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courthompson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
loont's review against another edition
2.0
Less a coherent story and more a series of interesting facts Stephenson read while researching and over the top cheesy scenarios. "Hey, did you know how filthy rivers were back in the eighteenth century? Also here's young Ben Franklin, who's right down the way from the guy forming MIT!"
Which SOUNDS cool in hypothesis, but you'll notice there doesn't seem to be a central character in that sentence. And really it feels like their kind of isn't, that Stephenson was just more interested in the world, which he often is, but this time forgot that we need a character to attach to so we can relate any emotion at all to the world that's so interesting.
Which SOUNDS cool in hypothesis, but you'll notice there doesn't seem to be a central character in that sentence. And really it feels like their kind of isn't, that Stephenson was just more interested in the world, which he often is, but this time forgot that we need a character to attach to so we can relate any emotion at all to the world that's so interesting.
nyom7's review against another edition
3.0
Do not read this if you want to read SF. By all means read this if you are up for a rather lengthy historical novel (bear in mind this is technically books 1-3 of an 8 book series but the 8 books were published as a trilogy instead) with extensive long winded descriptions/conversations/letters/etc. I am very much undecided as to whether I will continue on and read book 2 +/- 3. The quality of the writing is decent but it is long and at some points arduous.
lauderbaugh's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.25
greaydean's review against another edition
4.0
While this is the hardcover edition (I used to own), I did not actually read it. I had the unabridged version from audible (read to me).
Excellent. Extravagant detail. Neal loves to tell a story. One after another. Witty and wise. Alluding to today and reflecting on the past. Sometimes, the story is just a story and could be considered boring. But Neal alone has preserved storytelling while other authors chase thrill and kill.
Excellent. Extravagant detail. Neal loves to tell a story. One after another. Witty and wise. Alluding to today and reflecting on the past. Sometimes, the story is just a story and could be considered boring. But Neal alone has preserved storytelling while other authors chase thrill and kill.
bret's review against another edition
4.0
I don't actually recommend trying to read this immense trilogy(?) to anyone who hasn't already exhausted his other books (minus Zodiac) and you can rate at least one of them (maybe 2?) in your top 5. It's incredible, smart, detailed, and I'm glad I read it but wow did it take a long time to finish.
If you decide to do it, I wish you luck!
If you decide to do it, I wish you luck!
mjt26's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mnapoleon's review
3.0
Only giving it a 3 because I can't remember if I really liked it or disliked it.
jason_ell's review against another edition
3.0
Stephenson at his sloggiest. This trilogy is full of interesting ideas and storytelling but it's also just so full of diversions and long-winded chapters of so little.
dawn_marie's review against another edition
1.0
DNF - I got about 200 pages in and just quit; I simply could not become engaged in [b:Quicksilver|823|Quicksilver (The Baroque Cycle, #1)|Neal Stephenson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1377095669l/823._SY75_.jpg|1610031] by [a:Neal Stephenson|545|Neal Stephenson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1430920344p2/545.jpg] despite being assured that this book was "right my my alley" and to "give it time" . . . it wasn't and I did.
My biggest issue I had with the novel with Mr. Stephenson's meandering, often dense, into the weeds narrative . . . I find myself getting bored and not at all invested in the characters, plot (when there was one to be found), or environment. I've come to the realization that Mr. Stehpenson's writing sytle does not "speak" to me and his work is just not going to be something I enjoy.
My biggest issue I had with the novel with Mr. Stephenson's meandering, often dense, into the weeds narrative . . . I find myself getting bored and not at all invested in the characters, plot (when there was one to be found), or environment. I've come to the realization that Mr. Stehpenson's writing sytle does not "speak" to me and his work is just not going to be something I enjoy.