Diamond Age / Unabridged

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding - A GREAT new Talent (HIGHLY RECOMMEND)
Review: A futurist with vision - Stephenson does for nanotechnology what Gibson did for cyberspace. An intriguing future, far from the "Bladerunneresque" of common cyberpunk, yet closer then it first appears. An OUTSTANDING second effort. Hurry up with the next ONE

Rating:
Summary: How many new, plausible ideas can you stand?
Review: Just when you think you can relax when reading this book, Neal Stephenson throws in another creative, plausible, and disturbing idea, that always works brilliantly with and for the plot. There are multiple threads of plot, characters, and action at all times, which wind sinuously with each other. The overall impression is of a complex, exploring, engrossing, HUGE, and deeply satisfying book

Rating:
Summary: Great Cyberpunk Novel!
Review: Stephenson's "The Diamond Age" represents an excellent look at a futuristic world filled with nanotechnological breakthroughs! In the book, the protagonist is given the job of building a book, "A Young Lady's Illustrated Primer." In fact, this book will be used to break this young lady out of the mold of the neo-Victorians who play an important role in the novel. Readers are taken on a thrilling ride as the book changes the life of a young girl, a thete named Nell. Although this is a great novel and was my introduction to the cyberpunk genre of science fiction, it ends rather abruptly which will cause some readers a certain degree of discomfort. However, this novel is a must read for devoted science fiction fans!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book, best SF of the year 1995
Review: This book just won the Hugo for best Novel of 1995, and it deserved to win. Snow Crash (his previous book) was a very funny book, a great read but not completely coherent. This novel is far more serious and better thought out. Stephenson has managed with just two books to become one of the best SF writers of the 1990s. I can't recomend this book more highly.

Rating:
Summary: A realistic view of the future, I hope, I think.
Review: Diamond Age takes much of the existing knowledge of technology to another level. Some of it wonderful, some of it disturbing. It speaks to the return to clans & protecting your own, because no one does it for you. Tubes into your home that you get necessary property from & smart paper that acts as a sheet computer... A MUST READ!!!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent concepts, excellent execution, a heroic tale.
Review: This story contains a well thought-out universe of a cyberpunk future that has transcended cyberpunk, going straight to nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is an entirely different path and opens up entirely new possibilities. But what I found most fascinating is the concept and execution of the Primer itself! A godlike role playing master that fulfills all of the potential of our minds and imaginations! Yes, brilliant possibilities are explored here. Neal Stephenson has created a worthy rival to his groundbreaking "Snow Crash".

Rating:
Summary: A fantastic, visionary journey!
Review: The best sci-fi I've read this year. Stephenson's view of the future is based around nanotechnology and is amazingly well thought-out and detailed. Every aspect of life in a fast-paced, futuristic society is well thought out. This is a must read - it pushes the envelope of science fiction standards.

Rating:
Summary: Best I've read in years
Review: Science fiction is so often wrapped up in the details of its ideas that it forgets about stories or about the characters that bring these ideas to life. Stephenson's novel is different. It is fashioned after the great Victorian novels of Dickens, Eliot, and others, providing complex, intricate plots and equally interesting characters. It is as exciting, as surprising, and as rewarding as any book I have read in years

Rating:
Summary: More thought provoking than Neuromancer. A great read.
Review: More sincere and less sophmoric than Snow Crash. I passed it onto more girlfriend who loved it. An incorporation of a future world view with history and fantasy and science. The book is addicting and I wished it would have never ended. -Michael (and Fran)

Rating:
Summary: Diamond Age Is Great Nanofun!
Review: The Diamond Age is equal, but not better than Snow Crash and Zodiak. It hooked me at the beginning, and I'm still hooked half way through. Neal Stehpenson's portrayal of nanotechnology as an everyday part of life intrigued me, and I hope will intrigue you. The only drawbacks to this book are typographical, whereas even though it's easy to read, Text from the Primer is lacking in quality. Could've had a better title as well. Great Book.