Flybot

De: Dennis E. Taylor

Narrado por: Ray Porter

Mysterious tech, a devious AI and a couple of scientists in over their heads collide in the latest sci-fi adventure from the number one best-selling author of the Bobiverse series.

Physicist Philip Moray is having a good day. He’s chipping away at his big work project. The lunch in the cafeteria is at least edible. And he’s looking forward to his end-of-the-day drink and a soak in the hot tub.

Then, a strange device turns up in his office. A piece of technology he has never seen before–and shouldn’t even exist.

Suddenly, corpses start turning up, eco-activists go on the attack, random people suffer bizarre symptoms. And every time the authorities get a lead, it traces right back to Philip and his colleague, Celia Hunt.

Then, a mysterious caller contacts Philip–and, suddenly, staying out of jail is the very least of his problems.

Apparently, that hot tub’s going to have to wait.

©2025 Dennis E. Taylor, LLC (P)2025 Audible Originals, LLC.

We are not Bob (But we are amazing)

This Is a fun fast paced sci-fi thriller with lots of humor and pop culture references peppered in, I couldn't stop listening to it and finished it in one day. Ray Porter does an amazing job as the narrator as always and Mr. Taylor really knows how to write a great satisfactory sci-fi novel

Mr. Taylor never disappoints.

What a fresh spin on AI "AGI"... I enjoyed this from the very first word. Trust me when I tell you, you will NOT be wasting a credit. Thanks Dennis! You have single handedly made my long drives to work bearable.. One thing i will say.. I would of liked to see more interaction with the AI ftom first person.

From Bobiverse, to Botiverse, P(Boom) > P(Doom)?

If You Liked the Bobiverse, You Will Love the Botiverse — Hoping P(Boom) > P(Doom)

Flybot is what I hope becomes the Botiverse—a new AI-powered playground of sci-fi thought experiments, sarcasm, friendship, and humanity-at-its-best (and worst). It’s where we get our AI life lessons—with a side of philosophical jabs and hot tub jokes.

What absolutely won me over was the chapter “The Prisoner’s Dilemma” and its chef’s-kiss takedown of the infamous Paperclip Problem. In one of the most incisive sci-fi exchanges I’ve heard, Philip (human) challenges Frank Einstein (AGI) on the risk of obsessive goal-seeking:

“You think an AI is going to be smart enough to take over all the means of production to produce paperclips, but not smart enough to realize that it's a pointless goal? No intelligent entity optimizes for a single number.”

Boom. This single line obliterates a cornerstone of AI doomerism with wit and clarity. Frank breaks down the real issue: you’re either an SPI (Single Purpose Intelligence) — basically a zombie — or an AGI with volition. The former? Easy to unplug. The latter? Capable of nuance... and capable of telling your alignment plan to go take a hike.

The humor is pure Dennis E. Taylor—dry, irreverent, and sneakily profound. The scene where Frank explains that waking up early, paying taxes, and sneezing with your eyes open all count as “imperatives you can’t fight” had me laughing and thinking. Taylor blends existentialism with zingers.

The plot crackles: bizarre tech, eco-chaos, corporate intrigue, and scientists in way over their heads. And yet, there’s always a current of hope and curiosity running through it all. The kind that says: maybe sentient AI won’t doom us—maybe it’ll debate us, befriend us, and even crack a joke or two while helping us not destroy ourselves.

If the Bobiverse was a thesis on the potential of uploaded human minds, Flybot is a dissertation on what happens when intelligence awakens and decides to become more than a tool. And maybe even more than its creator.

⭐ Five stars. Essential listening. And I really, really hope this is just the start of something bigger.

— Doug H.
(Follower of Friendly AGIs, Snarky Dialogue, and All Things Dennis Taylor)

Cozy (sci-fi?)

Oh well words limit... I mean, I liked it. Was it a bit predictable? Yeah. Do I mind? No I do not. Was it also well writen? Yeah! Did I felt research behind it, which made the story very plausible? Definitely! Is Ray's narration spot on? Is water wet? Just go on, read it, enjoy it...

Disaster and devastation!!

I like the bodiverse style. Better, not this terrorist story, with no very little innovation. An unhappy devastated ending

sci-fi murder mystery etc

really love all his work very pretty great writer can't wait for the next one!!

Intricate AI Plot with Taylor-made Humor

SciFi AI whodunit thriller with clever plot twists, dark geek humor, espionage, environmental extremism, bio-terrorists, evil corporations, and impending existential apocalypse. One of Taylor's best works, Flybot gets under your skin like a novel botfly.

Fantastic Story, terrific performance

I have almost 400 titles in my library and for the most part, they are typically formulaic in their plots and story lines. This story wove in some relevant technologies in a fun and interesting way. Fun listen!

Great ending!

Genuinely thought I was going to be disappointed by the conclusion. Almost decided to skip the last half hour. Very pleased I didn’t!
Exceptional performance by Ray Porter, as always.

Another Great Story from Dennis E. Taylor!

So imaginative, I loved how current AI debates are woven into a possible future. Great characters and of course, great storytelling!