For We Are Many

Bobiverse, Book 2

By: Dennis E. Taylor

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's Summary

The highly anticipated sequel to Audible's Best of 2016 - Science Fiction winner, We Are Legion (We Are Bob); a book listeners are calling "so much fun", "what science fiction was meant to be", and what would happen if "Andy Weir and Ernest Cline had a lovechild". 

Bob Johansson didn't believe in an afterlife, so waking up after being killed in a car accident was a shock. To add to the surprise, he is now a sentient computer and the controlling intelligence for a Von Neumann probe. 

Bob and his copies have been spreading out from Earth for 40 years now, looking for habitable planets. But that's the only part of the plan that's still in one piece. A system-wide war has killed off 99.9 percent of the human race; nuclear winter is slowly making the Earth uninhabitable; a radical group wants to finish the job on the remnants of humanity; the Brazilian space probes are still out there, still trying to blow up the competition; and the Bobs have discovered a spacefaring species that sees all other life as food. 

Bob left Earth anticipating a life of exploration and blissful solitude. Instead he's become a sky god to a primitive native species, the only hope for getting humanity to a new home, and possibly the only thing that can prevent every living thing in the local sphere from ending up as dinner. 

Listener favorite Ray Porter returns to narrate Bob - and his many incarnations - in all of their geeky glory. 

For We Are Many is the second installment in the blockbuster Audible Original Bobiverse series - which has sold more than one million copies.

©2017 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Please release a whole book.

I like the Bobiverse concept, and the writing is compelling and well paced. But, come on,at least give me a real book. This "episode" is marketed as a novel but is really more of a Saturday afternoon movie serial, no resolution,all cliff-hanger set up. I understand the economics of novel writing are tough these days but don't cheat your readers by releasing half a story.

Weaker and more muddled, but still really good

This isn't as good as the first in the series, but it's still very good, with an excellent narrator who really embodies all the various incarnations of Bob. However, with all those incarnations, there's bound to be some thinning of the stock, and it's just a little more unfocused than before. Very enjoyable, though, and I still recommend it.

Denis E.Taylor Sets A New Standard For Sci-Fi

Would you consider the audio edition of For We Are Many to be better than the print version?

Ray Porter is Legendary. His enactment, tempo, and changing speech patterns for each individual Bob is distinct and engaging. I do not believe the print version is any less compared to the audiobook but I will say Ray Porter adds a new dimension to the novel that cannot be appraised enough and would suggest to any reader to give the audio version a try.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Howard. He showed the humanity of the Bobs in a new way that was never explored in the first novel.

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

Death. Immortality is beginning to wear down on the first generation of Bobs. In a way, they are truly becoming akin to the sky god bob always joked about. It really shows the diverging character that is bob after every copy is born. How they handle each situation is completely different but yet so similar that you can see the Bob in them.

Any additional comments?

This series has blown my mind. Very few novels have I ever thought improved from the first as this one has. I'm looking forward to the next novel in this series and have officially added the author to my "Read any book they write " list.

Good performance, same book as #1

This book is so close to book #1 that it's almost unnecessary to even read. The same bad jokes, the same idea. You walk away after reading both books with the same feeling, like you've just read the same book. Don't get me wrong, I really liked book #1, but didn't find any excitement in book #2. Nothing new. Too bad.

Hooked? No not me, as I sit in a corner holding myself

This book doesn't fail to excite and entrap me into this story and want for more. Like so many others who love this book as much is I do, I am now beside myself waiting for book 3. Dennis E Taylor has captured in my view, the addiction of old-school serials that hearken to the days of Flash Gordon and original Star Trek, but brings enough of the new technology and realism with a fresh mix of Bob comedy that has made this series of books to move to my top 10 list of best stories of all time. Douglas Adams has a run for his money now with Dennis and the bobs!!

THE FECAL MATTER HAS HIT THE ATMOSPHERIC PROJECTOR

WELCOME TO BOBNET
I did listen to all of this and I did enjoy it. It is not as good as book one and it is really a filler or story stretcher to get us to the next book. We don't see or talk to the main antagonist (THE OTHERS) until 6 hours and 40 minutes into the nine hour book. When an author waits until two thirds of the book is over to introduce the main bad guy, than he is setting up the next book. Do not get me wrong interesting things happen and I am sure the biggest nerds of the crowd are tickled pink. I was starting to wonder if their was going to be a plot, a romance or exploration of space. There are a few confrontations with minor bad guys in the first six hours, but they are minor and are handled fairly easily. There was no challenge for Bob.

THE RISK OF GODHOOD
One of the main themes that is explored in the first six hours, is Bob trying to help too much. Every time he does something he thinks will help, something bad happens as a result. I loved this theme and I liked the way the author did not cheat, and made it tough on Bob.

