I originally picked up this title because I enjoyed another series from the author, and was curious to experience more of his work.
The book imagines a future for humanity that seems all too possible, where late-stage capitalism and corrupt government are dialed up to eleven. In stark contrast to the dystopia of future Earth, Dinniman tells a story rooted in the universal human experience of seeking out and building a better life for oneself and future generations.
He also explores the increasingly relevant relationship between humans and artificial intelligence on both a micro and macro scale. The duality of machine is highlighted in its capacity as humanity’s greatest friend/ally/tool as well as its terrifying ability to deceive and dominate the theater of information in warfare.
Dinning does this through solid pacing, weaving in moments of humor and absurdity contrasting with heavy scenes that made me have to pause to process.
Travis Baldree does a fantastic job handling a diverse cast of characters, bringing them off the page and breathing life into them. I always am very interested in how narrators choose to voice artificial intelligences, and Baldree’s portrayal of Roger landed perfectly with me.
Once the story hit its stride, I could not stop listening!