Author: Neal Stephenson

I actually enjoyed reading this book more the second time around than the first! I think that was because I wasn't prepared in the first reading to throw myself into the world of crypto, nor was I ready for the way the story shifts back and forth between WWII and a time a bit in our future.

There is lots of techie language, but if you don't totally understand it the book is still good. I ended up liking how the story goes back and forth between a soldier/encryption expert in the past and his grandson who is setting up a data haven in the future.

I wouldn't classify this as cyberpunk, and even though you get some history, I think its mainly a good science fiction read.

Characters are spotty in a few places, but mostly well done. The view of where we are heading with global communication and the internet was fascinating. Stephenson adds enough adventure with a touch of romance to keep this suspenseful and a page-turner.