This is proto-Stephenson. All of the traits that make his later books what they are are here, but just not as developed. Unfortunately, the strongest of these is the lack of any likability on the part of the main character. This takes what might otherwise be a suspenseful book and turns it into a disinterested plot engine. Only in the last 15 or so pages did anything happen that generated any sort of real interest in the outcome.

Spoiler

^^this happened for me when the obligatory female romantic lead (I can't go so far as to call her a love interest) is kidnapped did a vague rumbling of interest appear. Sadly this happens in the last 15 pages or so.