In a world where an act of cyberterrorism permanently shuts down the Internet, society collapses, leading to a post-apocalyptic landscape where survival is a daily struggle. The novel explores themes of technological dependency, surveillance capitalism, and the consequences of a sudden loss of connectivity on individuals and communities.

Infinite Detail by Tim Maughan is a gripping and thought-provoking work of speculative fiction that delves deep into the implications of our growing reliance on technology and connectivity in the modern age. Set in a dual timeline, the story alternates between the "Before" - a hyperconnected near-future world dominated by pervasive surveillance, big data, and corporate control - and the "After" - a post-apocalyptic landscape where the sudden and permanent loss of the Internet has led to the collapse of global trade, travel, and communication.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its vivid and immersive world-building. Maughan skillfully crafts a disturbingly plausible vision of the near future, where smart cities, augmented reality devices, and the Internet of Things have become ubiquitous, blurring the lines between convenience and privacy. The Croft, a counterculture enclave in Bristol that has managed to insulate itself from the omnipresent surveillance state, serves as a fascinating microcosm of resistance and creativity amidst the suffocating grip of techno-utopian corporatism.

The characters in Infinite Detail are diverse, complex, and engaging, each offering a unique perspective on the unfolding events. From Rushdi Mannan, the chief architect of the Croft's digital infrastructure, to Mary, a teenage girl with an uncanny ability to glimpse into the past, the novel's sprawling cast adds depth and nuance to the narrative. Maughan's exploration of their struggles, relationships, and adaptations in the face of cataclysmic change is both poignant and insightful.

Another compelling aspect of the novel is its unflinching examination of the potential consequences of our increasing technological dependence. By depicting the catastrophic fallout of a sudden Internet shutdown, Maughan forces readers to confront the fragility of our modern systems and the unintended repercussions of our collective choices. The "After" chapters paint a grim picture of scarcity, violence, and desperation, yet they also hint at the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Throughout the novel, Maughan grapples with weighty themes such as privacy, autonomy, power, and resistance in the digital age. His critique of surveillance capitalism and the erosion of individual agency is sharp and incisive, while his portrayal of the Croft's alternative model of community-based technology offers a glimmer of hope amidst the dystopian landscape.

Stylistically, Infinite Detail is a tour de force, blending elements of cyberpunk, post-apocalyptic fiction, and social commentary with deft prose and innovative storytelling. Maughan's writing is vivid, immersive, and often exhilarating, especially when delving into the intricacies of music and subculture.

In conclusion, Infinite Detail is a remarkable achievement - a novel that is at once a cautionary tale, a thought experiment, and a celebration of human resilience in the face of technological upheaval. Maughan's vision of a world teetering on the brink of collapse is as unsettling as it is captivating, inviting readers to reflect on the unintended consequences of our collective choices and the urgent need for more humane and sustainable alternatives. With its richly imagined world, memorable characters, and provocative ideas, Infinite Detail stands out as one of the most compelling and prescient works of speculative fiction in recent years.