In all his books, there's always been a hint of bleeding edge technology driving the story line, with "humanity" as a topic in tow. And this book is no exception, however Arthur C. Clarke's third law seems to apply here.
As a person reads this book, the first couple of chapters really sets up a situation where someone would have to take the information as a leap of faith. The real story doesnt really occur until maybe 30% into the book. This has deterred some people in the reviews, and I dont fully disagree with them. But now that I've read the whole book, I wouldnt really change a word.
The use of "magical" science dictates the need for an explanation of the science, which means.... a dry first 1/3 of the book. The beginning really sets the book up to be more of a sci-fi novel than a thriller, but the key to this book is the turn and the finish.
Unlike the beginning, the middle and end of the book is the rest of the roller coaster ride. The book can, in no way, be described as anything other than a thriller. And a fun one to boot.
So my advice to anyone who starts to read Influx, start and push through. And you'll eventually feel drawn in, like gravity.
Enjoy the ride. :-)
