Reviews and Comments

I almost don't know what hit me after reading this. Totally off the hook, gripping tale of dysotpian anarchical warfare. There are definitely good guys and bad guys but they're all roaringly fucked up or about to become so. Like a roller coaster that leaves you feeling a little sick but eager to get onboard again in spite of your better judgement.

Much is intriguing, little is certain, and events feel meaningful in ways that evade articulation. Upon waking details fade and I'm left feeling that something has shifted but I'm not sure what.

Mentioned by Olympic runner and writer Alexi Pappas in Outside podcast

Yes. Yes it could. And Meta could also have more influence than you imagine. Horrifying.

Will the next round of attention-seeking AI apps be any better? Why would they?

I'm not sure how I feel about the author in the end, but I'm glad she wrote her story.

Interesting review from @loppear

Harari offers refreshing clarity and insights in all his books, but in this one he really commits to some foundational ideas and arguments in a way he hasn't in previous works. The nature of information and truth are at the heart of the culture tech wars we are embroiled in, and this is the only analysis I've encountered that really grapples with that. I suspect the resulting insights are on the right track, and the lack of easy answers is a recognition of the volatility and complexity of our times.

Tempting review from @loppear

And a crypto plot that holds up, and I learned about secure enclaves. Some RV life, and of course scammers galore. Sign me up for the next one.

Some fairly standard scifi suspension of disbelief is required, but the story rewards it. A noticeable lack of diversity in the humans is made up for in other species. The different perspectives are great, conflict is so much more engaging when you understand the different sides.

Nice review from @KelsonReads.

It took me a long time to read this, but I never ceased to find it rewarding, and I expect I'll return to it when in need of healing. I have read some critiques of the science behind trauma theories in particular, but I haven't encountered any other guide to human healing expressed with more compassion or personal insight. The critiques of the toxic aspects of our culture are in line with my observations, as are some of the few steps I've taken myself on the path to wholeness.

Great review from @SallyStrange.

From Cory Doctorow's review:

pluralistic.net/2025/05/05/free-enterprise-system/#linkdump

Magic is used fairly judiciously and characters are full of believable ambiguities, as are the cultures they come from.

Cory Doctorow recommendation