Review of We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor
As a fervent fan of science fiction, I’m always on the lookout for fresh narratives that twist our understanding of technology and humanity. The buzz around We Are Legion (We Are Bob) piqued my curiosity, especially when it was acclaimed as Audible’s Best Science Fiction Book of 2016 for its “irresistibly irreverent wit.” The premise grabbed my attention: Bob Johansson, a tech entrepreneur who has just sold his company, makes the rather extreme choice to be cryogenically frozen, only to wake up 117 years later inside a self-replicating space probe. It felt like the perfect mix of humor and hard science fiction—exactly what I relish!
The journey I embarked on with Bob was nothing short of exhilarating. Taylor’s ability to blend science and humor is masterful, as the narrative moves swiftly through complex ideas while keeping the tone lighthearted. I particularly appreciated the intriguing questions posed about sentience and identity—themes that echo through the lives of Bob and his clones. As each Bob develops its own personality and quirks, the result is a range of characters that feels rich and varied without becoming confusing, a challenge noted in reviews from readers like Jazz Delenz and D.C. Binion.
The humor, as others have pointed out, is a standout feature. Jeff R. Hawkins captured it well in his review, noting that the book has the essence of “hard sci-fi” yet reads like a modern classic filled with laugh-out-loud moments. This combination of thoughtful exploration and amusing dialogue kept me engaged from start to finish. I couldn’t help but laugh at Bob’s exploits as he navigates the cosmos, “finding new homes for humanity”—with a touch of trademark silliness that seemed uniquely his own.
However, not everything was perfect. Like Lucy mentioned in her review, while the story is engaging, the presence of battles and conflict felt somewhat predictable. As a reader looking for exploration and scientific discourse, I would have preferred more of a focus on the philosophical implications of cloning and existence rather than the conventional war narratives. Additionally, some parts of the plot did feel rushed or overly simplistic in their resolutions, leaving me wanting more depth in certain pivotal moments.
Ray Porter’s narration added wonderful nuance to the reading experience. His performance elevated the text, allowing the distinct personalities of each Bob to shine through in a way that encouraged me not to put the audiobook down. The humor landed flawlessly with his delivery, making it a pleasure to listen to.
In terms of pacing, Taylor’s narrative never dragged. The story unfolds briskly, which I found refreshing. As Mew aptly put it, the descriptive narrative kept me glued to every chapter—each "Bob" felt like a new adventure, inviting me to follow along with anticipation. However, as Daria B. Kaval pointed out, not all narratives resonated, and the storytelling sometimes felt like it lacked a little punch, leaving me with a sense of “meh” regarding its depth.
To summarize, We Are Legion (We Are Bob) is a brilliantly humorous journey filled with thoughtful musings on technology and identity. It deftly straddles the line between engaging storytelling and scientific inquiry. While it’s not without its flaws—particularly in depth and predictability—it certainly met my expectations as an enjoyable read filled with a blend of humor and existential questions. For anyone who savors science fiction where the laughter is as prevalent as the thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-pick.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of classic sci-fi that crave a modern touch, especially those who enjoy authors like Andy Weir. Just keep in mind that while it’s an entertaining romp, it might not delve as deeply into its more profound themes as you’d hope. Overall, I’d rate it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, and I’m definitely looking forward to continuing Bob’s adventures in the subsequent books of the series. All hail the Bobs!