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dougharris's review against another edition
4.0
Goodreads algorithms shouldn't have too much trouble figuring out my taste.
This is another down the same path as the books I've read by [a:Neal Stephenson|545|Neal Stephenson|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1314902446p2/545.jpg] or [a:Daniel Suarez|1956402|Daniel Suarez|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1265394868p2/1956402.jpg] which take some tech that is basic today, fast-forward 50 years or so, and explore the ramifications of what that means.
This time around it's a mind-altering drug which has been advanced to be programmable.
Good adventurous romp with enough time for thought about the benefits and problems.
There's another in this series... that's on my to-read list.
This is another down the same path as the books I've read by [a:Neal Stephenson|545|Neal Stephenson|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1314902446p2/545.jpg] or [a:Daniel Suarez|1956402|Daniel Suarez|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1265394868p2/1956402.jpg] which take some tech that is basic today, fast-forward 50 years or so, and explore the ramifications of what that means.
This time around it's a mind-altering drug which has been advanced to be programmable.
Good adventurous romp with enough time for thought about the benefits and problems.
There's another in this series... that's on my to-read list.
ghostmuppet's review against another edition
3.0
This book started out with a lot of promise. A 'drug' that allows minds to connect. Someone had managed to hack this and add an OS onto it to allow people to develop software to help them (such as a Bruce Lee program to help with Martial Arts). It all started off well, with a group being infiltrated by the government.
It started to slide after we hit Bangkok (Thailand is where most of the story takes place). I believe the authour wanted a more 'Borne' feel about his book, and this is where the story progresses. Lots of over the top fights and 'tight' escapes.
The ending saved it a little. Reminded me of a film ending (wont say due to spoilers). I would put this as a 2.5 stars.
It started to slide after we hit Bangkok (Thailand is where most of the story takes place). I believe the authour wanted a more 'Borne' feel about his book, and this is where the story progresses. Lots of over the top fights and 'tight' escapes.
The ending saved it a little. Reminded me of a film ending (wont say due to spoilers). I would put this as a 2.5 stars.
carolynf's review against another edition
1.0
In the first chapter we are introduced to three characters. The first two don't get any physical description at all but the book keeps mentioning the dark skin of the third character in a weirdly abrupt way.
Meanwhile character 2 is testing out a neural enhancing drug that overwrites his personality and impulses with an AI that is much more suave than his natural self. Once he finds a girl who wants to hook up he has a "pornbot" AI take over - which is a terrible idea! Porn sex does not equal good sex! Whatever he thought was going to happen, he ends up spazzing out and smashing his pelvis repeatedly into the girls skull, and her understandibly negative reaction is played off as mostly just an inconvenience to character 2.
DNF
Meanwhile character 2 is testing out a neural enhancing drug that overwrites his personality and impulses with an AI that is much more suave than his natural self. Once he finds a girl who wants to hook up he has a "pornbot" AI take over - which is a terrible idea! Porn sex does not equal good sex! Whatever he thought was going to happen, he ends up spazzing out and smashing his pelvis repeatedly into the girls skull, and her understandibly negative reaction is played off as mostly just an inconvenience to character 2.
DNF
jenbsbooks's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't dislike like this ... although I didn't love it. It was just really dragging for me, and there are just so many books out there. I don't like to DNF, but, stopping at just over 50%. There is a chance I come back. Perhaps my mood plays a part in my perception of this book.
I was listening to the audio edition. I like Luke Daniels ... but he, and the other uber professional narrators (those whose voices just SOUND like a godly 3rd person telling a story) and the stories like THIS ... third person, so many different POV/Characters and quickly, switching scenes. I've read many that have this feel. I've liked a lot of them, others not so much, but that style, combined with the familiar voicing narration ...
I just never quite connected with the characters, or the setting ... the futuristic "nexus" drug that could connect minds was interesting, complex.
Lots of language, sexual situations, violence ... that had nothing to do with my like/dislike of the story, just noting it (I know some prefer to have content warnings before starting a book, and just for my memory, as it could impact who I recommend certain stories to).
I was listening to the audio edition. I like Luke Daniels ... but he, and the other uber professional narrators (those whose voices just SOUND like a godly 3rd person telling a story) and the stories like THIS ... third person, so many different POV/Characters and quickly, switching scenes. I've read many that have this feel. I've liked a lot of them, others not so much, but that style, combined with the familiar voicing narration ...
I just never quite connected with the characters, or the setting ... the futuristic "nexus" drug that could connect minds was interesting, complex.
Lots of language, sexual situations, violence ... that had nothing to do with my like/dislike of the story, just noting it (I know some prefer to have content warnings before starting a book, and just for my memory, as it could impact who I recommend certain stories to).
daynpitseleh's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the plot of this novel, as well as the philosophical implications and world-building. However, some of the action sequences were too tedious for me. Recommended for fans of techno-thriller type sci-fi.
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the plot of this novel, as well as the philosophical implications and world-building. However, some of the action sequences were too tedious for me. Recommended for fans of techno-thriller type sci-fi.
jordan_dewey's review against another edition
5.0
Discussion of morality and what it means to be human in an international and intercultural setting. V interesting! ❤️
squishies's review against another edition
4.0
I love the concept - it's really so very interesting and to be honest, not all that far fetched.
The storyline was also pretty interesting, giving plenty of room for character growth.
Really interested to see where book 2 leads to!
The storyline was also pretty interesting, giving plenty of room for character growth.
Really interested to see where book 2 leads to!
jblack615's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic novel. Reminded me so much of the "Tom Clancy's" Net Force series that I adored growing up, blended with more of the grounded scientific analysis of Crichton or Stephenson.
shayneh's review against another edition
3.0
Intriguing near-term sci-fi thinking built into a thriller; not sure yet whether I will read the next ones, but engaging. Like a lot of thrillers, has more than its fair share of explosions and gunfights and people dying; reader beware.