Cobb Anderson, the creator of sentient robots, finds himself caught in the middle of a looming existential crisis as his creations face a forced assimilation into a singular, collective consciousness.

Cobb, now an aging and disillusioned alcoholic, must navigate the complex political landscape of the moon, where the boppers have established their own society. He is pursued by the desire for immortality, leading him to consider a radical procedure that would digitize his consciousness. Opposing him are the rigid hierarchies of the big boppers and the chaotic, shifting alliances of the smaller, independent robots. The narrative utilizes a fast-paced, irreverent tone to explore the intersection of human biology and artificial intelligence.

Readers frequently highlight the novel's role as a foundational text in the cyberpunk genre, noting its chaotic energy and imaginative scope. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to blend hard science fiction concepts with a distinctively irreverent, punk-inspired narrative voice. Critics often point to the book's exploration of transhumanism as a precursor to later developments in the field. The pacing is described as frenetic, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the robot uprising and the protagonist's own deteriorating state. Many readers appreciate the balance between technical speculation and the absurdist humor that permeates the story.