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Infinite #5
NPC
Is your life real or is the world you live in a simulation? Are the people you call friends and neighbors living beings with inalienable rights or are they NPCs—Non-Player Characters—whose soulless path through life is predetermined?
Samael Crane, a brilliant scientist, believes NPCs are all around us. And he can prove it.
When a body is discovered in the bay off Essex, Massachusetts, small town pastor and former Marine plagued by doubts, Ezekiel Ford finds himself called in to identify the deceased. His history is unknown. His full name is a mystery. No one knows where he came from. In fact, Ezekiel seems to be the only person in town who ever really noticed him, living on the fringe of reality, and sometimes in the homeless shelter supported by his church.
Ezekiel’s involvement in the case doesn’t go unnoticed by Samael, who has set out to prove—through deadly means—that NPCs exist, that reality is simulated, and that ‘God’ is a coder with a grudge. The two men’s missions become inextricably entwined, leading them down a path through the gray area between good and evil, science and religion, and reality and simulation, barreling toward a truth that will change the world and humankind’s place in it forever.
New York Times and #1 Audible.com bestselling author Jeremy Robinson takes readers on a journey that is not only action-packed, but full of scientific and philosophical intrigue. In his most mind-bending story since INFINITE and ALTER, Robinson blends genres, belief systems, and bold prose into an unputdownable tale exploring the nature of reality. In the audiobook edition he is joined by #1 Audible.com bestselling narrators, R.C. Bray and Jeffrey Kafer, creating a truly one-of-a-kind listening experience.
Samael Crane, a brilliant scientist, believes NPCs are all around us. And he can prove it.
When a body is discovered in the bay off Essex, Massachusetts, small town pastor and former Marine plagued by doubts, Ezekiel Ford finds himself called in to identify the deceased. His history is unknown. His full name is a mystery. No one knows where he came from. In fact, Ezekiel seems to be the only person in town who ever really noticed him, living on the fringe of reality, and sometimes in the homeless shelter supported by his church.
Ezekiel’s involvement in the case doesn’t go unnoticed by Samael, who has set out to prove—through deadly means—that NPCs exist, that reality is simulated, and that ‘God’ is a coder with a grudge. The two men’s missions become inextricably entwined, leading them down a path through the gray area between good and evil, science and religion, and reality and simulation, barreling toward a truth that will change the world and humankind’s place in it forever.
New York Times and #1 Audible.com bestselling author Jeremy Robinson takes readers on a journey that is not only action-packed, but full of scientific and philosophical intrigue. In his most mind-bending story since INFINITE and ALTER, Robinson blends genres, belief systems, and bold prose into an unputdownable tale exploring the nature of reality. In the audiobook edition he is joined by #1 Audible.com bestselling narrators, R.C. Bray and Jeffrey Kafer, creating a truly one-of-a-kind listening experience.
364 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2020
403 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Robinson
163 books2,604 followersJeremy Robinson is the New York Times bestselling author of seventy novels and novellas, including Apocalypse Machine, Island 731, and SecondWorld, as well as the Jack Sigler thriller series and Project Nemesis, the highest selling, original (non-licensed) kaiju novel of all time. He’s known for mixing elements of science, history and mythology, which has earned him the #1 spot in Science Fiction and Action-Adventure, and secured him as the top creature feature author. Many of his novels have been adapted into comic books, optioned for film and TV, and translated into thirteen languages. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children. Visit him at www.bewareofmonsters.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
April 15, 2023
Are you real?
Book Information
NPC, written by Jeremy Robinson, was published on June 30, 2020. The book spans 319 pages and is also available in audiobook format, narrated by R.C. Bray and Jeffrey Kafer, with a running time of 10 hours and 4 minutes. The book is part of Robinson's Infinite Timeline, a universe of overlapping stories that are interconnected. Although NPC is a stand-alone novel, it is likely that its themes and characters will play a role in future books within the same universe.
Summary
Samael Crane, a brilliant scientist, is on a mission to prove that non-player characters (NPCs) exist and that the world we live in is nothing but a simulation. He believes that "God" is nothing but a programmer with a grudge against humanity, and he's willing to go to deadly lengths to prove his theory.
