The Digital Meltdown

By: Roger Ley

Narrated by: Craig Bowles

Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Scientist Dr. Martin Riley hopes to solve the world's plastic pollution problem and get very rich in the process, but the bacterium Ideonella Sakaiensis has its own agenda. Riley engineers a new strain of bacteria to tackle the ever-growing plastic pollution crisis. Initially, he is hailed as a hero and awarded a Nobel Prize, but the bacteria attack all the plastic on the planet, destroy the internet and bring an end to the Digital Age.

Meanwhile, Mary Lee, commander of the International Space Station, orbits overhead, a mute observer of mankind’s struggles on the planet below. She quarantines the Station to protect her digital companions, Jackson, and Mother, but isolates herself from humanity. Mankind stands at a tipping point as the digital era ends and technology returns to the age of steam. Can humanity recover, or will this be a final extinction event?

©2023 Roger Ley (P)2023 Roger Ley

Great prequel to the Harry Lampeter books

This was a fast moving enjoyable story. Was great getting the story of how the world ended up returning to the age of steam. Definitely recommend this and the rest of the Harry Lampeter world books!

Great Narrator. Read This Book 1st in H. Lampeter

A prequel to Roger Ley's steam punk, alternate reality, science fiction, Harry Lampeter series gives us the background to how culture lost many modern technological tools. I recommend you do this book first, before doing the rest of Lampeter. The audiobook is perfectly presented by Craig Bowles, whose characterizations of the books Brits is "spot on!"

Get ready for an apocalyptic steam bath!

There are those rare gems that not only entertain but also make us think deeply about the implications of the choices we make. "The Digital Meltdown" by Roger Ley, narrated by the talented Craig Bowles, is one such gem. This prequel to the Harry Lampeter series delves into the backstory of a world that has lost its grip on modern technology, and it does so in a way that leaves you craving for more.

At first glance, some readers may express disappointment that we didn't pick up where the last book left off, but the positive side of this is that we get to see the roots of the cataclysmic changes that have shaken the foundations of the digital age. As prequels go, this one is a delightful journey that explores the mysteries of the past, which only increases our desire, nay, our need for the next installment in the Harry Lampeter series.

This prequel provides the essential background to Ley's steam punk, alternate reality, science fiction universe. It is advisable to begin your journey with this book, as it lays the foundation for the events that transpire in the rest of the Lampeter series. The audiobook is superbly presented by Craig Bowles, whose characterizations of the British personalities within the story are "spot on!" Listening to Bowles brings the characters to life in a way that immerses you completely in this intriguing world.

"The Digital Meltdown" unfolds the tale of Dr. Martin Riley and his family, tracing the inception of his company and his unwavering ambition to save the environment by eliminating unwanted plastics. Riley's dedication to this noble cause ultimately leads to the discovery of a bacterium, Ideonella Sakaiensis, and genetic modification, setting in motion a chain of events that will forever alter the world as we know it.

The story of Martin Riley's life, from his initial naivety to his intoxication with power, is a captivating one. His journey is a reflection of the scientists of today, driven by the desire to better the world yet often becoming entangled in their own ambition. Watching Riley's life spiral into chaos is akin to witnessing a tragic accident; you know it will end badly, but the sheer curiosity to see how it unfolds keeps you glued to the pages.

Intertwined with Riley's narrative is the story of British Astronaut Mary Lee, who remains aboard the International Space Station, a silent observer of the turmoil unfolding on Earth. She must quarantine the station to safeguard her digital companions, Jackson and Mother, effectively isolating herself from the world below. This dual narrative adds depth and complexity to the story, offering a unique perspective on the global crisis and its consequences.

"The Digital Meltdown" is a multifaceted tale that manages to be smart, funny, clever, devastatingly sad, and ironically happy all at once. Roger Ley's storytelling prowess shines through, and his ability to weave together disparate threads into a cohesive narrative is truly remarkable. The book's depth and complexity make it impossible to put down, and you'll find yourself engrossed in its world from start to finish.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the story is the transition from a digital age to one powered by steam. Ley skillfully explores how humanity copes with the loss of modern technology, a transition that may seem unthinkable in our current world. This raises the thought-provoking question of how difficult it would be for us to adapt to a world where digital technology is no longer a part of our daily lives. It's a concept that lingers in your mind long after you've finished the book, making you contemplate the fragility of our technological civilization.

For those intrigued by the concept of steam technology, there are several novels and films that delve into this fascinating realm. H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" is a classic work of science fiction that explores the clash of Victorian-era technology with alien invaders. Additionally, the film "Wild Wild West," starring Will Smith, is a fun romp through a steampunk-infused Wild West setting. These works offer a taste of the intriguing blend of steam technology with science fiction and alternate history.

"The Digital Meltdown" by Roger Ley, narrated by Craig Bowles, is a prequel that not only enriches the Harry Lampeter series but also stands firmly on its own as a captivating, thought-provoking story. This book is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who appreciates well-crafted science fiction. It leaves you yearning for more and eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Lampeter saga. Highly recommended!

