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markmtz's review against another edition
5.0
Volume two of the Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson is another mesmerizing tale, and there is no confusion about that statement. Eliza’s dealmaking and Jack’s round-the-world odyssey are remarkable. Read it. Volume three goes on sale late Sep 2004.
Published in hardcover by William Morrow.
Published in hardcover by William Morrow.
jupiterjens666's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a big Stephenson fan, even though his politics are childish and he seems too big a seller for editors to edit him anymore, despite his tendency to pages-long regressions on mathematics or numismatics or what Isaac Newton thought of alchemy, or perhaps because of. Like, I made the decision to read a book with a major theme of the changing science of coinage in the late 17th century. I'm here for it. I'm not as into it as Neal, but you know what, it's important to him how the Mint of England got its silver in 1705, so, buddy, please feel free to talk about it for 815 pages. There's also lots of generally excellent swordfighting and epic battle scenes. He still does that thing where he introduces new characters (and there are HUNDREDS - you like characters, there are characters here) anyway he introduces new characters in scenes as if we're supposed to know who they are because if he took the time to tell us who the hell every new person was, the book would be 8150 long - and I'd still read it - because it's no small feat to make a book this long, this sprawling, and keep it genuinely entertaining, even provocative, for such a great clobbering mass of pages. I exclaimed aloud no fewer than four times while reading this, something I hardly ever do while reading. (I am known for my equipoise.) It surprised, it engaged! He talks for about four thousand words about the origin of Damascus steel and I was riveted! The many many characters were interesting, the book is mad, but it is accomplished, it is an accomplishment. I am exhausted. I can't believe I read that. I am delighted to see that the next one is 840 pages.
sarsaparillo's review against another edition
5.0
I read somewhere that Stephenson said this book was his favourite of his works. I can see why. It's a globe-spanning romp of endearing characters, vividly-realised locations, cheeky twists, and enough spectacular set pieces to fill several Hollywood screenplays. Stephenson somehow makes the world at the turn of the 18th century seem so much more colourful, diverse and intricate than our blandly interconnected 21st century. It's nice to see I have a few more volumes left in the cycle.
gregtatum's review against another edition
4.0
This is the best book in the trilogy. Lots of swashbuckling adventure.
frogfather78's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
tomsan's review against another edition
4.0
Great book with plenty of twists and turns. Much more engaging than the first.
travelgirlut's review
4.0
After reading a few lackluster young adult books, it was nice to dive into a book that expected some thought and intelligence from its readers. The story can ramble in places, and Neal Stephenson can get a little long winded, but it doesn't bother me enough to take away from the pleasure of reading his books. I'm hoping in the third book that Jack finally comes into a bit of luck. He keeps almost getting somewhere and then losing everything, over and over again. Plus he doesn't have any teeth left. I have trouble imagining him as a handsome hero without teeth. Poor Eliza.
I really enjoyed reading this and am heading right into book #3.
I really enjoyed reading this and am heading right into book #3.
cybergit's review against another edition
5.0
This series just keeps getting better. Whilst the earlier books concentrated the action in Europe apart from a short opening scene in Massachusetts. This book keeps one foot in Europe but moves to India, Japan, the Philippines, Mexico, and South America. The adventures of Jack weave and swerve across the globe as he forms a pirate cabal with the intention of stealing some silver. Needless to say with Jack involved this does not exactly go to plan. The fallout of the theft is fantastic as are the layers of intrigue that pile on as the book progresses. The massive plot twist in this book had me on the edge of my seat. Can't wait to get into the next book.
mwelting's review against another edition
3.0
This was a bit disappointing since the story line that centered on members of the Royal Society, my favorite from the first book, was pretty much dropped in this one. But it kept my interest enough that I finished it, and am hoping the scientists will come back in the final volume. I surprised myself by actually finding some of the account (which I'm assuming is probably pretty accurate, or at least fact-based) of how our system of paper money came into being pretty interesting.