When a mysterious body is discovered in the bay off Essex, Massachusetts, small-town pastor and former Marine Ezekiel Ford finds himself in the middle of the investigation. The deceased man's identity is unknown, and no one seems to know where he came from. However, Ezekiel remembers the man living on the fringes of reality and sometimes staying at the homeless shelter supported by his church.
As Ezekiel delves deeper into the case, Samael becomes aware of his involvement and sees him as an obstacle in his mission. The two men's paths become intertwined, leading them on a dangerous journey through the gray area between science and religion, good and evil, and reality and simulation.
My Thoughts
Jeremy Robinson's "NPC" is a departure from his typical fast-paced, action-packed novels, but that doesn't mean it's any less thrilling. While there are certainly moments of high tension and excitement, the book also delves into more introspective and thought-provoking territory.
The story is told through alternating perspectives of Samael and Ezekiel, the latter of whom is investigating the disappearance of several homeless people in his small town. Ezekiel, still reeling from the loss of his wife, is struggling with his faith and Samael's theory poses a direct threat to his beliefs. As the two engage in a battle of wits, the mystery deepens, and the stakes become increasingly high.
What makes "NPC" so unique is Robinson's ability to make the reader question Samael's theory while also presenting evidence that supports it. The boundaries between reality and simulation become blurred, and the reader is left wondering what is real and what is not. The characters are complex and well-developed, with their beliefs and actions blurring the lines between right and wrong.
The story is engaging and thought-provoking, with numerous twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The audiobook version is particularly well done, with a different narrator for each of the main characters' perspectives, making it easy to follow the story and get lost in the world Robinson has created.
Recommendation
Overall, "NPC" is a thought-provoking and captivating novel that explores the limits of science, religion, and humanity's understanding of reality. It's a must-read for fans of science fiction, thriller, and mystery novels alike.
Rating
4 Simulated (or real... it's hard to tell) Stars
Book Information
NPC, written by Jeremy Robinson, was published on June 30, 2020. The book spans 319 pages and is also available in audiobook format, narrated by R.C. Bray and Jeffrey Kafer, with a running time of 10 hours and 4 minutes. The book is part of Robinson's Infinite Timeline, a universe of overlapping stories that are interconnected. Although NPC is a stand-alone novel, it is likely that its themes and characters will play a role in future books within the same universe.
Summary
Samael Crane, a brilliant scientist, is on a mission to prove that non-player characters (NPCs) exist and that the world we live in is nothing but a simulation. He believes that "God" is nothing but a programmer with a grudge against humanity, and he's willing to go to deadly lengths to prove his theory.
When a mysterious body is discovered in the bay off Essex, Massachusetts, small-town pastor and former Marine Ezekiel Ford finds himself in the middle of the investigation. The deceased man's identity is unknown, and no one seems to know where he came from. However, Ezekiel remembers the man living on the fringes of reality and sometimes staying at the homeless shelter supported by his church.
As Ezekiel delves deeper into the case, Samael becomes aware of his involvement and sees him as an obstacle in his mission. The two men's paths become intertwined, leading them on a dangerous journey through the gray area between science and religion, good and evil, and reality and simulation.
My Thoughts
Jeremy Robinson's "NPC" is a departure from his typical fast-paced, action-packed novels, but that doesn't mean it's any less thrilling. While there are certainly moments of high tension and excitement, the book also delves into more introspective and thought-provoking territory.
The story is told through alternating perspectives of Samael and Ezekiel, the latter of whom is investigating the disappearance of several homeless people in his small town. Ezekiel, still reeling from the loss of his wife, is struggling with his faith and Samael's theory poses a direct threat to his beliefs. As the two engage in a battle of wits, the mystery deepens, and the stakes become increasingly high.
What makes "NPC" so unique is Robinson's ability to make the reader question Samael's theory while also presenting evidence that supports it. The boundaries between reality and simulation become blurred, and the reader is left wondering what is real and what is not. The characters are complex and well-developed, with their beliefs and actions blurring the lines between right and wrong.
The story is engaging and thought-provoking, with numerous twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The audiobook version is particularly well done, with a different narrator for each of the main characters' perspectives, making it easy to follow the story and get lost in the world Robinson has created.
