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marklpotter's review against another edition
4.0
The overall concept, a drug that links peoples' brains together, isn't an easy concept to write about. At least I figure it wouldn't be. Couple that with the story being set at, essentially, the discovery of this drug it drops a ton of ethical issues in to the mix. Naam handles both of these really well. His writing flows and I really felt the characters' struggles. I can even forgive Naam for being employed by Microsoft because he's written such an amazing piece here. (Yes, that's sarcasm).
senf's review against another edition
5.0
Awesome science fiction about networked minds and trans-humanism.
charlibirb's review against another edition
4.0
Super fun book! It's way better than I though it was going to be. Distinct characters, solid world, interesting plot (we'll see how book 3 ends), and decent writing. A solid read that has drawn me in!
Fair warning, the audio books change readers each book, which is annoying.
Fair warning, the audio books change readers each book, which is annoying.
docpacey's review against another edition
3.0
Lots of great near future speculative neuroscience and post-human ideas in a fast-paced thriller.
I enjoyed that the characters constantly battled with the morality of the tech, both as individuals and as citizens of nation states battling for control of said tech.
I also enjoyed the light philosophy.
On the whole, the thing holding this book back is that it's a pretty canned action thriller, long on brutal fight scenes and quick healing characters, short on development of strong interpersonal relationships. the seeds are there, so the rest of the series might be worth a go.
I enjoyed that the characters constantly battled with the morality of the tech, both as individuals and as citizens of nation states battling for control of said tech.
I also enjoyed the light philosophy.
On the whole, the thing holding this book back is that it's a pretty canned action thriller, long on brutal fight scenes and quick healing characters, short on development of strong interpersonal relationships. the seeds are there, so the rest of the series might be worth a go.
ashpaj's review against another edition
2.0
I progressively felt more "meh" about this book as I kept reading. Somehow I limped to the end where I felt great relief at not having to continue reading this any further.
The premise is interesting, Nexus, a drug that connects peoples friggin BRAINS together. The writing is a little clunky, but in the beginning it carries along alright. Until, that is, we start hitting every single character and plot cliche we could possibly hit.
Naive scientist creates something he thinks will make the world better when it obviously will lead to massive complications when it easily (and inevitably) falls into the wrong hands, CHECK.
Slightly mysterious female badass with traumatic past torn between the two sides until she ultimately loses her shit? CHECK.
Reformed mercenary now believing in the cause after he found some spiritual guidance that ultimately sacrifices his self for the cause? CHECK
Sacrificial child character that is obviously only there to die in an effort to show the past repeating and drive another character batty? CHECK.
I really could go on (Okay one more - Another naive scientist believing that 'if only the public knew about this governmental corruption and oppressive laws! It would change everything!"... Check.)
It just got so boring and obvious at what would happen that I lost interest almost halfway through. On top of that, the main character seemed, for all his 'brilliance', to be extremely stupid at what Nexus would actually be used for.
Maybe you will like it, loads of other people do, for me it just didn't blow my skirt up.
The premise is interesting, Nexus, a drug that connects peoples friggin BRAINS together. The writing is a little clunky, but in the beginning it carries along alright. Until, that is, we start hitting every single character and plot cliche we could possibly hit.
Naive scientist creates something he thinks will make the world better when it obviously will lead to massive complications when it easily (and inevitably) falls into the wrong hands, CHECK.
Slightly mysterious female badass with traumatic past torn between the two sides until she ultimately loses her shit? CHECK.
Reformed mercenary now believing in the cause after he found some spiritual guidance that ultimately sacrifices his self for the cause? CHECK
Sacrificial child character that is obviously only there to die in an effort to show the past repeating and drive another character batty? CHECK.
I really could go on (Okay one more - Another naive scientist believing that 'if only the public knew about this governmental corruption and oppressive laws! It would change everything!"... Check.)
It just got so boring and obvious at what would happen that I lost interest almost halfway through. On top of that, the main character seemed, for all his 'brilliance', to be extremely stupid at what Nexus would actually be used for.
Maybe you will like it, loads of other people do, for me it just didn't blow my skirt up.
tcgoetz's review against another edition
5.0
Writing is good, but not great. 5 stars for a great concept and an exciting read.
maddieden's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.75
nilsherzig's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
trailofmonkeys's review against another edition
1.0
Someone let me know if I should have pushed past the awful prose.
coltennis's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.25