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devynreadsnovels's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gun violence, Alcohol, Cursing, Classism, Gore, Murder, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Addiction, Confinement, Drug use, Mass/school shootings, and Sexual content
quihi's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I like this book because I like most of Doctorow's books. If you don't, this will probably not be the one to convert you, though it is perhaps the least dystopian. It's a fun ride through cryptocurrency, security both digital and physical, and money laundering, with some government involvement and discussion of homelessness to round it out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Car accident, and Alcohol
Minor: Murder, Suicide, Rape, Torture, Gun violence, Addiction, Confinement, Drug abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
agavemonster's review
adventurous
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
What a romp! A realistic, tightly plotted and compellingly paced thriller whose thrills are scarier for being deeply plausible. Doctorow has the tendency to get a bit didactic, especially at the beginning when we get the obligatory cryptocurrency-background info download, and his dialogue isn't the most realistic, but his characters are nonetheless convincingly alive and deeply/richly sketched. And what a breath of fresh air to see the protagonist of a noir novel that tips well, treats service workers like human beings, and actually likes and respects the women he fucks! A gobble-it-up race against the clock that dives deep into the underbelly of modern finance.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture and Confinement
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