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Zodiac

4.2 out of 5 stars (2,013)
3.7 on Goodreads
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Book details

  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Spectra
  4. Publication date
    July 1, 1995
  5. Dimensions
    4.16 x 0.82 x 6.87 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0553573861
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0553573862
  8. See all details
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Book overview

Sangamon Taylor's a New Age Sam Spade who sports a wet suit instead of a trench coat and prefers Jolt from the can to Scotch on the rocks. He knows about chemical sludge the way he knows about evil -- all too intimately. And the toxic trail he follows leads to some high and foul places. Before long Taylor's house is bombed, his every move followed, he's adopted by reservation Indians, moves onto the FBI's most wanted list, makes up with his girlfriend, and plays a starring role in the near-assassination of a presidential candidate. Closing the case with the aid of his burnout roomate, his tofu-eating comrades, three major networks, and a range of unconventional weaponry, Sangamon Taylor pulls off the most startling caper in Boston Harbor since the Tea Party. As he navigates this ecological thriller with hardboiled wit and the biggest outboard motor he can get his hands on, Taylor reveals himself as one of the last of the white-hatted good guys in a very toxic world.

Amazon.com Review

Believe it or not, some readers find Zodiac even more fun than Neal Stephenson's defining 1990s cyberpunk novel, Snow Crash. Zodiac is set in Boston, and hero Sangamon Taylor (S. T.) ironically describes his hilarious exploits in the first person. S. T. is a modern superhero, a self-proclaimed Toxic Spiderman. With stealth, spunk, and the backing of GEE (a non-profit environmental group) as his weapons, S. T. chases down the bad guys with James Bond-like Zen.

Cruising Boston Harbor with lab tests and scuba gear, S. T. rides in with the ecosystem cavalry on his 40-horsepower Zodiac raft. His job of tracking down poisonous runoff and embarrassing the powerful corporations who caused them becomes more sticky than usual; run-ins with a gang of satanic rock fans, a deranged geneticist, and a mysterious PCB contamination that may or may not be man-made--plus a falling-out with his competent ("I adore stress") girlfriend--all complicate his mission.

Stephenson/S. T.'s irreverent, facetious, esprit-filled voice make this near-future tale a joy to read.

From the Publisher

Sangamon Taylor's a New Age Sam Spade who sports a wet suit instead of a trench coat and prefers Jolt from the can to Scotch on the rocks. He knows about chemical sludge the way he knows about evil -- all too intimately. And the toxic trail he follows leads to some high and foul places. Before long Taylor's house is bombed, his every move followed, he's adopted by reservation Indians, moves onto the FBI's most wanted list, makes up with his girlfriend, and plays a starring role in the near-assassination of a presidential candidate. Closing the case with the aid of his burnout roomate, his tofu-eating comrades, three major networks, and a range of unconventional weaponry, Sangamon Taylor pulls off the most startling caper in Boston Harbor since the Tea Party. As he navigates this ecological thriller with hardboiled wit and the biggest outboard motor he can get his hands on, Taylor reveals himself as one of the last of the white-hatted good guys in a very toxic world.

About the author

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Neal Stephenson
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Neal Town Stephenson (born October 31, 1959) is an American writer, known for his speculative fiction works, which have been variously categorized science fiction, historical fiction, maximalism, cyberpunk, and postcyberpunk. Stephenson explores areas such as mathematics, cryptography, philosophy, currency, and the history of science. He also writes non-fiction articles about technology in publications such as Wired Magazine, and has worked part-time as an advisor for Blue Origin, a company (funded by Jeff Bezos) developing a manned sub-orbital launch system.

Born in Fort Meade, Maryland (home of the NSA and the National Cryptologic Museum) Stephenson came from a family comprising engineers and hard scientists he dubs "propeller heads". His father is a professor of electrical engineering whose father was a physics professor; his mother worked in a biochemistry laboratory, while her father was a biochemistry professor. Stephenson's family moved to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois in 1960 and then to Ames, Iowa in 1966 where he graduated from Ames High School in 1977. Stephenson furthered his studies at Boston University. He first specialized in physics, then switched to geography after he found that it would allow him to spend more time on the university mainframe. He graduated in 1981 with a B.A. in Geography and a minor in physics. Since 1984, Stephenson has lived mostly in the Pacific Northwest and currently resides in Seattle with his family.

