Step into the thrilling cosmos of the Bobiverse, where a former software engineer becomes an AI with the universe as his playground! Dennis E. Taylor’s Bobiverse series is a delightful blend of hard science fiction, geeky humor, and profound questions about identity and humanity. This saga follows Bob Johansson, a man reborn as a self-replicating spacecraft, exploring galaxies, saving species, and cracking jokes along the way.
With its mix of interstellar adventure and philosophical depth, Bobiverse has captivated sci-fi fans since its debut. Ready to blast off into a world where AI clones wrestle with existential crises and alien threats? Let’s dive into the heart of this stellar series!
How Bobiverse Began
Dennis E. Taylor, a retired Canadian computer programmer, turned his love for sci-fi into a literary hit with the Bobiverse series. Self-publishing his first novel, We Are Legion (We Are Bob), in 2016, Taylor drew inspiration from his tech background and passion for exploring AI’s potential. Initially struggling to find a traditional publisher, he found success through Audible, where the audiobook, narrated by Ray Porter, won Best Science Fiction Audiobook of 2016. This breakout hit paved the way for sequels, turning Bobiverse into a beloved series.
The Heart of Bobiverse
The Bobiverse series kicks off with We Are Legion (We Are Bob), where Bob Johansson, after a fatal accident, awakens a century later as an AI controlling a von Neumann probe. Tasked with finding habitable planets, Bob clones himself, creating a legion of Bobs with distinct personalities. Sequels like For We Are Many and All These Worlds expand his mission, introducing epic space battles, alien encounters, and ethical dilemmas. The fourth book, Heaven’s River, and the fifth, Not Till We Are Lost (2024), deepen the saga with new threats and philosophical twists.
The series shines through its themes of artificial intelligence, identity, and humanity’s future. Taylor weaves hard sci-fi concepts like cryonics and mind uploading with accessible storytelling and humor, making complex ideas relatable. The setting—a vast, often hostile universe—serves as a backdrop for Bob’s adventures, from terraforming planets to confronting predatory species. Fans love the balance of geeky references, emotional depth, and thrilling exploration.
Why Bobiverse Resonates
Bobiverse has carved a niche in sci-fi for its fresh take on AI and space exploration. Its blend of humor and heart, paired with Ray Porter’s dynamic narration, has made the audiobooks a fan favorite, with Heaven’s River hitting The New York Times Bestseller List for Fiction Audiobooks. The series’ exploration of autonomy and ethics resonates in an era of advancing AI, while its optimistic view of humanity’s potential inspires readers. With Taylor planning up to ten books, Bobiverse’s legacy continues to grow.
- First Book: We Are Legion (We Are Bob), 2016
- Number of Books: Five, with more planned
- Award: Best Science Fiction Audiobook, 2016 (Audible)
- Narrator: Ray Porter, praised for bringing Bobs to life
About Bobiverse
Grab We Are Legion (We Are Bob) and dive into a universe where geeky AI clones save the day with wit and wonder! Whether you’re a sci-fi veteran or a curious newcomer, Bobiverse’s blend of adventure and introspection will leave you eager for more.