Scan barcode
pkonno96's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
katmull's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
trigonomitron's review against another edition
4.0
This was a walk around everywhere with the book in my face because I can't put it down kind of read. The protagonists are relatable and likable. The whole story is fun, junk-food fiction.
There isn't much tension as our protagonists are able to overcome every obstacle with the help of divine intervention from their future. Even the future protagonists get carried over any bumps by a Gandolf-like super-character who can give them anything they need to succeed. The result is that our heroes are never thwarted and the reader never worries.
It sounds horrible, but it actually works out rather well. Gibson makes you want them to win. The antagonists are irritating and we want them to fail. Not so much as for the things that make them antagonists, but because of their personalities. They are the pretentious and annoying sort of people we want bad things to happen to, and Gibson delivers satisfaction at every confrontation.
Many of the familiar Gibson cliches are there. The first few pages will have you wishing for a glossary with all of the future jargon. Just think of it as culture shock: The future is a strange place, and though the reader is disoriented at first, you will quickly get used to it. The chapters are short, and that sort of pulls you through the story quickly. The product placement is minimal this time, and is only distracting when the Lego blocks needlessly and inexplicably take a central role in one of the chapters.
One thing I like about his writing style is that he doesn't hold your hand. He shows you first, then later one of the characters always seems to be as confused as you are. It's then that you get the explanation. Some chapters, a character is referred to only in pronouns, but the writing is a quality that you understand who you are reading about from the context.
Not all of the mysteries are solved for you in this story. The characters live in worlds of future tech, but they are not tech savvy. They often respond with questions about what things they use are with, "I don't know." I especially would have liked some explanation of the "server" they used, but the details are left to the imagination.
Not deep. Not thought provoking or mind blowing. But it is a fun book.
There isn't much tension as our protagonists are able to overcome every obstacle with the help of divine intervention from their future. Even the future protagonists get carried over any bumps by a Gandolf-like super-character who can give them anything they need to succeed. The result is that our heroes are never thwarted and the reader never worries.
It sounds horrible, but it actually works out rather well. Gibson makes you want them to win. The antagonists are irritating and we want them to fail. Not so much as for the things that make them antagonists, but because of their personalities. They are the pretentious and annoying sort of people we want bad things to happen to, and Gibson delivers satisfaction at every confrontation.
Many of the familiar Gibson cliches are there. The first few pages will have you wishing for a glossary with all of the future jargon. Just think of it as culture shock: The future is a strange place, and though the reader is disoriented at first, you will quickly get used to it. The chapters are short, and that sort of pulls you through the story quickly. The product placement is minimal this time, and is only distracting when the Lego blocks needlessly and inexplicably take a central role in one of the chapters.
One thing I like about his writing style is that he doesn't hold your hand. He shows you first, then later one of the characters always seems to be as confused as you are. It's then that you get the explanation. Some chapters, a character is referred to only in pronouns, but the writing is a quality that you understand who you are reading about from the context.
Not all of the mysteries are solved for you in this story. The characters live in worlds of future tech, but they are not tech savvy. They often respond with questions about what things they use are with, "I don't know." I especially would have liked some explanation of the "server" they used, but the details are left to the imagination.
Not deep. Not thought provoking or mind blowing. But it is a fun book.
neen_machine's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
kcrouth's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting angle on time travel, technology, and environmental catastrophe from one of my favorite authors. This is a great story, and it was cool to hear Mr. Gibson to read selections from it, and sign my copy at Motorco in Durham :)
lz3027's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
snuzzbobble's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75