Neuromancer comes from the twin traditions of the heist caper and science fiction but with a postmodern twist.

Gibson uses the plot of the team of criminals gathered for their individual skills by a mastermind on a mission.

Suspense builds concerning whether the intricate plans will succeed and whether the team will coalesce. Plot twists and surprises are common elements, and the possibility of a traitor in the midst of the team threatens the plan. Who can really be trusted?

Neuromancer also continues science fiction traditions in its creation of a future world and in its reliance on speculative technologies. Neuromancer breaks the mold of recent science fiction, however, by rejecting the trend toward space fantasy and mythic struggles between good and evil for the fate of the universe.

Gibson's work has frequently been linked with trends in postmodern fiction, characterized by such authors as William...