This was a fantastic book. It could have probably been multiple books split into interesting episodes, but the author decided to take a long form approach to telling the story and building characters. I loved how people were full fleshed with biases and personal motivations. It is refreshing to see villains, known as cowles, portrayed as intelligent with realistic ideas of what will keep them alive and successful. At the same time, stupid supers, both capes and cowles, were taken down and dismantled by both sides seeking to maintain a stable city. The premise of everyone working together for survival, though not unique, is presented in an interesting way where pragmatism is necessary if everyone wants to live.
The narration was top-notch! Sound Booth Theater always does an amazing job. It was because I saw they had done the narration that I decided to try this book out. The multiple characters were all distinctive and it was easy to detect who was speaking at any given time. The emotions and delivery of the text really pulled me in to the point that I often forgot I was listening to a book and just saw the story in my mind.
The world was a fun and interesting new place filled with internally consistent reasons for the fantastic and amazing things that were possible. I would enjoy many more stories in this setting. Although this is a lit RPG it was much lighter in that aspect than others that I have read. The gamification is solely contained to the main character so it does not bog down the story or flow.
Macronomicon mixed humor and action along with drama in a way that propelled me forward. I hated taking my headphones off at night. I I love the realistic contradictions in character that each person had showing their various upbringings and values.
When this book ended I immediately bought the sequel and I’m looking forward to listening to more great stories from this author.