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_nem_'s review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
The action scenes were good but the overall story was confusing. I definitely liked Y.T. more than Hiro. Some of the chapters with the librarian felt very long. Y.T's scenes were exciting and I often just wanted to go back to Y.T and not have to learn all about the languages with Hiro which felt a lot like info-dumping. The opening chapters did feel like technical jargon being thrown at you and giving things names that weren't necessary. I did enjoy all the scenes on the raft.
I think you can tell that it was first published in 1992 with the general sexism and misogyny. It is interesting how Neal Stephenson thinks the internet and virtual reality will develop and comparing it with the internet nowadays.
I think you can tell that it was first published in 1992 with the general sexism and misogyny. It is interesting how Neal Stephenson thinks the internet and virtual reality will develop and comparing it with the internet nowadays.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
raru's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs and Violence
fahyhallowell's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I just reread this book after decades, and enjoyed again the hyper cool dystopian world building. But. As a parent of young adults I found elements of the character of Y.T. a major downer. Like did the author ever meet a 15 year old? The character is preternaturaly expert at everything she does, including sex with a monstrous man at least twice her age. Basically a spophmoric male fantasy trope. I'm glad so many current sci fi writers are moving past that stuff now!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Violence, Sexual content, and Gun violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Drug use, and Kidnapping
janalg's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Xenophobia, Racism, Racial slurs, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug abuse, Gore, Addiction, Alcohol, and Classism
maidinnah's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Couldn't look past some pretty problematic passages, and wished some parts could have been written more leanly. Moreover, ending was too abrupt and ambiguous, but otherwise a fun romp with some really interesting story ideas
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Sexual harassment and Racial slurs
kt_jams's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Racism and Racial slurs
wdrwc0's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I love this book when it comes to world- and character-building. It is a really good representation of what cyberpunk is, how people view the future based on real science we have. It shows a dystopic, future world we could live in.
It also has many funny moments. Sometimes they are just stupid, but also can be so absurd, that a reader don't know what to think anymore.
There is only one flaw for me in this book, that made me give it 4 stars instead of 5 (and I'm considering to degrade it more). The scene between Y.T. and Raven at the end of the book left me speechless, not in a good way. Neal clearly shows in the book flaws of the society like racism, classism and sexism, but when it comes to a sex scene between a 15 year old girl and an adult guy, I didn't notice any clear disagreement from the author. I don't know, what to think about this part of the book, I have mixed feelings and still can't decide on my point.
Another thing is that the ending was a huge disappointment for me. I expected more explanation of things that were happening, how it really ended for characters, etc.
It also has many funny moments. Sometimes they are just stupid, but also can be so absurd, that a reader don't know what to think anymore.
Another thing is that the ending was a huge disappointment for me. I expected more explanation of things that were happening, how it really ended for characters, etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Sexism, Violence, Racism, and Gun violence
flexagoon's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Great book. I'd absolutely recommend Snow Crash to anyone who is interested in cyberpunk, as this book is basically THE original cyberpunk book.
As others said, the ending is a bit lackluster and Deus Ex Machina, but it still didn't leave me disappointed after finishing the book.
The plot itself is confusing at times, but generally really interesting. People who like fast-paced action stories will probably love it. The book also has good worldbuilding.
I didn't really get the "metavirus" stuff but it was still interesting.
As others said, the ending is a bit lackluster and Deus Ex Machina, but it still didn't leave me disappointed after finishing the book.
The plot itself is confusing at times, but generally really interesting. People who like fast-paced action stories will probably love it. The book also has good worldbuilding.
I didn't really get the "metavirus" stuff but it was still interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Gun violence, Racial slurs, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Racial slurs
Minor: Blood, Drug use, and War
goldenslug's review against another edition
dark
tense
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? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
erikwmj's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Sexual harassment, Adult/minor relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Xenophobia, Misogyny, Murder, Homophobia, Addiction, and Racism
Minor: War, Gun violence, and Gore