s now 0610. Like all of the “Bob Verse,” it’s instantly captivating, reminding me to say “Thank you!”
Hi Dennis,
Loved the Bobiverse series, about to start Not Till We Are Lost. I also just finished the second (audio) book in the Quantum Earth Series. I’ll be eagerly waiting for the next one.
Looking forward to more of your books.
[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5]
[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5]
[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5]
So, at the end of book 5, what is stopping the bobs from trying to use mover plates on[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5] nemesis? Is it a size issue? Bill did say that in theory, [SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5]it could be scaled up to as large as is wanted. Couldn’t they just scale it up to the size of a black hole? At least why not replicate bill or some other smart bob who is familiar[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5] with the mover plates and send them into the void[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5] towards nemesis. Assuming nemesis is going at half the speed of light, which it isn’t, It’s going less than half at most, then its relative time [SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5]perception or whatever it’s called would have 1 second pass for itself with every 1.15 seconds for the milky way. This give the collision[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5] time for someone on the nemesis galaxy roughly[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5] 86,000 years. A bob could go to nemesis at the speed of light, taking[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5] 25,000 years tops if nemesis wasn’t even moving, or 18750 years (from the perspective of the milky way) if nemesis was moving as half the speed of light.[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5] Which it isn’t. Anyways, my point being is that a bob getting there would have over 61,000 years AT LEAST to get the resources and up scale the mover plates to move a black hole. Hell, at those speeds, a bob could probably build a dyson [SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5]sphere around the black hole and have a suped up surge [SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5]drive in that. Or a bob could try to do the same thing with the milk way. All that’s needed to fix the problem from the sounds of it is to move either black hole a couple[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5] thousand AU in any direction, then it’ll become a more benign collision. Also, unrelated, I would like the idea of moving a star around and making entire solar systems into space ships to be explored. Or at least referenced.
[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5]
[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5]
[SPOILER ALERT FOR BOOK 5]
Hi Dennis,
I’ve decided that the world is too negative a place, and in response, when I read something that I genuinely appreciate, I’m dropping comments.
The new book was wonderful! I hate to admit that I expected this to be “less than” but you proved there’s an entire universe of material out there. I’ve made a point to tell several friends about it and they like the Bobiverse as much as I do.
Thank you! Great work.
Greetings Mr. Taylor,
My son got me hooked on “We are Legion, We are Bob” on MP3. When I travel, I love to listen to books on cd. Are there any plans of producing the rest of Bobiverse on MP3? I hope so, I can’t wait. I love your books!
Hi ddennis
I read your entire bobiverse series and absolutely loved it.
I do some work in theoretical physics research and information theory.
I had a concept for a technologically plausible energy weapon which you might like to use in your future books?
It solves all of the problems traditionally associated with long-range laser weapons while allowing for immense power. Under known physics.
In nomenclature, it is a, Laser Towed Microwave dynamic lensing auto-converging long range high power laser weapon.
It eliminates the need for high-coherence source lasers, and all of the challenges associated with maintaining the stability and efficiency of a high power laser column over long distance.
The answer, is to not try for a tight column. Instead, a toroidal microwave vector is generated at source, and towed out to the focal point between an inner and outer laser “cone” and “cylinder”. by trapping the microwave toroid between the cone and cylinder, the tow lasers can impart an electrostatic rotational force to the toroidal volumetric section inner and outer surfaces, as long as the tow lasers are pumped with energy, the toroidal microwave vector will remain stable as long as it’s spin is maintained.
You can shoot a 10 petawatt continuous gas pumped laser with a remarkably wide exit aperture, wide optics, relatively low energy density, big initial beam area, low ionization attenuation, low temperature gradient. A very good divergence ratio because the beam starts out wide for a wider target divergent area, but lower overall divergence ratio.
The microwave toroid that you towed out at the same time as the laser shot? Well a microwave toroid can be charged like a capacitor. You generate the toroid and you feed it more energy to spin it up faster and faster, while the tow lasers match its surface inner outer rotational velocities with their phase shift. When the main laser fires the tow lasers slightly change their phase vector to push the toroid out while feeding it energy to maintain its spin and coherence.
When the main laser’s dispersion cone outer edge reaches the microwave toroid inner surface at half range “dynamic focal lens”, the main laser expands through the toroidal microwave lens at very low power-density. Since the diameter of the main laser at the focal lens location is so big, and the frequency of the microwave field is so many orders of magnitude higher than the laser light, it reflects off the microwave field like a mirror. The spin of the toroid imparts an internal refractionary redirection of the laser cone back towards convergence, due to the Magnus Effect.
As the toroidal spin energy of the microwave lens is depleted, all of the laser cross-sectional beam energy/area has intercepted it and been bent towards re-coherence.
This “Dynamic focal point” has the potential to be entirely as accurate as a glass focal lens in a camera, since adjusting the toroid frequency, volume diameter, total diameter, spin energy drop-off, would adjust the “curvature” of the dynamic lens to achieve perfect focus on the target.
