Reviews

Gnomon by Nick Harkaway

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shellbug526's review

It is an interesting concept and I am sure it is a good book, but it just moved to slowly. It read a little like an instruction manual.

nwabisa's review

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challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

4.5

hilmi's review

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challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

A very interesting, cerebral book. Sub stories were fun as well.

Had to come back and change this from 4 stars to 5, because I haven't been able to stop thinking about how incredible the setup and delivery in this novel is. The feints and misdirection are so deft that even though you know some sort of dramatic revelation/twist must be arriving, when it does you are still left slack-jawed. Just brilliant writing

janeaustentatious2's review

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adventurous challenging mysterious slow-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? No

4.0

robotswithpersonality's review against another edition

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Yeah. YEAH! I just love the way Harkaway writes. I hope nobody ever asks me to explain this book fully, but I'd go for 'sci-fi mystery with fantastical elements.'

While the Matrix feels like an obvious reference point, I'd add Inception and Sucker Punch to the film comps.

It's hard to pitch the framework because fictional utopian societies that are actually revealed to be dystopian are not new, especially in the framework of fears around the surveillance state, having your mind no longer be a private space,

and possibly having your own thoughts/ workings of society manipulated by others via tech

are themes that loom large these days. But Harkaway has this truly, splendidly powerful imagination that adds in layers and elements to bring humanity and humour and truly wild experiences to that kind of story.
There is a darkness to the narrative, I think the best indicator I can give is this is the second book I've read from this author and both involved torture sequences, though you could argue the ones featured here range from the more tactile to the more abstract. 😬
And still, I enjoy floating along in the worlds he creates. I think even more so than with Angelmaker you have to be willing to go with flow, take your time. 😏

istarius's review

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challenging mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

3.5

dancinrio's review

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4.0

This book made my brain hurt but I think it was worth it. At times it felt like a slog, at times I was swept along by the majesty of it. But I am pleased I read it.