Title: Count Zero
Author: William Gibson
First published January 1, 1986
308 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780441013678 (ISBN10: 0441013678)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
A young hacker finds herself caught up in a world of corporate espionage and dangerous technology when she is hired by a mysterious employer to retrieve a powerful piece of software. As she delves deeper into the mission, she discovers that there are other interested parties, including some that are not entirely human.
With her own life on the line, the hacker must navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals to complete her mission and stay alive.
About the Author
Did you know that William Ford Gibson is a celebrated American-Canadian author? He’s known as the father of cyberpunk science fiction, and he’s responsible for coining the term cyberspace in 1982.
His first novel, (1984), has sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide, making it a must-read for sci-fi enthusiasts.
Gibson started his writing career with short stories, but he’s since written nine highly praised novels (one in collaboration). He’s also contributed articles to several major publications and has worked closely with performance artists, filmmakers, and musicians.
His ideas have influenced science fiction writers, academia, cyberculture, and technology, making him an important figure in the world of sci-fi.
Editoral Review
Count Zero, written by William Gibson and first published in 1986, is a thrilling sci-fi novel that explores the intersection of technology, corporate greed, and humanity. As the second book in Gibson’s Sprawl trilogy, Count Zero takes place in a dystopian future where multinational corporations have taken over the world and the lines between human and machine are becoming increasingly blurred.
The novel follows several interconnected storylines, each centered around a different character with their own motivations and conflicts. There’s Turner, a corporate mercenary tasked with stealing a piece of cutting-edge technology; Marly, an art dealer on the hunt for a lost masterpiece; and Bobby, a young hacker caught up in a dangerous game of corporate espionage.
As their paths converge, they find themselves embroiled in a web of intrigue and danger that threatens to consume them all.
One of the strengths of Count Zero is Gibson’s masterful world-building. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the crumbling ruins of New York City, the novel transports the reader to a vivid and immersive future that feels both familiar and alien.
The characters are equally well-drawn, each with their own distinctive voice and personality. Gibson’s prose is sharp and evocative, painting a picture of a world on the brink of collapse.
However, the novel’s fragmented structure and sprawling cast of characters can be a bit overwhelming at times. The pacing can also be uneven, with some sections feeling slow and others rushed.
Additionally, some readers may find the novel’s themes of corporate greed and societal decay a bit heavy-handed.
Despite these flaws, Count Zero is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of cyberpunk and dystopian fiction. Its exploration of the intersection between technology and humanity feels more relevant than ever in today’s world, where the power of corporations and the impact of technology on our lives are constantly being debated.
Overall, I would highly recommend Count Zero to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read. 4/5 stars.
