This book started the Circle, and in hindsight, had I known we were going to do this, I would have picked something else. I like the alternate history facet: a fascist Austria dominates Europe where war is stopped due to all the ghosts from World War I making France mostly abandoned farmland, the Dutch colonized America, steam engines rule over coal, etc. The murder is supposed to be the story, but is a fairly weak front to a well-imagined backdrop.

   C+ 

Very cerebral; seemed the author could not decide what type of story he wanted. Way cool concept though, which makes me interested in the sequel.

   B 

I liked the book, and really liked the premise. I'm no so sure I like the writing style, and elements of the story were a bit disjointed. The wrap up was a bit rushed for me as well.

   C+ 

Great concept. Really enjoyed the ideas and world that was built. I thought the author was confused as to what type of story he wanted to tell. Initially, I thought the main character was an older prof. but as the story moved into the second half, he turned into a James Bond type with super powers. Must confess that I did not follow the ending. All this was almost overlooked because of the detail of the world and mundane.