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Dan'l
It is a different book. Neuromancer is essentially a classic noir heist story, and fills that role well.
Count Zero has deeper characterization, and a broader and deeper look at the same world, shows us more various modes of living, and asks important questions that Neuromancer leaves unaddressed.
Count Zero is also a later novel, and Gibson writes with more confidence in his own voice, and a more practiced style. He has gotten better at sharing information usefully.
That said, the plot of Count Zero - really, three plots that converge - is more diffuse and less linear and coherent. With three leading point-of-view characters to Neuromancer's singular perspective, it allows a broader story at the cost of a more diffuse focus.
I would say it is a better book. If you want to inhabit the world of Neuromancer more deeply, in more places, from more perspectives, it is very good. If you want a tight, linear, noir thriller, this is not that book.
Count Zero has deeper characterization, and a broader and deeper look at the same world, shows us more various modes of living, and asks important questions that Neuromancer leaves unaddressed.
Count Zero is also a later novel, and Gibson writes with more confidence in his own voice, and a more practiced style. He has gotten better at sharing information usefully.
That said, the plot of Count Zero - really, three plots that converge - is more diffuse and less linear and coherent. With three leading point-of-view characters to Neuromancer's singular perspective, it allows a broader story at the cost of a more diffuse focus.
I would say it is a better book. If you want to inhabit the world of Neuromancer more deeply, in more places, from more perspectives, it is very good. If you want a tight, linear, noir thriller, this is not that book.
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