The story was gripping and at times extremely harrowing. I loved the first two thirds then it became sort of Pynchonesque to end. Nell is a compelling figure to root for and I was happy she triumphed but I wanted a more satisfying conclusion to the meeting between her and Miranda. I don't think I understood the seed concept very well. Some plot points like the seed seemed hastily conceived and dropped in...it was important to the plot yet dimished by the postmodernism. But overall I am happy I read it. I found it an exciting and fun page turner like Snowcrash and Cryptomomicon, both of which I rate 5 stars. I read the last quarter of this in one head spinning night.