This is a tough book that explores the illusion of free will and the limitations of consciousness. What's amazing is that it explores these ideas in a hard science fiction setting, with interesting characters and a mindblowing plot. But it's not easy to read, since a lot of the writing is poetically styled (which is both delightful and frustrating, since it's beautiful to read while simultaneously cloaking the underlying ideas). It's also a sequel to Blindsight, and I'd actually recommend reading that first (if only because Blindsight is an easier read, and perhaps even more inspired in terms of the ideas it explores). If you do read this book, don't forget to read the Notes section, since much of the science is explained (or at least referenced). Like Blindsight, this was a tough read, pulling together threads from fields as diverse as digital physics and neuroscience. After a slow start, however, the ideas start coming thick and fast. A few sucker punches later, one is left breathless and giddy. At one point, I was hugging my Kobo in a foetal position, rocking back and forth while alternatively sobbing "no more" and "don't let this end". If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from endless optimism and unquenchable joie de vivre, this book will cure you of it. Hell, even a hyperintelligent sociopathic vampire in the story decided to commit suicide by Singularity. This review is necessarily short because I need to go read the book again for the stuff I missed the first time around.
Do You like book Echopraksja (2014)?
Read it in one sitting, very compelling but think I'll need to reread it to write a proper review.
—taj
Not the type of science fiction I like to read. Utterly awful in my opinion.
—Rachelle
Engaging, Dark, Gripping, Mind Blowing Read!
—sole77
