Evolved

By: N.R. Walker

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

In 2068, androids are an integrated part of human life. Big Brother no longer just watches from the shadows. It's in every household.

Lloyd Salter has OCD issues with noise and mess, and he's uncomfortable with human interaction. When his ex claimed the only thing perfect enough to live up to his standards was an android, Lloyd dismissed it. But two years later, after much self-assessment, he thinks he may have been right.

SATinc is the largest manufacturer of androids in Australia, including the Fully Compatible Units known as an A-Class 10. Their latest design is the Synthetic Human Android UNit, otherwise known as SHAUN. Shaun is compatible to Lloyd's every need; the perfect fit on an intellectual and physical basis.

But Lloyd soon realizes Shaun's not like other A-Class androids. He learns. He adapts. Sure that SATinc is aware Shaun functions outside of his programmed parameters, Lloyd must find a way to keep Shaun safe. No one can know how special Shaun is. No one can know he's evolved.

Contains mature themes.

©2018 N.R. Walker (P)2018 Tantor

I really want like one more chapter at the end

I love love love love love this book. I've listened to it three or four times now and it hits all my good book buttons Everytime. except the end. I want it to have another chapter so badly. it was over too soon.

Really Good listen

I am not usually into books like this but it was a really great book. Makes you wonder if this would really happen in our lifetime.

Another great collaboration

A man of the future falls in love with an android that he bought and paid for. Said android evolves and falls in love with his human. Believe it or not, I was hooked immediately.

I love NR Walker and I am never disappointed when I pick up a book of hers. She has definitely found a spot at the top of my favorite authors' list.

I think this may be my favorite of Leslie and Walker’s collaborations. Joel Leslie does a great job capturing the android voice from beginning to end. It’s not too robotic, but just right.

Brilliant performance, entertaining story

A good listen for those interested in an entertaining story about androids, humans, and finding true love. Joel Leslie does an amazing job bringing the characters to life and making the intimate scenes (refreshingly unapologetic and sex-positive) sizzle. A worthwhile listen for sure.

Pretty cute story wrong choice of narrator

The narrator’s Australian accent is terrible and common words are mispronounced which is irritating for the listener. The story is cute and entertaining.

W.O.W

I wish I could give this 50 thousand stars 🌟! I loved it so much! Definitely a top favourite.

Another great NR Walker / Joel Leslie combo

I haven't found a book by NR Walker that I haven't loved, Evolved was the first time I've listened to one of her books without having read it first. Joel brings so much life to all the characters that I couldn't help becoming completely invested in the story (and I thought his Shaun was pluperfect) - I think i'm going to give up reading and just stick with audio !!!

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📌 Where does it fall on my personal scale? 10

• 1 not my thing • 2 didn't like the narration • 3 didn't keep my attention • 4 was good, but once was enough • 5 enjoyed it • 6 will listen again if i'm in the mood for the narrator • 7 goes on the "re-listen" list • 8 kept me up past bed-time • 9 recommended to family/friends • 10 own it in multiple formats • 11 keep a copy with me at all times
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5 ⭐️ Boy 🤖 Love 💕

When someone dumps you and suggests you try dating an Android instead, you do!

I didn’t realize the book was ending. Had me in tears and smiling at the same time. It shows the side of how dangerous it can be when our privacy can be lost at any time. I refer to our private information, home, financial and personal information. Something that currently occurs by means of fraud and hacking. The story does give A LOT to think about.

One of my favorite things about the story, is how the author implemented Isaac Asimov Three Laws of Robotics. Although if you think about it, the first law of Robotics it’s currently implemented by the military. 🙄 I suppose it is based on one’s interpretation and perspective. Anyone who has seen the movie based on Asimov’s book “I, Robot” would also understand why these laws fail to the robots. No sentient being should be subjected to a lifetime of slavery. This being said, I get why someone would want a companion; and avoid the negativity interacting with other humans can bring.

BTW, lots of sex. ❤️‍🔥 Sweet and sensual. But didn’t realize it at first. It was the love story of a lonely man who wished for companionship and intelectual debating. Seriously, the whole discussion on “Moby Dick” has left me wondering. 🤔 That’s probably what happens when one of the main characters is a philosophy professor.

When the manufacturing company stars following up on product quality and customer satisfaction, is when laughable conspiracies and paranoia make sense of things.

Edit: The Narration was beyond words! The voice actor 🎭 made me have feelings hard to bring when you’re concentrating at work. To have me sobbing there at the end, it takes more than a story teller. Really need to check out both, Author ✍️ and Narrator Joel Leslie 🎧 💖✨

The Moby Dick references made me happy!

The Moby Dick references made my book nerd heart happy. I have memorized that first line of Moby Dick since forever, because I always felt it was the best first line ever placed in a book, next to “I am an invisible man”

So, when I read call me Ishmael, I knew I was for sure goner for this book. The writer captured my attention at that point and did not lose it. You see, that first line has been a staple in my reading journeys and has ruined MANY intro’s to new books I have opened. It was super awesome to read in this book. I couldn’t help but smile at every reference. It was awesome.

The second best part of this book are the sweet MCs.
The third best was the storyline, futuristic science.
The fourth best part was a Jay, he was so awesome.
The fifth best part was the audible whisper-sync. The narrator was really good.
The thing that didn’t work for me was the sex overdone,IMO.

The complex nature of emotions

Again another classic combo of Walker and Leslie. I would love to adapt this to a film!!