Recommendation
Overall, "NPC" is a thought-provoking and captivating novel that explores the limits of science, religion, and humanity's understanding of reality. It's a must-read for fans of science fiction, thriller, and mystery novels alike.
Rating
4 Simulated (or real... it's hard to tell) Stars
September 13, 2020
This is one of my favorite reads of 2020 for the concepts it explores and the characters who explore them. But there are other reasons the book resonates with me. One of my favorite movies from the late 1990s was a flick called The Thirteenth Floor. It was a movie about similar subject matter… itself based on a book published in 1964. While the film holds up fairly well these days, I've never been willing to read the book. How could something from the 60s stand up as engaging techno-fiction?
Excitingly, NPC explores a similar space while breaking new and exiting ground on the concept that "reality is a simulation" by introducing modern gaming concepts and cutting edge technology in addition to compelling, likable (and despicable) characters.
And since it's a Robinson thriller, there are enough twists to keep readers sorting things out and fully transfixed until the final page.
For added fun, check out the audiobook. The way the narrators tag-team the reading is fantastic. They bring this book to life in the best possible way.
Excitingly, NPC explores a similar space while breaking new and exiting ground on the concept that "reality is a simulation" by introducing modern gaming concepts and cutting edge technology in addition to compelling, likable (and despicable) characters.
And since it's a Robinson thriller, there are enough twists to keep readers sorting things out and fully transfixed until the final page.
For added fun, check out the audiobook. The way the narrators tag-team the reading is fantastic. They bring this book to life in the best possible way.
November 29, 2020
Even after the author brags about his ability to write action books, he cautions that this book will be different. Been reading author since Pulse so many ages ago. Always grinning when one of his books drops. Used to put down whatever I was reading at the time to take in another fun Robinson book. While I am sure his die hard, video game enthusiast fans may enjoy this tale, I was bored to tears. Not sure the point to this tale. Will go back to Beck and Cole for raging fun tales. Thank goodness I have backup. So sad to see this from Robinson but he warned me, right? Not interested in seeing a return to his religious fundamentals that used to show up infrequently in his books. Love video games? Need to discuss God? Please dig in.
January 10, 2022
This is a book that plays with your sense of reality. A serial murderer is preying on the homeless trying to prove his theory that the world is actually a computer simulation and most of the population are not real (i.e. player characters) but NPCs (non-player characters) whose actions are directed by a computer. He has gone so far as to categorize the NPCs into 5 levels depending upon their sophistication. The serial murderer is trying to upset the system and free the real people from the simulation.
In alternating chapters, we get into the mind of a pastor who is trying to find out what’s happened to these missing homeless people. He’s a recent widower and is having a crisis of faith that the serial killer’s theory intersects nicely with. As he and the killer maneuver against each other, the mystery of the killer’s theory becomes increasingly intricate. There are a ton of surprises in this novel, but what makes it the best is the author’s success in making you alternate between believing in and doubting the killer’s theory. It’s totally gripping and utterly fascinating. You’ll be wondering whether or not the world really is a simulation right up to the very last page.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
In alternating chapters, we get into the mind of a pastor who is trying to find out what’s happened to these missing homeless people. He’s a recent widower and is having a crisis of faith that the serial killer’s theory intersects nicely with. As he and the killer maneuver against each other, the mystery of the killer’s theory becomes increasingly intricate. There are a ton of surprises in this novel, but what makes it the best is the author’s success in making you alternate between believing in and doubting the killer’s theory. It’s totally gripping and utterly fascinating. You’ll be wondering whether or not the world really is a simulation right up to the very last page.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
July 13, 2020
It's like a computer got fed the plot to the Matrix and some generic murder mystery and this is what it spat out. Sprinkle some religiosity on top for more sales and ratings pandering and here you have it. So dumb.
July 11, 2020
Somewhat different from what you normally expect from Jeremy Robinson, NPC is a thought provoking look at what is and isn’t real. Is life real or is it a simulation? Is God real or is the simulation created by a faceless corporation? No matter which of Jeremys books you read, one thing always stands out - his ability to write flawed, complex but ultimately real characters that have you believing in them and wanting them to succeed. So much of Ezekiel’s inner struggles really resonated with me, especially at the beginning of the story, and I can honestly say that I had no idea how the story would end. I couldn’t even say that I knew HOW I wanted the story to end. But once again, Jeremy has written an amazing book that speaks to your mind, your insecurities, your beliefs, and your heart.