Neal Stephenson is the author of the three-volume historical epic "The Baroque Cycle" (Quicksilver, The Confusion, and The System of the World) and the novels Cryptonomicon, The Diamond Age, Snow Crash, and Zodiac. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,013 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book fun, engaging, and entertaining. They describe the plot as interesting, action-packed, and thought-provoking. Readers appreciate the great characters and value for money. They mention the book is well-paced and non-stop action. Opinions are mixed on the writing quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
EnjoymentPlotThought provokingCharacter developmentValue for moneyPacingWriting qualityLength
EnjoymentPlotThought provokingCharacter developmentValue for moneyPacingWriting qualityLength
55Customers mention
55Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book fun, engaging, and entertaining. They say it incorporates environmental activism, Mcgyver-esque creativity, and a plotline of biblical proportions.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...It grabbed me from the first page. It's funny, smart, crazy, scientific (as far as my knowledge of chemistry goes) AND it's written well...." Read more

"...is great, the language is tongue in cheek and the story is funny, exciting and entertaining...." Read more

"This is a fun read incorporating environmental activism, Mcgyver-esque creativity, and a plot line with twists and turns...." Read more

"...All-in-all a great read, that any NS fan would thoroughly enjoy...." Read more

55Customers mention
44Positive
11Negative

Customers find the plot interesting, fun, and action-packed. They also say it's a good thriller. Readers also mention the book is complex, well-paced, and has a bang-up ending.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...development is great, the language is tongue in cheek and the story is funny, exciting and entertaining...." Read more

"...as Diamond Age --- but one of his fastest-paced and a thoroughly enjoyable read with a great cast of characters...." Read more

"...'s nothing wrong with preaching if it's done with wit, style, and real passion. I think NS pulls it off...." Read more

"I love science fiction with real science in it! The story in itself was very good- it was fun, funny and scary, all at the same time...." Read more

32Customers mention
32Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book entertaining, educational, and well-researched. They say the context allows for clear explanations of the bits they have to learn. Readers also mention the author is highly intelligent and imaginative.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...It grabbed me from the first page. It's funny, smart, crazy, scientific (as far as my knowledge of chemistry goes) AND it's written well...." Read more

"...And yes, it's a cautionary tale. It has a moral message. So has Dickens, most of Shakespeare, and most of Star Trek for that matter...." Read more

"...The science is enough to be interesting, but not so much that your eyes glaze over and you start skipping pages...." Read more

"...The actual plot of the story is put together well, and very clever. I tried to like it but S.T. kept getting in my way...." Read more

21Customers mention
16Positive
5Negative

Customers find the characters well-developed and feel-good.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...The writing was so much better, the characters so much more realistic, the plot so much more evolved. It was a real book!..." Read more

"...The story incorporates a lot of interesting characters, powerful shady corporations, powerful politicians and Presidential candidates, mafia hitmen,..." Read more

"...of his fastest-paced and a thoroughly enjoyable read with a great cast of characters...." Read more

"...on greatness with Zodiac in part because S.T. is surrounded by underdeveloped secondary characters who feel like they are only there to advance the..." Read more

19Customers mention
15Positive
4Negative

Customers find the book really good and brilliant. They say it would make a great movie.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...trough the reviews I decided to give it a try and man, this book doesn't disappoint. It grabbed me from the first page...." Read more

"Not Snow Crash, but still a very good read...." Read more

"Neal Stephenson is one of my favorite authors and this book didn’t disappoint. A nice look into the are of toxic waste dumping." Read more

"...I didn't realize that this is a very old early work of his and it isn't quite as good. His writing has definitely improved since then...." Read more

14Customers mention
14Positive
0Negative

Customers find the pacing of the book well-paced, brisk, and unique. They also appreciate the non-stop action and eye-opening details about pollution.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...--- and nothing as thoroughly unique as Diamond Age --- but one of his fastest-paced and a thoroughly enjoyable read with a great cast of characters..." Read more

"...though, it didn't go too far and the book did turn out to be a fast paced thriller that I would easily recommend to anyone interested...." Read more

"This is typical Neal Stephenson. It’s complex, well-paced and has a bang-up ending...." Read more

