hmm i tried and failed to get into this. the first book was interesting but the second one felt like a rehash of the setting instead of a deeper look, and your observation that palace is less charming is spot on to the point where i started to doubt my recollection of enjoying the first book. i gave up on this at the end of the kindle sample.
Read it a couple of months ago. You definitely want to start with The Last Policeman and then read Countdown City. I'm not sure how the stories would hold up individually.
You may be interested in knowing that Countdown City has been nominated for a [2014 P. K. Dick Award][1]. The award winners will be announced Friday, April 18, 2014 at [Norwescon][2], the local science-fiction and fantasy convention.
Paul: If you or anyone else from The Stranger would be interested in covering the award ceremony and/or the rest of the convention, information on requesting press passes is available on our website [here][3].
I first read The Population Bomb in 1968 (at 11) and I know what you mean.
A very good yarn.
[1]: http://www.philipkdickaward.org/
[2]: http://www.norwescon.org/
Paul: If you or anyone else from The Stranger would be interested in covering the award ceremony and/or the rest of the convention, information on requesting press passes is available on our website [here][3].
[3]: http://www.norwescon.org/media/press-gui…