BOB HAS NO JUNK
We have been told for years that sex is in our heads and I strongly agree. I also feel that love and companionship are extremely important to mankind. I believe without such companionship, we suffer mentally. There was a hint at a romance in book 2 and some talk about making other replicants. I believe the introduction of women to the storyline will benefit the series greatly.

THERE CAN NEVER BE TOO MANY OF US. THERE CAN ONLY BE NOT ENOUGH FOOD.
I really like the sound of these bad guys. They sound very evil and like a huge challenge for Bob. I wish they would have been involved in the plot earlier, but at least they are here to cause havoc now. Hopefully book three will show us more of the evil beings.

REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY, NOT JUST FOR HUMANS
Don't listen to Ray Porter or any of the books, he reads. (Reverse psychology)

Porter IS Bob!

Lots of fun here for sci-fi lovers in Book 2 of the Bobs' story. Of course, the Bobs are back--Bobs along with Bill, Riker, Howard, Mulder, and a myriad of other replicants intent on saving mankind from total annihilation.

I found this, the second book, just as much fun as the first story. The beginning of the book jumped around a bit, seemingly without direction, but it soon picked up with the discovery of the evil others. There's nothing predictable about this story, which I really appreciate. There's lots of lots of depth to the characters as they evolve over time. You'll also find plenty of humor, many references to sci-fi heroes of the past and other fictitious characters we all know, and lots of adventure.

Ray Porter is totally amazing as narrator. I haven't figured out whether he fits the characters like a glove or is it that they fit him like a glove? You would swear the book was written with him in mind, as he gives such a spectacular, uncannily good performance. His voice remains in my mind long after I turn the book off.

So, if you still have any reservations about entering the Bobiverse, read some of the other great reviews and get yourself convinced.

I shouldn't have mainlined it in one sitting.

Noooo! NOw I have to wait for the next one forEVER! A fantastically creative and entertaining tale. The stakes just keep getting higher, and the Bobs keep getting quirkier. Amazing.

A near perfect continuation

Where does For We Are Many rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book is incredible, easily in my top 5 right along with We Are Legion (We Are Bob). Easily on par with another of my favorites, The Martian by Andy Weir.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Every main character is just a different iteration of Bob but Mulder brings more to this story than I originally thought he would. The side characters in this book are just as good as the original and Archimedes is still easily the best of them all.

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

He brings the same varied life into this book as he did the first. However, there are a few words that are pronounced completely different in this book than the last (If you heard the first book you know exactly what I mean). This is a bit off-putting at first but after around an hour or so you get used to the new pronunciation.

Any additional comments?

This book is an absolute must have and I hope to see a lot more from this series! Please support this author and buy his books so he can make more! I promise you won't be disappointed!!!!

main complaint, too short.

I'm loving this series. now I'm just waiting for the next installment with baited breath.

Repetitive and tedious first half

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

Overall the story is still compelling, so worth a read.

If you’ve listened to books by Dennis E. Taylor before, how does this one compare?

The previous book seemed a little more varied and fast paced.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I did enjoy the conflict with the others finally spilling over into a conflict, though I suspect the meat of the story was left for the next instalment.

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

The funeral scene actually made me shed a manly tear.

Any additional comments?

The first half of the book was a little too repetitive and tedious due to what was essentially a repetition of chores, looking after colonies and client species. When finally a conflict broke out, I could not get enough of it.

Too Damn Short

What did you like most about For We Are Many?

Unlike many other book series by other authors, Taylor was able to make his second book just as good as the first (something becoming less and less common).

The only problem I have with the Bob books is their length. Please make them longer Dennis!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bob, but I'm not sure which one. ;)

What does Ray Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Porter does a great job overall but I couldn't help but feel that it was a rushed job - probably something beyond his control.

There were "dropouts", where it is very clear editing and splicing had occurred. Though it's a small price to pay to get the long-awaited sequel quicker, later listeners may have bigger problems with it when more books in the series are available.

Porter also sometimes seems to stumble over his words probably for the same reason given above.

Apart from these minor annoyances (and they are minor), Porter rendered yet another excellent narration, helping to bring the story and characters to life.

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

Yes, and unfortunately it was short enough to do that.

Any additional comments?

This is a small minor point, (as an Irishman I am used to this from both American and English movies and audios), but the Irish character has a strange accent that sounds a cross between Belfast, Donegal, and Galway; not at all authentic. It is a difficult accent to master though so the narrator is given a "pass" on that (it's better than most Hollywood A-listers can do).

