Utopia

By: Lincoln Child

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 18 hrs

Publisher's summary

Fasten your seat belts - the white-knuckle thrills at Utopia, the world’s most fantastic theme park, escalate to nightmare proportions in this intricately imagined techno-thriller by New York Times best-selling author Lincoln Child.

Rising out of the stony canyons of Nevada, Utopia is a world on the cutting edge of technology. A theme park attracting 65,000 visitors each day, its dazzling array of robots and futuristic holograms make it a worldwide sensation. But ominous mishaps are beginning to disrupt the once flawless technology. A friendly robot goes haywire, causing panic, and a popular roller coaster malfunctions, nearly killing a teenage rider. Dr. Andrew Warne, the brilliant computer engineer who designed much of the park’s robotics, is summoned from the East Coast to get things back on track.

On the day Warne arrives, however, Utopia is caught in the grip of something far more sinister. A group of ruthless criminals has infiltrated the park’s computerized infrastructure, giving them complete access to all of Utopia’s attractions and systems. Their communication begins with a simple and dire warning: If their demands are met, none of the 65,000 people in the park that day will ever know they were there; if not, chaos will descend, and every man, woman, and child will become a target.

As one of the brains behind Utopia, Warne finds himself thrust into a role he never imagined - trying to save the lives of thousands of innocent people. And as the minutes tick away, Warne’s struggle to outsmart his opponents grows ever more urgent, for his only daughter is among the unsuspecting crowds in the park.

Lincoln Child evokes the technological wonders of Utopia with such skill and precision it is hard to believe the park exists only in the chapters of this extraordinary book. Like Jurassic Park, Utopia sweeps listeners into a make-believe world of riveting suspense, technology, and adventure.

Utopia - where technology dazzles - and then turns deadly!

©2002 Lincoln Child (P)2002 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Child proves he is capable of fireworks (literally) at the rousing conclusion." (Publishers Weekly)
"The blend of technological jargon and suspense results in a real thrill-a-minute read." (Booklist)

Scott Brick

Does anyone else find Scott Brick overly dramatic? Every sentence is laden and breathless, whether needed or not. Works well when the action ramps up, but otherwise is silly. He reminds me of the 1950's over-actor, Jeff Chandler.

The story's OK, not the best, but a good diversion and the amusement park's rides sound wonderful.

The possibility of robots abilities, good and bad.

Parts seemed very drawn out. Too much information on a character that would be short lived. Story premise was interesting.

Another thrilling book from a wonderful author

Would you consider the audio edition of Utopia to be better than the print version?

Absolutely! You can't go wrong with Scott Brick narrating. He is so good with voices, accents and just the right inflections at the right time.

What did you like best about this story?

It was a unique twist on the thriller genre. Who would have thought an amusement park would be an exciting venue for high technology mayhem? Fun and exciting.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

He is the best. I'm never disappointed when Scott Brick narrates.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many of these moments, but I think my favorite was when the robot dog saved the day.

Any additional comments?

I love all of the Lincoln Child (and Child/Preston) novels. I had never read this one, so I was delighted that Audible had it available on audio. Perhaps the only negative and why I gave it 4 stars, was that it was a bit too long. Also, there were a few things that were never explained at the end, like what motivated the leader of the bad guys, as it appeared there was a revenge motive that was never explained adequately. Also, what wasn't clear is what happened to one of the main characters at the end, who helped to save the park? Did he die or recover? Was he remembered for his bravery?

Fantastic, but did I miss something....?

If you could sum up Utopia in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, characters, Disney

What was one of the most memorable moments of Utopia?

Wrapped it up nicely. but.....Poole?

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Outstanding as always! The final reason for opting to buy!

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

No - wanted to make it last!

Any additional comments?

PLEASE - did I miss what happened to "Poole" after collapsing, after firing the decisive shot??
Maybe my dogs were barking at the UPS guy!

Scary and addictive

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

This is one of those books that you want to listen to again - after you get over the scare from the first time.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

absolutely scary, engaging and fascinating.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Scott Brick is an exceptional reader. His performances pull you in before you know it. If the book is also amazing, you are a captive.

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

I could not stop.

Never met a "Child" I didn't like

What made the experience of listening to Utopia the most enjoyable?

The story line was original and just kept moving.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It was a good solid story all the way through, enjoyed it.

Any additional comments?

Over the last 3 or 4 years I have become a real fan of Child and Preston, either as individual authors or joint authors. I gave it four stars, only because I have read some of their best work. Utopia is closer to 4.5 stars. As always, I thought Scott Brick did a superb jor of reading. Recommend for Lincoln Child fans...

imaginative and thrilling

I physically read this book at least 3 times before getting the audiobook. It’s a unique, exciting story that I don’t want to put down. Scott Brick always does an amazing narration.

Unexpected!

Love this narrator! Loved this book! Another great one from Lincoln Child. I will look for more from him.

Utopia (unabridged)

The roller coaster on the cover of this book says it all. I got this unabridged audio from the original publisher and thought it was worth every $ I spent. I've shared it with a few friends and it's always slow coming back because they just have to let their husband or wife listen to it also. I've been a fan of the Preston & Child books for years and I think Lincoln Child might even be better as a solo writer. I won't waste space with a synopsis of the book as Audible has done that already on the abridged listing.
You get involved with the main characters quickly, and the robotic and computer systems running this theme park are intriguing even for my non technical friends. This is much more of a thriller than a mystery or a horror story. I figured out the "who done it?" part early on, but I don't think the author was trying for another Agatha Christie novel, the roller coaster ride is what this book's about. I've read a couple reviews saying the ending was stretched out. I must admit it did seem that way but I thought it was because I couldn't wait to know how it turned out. This book will never be on Oprah's list. It doesn't try to be the next great American novel, but it's a great way to spend a long commute.
As always Scott Brick is a top-notch narrator who doesn't disappoint. Get the unabridged edition, you're going to want to spend awhile at this Park. When you get this book be ready to sit back strap in and just have fun.

GREAT STORY!

Wow, just wow.. What a great story. Very well written and very suspenseful. Utopia has all the great hallmarks that make a good story, all the story-line milestones. Wonderfully developed characters, with rich and deliberate parts to play. Funny at times, sad at times, brilliant at times.

I recommend this book, x10. =P