the good:
I like that Matt Dinniman is trying out new settings and stories. He has real talent in writing and while I enjoy his established series, he should stretch his legs on new ventures more often. Bounce house is a good premise, a thoughtful world, and a well thought out politically engaged setting.
the bad:
I think Matt has made two large blunders on this book. unfortunately I think these mistakes took a potentially viable story and drug it too far down to be worthwhile.
The first mistake was the angle he took on character writing. the characters in this book are fine. that’s all. they have backgrounds, some motivation, and strengths. they don’t have life to them. they are not compelling. they are not witty. they just sorta exist. it’s like a story was written for some background characters that were introduced in a much more engaging book.
the second mistake was letting messaging take control of the story. this book is essentially a giant warning about how crazy and unstable AI is. this message has frankly been done to death, and done by more capable authors since sci fi first entered western culture. to be clear, having this message isn’t a deal breaker, it’s a trope. letting that message control the entire books ethical message and steer it’s plot is a deal breaker. replace AI with any hot button issue and the problem is obvious. this book was already dated and it’s message redundant before the first draft was finished.
I hope Dinniman continues trying new ventures, but this lacked the energy and witt I expected coming from him. feel free to pick it up, it’s not bad, but it’s not going to be remembered.