Story **** Narration ***** Overall **** Futuristic Journey —- Review by Rox Burkey
AWE: A Technothriller’ is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the urgent issues of climate change and the ethical dilemmas we face today with a futurist viewpoint. Pierre R. Schwob follows Pic de Lucrète and his team of scientists as they race against time to combat disinformation and avert a global catastrophe. The intricate plot weaves together suspense and innovative scientific concepts, making the urgency of the climate crisis feel both immediate and relatable.
The character development is detailed, bringing out the feelings and drivers of each player. Lily Lee is a brilliant mathematician of Chinese heritage, and Pic takes her under his wing when he hires her. An exceptional villain, characterized as a Russian oil billionaire, applies fatal methods to preserve his business empire. The diverse cast keeps listeners engaged until the final page.
Pierre R. Schwob illustrates how scientists might leverage AI to fight virulent disinformation and prevent an impending disaster. The world may never take action unless Pic’s team can usurp the spread of lies and fake news. If people of the world unite, they might avoid civilization suffering immeasurable loss. The thrilling plot takes listeners from Silicon Valley to Tokyo, St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Beijing with vivid futuristic details.
Jordan Kilgore’s narration is well-paced, with voice intonations that differ between characters. Though initially mildly confusing, listening to this story is the recommended modality. The scientific lingo sometimes goes a bit too far for the average listener. Overall, it is a fabulous audio experience. Areas focused on fake news and social relevance came across as pompous for contemporary viewpoints.
‘AWE: A Technothriller,’ created by a visionary author and computer scientist, Pierre R Schwob, combines suspense, science fiction, technology, and contemporary issues into a thought-provoking narrative. Fans may reflect on shared moral and ethical choices that could shape the future of our world. This novel entertains and inspires critical reflection on our collective responsibilities to the planet. Recommended read for anyone who appreciates a blend of thrilling action and pressing real-world issues!
About the Author
Pierre R. Schwob is a computer scientist who founded Classical Archives. He owns several patents—some incorporated into a national standard for U.S. radio. Published works include: • AWE, Palo Alto, Sciences Org Books, 2024; a climate change technothriller. • The Great Documents of the World: Milestones of Human Thought, (ed). U.S., U.K., Spain, Japan: McGraw-Hill, 1977; Austria, Germany: Kruger Verlag, 1977. • How to Use Pocket Calculators. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1976. Special selection of the Macmillan Book Club. Introductory offer of the Library of Mathematical Sciences. • The Chess Tutor: Opening Moves, co-authored with George F. Kane. New York: Mason/Charter, 1976. He wrote the libretto of the narrated symphony “Cosmic Reflection,” offering the history of the universe in 40 minutes, composed by Nolan Gasser. It premiered at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC in 2009. Asteroid “(32890) Schwob” is named after him. He is engaged with the latest developments in astrophysics and cosmology, particularly at Stanford/SLAC. He regularly visits labs worldwide (including at the actual South Pole) to follow the latest physics experiments. He is a long-time director of the SETI Institute. He lives in Palo Alto, California.
About the Narrator-Jordan Kilgore
I first found my passion for performing on the stage many years ago, and have been honing my craft ever since! With tons of acting experience and education under my belt, I bring multi-layered emotion and authenticity to every voiceover gig. I’ve been lucky to train with top-notch coaches across various styles, from commercials and corporate narration, to e-learning and audiobooks and beyond. When I’m not behind the mic, you might find me on a stage somewhere singing a tune or acting in a play. Captivating audiences, whether in person or in the booth, is what I do best. Storytelling is my whole life – and I can’t wait to tell yours!
