A third of the way in at this point, and this far in, I have to say 'The Circle' has yet to live up to the hype. I'm getting the impression I'm supposed to be shocked by the various plot points and chilled by the implications, but not so much, no, can't say I am.
I *am* shocked that mainstream media has compared 'The Circle' to Orwell and Aldous Huxley though. William Gibson and Phillip K Dick have nothing to worry about here either.
I guess maybe if you are entirely uncynical world-view about data-mining and personal privacy, the book will have more impact. As it stands for me now, the POV character and world-building feel a bit thinly realized, The prose itself is very smooth and there are some nice turns of phrase.
Here's hoping it's just a slow-build, and the remaining 2/3s have many chills in store.