I went into this book with few preconceived expectations, since I read the synopsis, ignored the reviews, and then forgot about it for a week or two. I must say, I really enjoyed the book. When I finally noticed it in my Kindle's list and started reading, I was barely able to put it down. I definitely lost some sleep to this book, which is typically a good sign (for the book, not for my productivity/sanity).Probably the best part of this book is the characterization. There weren't any characters I can recall who struck me as unbelievable or inhuman, and the banter and discussion all seemed very natural and real. Somehow this author was able to capture a solid understanding of humans and their relationships and interactions, and then create some in text for us to read and enjoy, and I have to applaud that. There are many authors out there who seem completely incapable of such a feat. The protagonist especially is well made and very human, with plenty of insecurities, worries, and issues. Even during the final climactic encounter (which I won't describe, for fear of spoilers), he still doesn't really come off as actually superhuman, just as a person letting his training, luck, and some a certain amount of discord among his foes work for him. Certainly it comes close, given what all he does, but in my mind at least the author managed to avoid that particular pitfall.This book wasn't really hard sci-fi, but I think that's fine, and even worked for it. My focus was never really on the tech that was being used; it was mostly just a handy backdrop for the story, and a different list of tools than what you see in other settings, and I'm pretty sure the author realized that. There wasn't a lot of detail dumped on the reader about the tech in play, there weren't many hard numbers given, and I'm thankful for that. It's far better for an author to recognize that things aren't necessary than to start just tacking random bits on. Another book I just read did exactly that: the author made use of a bunch of hard numbers in ways that brutalized physics; this led to me not even finishing that book, because I couldn't stop cringing every time I read another section like that.Of course, you can't read this book without noticing its disparagement of corporations and debt. Given that I've been unhappy with what I've seen of both how corporations seem to work in the US, and also the tendency of people to be all too happy to take on huge piles of debt, this theme worked for me. It felt like a frighteningly possible outcome to how things are right now. Without getting too cynical and preachy, though, the theme itself works as a good impelling force for the rest of the story, and explains a lot of why things are how they are.Overall this book was very enjoyable, and I look forward to another one in this line, as it seems like another one is likely planned, judging by how this one ended.