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theaceofpages's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
First, the good: The thriller aspects of this book are really well done - the stakes are high and things are tense. We travel around the world as our characters struggle to determine who is behind a series of sensitive data leaks and as they try to unravel a series of side conspiracies in the hopes of getting closer to the answer.
The neutral: There is a lot happening - many plots, side characters, organisations and motives. While this does add to the suspense, it does get a little overwhelming sometimes and I feel like sometimes plot strands fall a bit to the wayside and/or are rushed to keep up. It isn't terrible - the story works well - but it is quite a bit to keep up with. Also, as this is a technothriller dealing with AI and quantum computing, I do think this could potentially have had a bit more information for the unfamiliar (even if it's a foreword/afterward type thing). The increasing role of computers and data in espionage and war is definitely an interesting thing to consider though, especially with the future it looks like we're heading towards.
And the bad: Let me start off by saying I am not assuming that these are the views of the author or that they are fully unexpected given the rivalries that would likely form in an international espionage rivalry type context. But the whole American exceptionalism and looking down at other countries and their people, especially poorer countries, was deeply uncomfortable at times. Especially since I am not from one of the "good western countries". Again, I do understand how people in such positions would develop such attitudes but it felt a bit too prevalent and mean-spirited. There is especially a lot of it towards the start and I even found myself wondering if I actually want to continue the book for a while because of the tone. It get better (or maybe I just got numb to it), but it's something worth being aware of, particularly if you aren't American (or maybe European - they typically get talked about less harshly as well). Of course it won't bother everyone and that's perfectly fine! I am just confused as to why these attitudes had to be expressed to frequently. Especially since our characters were doing some of the things they looked down on others for doing and saw themselves as good and honourable for doing so.
Overall, although this book has its problems, it was a thrilling listen (although it did take me a little while to get used to the narrator). I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
This book can be read as a standalone
The neutral: There is a lot happening - many plots, side characters, organisations and motives. While this does add to the suspense, it does get a little overwhelming sometimes and I feel like sometimes plot strands fall a bit to the wayside and/or are rushed to keep up. It isn't terrible - the story works well - but it is quite a bit to keep up with. Also, as this is a technothriller dealing with AI and quantum computing, I do think this could potentially have had a bit more information for the unfamiliar (even if it's a foreword/afterward type thing). The increasing role of computers and data in espionage and war is definitely an interesting thing to consider though, especially with the future it looks like we're heading towards.
And the bad: Let me start off by saying I am not assuming that these are the views of the author or that they are fully unexpected given the rivalries that would likely form in an international espionage rivalry type context. But the whole American exceptionalism and looking down at other countries and their people, especially poorer countries, was deeply uncomfortable at times. Especially since I am not from one of the "good western countries". Again, I do understand how people in such positions would develop such attitudes but it felt a bit too prevalent and mean-spirited. There is especially a lot of it towards the start and I even found myself wondering if I actually want to continue the book for a while because of the tone. It get better (or maybe I just got numb to it), but it's something worth being aware of, particularly if you aren't American (or maybe European - they typically get talked about less harshly as well). Of course it won't bother everyone and that's perfectly fine! I am just confused as to why these attitudes had to be expressed to frequently. Especially since our characters were doing some of the things they looked down on others for doing and saw themselves as good and honourable for doing so.
Overall, although this book has its problems, it was a thrilling listen (although it did take me a little while to get used to the narrator). I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
This book can be read as a standalone
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Xenophobia, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, and Death
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