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A sobering read highlighting the predicament we find ourselves in. Every aspect of modernity is built upon cheap reliable energy, predominantly oil. Like it or not this is coming to an end. Even without efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, oil reserves will come to and end or at least become uneconomic (from an energy perspective) to extract.

The first half of the book gives an excellent explanation of the benefits of oil and how and why it directly lead to huge jumps in technology and globalisation. It then explains why there are (almost) no alternatives to fill the gap it will leave when we stop using it. It then explains in detail the affects on climate, and finally how we need to redesign society to account for a future without abundant cheap energy.

Perfectly explains the folly of cars and fossil fueled vehicles. Any gain in speed or efficiency is lost by traveling further.

I enjoyed many of the ideas and concepts in this book. That said, I didn't find it an easy read. I found much of it disjointed and difficult to focus on the core points. I did enjoy the extensive use of examples from nature to illustrate points, although some don't stand up to too much scrutiny. My key takeaway was the analogy or natural systems... A bee can't be a bee without flowers, trees, fungi and birds... Successful movements also need to strengthen connections between diverse people and communities, even/especially those who we may disagree with.

I enjoyed this sequel. It seem less action packed than the first book but with bigger risks as Darrow tries to consolidate his position in the society in the midst of political turmoil. A shocking, unexpected ending. to the book raises big questions for book 3.