Sorry. I just can't suggest anyone watch a Will Smith film in retrospect, no matter how steampunk it might be. Skip that horrible beast.

Absolutely Beautifully Written Story

Though this is the Prequel, I listen to it after listening to the other books in this Series and I believe this is better read/ listened to after the other books. This Was written after the other book. I loved finally getting the background story, it brought the other books a deeper understanding. Narrator does once again a Wounderful job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline!!

Fun, engaging story

Really enjoyed the story and the sense of humor, expertly brought to life by Craig Bowls. Highly recommend!

it was an interesting trip

took a while to see were it connected to Harry L. but it got there and it did a fine job doing so. definitely a must read.

Informative and Entertaining

The Digital Meltdown is a well written prequel that gives you the background on what happened to the world. I really enjoyed the story and narrator. I highly recommend this faced paced story it will definitely keep your interest. I received this book for free upon my request. I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased review here of my own free volition.

Parallequal? Prequal? COOL!

This is the 5th book I have had the pleasure to listen to from the quill of Roger Ley. It is a very well put together prequel and parallel tie in, which is very elegantly interwoven.

We are treated to the dramatic series of events that lead to the state of society that is the setting for the Lampeter series and are drawn headfirst into the parallel universe of “Chronoscape”.

True to form, this listen requires you to stick with it. Zone out even for just a few minutes and you get the feeling you missed a crossover-connection to the other books or a detail of the book at hand, that you just don’t want to miss. On the upside to that, in my opinion, it is a very rewarding aspect of the book(s) that it keeps you on your toes and has so many details that warrant re-listens.

I am by now expecting the books in the Lampeter/Chronoscape universe to be steeped with historically and technically correct and well researched details. Set in a not-so-distant future (if that far out) the references made are more science than fiction. As such, the logical progression has a strong sense of “that would be a likely scenario” – both in terms of mechanics but also human / human interactions. Again, in this book, we are pointed in unmistakable terms to consequences to our actions and circumstances as well. There are a few choice references that had me chuckling hard – and when I say “The wall” I do not mean the Pink Floyd album.

I love the development of the relationships between cast across the board and following “the project” transition from idea to ideology to the eventual crisis and failure in depth. In previous books there have been (not to sublte) hints as to what really happened to the Riley family and their partners in crime (?!) so to have that story arc folded out in detail is exciting. One might call it cliché in its predictability – and the contrast between the story lines may appear stark, however, seen in each other’s context, to me, they make perfect sense.

The book showcases a vast spectrum of deep issues. Ranging from the nature of society to revert to (barbaric) old practices and quite deliberately having to legislate civility again to “doomsday-prepping” and its impact in times of crisis, friendships and good old fashioned croney capitalist rise and fall, this book has it all.

It’s a real boon to have the personis dramatae appear and reappear – connecting two very different “universes”. While the books are easily enjoyable “stand alone” (personally read book 2 before book 1 and listening to “The muslim prince” even before) – getting a whole universe to form and fit together is nothing short of impressive and delightful. It is one heck of a journey over times and genres. Sit back and enjoy!

I reheard the book immediately since there were so many details and ponderings that came up. I am most likely to hear the entire series at least once over -just to get all the names, all the connections and all the themes.

Performance:
Craig Bowles continues to deliver starling readings of Ley’s books. I enjoy the tempo and his rhythm a lot. In my ears Bowles absolutely nails the “temporal differences” as well adding a bit of edge to the experience.
I do have a chuckle at times – a female American from the lips of an English man takes a wee bit of getting used to, but - if anything – that just adds a bit of charm to the listen. There is no doubt about the breadth and depth of his training and skill.

The sound is slightly tinny this time, but that might be an issue with my speakers.

Back To How It All Began

I started listening to the Harry Lampeter books blind I had no idea what I was in for I just fancied a change from my usual genres. It didn't take long for me to become hooked. I was intrigued about how the modern population would cope following an apocalyptic event the consequences of which was that the world was forced to return to using steam-powered vehicles and living like our recent ancestors did coping with conditions reminiscent of the Victorian era. In the earlier books, we were given vague hints of what led to the end of technology and the world as we know it today or as the author envisioned it in 2030 but there was never an in-depth explanation. This book addresses most of those questions.

This book is the prequel to The Why and How and tells Martin Riley's story, he could be any scientist today striving to solve the problems man has caused our planet but ..... As for his family, what does it mean for them?

As the Earth shuts down British Astronaut Mary Lee is onboard the International Space Station ...... What will the meltdown mean to her and everyone off plant at the time?

I'm not saying any more as I hate to give spoilers but I will say that I could not stop listening to this interesting, thought-provoking story and can’t wait for further books in this series.

The narration by Craig Bowles is well done and fits the story.

This is the icing on the cake

Another great job by Roger and Craig. It was great to find out how the Riley bug started. We knew about it from the other books but never knew the whole story about it. This book tell the story from the very beginning. If you have listened to the other books it is a MUST to listen to. I am looking forward to the next book. Hopefully we will have Harry back.