The Terminal Experiment

By Robert J. Sawyer
The Terminal Experiment by Robert J. Sawyer digital book - Fable

Publisher Description

A biomedical engineer discovers proof for the existence of the human soul

  • Winner of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America's Nebula Award for Best Novel of the Year!
  • Finalist for the World Science Fiction Society's Hugo Award for Best Novel of the Year!
  • Winner of the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association's Aurora Award for Best Novel of the Year!

IT STARTED AS AN EXPERIMENT IN LIFE AFTER DEATH.

 

IT ENDED IN DEATH.

 

Dr. Peter Hobson has created a monster. Three of them, in fact.

 

In order to test his theories of immortality and life after death, he has created three electronic simulations of his own personality.

 

The first Hobson has all memory of physical existence edited out. It will simulate life after death.

 

The second Hobson is without knowledge of aging or death. It will simulate immortality.

 

The third Hobson is unmodified. A control.

 

But now all three of them have escaped from Hobson's computer into the worldwide electronic matrix.

 

And one of them is a killer ...

 

"A very intriguing philosophical journey; a taut, believable exciting mystery story." —The Edmonton Journal

 

"A terrific mix of science, technological derring-do, and murder. A great story; a crackerjack novel." —The Globe and Mail

 

"Sawyer has done such a fine job, it's little wonder that the book won the Nebula Award for best novel." —The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction

 

"Audacious. Sawyer is to be commended for raising important philosophical issues in the form of a highly entertaining scientific mystery. His characters are convincing; their motivations and relationships are always at the heart of the action." —The Montreal Gazette

 

"A page-turner; a quality read. Murder is the name, and chases through cyberspace the game — a cautionary tale straight from the murky depths of the brave new world of our data future. Entirely realistic." —The Ottawa Citizen

 

"Classic SF in the tradition of Arthur C. Clarke and Gregory Benford." —Hugo-winner Jo Walton

 

"A well-balanced blend of scientific mystery components, well-characterized and plotted." —Science Fiction Chronicle

 

"This is science fiction at its most thought-provoking." —SF Site

 

"I thoroughly lost myself in this fast-moving, finely detailed and engaging story populated with (what a relief!) believable characters. Intriguing, well-conceived, and entertaining. Sawyer has a killer instinct for plot." —Tangent

 

"Sawyer's impressive storytelling skills make The Terminal Experiment a compelling thriller." —The Toronto Star

  • Originally published by HarperCollins (US) and Hachette's New English Library (UK)
  • Serialized (as Hobson's Choice) in Analog Science Fiction & Fact
  • A selection of The Science Fiction Book Club
  • Cover art by Fred Gambino

Download the free Fable app

app book lists

Stay organized

Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.
app book recommendations

Build a better TBR

Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building tool
app book reviews

Rate and review

Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tags
app comments

Curate your feed

Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communities
app book lists

Stay organized

Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.
app book recommendations

Build a better TBR

Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building tool
app book reviews

Rate and review

Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tags
app comments

Curate your feed

Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communities

No Reviews

Start a Book Club

Start a public or private book club with this book on the Fable app today!

FAQ

Do I have to buy the ebook to participate in a book club?

Why can’t I buy the ebook on the app?

How is Fable’s reader different from Kindle?

Do you sell physical books too?

Are book clubs free to join on Fable?

How do I start a book club with this book on Fable?

Notification Icon
©2026 Fable Group Inc.
Help & SupportPrivacyCopyright PolicyTerms of Service
Fable uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB