Imaginative Futuristic Utopia

I really enjoyed immersing myself into this future world born out of our very current global predicaments. 
If I had had a time machine it would be interesting to go forward in time and see if this book turns out to be a classic of its period.
For me this book had the feel of a modern HG Wells time machine tale of sorts and a touch of the William Dufris readings of the classic Asimov robot books. 

This book is a good yarn and I look forward to listening to it again in the not too distant future!

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12 people found this helpful

enjoyable read

This was a great surprise of a book.
interesting story that builds up and makes you think about how life may become.
very well narrated.

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cool

an enjoyable book with a refreshingly different taken on sci fi. some great ideas and a wonderful comment on what we may gain and lose

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Started off well

I started off being hooked. Elis was a great character but just couldn't stand it when Ren was introduced. Went down hill from there for me.

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Great book with lots of angles and perspectives

A little slow to start, I didn't think I'd like this book at first, but it picked up once the main character enters Hollow World. As the story develops you do realise how many themes that the author is trying to tie in here, and quite successfully I think - there are certainly a number of perspectives that you end up reflecting on - religion, relationships. sexuality and the point of it all. And with enough action in the latter half of the book to keep it pacy. I would certainly read a sequel if one follows.

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Shallow at times

Would you listen to Hollow World again? Why?

I would listen to this book again, as it is well read and reasonably paced, with one or two nice twists and turns

If you’ve listened to books by Michael J. Sullivan before, how does this one compare?

I've not listened to any of MJ Sullivans other work, but would!However I do prefer books by English authors, although there are clear exceptions to this John Grisham etc..... but my first preference is to my homeland authors, and in the case of Mr Sullivan if I could find something that attracted me from a story line principle I would surely entertain him again!

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

He is a very expressive reader and his characterisations help in bring the characters in the book to life

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

This book I would suggest is a tad too long to do in one sitting but its easy listening so if you have the time go for it!

Any additional comments?

Having said all of the above, the book is shallow in that it is very American in its focus on what is a "New World", and truth be told if there ever was to be a new world order I somehow doubt that the American model would be at the top of the list. It does however pay homage to the geography but argues that humanity such as it is North American in its attitude and organisation.

The book also delves at points into the bible and religious ideology and again pays no heed to the multitude of religious ideals and doctrines, that litter the present day planet; and as such sits very clearly on a Christian plateau, having stated that religion no longer exists, it then goes on to argue the rights and wrongs of the "Christian ideals of the main character!
I found the religious referencing fairly superfluous to the story and although I can see the Philosophical debate holds some weight within the plot, it didn't work for me as it struck me that it was the author satisfying his own religious ideology, or trying to appeal or appease the home markets religious ideals, and as such I found myself vaguely annoyed by it!

The technology of the day and its descriptions were credible, but for those seeking more scientific explanation of some very funky technology and DNA cloning I suspect it might be disappointing. I also felt the book missed a trick or two in perhaps not expanding on what had bought the planet to the point that the hero finds himself in! As for the twist where his best buddy from school turns up, having managed to copy the machine from the blueprints left behind by persuading some college geek to build it for him..... hmm a bit weak, it all seemed convenient, and was simply a vehicle to bulk up the story, although again it added an interesting twist that was well written and entertaining to read. That really is the failing in this book that the connections to the reality lack any depth or support and at time are not properly thought through from a plot point, however if you put that aside it's a good read and listen, overall entertaining but one that wont win any prizes.....

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Brilliant new SF on old but fascinating themes

This came as a real surprise to me - I love proper sci fi but detest its modern corruption by fantasy. Despite a foreword by the author where he suggests that sci fi is largely fantasy anyway, I found this to be a great traditional time travel story full of engrossing speculation about the development of human beings, their motives and culture, as well as the earth and all its problems, while never losing sight of the central, flawed character and his personal story and reactions to the world in which he finds himself. It was gripping, moving and exciting and a joy to an old school sci fi fan - by which I mean someone who enjoys the likes of Theodore Sturgeon, Edgar Pangborne and Robert Heinlein. And it is beautifully narrated. Highly recommended!

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15 people found this helpful

A great story that fell short

I am a little torn about this book. There were elements that I really enjoyed, others not as much. I liked how it started, then the time travel and exploration of the new world (Hollow World itself and the people within it i thought had the grounding for a great story).

The was the latter half that seemed a little run of the mill. 2 people pitched against each other, preventing the doom of the planet etc. Not bad ideas, but with the start of the book I think I was expecting it to go in a different direction. The premise reminded me a little of a Planet of the Apes film (I wont say which one to avoid any spoilers).

The audio book was well produced, and I think the narrator did fairly well with distinguishing between the characters - considering they were supposed to be very alike.

I am not certain if there will be a sequel. I hope there will be, but maybe with a story arc that's not so encompassing or world altering.

All in all, I enjoyed the book, but was let down a little by the ending story. Keep up the good work Mr Sullivan.

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2 people found this helpful

Great story great narration

I really liked this book.

Mr Sullivan is a great story teller. He doesn't get to deep or technical with his creations. Instead he lets the story and it's characters tell you about the surroundings which makes up the world that brings everything together. This wide focus makes Mr Sullivan's books easy to read and they keep a nice pacing.

There are some really great narrators out there that make the story and characters truly come alive. Mr Davis is one of them.

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very unexpected. loved this

I had this in my wishlist for ages but kept skipping over it. glad I have listened to it at last. lovely book.

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