July 17, 2022
An interesting take on reality
August 24, 2020
I enjoyed this action movie style book, it jumped straight into the good stuff.
The narration was excellent.
I liked the author's comments at the end of the book. As a Christian guy I found a few of the ideas sacrilegious, but the simulation idea is one I have always enjoyed.
The narration was excellent.
I liked the author's comments at the end of the book. As a Christian guy I found a few of the ideas sacrilegious, but the simulation idea is one I have always enjoyed.
July 1, 2020
Robinson Is Back With Another Mindbender. In this book, The Modern Day Master of Science Fiction creates yet another absolute breakneck thriller that also happens to be one of the most mind-bending books of his career, right up there with ALTER and INFINITE. It *also* is one of the few books at this "more developed" stage of his career where he openly wrestles with religious and philosophical issues, and indeed the very debate between our two primary characters on these topics is some of the most intense and intriguing bits of the book. Still, for those who want to gloss over the philosophy and focus on the action, there is still quite a bit of that here as well, and indeed the debates often happen in the middle of the intense action. (Think: Brian and Dom having a debate about the nature of reality *while in the middle of the airplane chase scene* at the end of Fast 6.) There are numerous reasons I call Robinson "The Modern Day Master of Science Fiction", and this book just adds to them. Very much recommended.
July 1, 2020
A thought-provoking book from one of my favorite authors.
Is this reality or are we living in someone's computer generated program? I've noticed this subject coming up more frequently in the science arena. For some, it might challenge their beliefs, but as a Christian, this didn't make me doubt my beliefs at all. Whatever you may think, it was a fun story and one I think many will enjoy. Recommended.
Full disclosure: I received an ARC of NPC in exchange for an honest and fair review. This is it.
Is this reality or are we living in someone's computer generated program? I've noticed this subject coming up more frequently in the science arena. For some, it might challenge their beliefs, but as a Christian, this didn't make me doubt my beliefs at all. Whatever you may think, it was a fun story and one I think many will enjoy. Recommended.
Full disclosure: I received an ARC of NPC in exchange for an honest and fair review. This is it.
September 11, 2020
I listened to this as an Audible book, which was probably a good choice. Because the readers were quite good.
The same, unfortunately, can't be said of the story in question. It's shallow and pointless, avoids any sort of discussion of the idea that the world is a simulation and quickly descends into an asinine action story. There is also not a single plot twist or surprise in the book. Like, literally zero. The entire thing was predictable from the first minute to the last.
I've read and listened to worse books, but this one is near the bottom tiers. Bubblegum literature for the "I am thirteen and this is deep" crowd. Avoid.
The same, unfortunately, can't be said of the story in question. It's shallow and pointless, avoids any sort of discussion of the idea that the world is a simulation and quickly descends into an asinine action story. There is also not a single plot twist or surprise in the book. Like, literally zero. The entire thing was predictable from the first minute to the last.
I've read and listened to worse books, but this one is near the bottom tiers. Bubblegum literature for the "I am thirteen and this is deep" crowd. Avoid.
August 22, 2020
Very interested in the concept, but the story itself leaves a lot to be desired. The writing style is lazy and not very eloquent. I did, however, find myself entertained and intrigued enough to finish the book.
July 15, 2020
DNF around 40% through. Much of the dialogue is cringeworthy. Uninteresting story and characters. Only saving grace is that it's competently written
May 25, 2020
NPC was an interesting take on the Matrix concept. It explores the reality (or lack of) in the world but it has a heavily religious take on the concept.
September 13, 2021
I just absolutely love Jeremy's writing. His world building is one that makes you think and second guess everything you know, and this story was no different. I will say that I didn't really care for all of the religious-ness of the book, but it still made for a great story. The fact that his writing and story telling makes up for the fact that I don't believe in religion and still enjoyed the story tells me something. I liked the main characters but didn't get as attached to them as most others.
I can't help but wonder......is Skippy the Magnificent involved somehow? I can't help but compare and it just makes sense.
As always, R.C. Bray you are a freaking legend my man.
