The Future is Here

>The plot unfolded with no help from the protagonists

This was, I realized in hindsight, a problem with his Blue Ant books too.

Are we? http://www.gizmag.com/nanobot-micromotors-deliver-nanopartic...

Having re-read Snow Crash last year, I'd have to say that while the books have a bit of overlap (the deleterious effects of post-industrialization is something of a theme from the earliest cyberpunk, it's almost a defining characteristic), they differ quite a bit, both thematically and stylistically.

On style/tone, Snow Crash is a bit zanier, more satirical, and boisterous, while The Peripheral is by and large sharper, more grounded, and spare (typical Gibson).

In terms of story/plot (spoilers, obviously), while Snow Crash revolves primarily around a world-domination plot and a world-spanning chase to unravel that plot and the development of a seekrit cyber-weapon, The Peripheral focuses on a much more mundane, chance encounter that spirals out (unraveling much more like a whodunit, including the reveal) that takes place primarily in 2 "locations" (with the central conceit/twist described in the linked article about a historical/simulated world and the future-present) - so in other words, they're totally different, and I'm surprised you'd make any sort of plot connections from the article's description!

While it wasn't perfect (I also reread Neuromancer last year, so maybe The Peripheral suffers in comparison), it was a pretty fun read and had a bit to chew on so I'd certainly recommend it if you're an SF fan.