By allowing the main laser’s energy to disperse naturally as it traverses space, we overcome the photon-entropy gradient losses of Newton’s second law of thermodynamics. The photon-entropy gradient causes high energy photons, and high concentrations of energetic photons, to be impeded, dispersed, captured, and converted to a larger number of lower energy photons with higher entropy and lower gravitational entropy.
Microwave vectors are not captured by gravitational entropy in this way. And if laser light is dispersed and low density enough, the photon-entropy gradient between it and vacuum is too small to do significant power loss. So tow your microwave vector out, and disperse your laser beam as much as possible to preserve it’s power. For moderately far enemy targets, the laser weapon discharge will not be visible at all even to an enemy located half the distance to the target from you. The beam only enters visibility once it’s three quarters down the range!!
Of course, why even bother with lasers if microwaves are more stable over free space? Well because lasers are theatrical, so we make them work. The only way i can think of a more powerful long range laser weapon than the auto-converging laser weapon. Is a Solar-flare pumped continuous gas laser periodically feeding into the outer accretion disk of a black hole which it orbits, then pushing another black hole with opposite spin right past the original one at high tau, so that the laser energy in the original’s accretion disk is ejected briefly at an exact angle and small period to balance it’s loss of spin energy. With calculation this brief outer accretion disk energy ejection of the original black hole could be aimed at an enemy “planet”. In theory, moving a small black hole to throw it past a bigger one is quite achievable. The directed ejection from the accretion disk could be enormous, because that energy is stored in stasis.
So I guess i would name this a: Solar Pumped Stasis Pulsed Laser.
-Byron Davis
I suppose the Solar Pumped Stasis Laser Weapon doesn’t much care about efficiency since its just so powerful. But if you wanted to make it much more efficient and destructive, you could throw 2 small black holes at it from opposite sides, having them glance eachother at the point of accretion energy ejection of the big hole. When they glance they will slow dramatically, causing a sharp gravitational pulse between them and the big hole, aligned with the accretion ejection timing. The pulse geometry would be the big hole suddenly lurching towards the sudden appearance of the combined mass and reduced dynamic mass of the 2 small holes colliding and merging. You could angle the 2 small holes trajectories in a triangle from behind the big hole, Their collision vertex and vector pulling the big hole towards the accretion ejection trajectory. Anyway, The sudden lurch of the big hole towards the trajectory of its accretion ejection shot, should place that laser energy ejection within the leading wavefront of a very large gravitational wave. The front of the wave will have a stasis effect on the section of laser ejection which falls within it, so that bulk of ejection will experience a shorter travel time due to higher space-density. It is a low-intensity warp bubble for your laser pulse. Maybe only 1 or 5% space compression, but that means your strike arrives at target 5% younger than it would have been!
I suppose you could achieve a stronger weapon, but it wouldn’t be laser. I guess I would call it a Doppler-Bomb. If you wanted to attack an alien home world, and you knew their location.. You could send a sequence of 1000 gigaton range hydrogen thermonuclear bombs at them, once in their system, line them all up along the approach vector with the spacing that equates to universal expansion. Or with equal spacing and time the detonations according to universal expansion. So you could detonate them from back-to front, all the back waves would pass every bomb in front of it, red-shifted from the target’s point of view since they originated from a further point in relative xpansion. As the red shifted wave from the rear most bomb approaches the planet, the last detonated front most bomb’s wave meets it. Anyway, the bombs wouldnt have to move fast because they rely on relative motion between different locations in cosmic expansion.. Hang on a moment! Wouldn’t that mean that in theory the waves could converge into eachother at the target, with an inter-wavefront frequency faster than light or causality???
It would wouldn’t it? If you took the frontal peak of each individual wavefront, and drew an inter-wavefront wave with peaks intersecting each wavefront leading edge… The theoretical frequency of that inter-wavefront peaks would compress and doppler up until it exceeds what the highest that causality allows. But you can not exceed causality, so something else would happen. Maybe the density of space at that final convergence point would have to rise so that the relative compresssion would not exceed causality.
Ok, i looked it up and it was correct. Yes light traverses space always at c. And encountering expansion doesnt make it move slower than c, it just changes the frequency , but…. It does change the arrival-time. And since we’re dealing with wave-fronts, arrival time matters.
So the inter-wavefront arrival frequency will try to exceed the speed of light. That can not be allowed to happen, so the energy of space there must increase enough to keep it within causality (light speed), or… The density of space must increase enough there so that the inter-wave energy/frequency is not enough to exceed light-speed.
Is this a possible mechanism for birthing small artificial black-holes??
-Byron Davis
Hey Dennis,
I just finished Not Till We Are Lost and couldn’t help but poke around and find some info on how many more of these I’m going to get. I was thrilled to discover you’re planning to write ten in the series—I had no idea!
Your stories are some of my absolute favorite sci-fi, right up there with Red Rising and The Expanse. There’s something about the stories that just so immersive and comfortable for me. I love the escapism that I get whenever I’m listening or reading about the bob’s.
I can’t wait for the next installment in the series. Thank you for creating such an engaging and captivating universe!
Just came by to tell you that you’re doing a fantastic job.
Just finished Not Till We Are Lost. Not too often nowadays I get to say this but that was money well spent.
My gratitude to you Mr. Taylor!
