Negative Positive
Title: Chasing Neil Stephenson, Bruce Sterling, and the Gregs
Review: A profusion of highly inventive ideas in the same hyperintelligent vein of Stephenson, Sterling, Egan, and Bear. Not yet as humorous as Sterling or Stephenson or as edgy as Egan and Bear, but this first novel actually has a better ending than many of these modern masters seem to be able to muster (much better than Stephenson's first outings).Yes, there are some some very soft spots in the plot; yes, the choppy relativistic time frame makes it hard to develop and relate to characters, but the underlying theme and global plot development is excellent--well worth the 10 hours it may take to read.If his editors and publisher give him time to refine and tweak the next plot (and solicit some smart readers to help out) then we may have a classic. I have not yet read Chasm City yet. Fingers crossed.There goes a research career for a promising astrophysicist. Clone him quick.
Is the review positive or negative? 