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A review by frasersimons
Rule 34 by Charles Stross
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
I really enjoyed the previous instalment, but this was mostly an unconvincing rehash of what worked previously, a time jump that didn’t feel reflected in the technology or setting, and the poorly done inclusion of queer polyamory dynamic that felt shoe horned in for plot devices and shock value, rather than something core to the identity of the individuals. The hyper sexuality was very tropey.
Coupled with a plot that more fizzled out than came to head, there just wasn’t much to latch onto here, for me. I’m not sure what was compelling to return to the series. The characters didn’t feel further developed and the plot was almost perfunctory. If you skipped the first book or maybe a long time passed between books, enough to no longer be situated in the established world, maybe the issues wouldn’t be as prevalent.
Overall, quite a mixed bag with Stross. 3 books, only one I liked quite a bit. Happy to be moving on to other (possibly post) cyberpunk works.
Coupled with a plot that more fizzled out than came to head, there just wasn’t much to latch onto here, for me. I’m not sure what was compelling to return to the series. The characters didn’t feel further developed and the plot was almost perfunctory. If you skipped the first book or maybe a long time passed between books, enough to no longer be situated in the established world, maybe the issues wouldn’t be as prevalent.
Overall, quite a mixed bag with Stross. 3 books, only one I liked quite a bit. Happy to be moving on to other (possibly post) cyberpunk works.