The Downloaded

The new novel by Canada’s top Science Fiction writer

In 2059 two very different groups have their minds uploaded into a quantum computer in Waterloo, Ontario.

One group consists of astronauts preparing for Earth’s first interstellar voyage. The other? Convicted murderers, serving their sentences in a virtual-reality prison.

But when disaster strikes, the astronauts and the prisoners must download back into physical reality and find a way to work together to save Earth from destruction.

The Downloaded debuted in a six-month exclusive window as an Audible Original narrated by Academy Award-winner Brendan Fraser promoted by national TV and radio ad campaigns. This print edition is coming out immediately after Audible’s exclusivity ends and is being supported by a six-city cross-Canada author book tour.

‘Robert J. Sawyer’s latest novel is a potent distillation of everything that makes science fiction so addictive. The Downloaded explores a broad swath of future history and absolutely sizzles with fascinating ideas. You want space travel, a ruined Earth, virtual worlds, a cast of relatable characters, and a glimpse into the labyrinth of human destiny? Look no further: this story has all that and more.’
—Robert Charles Wilson, Hugo Award-winning author of Spin

‘In The Downloaded, Robert J. Sawyer proves he’s not just a master of using science fiction to address social issues but also a master of devious plot twists and diverse character voices.’
—James Alan Gardner, Theodore Sturgeon Award-winning author of Expendable

‘No one does the end of the world quite like Robert J. Sawyer. The Downloaded is a wicked-smart thrill ride from start to finish. The interview format brings genuine intimacy to this action-packed story that also raises questions about consciousness, society, and the very nature of humanity. I loved it.’
—Sylvain Neuvel, bestselling author of Sleeping Giants

‘Robert J. Sawyer is well known for big-concept original SF and rigorous research. While The Downloaded continues in this vein, it’s also a wonderful demonstration of another aspect of this impressive author: his deep understanding of—and compassion for—people, regardless of who or what they are, or even what they have done. It’s a rare and potent humanity that elevates Sawyer’s work high above the rest.’
—Julie E. Czerneda, Aurora Award-winning author of To Each This World

‘One of the best SF novels I’ve read in years. The Downloaded is a tightly-written SF story that will hold your attention, but it’s more than just that. Sawyer has given us an advance look at a technology that we may have someday if we’re fortunate, but also a near-future world that we may get, too, and God help us if we do. The juxtaposition of the two makes this a fascinating tale.’
—Allen Steele, Hugo Award-winning author of Coyote



Genre: Science Fiction

"Robert J. Sawyer is well known for big-concept original SF and rigorous research. While The Downloaded continues in this vein, it's also a wonderful demonstration of another aspect of this impressive author: his deep understanding of - and compassion for - people, regardless of who or what they are, or even what they have done. It's a rare and potent humanity that elevates Sawyer's work high above the rest." - Julie E Czerneda

"In The Downloaded, Robert J. Sawyer proves he's not just a master of using science fiction to address social issues but also a master of devious plot twists and diverse character voices." - James Alan Gardner

"No one does the end of the world quite like Robert J. Sawyer. The Downloaded is a wicked-smart thrill ride from start to finish. The interview format brings genuine intimacy to this action-packed story that also raises questions about consciousness, society, and the very nature of humanity. I loved it." - Sylvain Neuvel

"One of the best SF novels I've read in years. The Downloaded is a tightly-written SF story that will hold your attention, but it's more than just that. Sawyer has given us an advance look at a technology that we may have someday if we're fortunate, but also a near-future world that we may get, too, and God help us if we do. The juxtaposition of the two makes this a fascinating tale." - Allen Steele

"Robert J. Sawyer's latest novel is a potent distillation of everything that makes science fiction so addictive. The Downloaded explores a broad swath of future history and absolutely sizzles with fascinating ideas. You want space travel, a ruined Earth, virtual worlds, a cast of relatable characters, and a glimpse into the labyrinth of human destiny? Look no further: this story has all that and more." - Robert Charles Wilson