This is so badly written I found myself bearing a constant cringe-face. The first 100 pages are pure description, and though necessary, they are hard-going. Awful puns constitute the names of the all-important philosophical and religious ideas running throughout this book, and this constantly detracts from the gravity of the narrative.HOWEVER -- I did enjoy reading this. The idea of the Demi-Monde is interesting and well thought out. A little too much warfare and politics for me personally, but I may find myself reading the second one. This was free on my Nook one wintry Friday... and oh how glad I am! I loved this book so much. It was really hard to stop reading it once I got started. So many elements that I love, a computer generated world, a strong female character, historical bits, and even some jazz!The Demi-Monde is a very interesting idea, a super computer built by the military to train soldiers better. You jack into it like in the Matrix. Neither of those are spoilers, you get as much from the book description, and The Matrix has been out 15 years, go watch it already, damn you!I liked the drawing in of so many historical elements, and personalities. Are there mistakes? Maybe. Most of those people lived so long ago I doubt we really know who they truly were. Artistic liberties are to be expected. Story-wise, it was a good one, perhaps not the most exciting thing ever. But it does hold onto you in several places, once you get near the end its almost impossible to stop reading. The ending itself was good, difficult elements of course, mixed feelings about it, but it makes you want to keep going with the next book.I recently purchased the second one, I look forward to reading it soon.
What do You think about Zima (2011)?
Rather enjoyed it, but not convinced enough by key story concept to want to read the future volumes.
—purple
I loved it! Several reviews didn't like the kitsch, but I appreciated the humor and the satire.
—neha