I can't help but wonder......is Skippy the Magnificent involved somehow? I can't help but compare and it just makes sense.
As always, R.C. Bray you are a freaking legend my man.
July 11, 2020
Normally, I like Jeremy Robinson, but this book didn't work for me. There was fighting, fighting, and more fighting, and way too much discussion of religious quandaries. In the author's note at the end of the novel, Robinson acknowledges some readers will react like I have, and says he only occasionally writes novels like this. Great, I'll still keep reading his novels and just try to avoid the few of them that are similar to this one.
June 24, 2020
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of NPC. I have been an avid reader of Jeremy's work for many years and I was interested in this title from the get-go. As a lover of The Matrix films and browser of certain subreddits that explore this concept it was interesting to get Jeremy's take on this especially from the religious POV. Don't get me wrong he isn't shoving it all down your throat but makes you think about simulations and religion going hand in hand. The jumping from Zeke's and Sam's POV are great and lets you understand that character better.I would highly recommend this book for someone who wants something with a bit of thought provoking in their books (also look at the Didymus Contingency, it was one of the first books I read way back when).
September 16, 2020
An interesting story that really had my attention pretty quick. Many twists in this plot and I could only guess where the story would end up. Robinson does something interesting in this book, and he has done it in the last few books as well - he gives his characters something vocal that makes them stand out. One person swears, one speaks their mind, one says whatever comes to mind, one mixes Spanish and English, and so on. While this makes them unique it also can make them one dimensional. In this story the vocal trick works well.
May 22, 2021
I didn't know much about this book so I'm not sure what I expected, but I suppose I didn't expect a science/religion philosophical plot line. Which, honestly, that was fine. I think what I didn't like was that I felt like the story kept going between a plausible scifi situation and total scifi situation. I think I prefer plausible scifi. It started to choose the plausible then at the end was like JK.
January 19, 2024
This was an excellent installment in the serious. As someone who grew up in a religious setting, this one really got the brain juices flowing (sorry not sorry). I listened to it on audible, and thoroughly enjoyed the journey. Looking forward to the next book. I loved the format of Bray as Ezekiel and Kafer as Samial. Bravo!
November 21, 2020
It was interesting to read how the author was able to spin the story from a murder mystery to a philosophical debate on simulation theory. I enjoyed learning about the topic, but I'm not a follower on the belief. lol
July 1, 2020
Amazing thought provoking and so gritty this is Jeremy Robinson's best book, I truly believe that. The two main characters wow you have to read or I suggest listen to the Audio version, I'm not over selling this it is that good!
I listened to the audio version with RC Bray and Jeffrey Kafer both narrate, holy smokes it is all to perfect. Thank you to J. Robinson for the story and all involved in the audio production. Perfecto
I listened to the audio version with RC Bray and Jeffrey Kafer both narrate, holy smokes it is all to perfect. Thank you to J. Robinson for the story and all involved in the audio production. Perfecto
November 6, 2020
Well that was entertaining... where do I sign up to be fitted with a NeuroBond system? I wanna be more than a block “to be moved about” 🕋 🤯
July 13, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book very much, and was going to rate it 4*. It was the Author's Note that made me add another star. Also, I read it during the presidential election in Poland and it made it very topical. It turned out that one of the candidates mobilised NPCs to vote for him by presenting a false reality- not VR but simple TV propaganda.
September 11, 2023
Overall entertaining. Unexpected twists early on but a relatively predictable ending. Appreciated author commentary about how he got to the story line, and balancing some of the religious context.
July 2, 2020
Full Disclosure: I received an ARC of NPC in return for a fair, honest review. I was in no way, shape, or from, coerced into any preconceived appraisal and/or critique(s) of this book
I’ve been a fan of Robinson for quite a few years now. Ever since I randomly grabbed a copy of SecondWorld from my local Barnes & Nobel, I’ve been hooked and have stayed a faithful fan, even when there have been a couple novels I haven’t particularly enjoyed. (You can peruse my reviews of his books here on goodreads to see which ones those are). The good news is that those 3 or 4 novels that missed the mark for me are almost always forgotten when Robinson redeems himself with kick ass stories like NPC.
