Termination Shock

Best thing about the book is that it is not set in some distant dystopia or alien space. It's set in the not so distant future with a realistic premise. Entertaining throughout, but not as hard-sciency as some of Stephensons previous books. I'd categorise it more as a general thriller than sci-fi. Slightly over the top in some of the narratives, but not ridiculously so.

Neal Stephenson's characters are becoming repetitive: ex-military self-sufficient macho men, women clever enough to be interesting but not so clever as to get things done on their own. Lot of single combat with guns. What is missing is the fascinating inside takes on science, technology and their history that made Cryptonomicon and the Baroque Cycle so much fun to read.

All of the stories mixed with the topic of climate change are very interesting. I enjoyed it very much. A great book.

"Termination Shock" by Neal Stephenson is a tour de force in speculative fiction, seamlessly blending themes of climate change, geopolitics, and technological innovation into a compelling narrative that feels eerily prescient. As a reader deeply engaged with the intersection of science fiction and reality, I found myself captivated by Stephenson's masterful storytelling and thought-provoking insights. One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its portrayal of the dire consequences of climate change and the urgency of addressing it. Through vivid imagery and meticulous world-building, Stephenson paints a haunting picture of a world ravaged by extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation. What truly resonated with me was the realization of the immense carbon footprint we're leaving for future generations to grapple with. Stephenson's portrayal of this reality serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of the urgent need for action to mitigate climate catastrophe. Moreover, "Termination Shock" brilliantly explores the intersection of geopolitics and geoengineering, offering a glimpse into a future where nations vie for control over resources and influence through ambitious technological solutions. Stephenson's portrayal of the geopolitical tensions that arise when these forces collide is both gripping and thought-provoking. The prospect of a third world war sparked by the convergence of geopolitics and geoengineering feels chillingly plausible, serving as a stark warning against the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. What sets "Termination Shock" apart is Stephenson's ability to craft a narrative that feels both speculative and deeply grounded in reality. His meticulous attention to detail and expert storytelling create a world that feels as though it could be our own, making the novel's warnings all the more urgent and compelling. In conclusion, "Termination Shock" is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of our planet and the potential consequences of inaction in the face of climate change. Neal Stephenson's masterful blend of science fiction and social commentary makes for a truly unforgettable reading experience that will leave readers both entertained and profoundly moved.

For everyone who doesn't want to think about climate change, this novel is a must-read. Or if you're just entertained by meth gators, feral swine, and video games - they're here too. This is our future, warts and all, with Stephenson's typical style, skill and fabulous story-telling.

Great book - well worth enjoying. Amazing writer, nice gentle sense of humour - epic story ( lost some sleep insisting it / well worth enjoying)

This is a great book, as expected by Neal Stephenson. Very much near-future reality with hot climate, atmospheric seeding to cool the planet, fascinating personalities (including Dutch royalty, Venetians, US billionaire, boar hunter and many others) and generally well documented. I like the almost journalistic writing style of Stephenson, very fact-dense. There is always a lot to learn from his books.