"...the use of LSD and and mushrooms to get the job done in a fast paced thriller was unique...." Read more

26Customers mention
16Positive
10Negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book. Some mention it's great, impressively told, and a pleasure to read. However, others say it'd be too boring and confusing.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...The writing was so much better, the characters so much more realistic, the plot so much more evolved. It was a real book!..." Read more

"...and Snow Crash are probably the fastest paced, and good introductions to his style of writing...before you delve into his 1000+ page tomes, which..." Read more

"...There was a lot of foul language and drug use, which I understand was there to create a certain ambiance, but it rubbed me the wrong way...." Read more

"...Cryptonomicon was incredibly entertaining and had a descriptive writing style that was a pleasure to read for the writing itself...." Read more

6Customers mention
4Positive
2Negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the length of the book. Some mention it's relatively short and fast-paced, while others say it'd make a great movie.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"Much like Snow Crash, this is a shorter, easier read than some of his deeper works...." Read more

"...Also, it was far too long, and took me more than 9 hours to read....seemed like a long time since I was annoyed for much of it...." Read more

"It's shorter and less complex, so if you like his style this is worth going back and reading; but I wouldn't recommend it as someone's first..." Read more

"...This one is short, full of action, and not as cerebral as his later works. Can't believe the range of this genius!" Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

DeniJ
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
A really funny and interesting story, told impressively well.
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2017
I bought this book because I simply adored Seveneves and I wanted to read more from the same author. In principle I prefer to read space sci fi, especially hard core, and honestly, I hate chemistry. It is probably my least loved science, in high school beaten only by... See more
I bought this book because I simply adored Seveneves and I wanted to read more from the same author. In principle I prefer to read space sci fi, especially hard core, and honestly, I hate chemistry. It is probably my least loved science, in high school beaten only by geography (though that's not science, lol). But after scrolling trough the reviews I decided to give it a try and man, this book doesn't disappoint. It grabbed me from the first page. It's funny, smart, crazy, scientific (as far as my knowledge of chemistry goes) AND it's written well. In fact, since I was reading it after reading somebody's 1st self-published novel, I was in mild shock. The writing was so much better, the characters so much more realistic, the plot so much more evolved. It was a real book!
In short, the main character is a genius toxic detective working for some suspicious ecological organization, who dives into toxic waste in between smoking nitrous and driving his cool Zodiac boat (I had to google that). The time is the late 80s, when fun was still possible and we weren't living under constant internet observation. The plot develops a bit late for my taste, but it's ok, because the first 50 pages are just as fun, because the characters are so interesting and entertaining. The detective is after some major toxic waste dump in Boston harbor and from then on, it's a crazy chase with the big corporations, their greed and their cruelty. And saving the world, of course.
What I loved the book for, is the personalities of the characters. Congratulations on the author for that, because he created a masterpiece with them. The chemistry is also solid enough, I had to google some of the things to make sure they are correct and the biggest surprise of all, that book actually made me want to remember some of the high school chemistry. Which I think is quite cool. Towards the end the book really becomes science fiction, but still the fiction is not unbearably unrealistic.
I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates interesting and entertaining stories written really well.
P.S. I'm little disappointed that the Sagamon Principle didn't go as far as Oxygen. I mean, it's simpler than NO2.
5 people found this helpful
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Thomas Wikman
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Eco Detective Discover Monumental Environmental Crimes
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024
Zodiak is a cyberpunk style science fiction novel, or thriller, taking place in what seems to be the end of the 1980’s or early 1990’s. The book mentions “new” 32-bit microprocessors such as Intel 80386, which was introduced in 1985, payphones, cassette tapes, and the cars... See more
Zodiak is a cyberpunk style science fiction novel, or thriller, taking place in what seems to be the end of the 1980’s or early 1990’s. The book mentions “new” 32-bit microprocessors such as Intel 80386, which was introduced in 1985, payphones, cassette tapes, and the cars seemed to be 1980’s style as well. Therefore, it may not feel like science fiction to modern readers even though the style of the book is that of a dystopian science fiction. Perhaps you can say it is a contemporary thriller written like a science fiction. For someone like me, who was young at that time, it felt a lot like home.

