Review of The Big Book of Cyberpunk, Volume Two
As a huge fan of speculative fiction, especially the cyberpunk genre, I was thrilled to dive into The Big Book of Cyberpunk, Volume Two. The anthology promised a captivating array of stories from around the globe and aimed to redefine classic cyberpunk elements. The way the book was described—bringing together over a hundred narratives that both establish and subvert the genre’s tropes—piqued my curiosity. I was ready to lose myself in neon-lit streets and dystopian futures.
The anthology indeed exceeded my expectations in many ways. One of the highlights was the sheer variety of voices and styles present in the book. Stories ranged from gritty, near-future noir to electrifying heists conducted in the shadows of the internet. Anthologist Jared Shurin has done an outstanding job curating a collection that feels both cohesive and eclectic. It’s a smorgasbord, as promised, that keeps you guessing what trope will be flipped upside down next. There were moments of sheer brilliance where authors brilliantly examined our own world’s trends and extrapolated them into dark and fascinating futures. It’s no wonder one reader remarked on the book’s ability to change perspectives about humanity and its future.
However, while the anthology shines with creativity, it also has its pitfalls. Some stories occasionally felt overly complex or disconnected, which left me wanting to re-read certain sections to fully grasp the narrative. This complexity seemed to resonate with a few other readers as well, such as the insights from Richard expressing that while the story was fantastic, the intricacies sometimes made for a more challenging reading experience.
Another drawback is the physicality of the book itself; at 880 pages and weighing over 2 pounds, this is definitely not a book you can toss into a small bag for reading on the go. While Tarman praised the value of the collection for its size, I found it slightly unwieldy to hold for long periods. It does, however, make for a lovely coffee table centerpiece or a statement piece on an avid reader’s shelf.
That being said, it’s hard to ignore how the book captures the essence of our increasingly cyberpunk world filled with complex technologies. Shurin’s narrative curation has solidified this collection as both an introduction for newcomers and a nostalgic journey for lifelong fans. It’s a journey through exhilarating worlds where urban rebels challenge corporate hegemony, and new technologies blur the lines of morality and identity.
In terms of characters, I found myself particularly drawn to the roguish hackers and daring AIs that populate these stories. They represent a blend of ingenuity and rebellion that is quintessential to the genre. I especially appreciated the nuance in their struggles against monolithic structures, which served as both a reflection of our present and a cautionary tale for our future.
Ultimately, The Big Book of Cyberpunk, Volume Two is a significant contribution to anyone’s reading list, both for casual fans and genre enthusiasts. It masterfully encapsulates the spirit of cyberpunk in a format that is widely accessible yet complex enough to leave a lasting impression. While there are minor drawbacks, the overall experience of wildly imaginative storytelling makes it a worthwhile read.
Verdict: If you’re ready to traverse the dazzling yet dystopian streets of speculative futures, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this anthology. It’s a captivating ride through some of the boldest, most daring stories cyberpunk has to offer.