I decided to read this after seeing [a:Lev Grossman|142270|Lev Grossman|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1386343699p2/142270.jpg] recommend it here. While I enjoyed this slow burning, globetrotting conspiracy thriller that followed three captivating, well-written lead characters, I have to note three specific things that may or may not influence others' decisions to read it:

1. This book is to [a:Neal Stephenson|545|Neal Stephenson|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1314902446p2/545.jpg] what methadone is to heroin. While I understand the comparisons that others have made, and see them myself -- especially with the tendencies towards maximalism -- this is just not on the same level as [b:Reamde|10552338|Reamde|Neal Stephenson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1305993115s/10552338.jpg|15458989], Stephenson's most similar novel thematically.
2. About half way through the novel, certain science fiction elements were introduced that may strain the limits of plausibility to the reader

Spoiler

Specifically, the "eye test"

, especially considering the lack of any foreshadowing.
3. This novel either a) has the most abrupt and ambiguous ending of any book I've ever read, or b) is setting up for a sequel. Since I cannot find any information about a second book, I have to assume it is the former. I know this will be a deal breaker for some people, and didn't thrill me either, as it felt like the author wasn't committed enough to take his ideas to their ultimate conclusion.