Reap3r

Peper's latest book is his best yet. Well-drawn characters interact in vivid settings. Grand ideas are packed into tiny chapters, many of which end in cliffhangers as the point of view bounces around. Things we can't do but can imagine are examined in their potential to help *and* harm -- in other words, great science fiction.Note that I received an advance copy ... and happily paid for another one today.

This was timely in many ways, and it was interesting to read that certain aspects had predated the pandemic. I felt more cynical reading this than his other works- not sure if that was coming from me, the author, both, or neither. Without giving away and details, the ending was just open-ended enough to leave me hoping that some of the characters will return in future novels.I do have a couple of criticisms though…I thought the bad guy could have been more developed or fleshed out. The novel did a good job showing who he was at the time it takes place, but as a major character I would have liked more back story. When he finally gets his comeuppance, it was a bit too “deus ex machina” It was still a very satisfying scene though.

Eliot Peper does it again — by outdoing himself and everyone else with this fabulous book.What an incredible and amazing story!Layers upon layers, wheels within wheels, motives within motives, finely-crafted characters who grow and change and fuel the unfolding of the story — all wrapped up in a book that grabs hold of you and won’t let you go until you come sliding into home plate as Eliot scores a grand slam.Bravo!!

If you are a fan of Neal Stephenson, William Gibson, Malka Older, or Kim Stanley Robinson.... and haven't read a book by Eliot Peper, you are MISSING OUT.I found Eliot years ago from one of my awesome online reading buddies, and with each novel he keeps getting better and better.It's safe to say Reap3r is his most profound and thrilling work to date. There is something about how poignant his prose is that makes me think Eliot will go down as one of the great thinkers of our time.Reap3r itself is written in what feels like a mosaic story. The title Reap3r alludes to a quantum computing program that has immense powers. Of course, the Pentagon wants to license it, exclusively, which provides a tough decision for the founder. With this we also have the story of Sansome a General Partner at a VC called Human Capital. The name is subtle but hints at Eliot's larger commentary around the current state of Silicon Valley and how we fund and incentivize our innovations (and even what counts and is prioritized as innovation and progress to begin with).The characters in this mosaic story are all vivid, their descriptions and lives so real I felt like I could touch them while reading this novel. For me, Devon became the clear main character in my mind and the hero I was rooting for. However, I deeply related to Sansome's struggle.... the drama all playing out on a cruise ship in the Galapagos. As someone who has been to on a similar cruise ship in real life, this author does a beautiful job at transporting you to this far away world, where some of the world's most successful people (who have all been bet on by Human Capital) mingle... and maybe plot out ways to destroy the firm and backstab the US Government (yes, if this sounds exciting, it really is).In short, you should read this book. Like really read this book. You will fly through it, and you will likely learn more about technology, venture capital, and human nature from reading this book than anything else you could do in a comparable amount of time. And you will have a lot more fun hanging out in the masterful world Eliot has crafted... a world all too familiar to our own.

The writing style is as good as always however this one is not up to his usual standards. He definitely “jumped the shark“ in chapter 49.Reminded me of many forgettable “B“ novels I would buy at the airport for a plane ride home and leave on the plane. Entertaining, easy to read but ultimately not very memorable.

Whether you've read Eliot's other books or not, you will enjoy Reap3r. It has a thoughtful take looking at the choices we make and how a few people can impact the world, with intriguing characters and fast-paced action. Once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down!

Buy it and you will likely read it quickly. Reap3r is a mystery meets action movie meets a look under the hood of the tech revolution. The story is an incredible, vast & insightful journey into the world of thought-leadership, trendsetters, and next-generation thinking.

… and I am not surprised that his latest - Reap3r - is the best. And what I am most amazed by Eliot’s works is how his storytelling is supported by his incredible writing style. Looking forward to the next book!

I mostly read non-fiction and truly loved this book. It has a gripping main storyline and many avenues for deeper contemplation of the tools we are unleashing today, their risks and benefits and the role we play as humans.

I am a big fan of Eliot’s previous book Veil, and this did not disappoint! A must read for all interested in science fiction, thrillers, venture capital, the influence of government, and how stories can change the world. I cannot recommend this enough.