Lots of comments here. Bobiverse was one of the first books I got in my audible subscription and I’ve been a fan ever since. I keep the series downloaded permanently just in-case I find myself with free time and nothing to do I can immerse myself in the amazing story. Between your writing and Rays voice acting you can just see the story play out. I’m not sure how the story would work cinematically.. I have seen some discussions around how you might work around it, but I have full confidence that you could figure it out. Anyways, I was just visiting the site looking for an update on ETA for book 6 as I just finished book 5. I really enjoyed book 5 but maaaan you left it at such a good cliff hanger just like book 4. If you ever decide on merch send a newsletter, I’d be one of the first to buy! I also loved Singularity Trap and look forward to a possible sequel as you mention
Is book 5 only available as an audiobook?
I’m loving Not till We are Lost as I have the previous 4 books. But I’ve got a question for you. With all of Bob’s nerddom knowledge, is he (and by extension you) biased against Babylon 5 or Battle star Galactica? I’ve seen no character names, or other references to either of those shows.
Just curious.
Author
There were a couple of Battlestar Galactica references near the beginning of book 2. But generally speaking, SW and ST are the low-hanging fruit of references.
Recently looked at getting Outland but could not tolerate the swearing. It adds nothing to the text and alienates older read. So I did not buy it. I don’t care if that is how a tough cop speaks today as it adds nothing to a story and makes the speaker sound like a poorly educated thug with minimal vocabulary. I become very annoyed when the F word becomes an adjective for very. No good author has to use this kind of language.
Dennis… another query about the Quantum Earth series.
Do you have any projected availability date for #3?
On your Quantum Earth, they could pipe sulfur dioxide from through Outland then into vacuum earth to have heat for the winter and green houses.
Hello, I’ve been a fan since I read the first bobiverse book and have read and listened to the bobiverse series at least 10 times including the newest one “not until we are lost”. I’m sure you already have a plan for the next couple of books, but sense the guys literally have a black hole to place with now I would suggest looking into the halo drive concept for potential propulsion.
Big fan and can’t wait for your next books.
I just finished not till we are lost and it was another fantastic adventure in the bobiverse! I have a brief suggestion for a small detail you may want to include in the next book but spoiler alert to anyone who has not read the most recent book.
If/when the bobs start sending out wormhole endpoints to other galaxies (assuming that is the direction you plan on taking things) and if they are sending wormholes to more than one other galaxy then they should also send another endpoint connecting the two or more galaxies to each other. That way in 100,000 years or however long it takes to get there, they would be able to travel between the other galaxies without passing through the potentially fried Milky Way. That’s just my two cents.
Hi Mr. Taylor!
I just finished reading your Bobiverse series. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it and hope there is more to follow!
I’m hoping the Book 5 audio version will be published in book form and I look forward to reading it!
Best Regards.
A Big Fan
Love your books!
please update your ssl certificate on your site.
I just finished Earthside. I hope book 3 is in the works! The end left me hanging.
Hello there!
I am a 52-year-old high school English and Drama teacher, and i wanted to take a moment to share my appreciation and thanks to you. The Audible algorithm thought I would like your Quantum Earth series. It was right! The two books have become some of my “comfort food” books, which comfort I’ve sorely needed lately as two of my family members ended up in the hospital followed by our beloved dog passing away. (Tough time!) But if the non-gerries (to whom Gen-X is, of course, invisible–heh) can travel interdimensionally and restart civilization, I can help my loved ones and say goodbye, dangit.
The point is, you have provided me with solace during a difficult time and I am truly grateful. I would love to see what happens next, of course, but I know you have a few popular series going on right now (stupid success). Until then, you have my continued support and encouragement. Again, my sincerest thanks
Best wishes,
Jada
Hi, Dennis. I am starting a project to bring books to life from a first person VR perspective. I have decided on your amazing Bobiverse series as my first project and have begun the proof of concept. The Bobiverse books lend themselves perfectly to this kind of project as every chapter is told from the first person perspective. I am currently not seeking any involvement from you or anyone else at this time. I am merely letting you know this is an ongoing project. Once I get the proof of concept done, I would love to have you try it out and let me know what you think, but we can cross that bridge once the bridge has actually been built.
I am anxiously anticipating the follow up to “Not Till We Are Lost”
Thanks!
Appreciate your great work! Have really enjoyed the ‘Bobiverse’ series, it’s been my go to for listening during my daily commute!
Avoided reading the Bobverse series for quite a few years because the title turned me off. Man, you can’t judge a book by its title! Loved the first book and enjoying the second now. Keep up the good work!
Love the bobiverse book! Delightful. Brilliant. And the audible narrator is the reason ai read audiobooks will never be as good as a human, he deserves some awards too.
As a Bob, I ADORE your Bobiverse books! I’m also a former computer programmer, and retired from my Aerospace Senior Systems Engineering role last month. Thank you for sharing your superb creativity with us! I plan on doing Science Fiction Convention panels on the Bobiverse next year!
[…] and utter jealousy. That’s how I feel right now. I just finished reading the Bobiverse trilogy by Dennis E. Taylor. I’m insanely jealous over the fact that I wasn’t the one to write this series of […]