As exhilarating as the first volume in the WWW trilogy. This was one of those rare novels that, cliche as it sounds, I couldn't put down. Whereas the first volume's science focused on the emergence of consciousness, this volume focuses on game theory and the evolutionary function of consciousness. Despite the density of science, this book, like it's predecessor, is an effortless read with empathy and optimism that's rare in today's dystopian sci-fi landscape (Orwellian dystopias are another theme in this volume, but not in the usual way). The final volume can't come soon enough.

Gushing praise aside, if this installment has a flaw, it's that the government surveillance group, the titular WATCH, is underdeveloped and a rather fangless adversary. And a minor nitpick, but while having one 16 year old with the academic literacy of a grad student is all well and good, Caitlin and Matt together don't really ring true as teens. Neither of these complaints affected my enjoyment of the book, but they're enough to keep it from a perfect 5 star rating.