The protagonist in the book is Sangamon Taylor, a maverick chemistry genius working as a toxicity detective for an ecological organization. His job is to expose bad corporations dumping dangerous chemicals. In this case, the bad chemical is PCB, but what he discovers is much more troubling than someone dumping PCB in the Boston harbor. In fact, his discovery puts himself and his friends in mortal danger. The book title is taken from the type of rubber boat, a Zodiak, that Sangamon uses.

The story incorporates a lot of interesting characters, powerful shady corporations, powerful politicians and Presidential candidates, mafia hitmen, terrorism, bombs, and even a potential threat to the entire planet. The plot starts out somewhat ploddingly around the suspicion that someone is dumping PCB in the Boston harbor and then it develops into an action packed and intense story about massive eco-crimes, murderous corporations, and powerful evil men. At that point the intensity and the intrigue of the story surpasses that of your typical James Bond movie, so keep reading even though the start may seem slow.

The character development is great, the language is tongue in cheek and the story is funny, exciting and entertaining. The book features some interesting chemistry and other science, and it is intelligently written. One thing that struck me is how many environmental problems we have to a large degree solved thanks to environmental regulation. We don’t speak about PCB, acid rain, and the ozone hole very often now a day because of actions we’ve taken in the past to solve those problems. For example, ozone depleting gases have been reduced by 99.7% since the 1970’s thanks to actions we took (for example, the Montreal Protocol). Naturally we still have huge environmental problems, but environmental regulations have done a lot of good. The book mentions Cuyahoga River. You have to be old to remember when Cuyahoga River self-ignited 12 times. Now you can swim and fish in it.

I very much enjoyed reading this book. However, I have a few minor complaints. There was a bit too many convenient coincidences to make the story entirely believable and some passages were confusing to me. There was a lot of foul language and drug use, which I understand was there to create a certain ambiance, but it rubbed me the wrong way. I recommend this book, with a slight reservation, which to me is four stars.
One person found this helpful
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Skip Stone
3.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
A fun ride for Stephenson fans
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2017
This is a fun read incorporating environmental activism, Mcgyver-esque creativity, and a plot line with twists and turns. The book relies heavily on the inner monologue of its main characterS.T. a genius of organic chemistry who uses his talents to track down... See more
This is a fun read incorporating environmental activism, Mcgyver-esque creativity, and a plot line with twists and turns.

The book relies heavily on the inner monologue of its main characterS.T. a genius of organic chemistry who uses his talents to track down corporate polluters and expose them in sensational fashion.

Stephenson misses out on greatness with Zodiac in part because S.T. is surrounded by underdeveloped secondary characters who feel like they are only there to advance the plot (with the exception of a Native American character Jim Grandfather). The female characters in particular seem only to exist so that S.T. can wow them with his exploits and then get them into the sack.

Zodiac is also lacking the signature Stephenson feature of multiple plots that seem unrelated but somehow come together to show us the whole picture by the end of the book.

If you're looking for a shorter, more streamlined 'Reamde' without converging storylines then this is it. If you're looking for a work on par with Cryptonomicon or the Baroque cycle this is not the book you are looking for.
6 people found this helpful
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J. Dunne
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
An under-appreciated Stephenson gem...even if a bit rough around the edges.
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2012
I will start by being up front, that Neal Stephenson (NS) is one of, if not, my favorite author writing today. So, I am critical with high expectations, but also already keep in mind that I clearly enjoy NS's style -- so if he does deliver what I expect, it will be a... See more
I will start by being up front, that Neal Stephenson (NS) is one of, if not, my favorite author writing today. So, I am critical with high expectations, but also already keep in mind that I clearly enjoy NS's style -- so if he does deliver what I expect, it will be a favorite Novel of mine --- and Zodiac did deliver!!

Not the grand scope of Cryptonomicom, Anathem, or the Baroque Cycle --- and nothing as thoroughly unique as Diamond Age --- but one of his fastest-paced and a thoroughly enjoyable read with a great cast of characters. The pacing element was more reminiscent of Snow Crash to me than his other works (which, this being his firs published work, makes sense...from his own writing development, to the lack of leeway Publishers/editors gave him back then vs. now)

Zodiac reads perhaps a bit more linear than some of NS's latter works -- but it still has his classic witty and nerdy-punk theme, with loads of digressions and information tangents that generally make me think or laugh out loud, or both.

