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My theory about the book, and the reason why there's such a tone change at the end is that this book is the kickoff to a much larger cycle. If it is, I think t

My theory about the book, and the reason why there's such a tone change at the end is that this book is the kickoff to a much larger cycle. If it is, I think there's an authorial question -- when do you shift gears to the far future, and how? It makes some sense to me that readers might find the style transition jarring between volumes. Also, some of the cool stuff starts to happen later. So, perhaps -- hopefully -- we can look forward to more. There's plenty teed up in the novel; it seems like every group of humans that went out on their own survived in some way, (making me think the Mars folks are going to be around at some point), and we still haven't found out just who blew up the moon. Stephenson created the Hieroglyph project, trying to get sci fi authors to inspire more science, and I suppose more faith in humanity. I would be surprised if we don't get more of this story aimed at inspiring us in a variety of ways.

bostonpete 10y ago
> it seems like every group of humans that went out on their own survived in some way The survival of both the other two groups seemed pretty far fetched to me.
- vessenes 10y ago
  Just wait for Mars.. :) I had the same reaction at first. But, then I was thinking about dogs; dogs evolve really quickly under pressure. If that's not a high pressure evolution event, I don't know what is. I'm curious to read more about everyone in any event. Here's hoping.
  - obbybreeden 10y ago
    SPOILERSSSSSSS It's not even about evolution. Imagine if the 7 eves weren't playing some weird genetic metagame, but instead had one over-arching problem to solve. The main dilemma of the Pingers was how to survive underwater, and they had as much technology (if not more, there's more submarines in existence than ISS modules). They also had tons of food (think of how many whales died, and how long whale fall ecosystems last). And a nice natural shield consisting of the ocean. If the Aidans could bring back the Neanderthal, then the Pingers probably started their experiments early and often.
mirimir 10y ago
A larger cycle would be outrageous! Maybe it's just my imagination, but I'm guessing that there's some connection to Anathem. Or even to that immortal alchemist/cryptographer.

bostonpete 10y ago

> it seems like every group of humans that went out on their own survived in some way The survival of both the other two groups seemed pretty far fetched to me.

vessenes 10y ago
Just wait for Mars.. :) I had the same reaction at first. But, then I was thinking about dogs; dogs evolve really quickly under pressure. If that's not a high pressure evolution event, I don't know what is. I'm curious to read more about everyone in any event. Here's hoping.
- obbybreeden 10y ago
  SPOILERSSSSSSS It's not even about evolution. Imagine if the 7 eves weren't playing some weird genetic metagame, but instead had one over-arching problem to solve. The main dilemma of the Pingers was how to survive underwater, and they had as much technology (if not more, there's more submarines in existence than ISS modules). They also had tons of food (think of how many whales died, and how long whale fall ecosystems last). And a nice natural shield consisting of the ocean. If the Aidans could bring back the Neanderthal, then the Pingers probably started their experiments early and often.

mirimir 10y ago

A larger cycle would be outrageous! Maybe it's just my imagination, but I'm guessing that there's some connection to Anathem. Or even to that immortal alchemist/cryptographer.