samfitz01's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
driedfrogpills's review against another edition
3.0
This is a really interesting piece of speculative (poli-)sci-fi. While dry at times the world-building was intriguing if a little hard for me to wrap my head around at times. Maybe it's a sign that for the first half of the book I was either a bad reader or the book didn't gel with me, but I had to remind myself that place names and locations =/= governments and countries (and really for a book that is all about the election process taking place globally that's a rather "uh duh" moment for me. In hindsight, how I could have forgotten when every major plot point focuses on which centenal is voting for which party is beyond me).
But while I may not have been the best fit for this book, this book is incredible for what it offers. Malka Ann Older's experience with international affairs shines through every aspect of the story, bringing such credibility and authenticity to the text that will definitely satisfy anyone who enjoys exploring all the nuances and behind-the-scenes jockeying in the political sphere. This is not the book if you want to escape from the drama and frustrations of the current election cycle, but I am planning on revisiting this book once I'm no longer burned out on American politics.
I admit that I am not a huge fan of political intrigue or political thrillers. I admit that what first drew me to Informocracy was the description of the organization Information and the roles that data collection were going to play and in that I was so not disappointed. Mishima and Ken were easily my favorites. Older's futurist view of data usage and access was easily one of my favorite bits of world-building; to experience a world so saturated with data from a (somewhat trusted) monopoly raises all kinds of questions in how information today is verified, spread and presented.
I appreciate this book; I'm not sure I like it. I love that it exists, and that it is so well-presented and intelligent. And I'm glad that I read it, but feel like a re-read is required to better grasp all the political aspects involved.
Thanks to Macmillan-Tor and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for a review.
But while I may not have been the best fit for this book, this book is incredible for what it offers. Malka Ann Older's experience with international affairs shines through every aspect of the story, bringing such credibility and authenticity to the text that will definitely satisfy anyone who enjoys exploring all the nuances and behind-the-scenes jockeying in the political sphere. This is not the book if you want to escape from the drama and frustrations of the current election cycle, but I am planning on revisiting this book once I'm no longer burned out on American politics.
I admit that I am not a huge fan of political intrigue or political thrillers. I admit that what first drew me to Informocracy was the description of the organization Information and the roles that data collection were going to play and in that I was so not disappointed. Mishima and Ken were easily my favorites
Spoiler
primarily because of the work Mishima starts and Ken joins in on towards the end of the bookI appreciate this book; I'm not sure I like it. I love that it exists, and that it is so well-presented and intelligent. And I'm glad that I read it, but feel like a re-read is required to better grasp all the political aspects involved.
Thanks to Macmillan-Tor and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for a review.
vesryn's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the concept and plot, for the most part. I found the pacing, however, dragging. The author clearly knows what she's talking about (which is awesome and refreshing), and she doesn't drag you down too much with that, but the pacing of it felt sluggish to me, despite liking the author's voice. At the same time, it felt like all the character's voices sounded the same, which also frustrated me.
fantasticraccoon's review against another edition
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
jaymeks's review against another edition
3.0
It was ok. Build up and characters were well done, world building lacked a little bit, and the ending was abrupt. Would have liked to have seen a few more pages of info to make the ending that much better. But, not a bad book overall.
harperdrive's review against another edition
4.0
This book was good as a poli sci/sci-fi thriller, but it's much heavier on the poli than the sci-fi. My inner policy geek was very happy.
scornweed's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
meijhen's review against another edition
3.0
Good read. Thought provoking. Took me a little bit to get into it, but I'm glad I didn't put it down.
gnashchick's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a while to warm up to this novel. The first few chapters didn't grab me, but the book has a good reputation so I stuck it out. After the main players are introduced, it gets more interesting. But when things go boom, the narrative finds its feet and the whole plot gets much more interesting.
Toughing out the first few chapters paid off. It's certainly a statement on major corporations becoming governments in a world where it seems anyone can start a small government. This has everything it needs to be a thriller. There's thuggery, misinformation, secrecy, hacking, spying, and security thugs all over the place. I enjoyed the twists, but the ending left too much unsaid. Overall, I'm surprised I would be this entertained by a story about elections.
Toughing out the first few chapters paid off. It's certainly a statement on major corporations becoming governments in a world where it seems anyone can start a small government. This has everything it needs to be a thriller. There's thuggery, misinformation, secrecy, hacking, spying, and security thugs all over the place. I enjoyed the twists, but the ending left too much unsaid. Overall, I'm surprised I would be this entertained by a story about elections.