Future tech is so fascinating. I especially love the imagining of what tech will look like in 20 or 30 or 100 years.

In this future where Environmentalists (they're dubbed Greenies)run the world, people have adapted technology to basically be earth-friendly or as mindful as possible. But that's just one interesting aspect of Seanan McGuire's future world and its tech. The second is the absolute decimation of the money system and a reversion back to battering. And I guess that is the sum of this book - equal parts futuristic and equal parts traditional.

The story follows a traveling carnival, the Midway, as it moves from town to town performing for apples and eggs and services. Yes, this happens. I dunno, I am am still deeply embedded in a money society, so of course I found that to be unique and quite frankly hilarious. Way to add layers to a future world. The tech used to move through forests and jungles (regrown now that the Greenies rule) is really quite possible in our time, with the exception of the tent. I loved reading about the balloons carrying equipment, the little cubes holding tents, the video streaming calls (which honestly is less future and more present) and countless other wonders. All of that amazing tech and right beside it is a story about patriarchy, misogyny, abuse of power by men and in particular one cantankerous, psychopathic man who was spurnedby the main character and as a result is the major conflict in this book. The man is all kinds of toxic and doesn't deserve to live in such a glorious future (save for the bartering).

My favorite character was Billie. A humungous, ginormous prehistoric rhino who spends her day walking and eating. Living the dream. ( )

Would love to read a full lenght novel of this. ( )

3.5 stars

This was a very atmospheric read.
Amazing how such a vast world can be created in so limited a space. ( )

I always enjoy this author's stories. This one was a little slow for me but the background world building was very interesting and I enjoyed the little touches. Definitely recommended for both fans and newcomers alike. ( )