Good concept but unremittingly bleak

I was interested in the ideas and characters in this book but found that I was worn down by the constant barrage of bad news and misfortune for the characters. There was never any hope or redemption. Hard to listen to.

5 people found this helpful

Refreshingly Original

What did you like most about Syncing Forward?

The originality of the story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The protagonist's eldest daughter. She is a very believable yet complex character.

What does Will Damron bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I don't usually like narration that has a slow tempo but Damron's slowish style was never sluggish. It seemed perfectly paced and in a strange way was a perfect match for the fast paced environment of the book. He did an excellent job and though I have a few favourite narrators on Audible I really don't think anyone would have done a better job. Damion was a perfect choice for this book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely. I actually listened to it in 2 sittings.

Any additional comments?

I may be wrong but after reading and listening to many hundreds of books (probably closer to thousands) over the years I've never came across one quite like this. It retains its originality throughout while still using the tried-and-tested formulas for character building, interpersonal relationships and drama that you'd expect from a good book. The book was brilliantly written and excellently narrated. It has made me want to hear more from both the author and the narrator. Well done Audible for bringing this book to your listeners.

2 people found this helpful

Outstanding

Any additional comments?

I am astounded not to have heard about this and simply stumbled across it!!! I can imagine it as a film, would have to be a three hour film though...The story of a man who after being injected by terrorists, has to be 'synced' every few months or years just to spend a little time with family as he slows down to the extent where for him four years is one day (as in fours years only feels like one day for him - everyone else seems to speed up). His metabolism is so slow that he isn't aging so he goes through the agony of seeing his family die, then grandchildren and eventually he's 100 years into the future. Such a clever premise, brilliantly written and perfectly executed by the narrator.I found the gradual jumps forwards fascinating as they seemed to depict a possible future based on the way the world seems to be moving politically, technologically etc Can't recommend this enough.

2 people found this helpful

Oh Wow!

This is was nothing like I expected, the description just scratches the surface, it is so so much more.
Don't expect Classic sci fi or every day time travel, this is a completely new twist . Its a must read, it makes you feel uncomfortable as you realise the implications of circumstances the characters find themselves in.
This is going to be be a best seller/classic read and is difficult to describe without removing the surprise.
So if your adventurous go for it, I don't think you will regret it.

2 people found this helpful

Depressing

The story is very clever and I loved parts of the descriptions of the future and his travel through time but it was a very depressing read, it was 70% death 20% excitement and 10% positive. Was a bit of a struggle and a bit disappointing at the end!

1 person found this helpful

Excellent - hope W Lawrence writes more!

Where does Syncing Forward rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have listened to many audiobooks and this has to be one of my favourites.

What did you like best about this story?

The author sympathetically deals with the issues faced by the central character and really brings him to life. I also thought the descriptions of the changing world were excellent - technology, economics, politics.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The entire book! I was sad when it finished.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would not have listened in one sitting even if I could as after each few chapters I listened to I enjoyed letting them sink in and fire the imagination.

Any additional comments?

I love historical novels and historical facts. Also enjoy Stephen King. Have so much wanted to enjoy sci-fi and this single book has whetted my appetite for the genre as no other book has.

1 person found this helpful

Promising but very sentimental

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

This had a promising story, but the plot is lost amid endless sentimentality from the main character; he is a family man and obviously and understandably massively upset by the situation he finds himself in. But, after hours of listening to him wish things were different, reminisce about when his girls were little and go off on long overly sentimental ramblings about how unfair his situation is I found it just too repetitive and annoying to stick with to find out how the story ends. I was expecting a bit of a sci-fi/mystery, and this is much more a family drama with a futuristic twist.

1 person found this helpful

Petulant characters, slow and predictable plot

The most striking thing about this story was the continual petulance of the main characters - self-absorbed kids who never grow up yet presented as adults who have become masterful authorities in their fields.

I feel really disappointed by this book... it promised to be so much more. But a mess of religious fundamentalism, attempted political insight and futurism, all combined with a plot twist you can see a mile off, it completely missed any target for genuine vision or suspense. It is one of those where I forced myself to continue just for the sake of feeling it worth the purchase price.

The narration was fine - no complaints about that (and I think it may have been one of the things that actually helped me finish it), but the story just didn't carry it otherwise.

Religion and daddy issues

Religion in sci-fi - easy turn off. Add the soppy daddy story and it had me wanting to turn it off constantly. Narrator did a decent job, only saving grace.

Much potential, but ultimately disappointing

First of all, this book has a great concept, and that's what drew me in in the first place. However, it left me very disappointed.

The middle part of the story is repetitive and dull, and the characters are annoying and irrational - especially the main character, Martin James, who comes across as whiny and arrogant, and very hard to have any sympathy for, despite what he's going through - and the narrative is like wading through treacle at times.

The future world politics and technological advancements are interesting enough, but they couldn't save the book. Not nearly enough was done with what I still feel is a great concept.

I would not recommend.