Amped

A Novel

By: Daniel H. Wilson

Narrated by: Robbie Daymond

Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Technology makes them superhuman. But mere mortals want them kept in their place. The New York Times best-selling author of Robopocalypse creates a stunning, near-future world where technology and humanity clash in surprising ways. The result? The perfect summer blockbuster.

As he did in Robopocalypse, Daniel Wilson masterfully envisions a frightening near-future world. In Amped, people are implanted with a device that makes them capable of superhuman feats. The powerful technology has profound consequences for society, and soon a set of laws is passed that restricts the abilities - and rights - of "amplified" humans.

On the day that the Supreme Court passes the first of these laws, 29-year-old Owen Gray joins the ranks of a new persecuted underclass known as "amps." Owen is forced to go on the run, desperate to reach an outpost in Oklahoma where, it is rumored, a group of the most enhanced amps may be about to change the world - or destroy it.

Once again, Daniel H. Wilson's background as a scientist serves him well in this technologically savvy thriller that delivers first-rate entertainment, as Wilson takes the "what if" question in entirely unexpected directions. Fans of Robopocalypse are sure to be delighted, and legions of new fans will want to get "amped" this summer.

©2012 Daniel H. Wilson (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

Raves for the New York Times Best seller Robopocalypse:"An ingenious, instantly visual story of war between humans and robots." (Janet Maslin, The New York Times)

"Terrific page-turning fun." (Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly)

" Robopocalypse reminded me of Michael Crichton when he was young and the best in the business. This novel is brilliant, beautifully conceived, beautifully written (high-five, Dr. Wilson)...but what makes it is the humanity. Wilson doesn't waste his time writing about 'things', he's writing about human beings, fear, love, courage, hope. I loved it." (Robert Crais, number-one New York Times best-selling author)

A Classic!

What did you love best about Amped?

A fast-paced story brings that is part thriller, science fiction, and social commentary. And very entertaining! The perfect story and the best I've listened to this year.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Amped?

The story itself is the memorable moment.

What does Robbie Daymond bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Robbie Daymond's dramatization brings out the fullness of each and every character. Just a damn good reader. He's even better than Scott Brick.

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

When Owen first encounters Lucy.

Any additional comments?

Cool story. Damn good story and awesome performance.

Enjoyed a the story of a not too distant time

What did you love best about Amped?

I know this technology is a few years away and it's exciting to think about the repercussions. Good story good narration . It keep me engaged and I cared about the main character . I do love a good story . That is the best praise I can think of .

Interesting idea, forced story

I really liked the idea presented in Amped. Were that idea explored in an essay or a piece of speculative fiction, I think that I would have enjoyed it more. Instead, it is presented as a novel and the story of that novel ends up feeling very forced. I feel like I Wilson was trying very hard to make a mystery where the reader could be pleasantly surprised as the story twists and turns, implying one villain and then another... but it just came across as muddled.

The story works so hard to cast certain characters as villains (callously killing innocents, etc.) and then abruptly flips their role while only providing the thinnest veneer of reason. Along that same line, it is obvious that Wilson wanted to tell a story of a social dystopia, but his world fractures into this state through a completely (to me) unbelievable series of events. As I was listening to it, I kept asking myself, "Really? Who would do that? Why would anyone do that?" over and over again. The world did not feel logically consistent and so ended up very artificial.

Won't tax your mind, but good vacation material

I keep wanting something this author writes to blow me away in its treatment of issues facing the modern world...and it never quite happens. This is an enjoyable book, there is plenty of action and it does raise the question of "is the promise of technology outstripping our ability to deal with it as a species?" All of this just serves to set up a fairly straightforward action adventure story that keeps you pretty engaged, but won't really break any philosophical ground. I definitely don't want to be too critical, this is a great action packed story and I think the premise is imaginative, but the author's bio indicates he can deal with the subject matter and issues in a grand, cutting, intellectual way...and I guess that isn't his actual intent. Robopocalypse was the same for me, it was a great story that would make a cool blockbuster movie...but that was the extent of it.

Good for a road trip

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This was a great book for a long road trip (TX-CA) The story was pretty good and the pace was quick and full of information.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Kinda predictable

What does Robbie Daymond bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The reader was good. I would listed to another book by him.

Did Amped inspire you to do anything?

I will listed to other books from this author and reader.

Any additional comments?

This is a quick listen but I would have liked a little more detail on the tech side.

amazing

loved it loved it. story felt kinda rushed but over all it was amazing. going to read his over books now

Great potential but falls short

This story of enhanced humans had great promise. I mean, who wouldn't want to learn they had superhuman powers? The main character was likable and I wanted to root for him, but what a wimp he turned out to be. Sure, he found his strength in the end but he ended up on the short end of just about every fight he was forced in to, nearly beaten to death a dozen times despite his "powers" and vomited or got lightheaded from all the violence more than a frat boy with a hangover at sping break. If your given superhuman abilities wouldn't you try to change the world for the better and embrace them? The romantic element seemed forced as well and we barely got to know any of the supporting cast. The whole story justs seemed rushed and there doesn't appear to be a setup for a sequel. It read more like a short story that was rushed out to the public. On the bright side, I really like the narrator. He seemed right for the character and did other voices well.

Do you consent?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Very engaging book, great action, and good character development. The story was original and not overly predictable.

What does Robbie Daymond bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Robbie Daymond did a good job with this narration. He gave variety to the characters and voiced them in a very believable way.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

At times, the tension was very palpable to me. I found myself talking to the characters to make choices they weren't ready for. Very engaging.

Any additional comments?

Very enjoyable book. I would highly recommend it to adult audiences.

Book was Very Entertaining

Would you be willing to try another book from Daniel H. Wilson? Why or why not?

Yes, Wilson has a great story telling style and his characters are believable.

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

No, but very close. I finished this book in a week. Which is quick for me.

Good idea, Bland story.

Would you try another book from Daniel H. Wilson and/or Robbie Daymond?

Yes

If you’ve listened to books by Daniel H. Wilson before, how does this one compare?

Didnt compare to robopocalypse, and could've been along the same lines but IMO it fell short.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Robbie Daymond?

yes

Could you see Amped being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

no.