This was so over the top it could have been bad, but the execution was fantastic. He threw the kitchen sink at this story, but it never became confusing or jumbled. The characters were interesting and had unique motivations.



Throughout the trilogy, there are little bombs - one-liners that have been planned for several chapters. Since this is set only 20-ish years in the future, the 20th century cultural references are not out of place, but they are hilarious. A minor example:



"The Prelate of the C

This was so over the top it could have been bad, but the execution was fantastic. He threw the kitchen sink at this story, but it never became confusing or jumbled. The characters were interesting and had unique motivations.



Throughout the trilogy, there are little bombs - one-liners that have been planned for several chapters. Since this is set only 20-ish years in the future, the 20th century cultural references are not out of place, but they are hilarious. A minor example:



"The Prelate of the Church wants to meet with you."

"The Inquisition? That's unexpected."



Underneath the adventure, the quips, and the Russian epithets, the story explores serious sci-fi, political, and emotional themes. This is not a "light" sci-fi book. And how often does the US get portrayed as the bad guys?



The story may be even better if you know the streets of London.