Depending on how you want to count pages, the denouement was really only about 1/30th of the book. The story meandered through the person histories of every participant… which made them “real” but also drug things along much more than necessary. As a story, then, it got boring.

Fun and topical but not epic

I have been a huge fan of Stephenson. Lately, his books have seemed more and more like sitting down with my grandmother (whom I loved) listening to her drone on and on in excruciating detail about relatives. I will continue to visit, give my full attention, but it will be a struggle.

Climate,drones,eagles,martial arts,physics and of course the Dutch monarchy and government. There is no quiz at the end,though. Interesting, fun but a bit heavy on details.

First class ride. Engaging characters, future-leaning ideas and tech. The near-future twilight of the US empire feels sadly prescient.