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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
Not interesting, can’t get excited about fashion/clothing sci fi
Picked this up in the airport, because I thought the new JK Rowling book would last me for a few days. Just my luck that this is book #3 in this universe.Imagine a world where everything is branded and people are concerned about it, enough to make or break fortunes and/or people. And then there's pseudo military wear and secret brands and manta rays and silver penguins. A good book about the current time.
I feel like Gibson's books are creeping backward in time -- this is set in the present day, and even just two years out from publication, some of the technological stuff seems very "sure, whatever" rather than feeling like science fiction. Maybe his next book will be set in the past. ;)
I enjoyed this a LOT. Gibson's style seems to be getting more minimalist, as well, making the books quicker, less dense reads. I think that's a good thing, not that I don't love earlier Gibson. I got more of a feeling for the characters in this than in most previous books - and really enoyed the POV of both protagonists. With less exposition & instrospection, we're left with the perfect balance of dialogue, action, and his incredible eye for small details that constantly humanize the characters and make the setting seem tangible.
My only quibble was that I had a hard time keeping track of why everyone was so het up about what was going on. Gibson creates a fast-paced, suspenseful environment like the pro he is, but in this case, the stakes seemed out of sync with the level of the action. On some level, I feel like that was kind of the point, but instead of seeming like a device, it seemed like loose plotting (unlikely, from Gibson).
I enjoyed this a LOT. Gibson's style seems to be getting more minimalist, as well, making the books quicker, less dense reads. I think that's a good thing, not that I don't love earlier Gibson. I got more of a feeling for the characters in this than in most previous books - and really enoyed the POV of both protagonists. With less exposition & instrospection, we're left with the perfect balance of dialogue, action, and his incredible eye for small details that constantly humanize the characters and make the setting seem tangible.
My only quibble was that I had a hard time keeping track of why everyone was so het up about what was going on. Gibson creates a fast-paced, suspenseful environment like the pro he is, but in this case, the stakes seemed out of sync with the level of the action. On some level, I feel like that was kind of the point, but instead of seeming like a device, it seemed like loose plotting (unlikely, from Gibson).
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The first half had great characters and prose, but it seemed slow to me, plot wise. The second half was amazingly cool, and made the strange banality of fashion-espionage compelling.
I loved the P.D.K. style haplessness of Milgrim, and the relatively non-violent outcomes. Floating Mylar penguins are always a plus, and I want to buy an ugly tee shirt, even if it would almost certainly be non-functional.
I loved the P.D.K. style haplessness of Milgrim, and the relatively non-violent outcomes. Floating Mylar penguins are always a plus, and I want to buy an ugly tee shirt, even if it would almost certainly be non-functional.
A present-day, science-fiction but NOT science-fiction, marketing thriller. Loved it. Gibson can make something benign seem ultra-cool. Even a very ugly T-shirt.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Didn't think I would like anything better than PATTERN RECOGNITION, but there it is. A wonderful little pseudothriller that ties up all of the characters from the previous two books; much more satisfying than SPOOK COUNTRY.
Really, really enjoyed this one. Gibson's use of language is beautiful, with his creativity and character development on par.
I was pleasantly surprised the way this one tied the other two in the series together. It made an easy read that was hard to put down and all the loose ends came back together in Un unexpected way.