Zodiac is a bit different from his normal fare, in that this is an Eco-thriller, where the lead character is a Chemist and Eco-activists exposing toxic-waste dumpers, primarily in the cesspool that was the 1980s Boston harbor. Still science-nerd-ish -- but not the more techie type themes I am used to with NS...but instead Organic-Chemistry and Toxin themes (As a Chemist -- I was pleasantly surprised by this change of subject matter :))

All-in-all a great read, that any NS fan would thoroughly enjoy.

For those of you that have not read NS -- from someone who has now read his full library, Zodiac and Snow Crash are probably the fastest paced, and good introductions to his style of writing...before you delve into his 1000+ page tomes, which are too me, his finest achievements (and among the finest achievements in American Literature the last 25 years -- not just in the genre.)
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Russell White
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
review
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024
Not Snow Crash, but still a very good read. Had the author been an unknown, I might have given it 5 stars, but Mr. Stephenson can, and has , done better.I was not sorry that I spent the time and money on this book, and enjoyed the read thoroughly.
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RootlessAgrarian
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
My favourite NS
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 1999
OK, _Snow Crash_ caught my attention. But it suffered (imho) from grandiosity -- the need for a Great Cosmic Plot Resolution. DA was even more interesting but has some of the same disease -- the themes get so big they are unwieldy. Same goes for the voudun stuff in... See more
OK, _Snow Crash_ caught my attention. But it suffered (imho) from grandiosity -- the need for a Great Cosmic Plot Resolution. DA was even more interesting but has some of the same disease -- the themes get so big they are unwieldy. Same goes for the voudun stuff in Gibson, if you ask me.
_Zodiac_ is my pick of NS's work. I buy used copies and give them away to people. It's better than his later works because he's on his own turf, writing more tightly and realistically about stuff he really knows. The manuscript glitters with one-liners; I sometimes slowed down and read whole sections out loud to myself to get the full enjoyment out of them.
Sangamon Taylor, ego and all, has become one of the most memorable characters of my long SF-guzzling career. I recommend this book to sci fi and non-sci-fi readers alike. I still don't believe you can punch a hole in a zode with a wired tazer, but I love the book anyway :-)
And yes, it's a cautionary tale. It has a moral message. So has Dickens, most of Shakespeare, and most of Star Trek for that matter. There's nothing wrong with preaching if it's done with wit, style, and real passion. I think NS pulls it off. If I didn't dread sequels so much, I'd love to see a volume of the prior, or continuing, adventures of ST.
135 people found this helpful
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R. Moss
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Entertaining and a little educational
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2017
Neal Stephenson always throws in some well researched knowledge to throw off your suspension of disbelief, along with some great action scenes. Some of the narrative had distracting scene changes that might have worked better in a movie. There was a meeting with some... See more
Neal Stephenson always throws in some well researched knowledge to throw off your suspension of disbelief, along with some great action scenes. Some of the narrative had distracting scene changes that might have worked better in a movie. There was a meeting with some polluters that didn't seem to end, but had him in a car in the next sentence without a segue. I understood the intent to keep the story pace moving, but it was confusing and I had to rewind the Audible story a few times to make sure I heard everything. It seemed rushed.
Aside from that, I appreciated the chemistry and biology lessons interspersed with the urgent story line. Nobody does that like Neal Stephenson.
One person found this helpful
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Tanya W.
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Neal just keeps getting better
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2016
I love science fiction with real science in it! The story in itself was very good- it was fun, funny and scary, all at the same time. Of course, Neal being a good writer, as well as a good storyteller helps like crazy. The science is enough to be... See more
I love science fiction with real science in it! The story in itself was very good- it was fun, funny and scary, all at the same time.

Of course, Neal being a good writer, as well as a good storyteller helps like crazy.

The science is enough to be interesting, but not so much that your eyes glaze over and you start skipping pages.

The people development, relationships, their interactions was fun and well done also.

The story starts off at a leisurely pace, then gradually ramps up the speed and tension to the point one can barely sit still at the end!

The other thing I appreciate about the story is that it really makes you think about things. It's a little depressing on one hand, some of the realities of life, what big Corp and big gov can get away with, and do or don't do.

But on the other hand, there ARE smart people like ST out there passionately trying to make a difference, and succeeding. At least part of the time.

