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aces122's review against another edition
4.0
Kind of hard to follow but it’s worth to push it through. Definitely a classic and I can see how it influenced sci-fi / cyberpunk in general
blue_guitar's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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
5.0
I read this as part of the 2024 r/fantasy Bingo - Criminals.
Neuromancer had long been on my list as something to read and as a science fiction classic and a foundation of the Cyberpunk genre, it was a great read.
As someone who has enjoyed the recent Cyberpunk media of the last 5 years, it's so incredible to see the genesis of so many terms and concepts so brilliantly and prophetically laid out by William Gibson. The blend of dystopian imagery, noir, drug culture, hacking and all the punk influences create something that is really quite a showcase for all the individual components of modern cyberpunk.
My only real complaints (and they're hardly complaints) is that there are a few times when the terminology leaves you a bit behind. Maybe because we don't use the same slang in 2024 that we did in the 80s, or perhaps the frames of reference are a bit dated - either way, a couple times I was a bit confused about what a character was doing or talking about. Nevertheless, it moves at a good pace that you are usually able to infer what is happening.
Neuromancer had long been on my list as something to read and as a science fiction classic and a foundation of the Cyberpunk genre, it was a great read.
As someone who has enjoyed the recent Cyberpunk media of the last 5 years, it's so incredible to see the genesis of so many terms and concepts so brilliantly and prophetically laid out by William Gibson. The blend of dystopian imagery, noir, drug culture, hacking and all the punk influences create something that is really quite a showcase for all the individual components of modern cyberpunk.
My only real complaints (and they're hardly complaints) is that there are a few times when the terminology leaves you a bit behind. Maybe because we don't use the same slang in 2024 that we did in the 80s, or perhaps the frames of reference are a bit dated - either way, a couple times I was a bit confused about what a character was doing or talking about. Nevertheless, it moves at a good pace that you are usually able to infer what is happening.
kcrouth's review against another edition
5.0
I treated myself to a re-read of this classic work by one of my favorite authors. Not being hampered by the learning curve or reading it for the first time, i was able to dive in head first into the deep end, in keeping with Mr. Gibson's writing style. His tales don't gently bring the reader up to speed. Rather, the reader is pulled at full speed into the depth and velocity of the story. One quickly learns not to start reading a Gibson novel without securely fastening the seat belt and putting the seat back and tray in the upright and locked position. Neuromancer is an enduring classic and will doubtless prove to be timeless. From the classic first sentence, to the last. Excellent.
previous review:
I regret not having taken the time to read this brilliant tale before now. Gibson tells an excellent story with skill, creativity and intellect. Reading it so late in the game revealed to me just how much influence it has had since 1984 when it was first published. Neuromancer deserves the classic status that it has been awarded. I'm looking forward to reading it again and highly recommend it.
previous review:
I regret not having taken the time to read this brilliant tale before now. Gibson tells an excellent story with skill, creativity and intellect. Reading it so late in the game revealed to me just how much influence it has had since 1984 when it was first published. Neuromancer deserves the classic status that it has been awarded. I'm looking forward to reading it again and highly recommend it.
jimthecactus's review against another edition
3.0
The book itself was revolutionary and established most of what is the modern sense of cyberpunk. With that said, it was an average book, but I'd still recommend reading it as part of a study of modern culture.
elllure's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
capgambit's review against another edition
3.0
For a long while I have been limiting myself to fantasy. Sanderson, Jordan, Butcher and the like. In an effort to broaden my horizons I have asked for many recomendations. Neuromance was one of the recommendations. I was told that it's kind of the birth of much of the sci-fi/cyberpunk of today.
First off, I do have to say that I am crazy impressed by the content that came about when it did. I can definitely see its influence on much of what we know now. Matrix and Ready Player 1 for examples. It is quite inventive for its time and the imagined future technologies.
That being said the overall story kind of fell flat for me. Admittedly it may be in part due to the fact that I listened not read. Keep that in mind when I say what I do. Most of the characters felt like the same characters repeated. So much so that I really had a hard time knowing who was who. All of the men were the same as each other same with the women. There just didn't seem to be diversity so everything turned to gray mush.
Wouldn't recommend
First off, I do have to say that I am crazy impressed by the content that came about when it did. I can definitely see its influence on much of what we know now. Matrix and Ready Player 1 for examples. It is quite inventive for its time and the imagined future technologies.
That being said the overall story kind of fell flat for me. Admittedly it may be in part due to the fact that I listened not read. Keep that in mind when I say what I do. Most of the characters felt like the same characters repeated. So much so that I really had a hard time knowing who was who. All of the men were the same as each other same with the women. There just didn't seem to be diversity so everything turned to gray mush.
Wouldn't recommend
daniwantsalibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0