fahyhallowell's review
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Sexism, Police brutality, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Misogyny
Moderate: Murder, War, Alcohol, and Torture
jhbandcats's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A tech-heavy, dense book about hackers that gets better as it goes along. In the beginning it’s all info and little story. After there’s enough detail and background, the plot gradually develops.
For someone only moderately tech savvy, a lot of the information in the first third of the book went over my head. I also found the mix of contemporary storytelling mixed with flashbacks to be less clearly delineated than I’d have liked. The main character wasn’t particularly likable and her character arc was too contrived.
That said, Cory Doctorow writes a good story. I just wish it hadn’t felt so much like a textbook.
For someone only moderately tech savvy, a lot of the information in the first third of the book went over my head. I also found the mix of contemporary storytelling mixed with flashbacks to be less clearly delineated than I’d have liked. The main character wasn’t particularly likable and her character arc was too contrived.
That said, Cory Doctorow writes a good story. I just wish it hadn’t felt so much like a textbook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Classism, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Violence, Rape, Toxic relationship, Blood, Police brutality, Torture, Confinement, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
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