Flashforward
What would you do if you got a glimpse into your future?
It’s April 2009 at CERN, the center for nuclear physics in Geneva, Switzerland. Two physicists are about to launch an experiment that they hope will win them a Nobel prize. But when the clock on their console counts down to zero, something unexpected occurs: Everyone in the world falls asleep for two minutes while their minds are projected more than 20 years into the future.
When the world reawakens, all human life is transformed by foreknowledge. For Lloyd Simcoe, his experiment has produced death and destruction on a staggering scale. Haunted by guilt, he wrestles with the question of whether the future he has seen is indeed immutable...or whether it can be changed by a simple act of will. For his partner, Theo, his lack of a vision means he won’t be around in the year 2030. But after he learns of his eventual murder, he begins a quest to find his killer and avoid his fate.
With Flashforward—the basis of ABC’s dramatic hit TV series—Nebula Award winning author Robert J. Sawyer expertly melds “what if?” with “who-dunit”—giving us a thought-provoking glimpse at a plausible near future.
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Tor Books ( June 12, 1999 )
Item #: 15-8592
ISBN: 9781615235698
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.76 inches
Product Weight: 13.0 ounces
Definitely FOR Fans
August 25, 2010
This is a well crafted novel that expertly handles a story within a story (a murder mystery within science fiction). Sawyer's explanation of scientific principles helps the reader understand big ideas without feeling overwhelmed. Though I will eventually buy this cancelled series, readers should know that this novel stands up well on its own.
Reviewer: starsurfer
NOT for fans of the TV series!
April 29, 2010
If you are a fan of the TV series, DO NOT buy this book. I am not saying this so that you can avoid the possibility of learning something you shouldn?t know about what?s to come in the series. I, and I?m sure others too, started reading it with that very same motive once the mid-season hiatus took place. And I can assure you, you will NOT learn ANY of the series? many secrets if you read this book. The two are as different as can be, and the only character from the book that has any prominent role in the series is Lloyd Symcoe, and his character and its circumstances are VERY different. The creators of the TV series simply took the initial idea from the book but have developed characters and situations that are entirely unique. After getting hooked on the TV series, I must say that I find the book to be very disappointing. The series drives on intrigue, suspense, action, mystery, but the book is grounded in very dry science. The selection of a main character says it all: the TV series puts a federal agent at the heart of the story and watches as he tries to uncover secrets (a very wise choice), while the book revolves around the scientist who caused the ?flash forward? and his team of scientists. I can?t spell it out any clearer. While I do not wish to put down the novel or the novelist (who I applaud for his capable handling of very highly scientific concepts), I am more impressed by the way the show?s creators have adapted it into something much more. This is a very good example of how to take someone else?s fascinating idea and turn it into something that a greater audience could appreciate.
Reviewer: Anthony R
January 21, 2010
the book is a good read , however if people are expecting it to be like the T.V. series they probably will be disappointed.
Reviewer: judith h
an ok read
January 20, 2010
Just as the description of the story states, there is very little else to say about this book. Yes, of course, TV has done some changes, probably for drama, otherwise it's pretty close to the book. If you watch the TV program, you won't find much else different in the book. It reads quickly and is not one I will remember for long, but the premise is an interesting thought.
Reviewer: Olivia
Copyright © 2010 Bookspan. Science Fiction Book Club® is a registered trademark used under license. Unauthorized use prohibited. All rights reserved.
51007201001ADFL