If I may now get downright petty: the plural of the Irish/Gaelic word for chair "cathaoireacha" is said to be uttered by a Wicklow barman. Wicklow is in the province of Leinster but "cathaoireacha" is pronounced in a Munster Irish dialect and not a Leinster dialect - yes it's petty I know but as a Gaelic speaker, I'm very protective of my native tongue.

Although I mentioned that I do give full kudos and applause to the narrator, Ray Porter, though, as he obviously researched the proper pronunciation and did an excellent job in his Munster pronunciation. Well done sir!

I realize that anyone reading this review may get the impression that I have nothing but criticisms for this work but, because the book has such a good story and was narrated so well I thought it was only fair to highlight the problems I had with it as well.

Rest assured that if you listened to the first book and enjoyed it then you will love this second one. If you haven't heard the first book, you should!

Absolutely enthralling!

A highly competent and entertaining follow on to We Are Bob. Bob has expanded his cadre and further sentient life is found. Is it friendly or not? You'll need to read for yourself to find out. The humour carries on from the first book, despite some of the topics being up there at extinction level! Quite a feat to carry off. And if you know your comedy programmes you'll laugh at the multitude of references.

The narration was excellent again. The story is gaining momentum and there's definitely a sensation of rooting for team Bob. There's lot of metalwork being harvested here and flung around in the form of drones and new ships.

The conclusion to this book sets up a great opportunity for the next book to excel. I do hope, despite the first two books being excellent, there's no desire to milk this to a series of unending books, hopefully it'll keep tight and rich and give us more of what we've enjoyed to date.

weaker than the first book

Narration was good. I felt the plot lacked a direction. Still worth having a read but not a classic.

Disappointed

I was looking forward to the second book but after working my way through it I was disappointed.
I really enjoyed the first book and wish I had left it at that.

BRILLIANT!

Just like the first "Bobiverse" book, I, loved this one too. indeed, I'd been on the edge of my seat for weeks waiting for it, and wasn't at all disappointed.

This is the sort of book I dream of - wonderful story - genuinely imaginative, creative, and absolutely took me to places I would have never got under my own steam.

The writing flows beautifully, and has a lot of humour to it. The author drops in lots of pleasing references to classic SciFi which is fun.

The story takes us on stage two of the journey out into the universe (Bobiverse), meeting new lifeforms, challenges, perils, and gold old-fashioned bad-tempered humans. It's clever and thought-provoking. But mostly it's fun. Listening to this makes me smile.

I just loved this and can't wait for the next in the series.

Superb! Best Sci-Fi series in a long time

I picked up the original book out of curiosity. A sentient time-travailing Von Neumann probe? 'The Martian' is my favourite book and I've listened to it more than two dozen times, so when I came across this I thought 'why not?' and gave the Bobiverse books a try. Oh My Lord. I am so glad I did. Such a unique subject and a totally original idea. Bob himself is brilliantly written and voiced by both Denis and Ray. The adventure is completely out of this world and introduces so many fascinating topics and ideas that it is simply mind-blowing. All carried along on an exciting and engaging story. I absolutely can not wait for the third book.

Disappointing follow up to a great first book

Any additional comments?

I struggled to finish this book after listening to the first in the series avidly. There weren't enough new ideas or plot developments to sustain my interest and the endless repetition of phrases such as "I frame-jacked to save a few milliseconds" is becoming annoying.

With so many Bob's now in existance, and so few voices to differentiate them, it is also hard to follow the "character" development - to the point where I gave up trying. I'm not sure I missed much.

Disappointingly it feels like this book was rushed out to capitalise on the success of We Are Legion. I dont think I'll be listening to the third.

Less of a novel, more of a vivid stream of consciousness

This writer has a vivid imagination, of that there is no doubt. But have you ever had a friend who insists on using a paragraph, when a sentence will do? This is that friend.

They are passionate about everything they say, certainly most of it is interesting, you just want to give them the gift of inner editing so they get to the point quicker. That's this book, and the one before.

In both books, I think a sum total of 5-10 interesting plot points happen, which is not great because character is action. There's not a lot of that here and, because of that, the writer openly and conveniently bases his characters on well known characters from popular fiction. In other words, he cheats.

If this were made into a 2-hour movie, you'd be grateful to not read this book. The strict rules of scriptwriting will have filtered out the writer' sometimes tedious (however vivid) stream of consciousness and overly pedantic imagination where not a lot happens in space. Maybe that's his point.

Hard to follow...

Any additional comments?

Too many Bob's at this point, had trouble following which Bob was doing what and when and the overall story just wasn't as good as the original.

Ray Porter does a fine job but still, the same voice for multiple characters of the same AI just isn't great.