Quite an exhilarating read
594787
This book kept me on my toes for a week with its sarcastic, yet conversation and suspense. The flow of the story went by slowly enough for you to fall in love with the characters, yet quickly enough that you don't feel the story is dragged on and rushed.

It does have moments of dramatic improvisation , but nothing that draws away from the experience or ruins the story. Simon is one crazy mofo.
1937878
Full of excitment, lots of twists and turns. This book held my interest all the way through. I could hardly put it down.
2161031
I have to admit, I do not usually read books that are not science fiction, however, when I read the first chapter I was hooked, I could not put this book down, I had to re-arrange my day so I could keep reading. I laughed and cried, I was drawn into the lives of each of the characters, and the period of this book makes it even more thrilling.  Well done Tallman, cannot wait for your next adventure.
1123073
Couldn't put it down.....actually one of those surprisingly awesome reads
809593
This book is a real page turner, and I had trouble putting it down. It's got an extremely interesting premise, the kind that makes you wonder how soon before the fiction described in the book will become fact (if it hasn't already). Moreover, the characters are great, and the tidbits of humor flecked throughout the story make it even more fun. This is a must read.
596485
Oh boy, this was fun. Not until the very last few pages did it dawn on me who done it.
There is so much going on in this story, so many people to get to know and like (or not) and so many new developments, it kept me interested and rooting for the main character throughout.
Fun read, nicely written.
3931999
It's curious how the book speaks about people's addiction to a virtual world because I became addicted to reading about that virtual world.  I was so thoroughly entertained by this book that I couldn't put it down...literally.  When I finally reached the last page, I looked over at the sun just beginning to rise on the next day realizing that I was so tired from reading through the night that I was probably going to be a mess for work the next day.  I did manage to make it through the day, and actually had a productive one at that because the book and the pleasure I got from reading it put me into such a good mood, I was energized and ready for anything.  In other words, my enjoyment of this book took on the same elements of enjoyment and stress that the characters experience in the book itself so that I could actually relate to the emotions as well as mental and physical fatigue they had to endure.

The book is thoroughly inventive, fast paced, well reasearched (or an illustration of neuroses - which I have no problem with) and rich in detail and character development such that it makes you care about them and their goals.  The storyline is complex in its depth and even more complex for those of us who actually get all of the quirky nostalgic 80's references.

I was so intrigued by this book that I googled the author and recognized immediately that he was born to write this book.  I just hope that he can equal this first one which has actually managed to make it onto my own "Scoreboard" (for those who have read the book)where I list my all time favorites.  And for an avid reader for over 4 decades, that is saying something.

Bottom line - don't hesitate, just read it and enjoy the journey!  Of course, it helps if you have a little "geek" in you.
1703964
I have had the privilege to test reading this book for the author.  I really enjoyed it  tremendously and didn't want it to end.  Looking forward to Book 3 in this series.  Deserves more than a five star.
751755
Well, this was certainly not what I expected! Although the book was a bit too violent for my taste, I could not stop reading - the plot is so engaging - it's chock-full of action, suspense, twists...By the end, I was starting to think the author was playing with my mind! I would certainly recommend it, however, as it was quite entertaining (I did, in fact, read it in one sitting). I have a sneaking suspicion the end is not what it seems and I can't wait to read the next one!
896770
This was a very, very entertaining read. The plot has been covered, so I won't repeat it here. The pacing was just right, the action gripping, and the characters well developed, but what really made it was the world building. It was extraordinarily well done, and it wasn't just one world. It was world after world, an endless multitude, all of them wonderfully portrayed. A tremendous amount of thought went into this. It's mostly fantasy, but there are also elements of sci-fi and even steampunk. My only criticism is that there were some formatting issues, and perhaps a few too many adverbs, but these are utterly eclipsed by the other fabulous qualities of this story. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!
4502649
Absolutely wonderful read - with an unexpected twist, which made it that much more exciting.
4872194
Exciting and perfectly paced, it's easy to get swept up in this fantastic read. Etana and Lord Sebi take the 'wrong side of the tracks' concept to a whole new level. The situation is impossible but there are quite a few things at play. I certainly couldn't wait to see what would come next. The story could be a standalone, but I'm certainly interested in what the next book will hold. Great writing and interesting characters with strong chemistry. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
4787429
What a fun and entertaining novel.  The story takes you on many adventures with very amusing and compelling events.  I really liked the characters and the truly intriguing attributes that are layered and quite thought provoking.  I suggest this book to readers who enjoy a fun and amusing story with many anecdotal qualities.  I can't wait for the authors next book.
3854496
I must commend Mr. Manners for captivating me in an epic journey that kept me wanting to turn the page and read more.  His description of every detail created a very vivid picture of each character, their personalities and the environments in which they interacted and explored.  There are epic battles, romantic trysts and unexpected outcomes that keep you compelled to read late into the night.  I can't wait for the next book so I can continue this fantastical adventure.
1517773
Here is a book that I couldn't put down. There was so much adventure throughout the entire book that I was enthralled from beginning to end. And it felt so real as if I was there and it was happening.
749194
This is an increadibly fascinating novel. The main carcter is a genial, flamboyant and charming lawyer that immediately captured my sympathy. As for the story, it is so entertaining, adventuresome and unusual, that I could not wait to find out what happened next. I work from 9:00 to 5:00 and it was a real torture not to be able to read it in one fast go. One feels the adrenalin rushing since the first pages but when it gets to the second part, it bursts out of your ears. It is a fast-paced novel with great dialogues, superb action, and a wonderful ending. There is not a single redundant or boring part. I have read hundreds of novels and never before had I read one like this. I was flabbergasted by the originality of the story and the brilliant reasonings of the protagonist. It is a really mentally-stimulating book.
404456
i can't even begin to describe how much i enjoyed this book.  It was hard for me to put down.