Since at the time of this writing, NPC won’t be released for another 3 weeks, I can’t go too much into detail on plot for fear of divulging spoilers. I’ll just say that NPC once again solidified my fandom and the multiple times I’ve praised Robinson and suggested him to all my friends. This book is everything I’ve come to expect from this author and more. I’ve always thought that when Robinson takes a step back from his world destroying kaiju series, or his non-stop ChessTeam work, and writes something a bit slower paced and a lot more introspective, he usually comes out with some of his absolute best work.
Like Infinite, and Alter, NPC is a scaled back, much more restrained Robinson. And that’s not a bad thing. I love his balls-to-the-wall sci-fi/ action mashups just as much as the next guy, but when he slows down, replaces (most of) his trademark frantic energy with legit questions and realistic pondering, throws in some religious allegories, and still manages to write something both thought provoking and entertaining, well then, it’s hard to ignore his talent.
I’ve been a fan of Robinson for quite a few years now. Ever since I randomly grabbed a copy of SecondWorld from my local Barnes & Nobel, I’ve been hooked and have stayed a faithful fan, even when there have been a couple novels I haven’t particularly enjoyed. (You can peruse my reviews of his books here on goodreads to see which ones those are). The good news is that those 3 or 4 novels that missed the mark for me are almost always forgotten when Robinson redeems himself with kick ass stories like NPC.
Since at the time of this writing, NPC won’t be released for another 3 weeks, I can’t go too much into detail on plot for fear of divulging spoilers. I’ll just say that NPC once again solidified my fandom and the multiple times I’ve praised Robinson and suggested him to all my friends. This book is everything I’ve come to expect from this author and more. I’ve always thought that when Robinson takes a step back from his world destroying kaiju series, or his non-stop ChessTeam work, and writes something a bit slower paced and a lot more introspective, he usually comes out with some of his absolute best work.
Like Infinite, and Alter, NPC is a scaled back, much more restrained Robinson. And that’s not a bad thing. I love his balls-to-the-wall sci-fi/ action mashups just as much as the next guy, but when he slows down, replaces (most of) his trademark frantic energy with legit questions and realistic pondering, throws in some religious allegories, and still manages to write something both thought provoking and entertaining, well then, it’s hard to ignore his talent.
August 22, 2020
I read this on Audible. did not care for the 'scientist' talking like some hard boiled detective from the 30s. Was that RC Bray? If so, I will avoid him in the future. And don't get me started on the Preacher swearing. Totally unrealistic.
Add to this, I thought I was going to read some 'mind bending' novel and all I got was a story about sick serial killer and a disillusioned foul mouthed pastor.
I couldn't finish it. Ugh.
Add to this, I thought I was going to read some 'mind bending' novel and all I got was a story about sick serial killer and a disillusioned foul mouthed pastor.
I couldn't finish it. Ugh.
July 15, 2020
This review is for the audiobook version of NPC by Jeremy Robinson and narrated (tag-team style) by the unstoppable duo of R.C. Bray & Jeffrey Kafer. Do yourself a favor and skip the reviews. Pick up this book, read or listen to it for yourself then come back to see if you agree with me.
New England pastor, Ezekiel Ford, feels like he's living a lie. After the death of his beloved wife, does he still have the faith he needs to shepherd his flock? Ruthless polymath, Samael Crane, sees in Ezekiel one of the few "real people" in a world of NPCs.
In NPC, Robinson weaves together the best elements of the Matrix and Signs (by M. Night Shyamalan) with shades of William Gibson and Daniel Suarez into a new creation that examines crises of faith and redemption while exploring simulation theory. Robinson kept me guessing throughout the book and I was often unsure as to who was the hero and who was the villain in NPC.
Bray and Kafer are always a treat and their tandem narration only increased the overall quality of Robinson's text. I found the dual narration quite effective with Bray alternating on the Ezekiel chapters and Kafer on Samael chapters.
I've learned that when it comes to Jeremy Robinson novels, the less I know going in, the better. I have yet to be disappointed by any of the half dozen of his novels I've read so far. NPC is no exception. I recommend NPC for anyone who enjoys post-cyberpunk and technothrillers, as well as fans of faith-based novels.
