WWW: Wonder

The final conclusion to this story of emergent intelligence continues the exploration of so many issues of today's modern society and our own coming of age. Game theory and nonzero sum games play a huge part of the plot. Once again, some of the teen issues weren't my cup of tea, but I see how it parallels the coming of age issues society is facing in light of the changes the new intelligence causes. Overall, this series was well worth reading and I did find a good deal of new ideas to explore.

I tried so, so hard not to let the Blindisms get to me in this series. In [b:Wake|1661957|Wake (Dream Catcher, #1)|Lisa McMann|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1293806190s/1661957.jpg|1656772] more than [b:Watch|47989|Night Watch (Discworld, #29)|Terry Pratchett|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170349109s/47989.jpg|1712283], because I really got into Watch as an educational outcoming for AI. Wake introduces us to Caitlin and so, as a blind person myself, there are clearly more pitfalls there than in a title where she's already established.

So I tried, and was really enjoying the series. Things seemed reasonably well researched, too. But then... "a blind person didn't have the luxury of going for a jog, let alone sprinting."

One short sentence, just a throwaway passing comment. And my blood boiled. Worse, Caitlin needs to be moved quickly, the whole sense of zooming around becomes an important plot point. I happen to enjoy a bit of a jog every now and again though I'm no sprinter. But yet again, an author makes a sweeping generalisation despite bountiful research, surely not even intending it as such. I suppose portraying anyone different to yourself is fraught with issues: despite my best intentions, this one truly got on my nerves.

To the actual story, it all wrapped up quite neatly indeed. Sawyer's endings are often quite majestic (I found [b:Flashforward|337132|Flashforward|Robert J. Sawyer|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1289963291s/337132.jpg|327550] too much so; almost psychedelic) but this one is almost perfect, I think. Tied up nicely, but not overly long, the epilogue provided a window onto the world of the future with Webmind's influence - and indeed, his mortality come at last.

It's been a fascinating little series and, I suppose on balance, having only one sentence in over 950 pages that tripped my blind alarm is quite an achievement. I've enjoyed many of his other works too, as evidenced here with his novels and with other short stories I haven't reviewed.

So, I feel at peace as I type my final words, simple though they are, but truly heartfelt.

Thank you.