In the first half, the Nell is just a sweet, innocent, vulnerable child, which ratchets up the tension tremendously any time she is in danger. By the end, she’

In the first half, the Nell is just a sweet, innocent, vulnerable child, which ratchets up the tension tremendously any time she is in danger. By the end, she’s tough and capable, so Stephenson tries to increase the pressure with intrigue and conflict. But, I was simply more invested in Nell herself than the fate of her world. I didn’t hate the ending, but the first half was definitely more gripping.