Clearly, even you or I can help, make a difference. Just a little help at the right time can have big impact, in ways we may not fully understand or appreciate.

Anyway, it was a great read whether for pure pleasure or if you want to analyze it for a message.

Thanks Neal!
13 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Alf
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Great story teller
Reviewed in Canada on March 2, 2023
Have not been disappointed by any of his books. This one was written a few years ago but it played out well.
Have not been disappointed by any of his books. This one was written a few years ago but it played out well.

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Natalia Andrade Santiago
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
parecido com edição de bolso
Reviewed in Brazil on June 21, 2021
Eu gostei muito desse livro, ele é simples e parece edição de bolso mas foi aqui o único lugar que o consegui impresso.
Eu gostei muito desse livro, ele é simples e parece edição de bolso mas foi aqui o único lugar que o consegui impresso.

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Diaze Jam. - Jamie McGregor
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Excellent.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2019
I'm at the stage in my book reading journey, where all the big titles have been read, re-read and read again, that I find myself hunting all works from one of about 20 of my favourite authors. This is one of those books, a little gem hiding away almost lost by being...See more
I'm at the stage in my book reading journey, where all the big titles have been read, re-read and read again, that I find myself hunting all works from one of about 20 of my favourite authors. This is one of those books, a little gem hiding away almost lost by being overshadowed by much more current and well known books. This is a great tale, paced well and at times is easy to smash through. The parallels with the real world, not just in its geography, but in its politics and environmental message for all is as relevant now as it was when it was written. Well worth a read, as a sci-fi buff it made for a welcome change to be carried along on an earthly story.
I'm at the stage in my book reading journey, where all the big titles have been read, re-read and read again, that I find myself hunting all works from one of about 20 of my favourite authors. This is one of those books, a little gem hiding away almost lost by being overshadowed by much more current and well known books. This is a great tale, paced well and at times is easy to smash through. The parallels with the real world, not just in its geography, but in its politics and environmental message for all is as relevant now as it was when it was written. Well worth a read, as a sci-fi buff it made for a welcome change to be carried along on an earthly story.

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Roger
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Incredible Versatility
Reviewed in Japan on May 30, 2016
That's the author, not the book. Having read everything by Neal Stephenson I can truly say I have enjoyed it all--from science fiction through martial art epics to multi-volume historical novels. This is no jack-of-all-trades, master of none! No, "masterly" is the word that...See more
That's the author, not the book. Having read everything by Neal Stephenson I can truly say I have enjoyed it all--from science fiction through martial art epics to multi-volume historical novels. This is no jack-of-all-trades, master of none! No, "masterly" is the word that springs to mind. This one is a fast-paced all-too-credible story of ecological activist and big-business polluters. Guess who wins! But there are some breath taking cliff hangers along the way. Enjoy!
That's the author, not the book. Having read everything by Neal Stephenson I can truly say I have enjoyed it all--from science fiction through martial art epics to multi-volume historical novels. This is no jack-of-all-trades, master of none! No, "masterly" is the word that springs to mind. This one is a fast-paced all-too-credible story of ecological activist and big-business polluters. Guess who wins! But there are some breath taking cliff hangers along the way. Enjoy!

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Thierry Landrieu
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Tres bon
Reviewed in France on December 30, 2009
Un Stephenson à la hauteur des suivants, gros délires quasi plausibles dans une atmosphère tendue, sans oublier de ne pas se prendre au sérieux. J'en ai gardé un excellent souvenir apres quelques mois, je ne peux que le conseiller aux amateurs du genre sabottage, guide du...See more
Un Stephenson à la hauteur des suivants, gros délires quasi plausibles dans une atmosphère tendue, sans oublier de ne pas se prendre au sérieux. J'en ai gardé un excellent souvenir apres quelques mois, je ne peux que le conseiller aux amateurs du genre sabottage, guide du terrorisme à la Gandhi.
Un Stephenson à la hauteur des suivants, gros délires quasi plausibles dans une atmosphère tendue, sans oublier de ne pas se prendre au sérieux. J'en ai gardé un excellent souvenir apres quelques mois, je ne peux que le conseiller aux amateurs du genre sabottage, guide du terrorisme à la Gandhi.

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