***Full Disclosure: I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
New England pastor, Ezekiel Ford, feels like he's living a lie. After the death of his beloved wife, does he still have the faith he needs to shepherd his flock? Ruthless polymath, Samael Crane, sees in Ezekiel one of the few "real people" in a world of NPCs.
In NPC, Robinson weaves together the best elements of the Matrix and Signs (by M. Night Shyamalan) with shades of William Gibson and Daniel Suarez into a new creation that examines crises of faith and redemption while exploring simulation theory. Robinson kept me guessing throughout the book and I was often unsure as to who was the hero and who was the villain in NPC.
Bray and Kafer are always a treat and their tandem narration only increased the overall quality of Robinson's text. I found the dual narration quite effective with Bray alternating on the Ezekiel chapters and Kafer on Samael chapters.
I've learned that when it comes to Jeremy Robinson novels, the less I know going in, the better. I have yet to be disappointed by any of the half dozen of his novels I've read so far. NPC is no exception. I recommend NPC for anyone who enjoys post-cyberpunk and technothrillers, as well as fans of faith-based novels.
***Full Disclosure: I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
May 21, 2022
I struggled with this one...
September 6, 2020
All Over The Place (In A Good Way)
What. A. Mind. Fuck. Seriously, the amount of times that I thought “okay, so this is what’s going on” where too damn high. Jeremy Robinson really threw me for a loop with this one. Then flipped me again and again. It was crazy.
I kept thinking to myself, surely it’s going to end like this or this. And I was wrong every time. I’m sure that some people will catch on faster than I did but I’ll tell you what, it was still a blast of a book.
I read the entire thing including the epilogue and I didn’t think at any point Robinson was shoving religion down my throat. I’m a former Catholic – so a lot of the stuff that was mentioned made sense especially since one of the main characters was a pastor. Each person is going to approach the thing that’s affecting them in a way that makes sense to them. If you’re an atheist you’ll see the creator one way. If you’re religious you’ll see it as God. That all makes sense to me and really didn’t take away from the book at all.
I can’t, for obvious reasons, go into much detail about this book but I can say that it starts off like a serial killer thriller, then it morphs into a psychological thriller, then again into a technothriller all the while keeping the characters and the story the same. It’s a bizarre mash up that shouldn’t work but it does.
Obviously then you throw in two of the best working voices in the business in Jeffrey Kafer and R.C. Bray and it’s perfect. Kafer and Bray each narrate one of the main characters and it helps know which one of them are talking (since the story bounces between their points of view a lot in the middle section). Kafer and Bray are great and I hope to hear a lot more books from them in the future.
Overall, NPC was an absolute “what the hell did I just read?” kind of book. One that I’ll definitely be thinking about for a while. And one that will have me never look at another human being the same.
What. A. Mind. Fuck. Seriously, the amount of times that I thought “okay, so this is what’s going on” where too damn high. Jeremy Robinson really threw me for a loop with this one. Then flipped me again and again. It was crazy.
I kept thinking to myself, surely it’s going to end like this or this. And I was wrong every time. I’m sure that some people will catch on faster than I did but I’ll tell you what, it was still a blast of a book.
I read the entire thing including the epilogue and I didn’t think at any point Robinson was shoving religion down my throat. I’m a former Catholic – so a lot of the stuff that was mentioned made sense especially since one of the main characters was a pastor. Each person is going to approach the thing that’s affecting them in a way that makes sense to them. If you’re an atheist you’ll see the creator one way. If you’re religious you’ll see it as God. That all makes sense to me and really didn’t take away from the book at all.
I can’t, for obvious reasons, go into much detail about this book but I can say that it starts off like a serial killer thriller, then it morphs into a psychological thriller, then again into a technothriller all the while keeping the characters and the story the same. It’s a bizarre mash up that shouldn’t work but it does.
Obviously then you throw in two of the best working voices in the business in Jeffrey Kafer and R.C. Bray and it’s perfect. Kafer and Bray each narrate one of the main characters and it helps know which one of them are talking (since the story bounces between their points of view a lot in the middle section). Kafer and Bray are great and I hope to hear a lot more books from them in the future.
Overall, NPC was an absolute “what the hell did I just read?” kind of book. One that I’ll definitely be thinking about for a while. And one that will have me never look at another human being the same.
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