Triggers

By: Robert J. Sawyer

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

On the eve of a secret military operation, an assassin's bullet strikes President Seth Jerrison. He is rushed to the hospital, where surgeons struggle to save his life. At the same hospital, researcher Dr. Ranjip Singh is experimenting with a device that can erase traumatic memories.

Then a terrorist bomb detonates. In the operating room, the president suffers cardiac arrest. He has a near-death experience - but the memories that flash through Jerrison's mind are not his memories.

It quickly becomes clear that the electromagnetic pulse generated by the bomb amplified and scrambled Dr. Singh's equipment, allowing a random group of people to access one another's minds.

And now one of those people has access to the president's memories - including classified information regarding the upcoming military mission, which, if revealed, could cost countless lives. But the task of determining who has switched memories with whom is a daunting one - particularly when some of the people involved have reason to lie....

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction by author Robert J. Sawyer.

©2012 Robert J. Sawyer (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Fluffy but great fun

This is an innovative and original story, well written and great fun from beginning to end. I think of this as an "airplane book"; one that is engaging, entertaining, and just perfect to pass the time on a long flight.

Nicely read by Jeff Woodman, but I wonder if someone with a bit more menace in his voice might have added another dimension to the experience.

All in all, you can't miss with this one. Pure entertainment.

Good, Not Great

The story didn't get my heart racing, but it was a fun, easy read. It was about memories put in someone else's head and the trouble it caused and how the different personalities dealt with the problem. Not a 5 star for me because to get 5 it has to be one that I cannot put down, I'm 100% IN the story, and I make sure I haven't jacked-up the speed to pass over the slow parts, and I'm sad as I get closer to the end.

Really great Sci-Fi

This is the first time I have listened to this author and it won't be the last. This is an interesting story and concept. Thoughtful and positive message in unexpted ending.

Wow.. he did it again

Totally unlike anything else I've ever read from Sawyer, this one was gripping from the beginning. I couldn't put it down once it got going. I literally burned through this one in a single day, almost non-stop.

Sawyer's grasp of political intrigue mixed with science is becoming a calling card of his writing, but just when I thought he couldn't entertain me any better, he did.

Not worth the time to listen

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I didnt like the story at all. Very weak plot and even weaker characterization. Very cliche.
You can spend your time and money better elsewhere

Would you ever listen to anything by Robert J. Sawyer again?

No

What about Jeff Woodman’s performance did you like?

I was impressed by his ability to change his voices

Was Triggers worth the listening time?

no

Any additional comments?

a very weak effort

Sawyer under performs.

What did you like best about Triggers? What did you like least?

I have a hard time understanding how Robert J. Sawyer manages to come up with such great ideas for his novels, and then turns out an entirely mediocre book from them. Sawyer consistently adds diversity to his characters just for the sake of diversity, and it takes away from the story. Not to mention trying to insert little tidbits of his own life when they are entirely unnecessary (The dungeons and dragons scene anyone?).

What about Jeff Woodman’s performance did you like?

A few of the voices for characters are actively annoying, in particular female characters. They all have a constant whining feel to them, and it gets old fast.

Triggers some thought

As Robert J Sawyer indicates in his brief introduction, it is written in a higher (more screen play type) speed. (he refers to Flashback, which I can also recommend).
The narration is absolutely great. When you hear the characters one can visualize them.
The story realy captures you and the end is rather unexpected, but actually very logical. The story in general also should trigger your thoughts about what is happening in our world today.
All together a great book and wonderfull to listen too.

Great beginning and middle, subpar ending

I heard Triggers after first hearing Flashforward. Both books have very interesting premises, very good narration and captivating worlds one can believe in and want to be a part of. Unfortunately both books take a great premise and in the last 10% just make a huge left turn and, in my opinion, end disappointingly. Still worth listening to, though - just manage your expectations.

Fast moving intense sci-fi thriller!

What did you love best about Triggers?

Unique idea, lots of action, fast moving mystery, and had a great sci-fi twist. Just love Robert Sawyer. Read/listened to all his books, watched his TV show and would love to see more of his books in movies. Triggers would make a superb movie!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Triggers?

Interesting characters for the 'sharing', created ordinary people with heart and all the foibles of being human. It's a great sci-fi thriller.

Which character ??? as performed by Jeff Woodman ??? was your favorite?

No one in particular. I did like the insight into the President and how the doctors handled the issues.

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

Yes, I did not have the time in one sitting but carried the iPod with me and listened every chance I could. It's a fast read, kept me on edge.

Any additional comments?

it's a great story, would make a super movie, I love Sawyer's work and would love to see more of his books made into movies - espcially the Neanderthal trilogy.

Fun Read

This a fun book that has some interesting concepts and is well written. The narrator was pleasant to listen to and I found myself listening to the whole book in one sitting.