Welcome to a world split in two: the digital gleam of upcountry and the decaying, heat-scorched downcountry, where corporate power writes the rules and survival often means surrender. In Coldwire, Chloe Gong crafts a sprawling cyberpunk thriller that is not only razor-sharp in its social commentary, but unputdownable in its storytelling.

This is easily Gong’s most expansive world yet. Imagine neon cities rendered in pixel-perfect VR alongside crumbling real-world landscapes ravaged by climate collapse, disease, and techno-classism. At the center of it all are two girls: Eirale, a Medan orphan turned soldier falsely accused of murder, now forced to ally with a notorious anarchist; and Lia, a fierce, brilliant cadet navigating her final test inside a simulated Medaluo, with her academic nemesis, no less.

Their stories begin in parallel but twist together like strands of a dangerous code, gradually revealing a plot that spans nations, timelines, and power structures. Gong gives each perspective its own pulse. Eirale’s arc is gritty and high-stakes! A fugitive story with all the tension of espionage. Lia’s, meanwhile, is slick and psychological, full of rivalry-turned-respect and the kind of slow-burn tension that leaves you breathless.

The emotional core? Spot-on. Whether it’s the thrill of enemies-to-allies romance or the aching loyalty of found family, Gong understands how to thread personal connection through the chaos. There’s a spark between Lia and Kieren that feels electric in both dialogue and silence, a sharp contrast to the more morally complex dynamic between Eirale and Nik Grant, the anarchist who challenges everything she thought she knew.

But Coldwire isn’t just about the action or the relationships (although it delivers both spectacularly). This is a deeply political novel. Gong dissects systemic inequality, AI manipulation, privatized militaries, and the eerie comfort of corporate-controlled VR with terrifying clarity. The choice between facing a collapsing world or escaping into a corporate fantasy becomes more than just science fiction; it becomes a question of conscience.

One of the most powerful aspects of Coldwire is how it speaks to both younger readers and older ones. Teens will find themselves reflected in these characters, in their resistance, in their stubborn brilliance, in their yearning for truth. But adults will feel the weight of what Gong is really asking: what happens when corporations own not just your tools, but your reality? The line between surveillance and convenience has never felt so thin.

If you’re looking for a YA sci-fi that doesn’t underestimate its audience, look no further. Coldwire is bold, smart, and painfully relevant. It dares to ask questions that linger long after the last page. And when that explosive ending hits? Let’s just say...I am not okay. I need book two immediately!!

Coldwire by Chloe Gong delivers an immersive journey into a sharply divided future - the neon-lit, tech-saturated virtual upcountry and the decayed, climate-ravaged downcountry. This dystopian world blends cyberpunk elements with a gripping narrative full of espionage, power struggles, and a looming cyber threat that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The story follows two compelling female leads: Lia, a virtual military academy student on a high-stakes mission alongside her rival, and Eirale, a downcountry soldier forced on the run after being framed for murder. Their separate but intertwined paths reveal surprising twists that build relentless tension toward a mind-blowing finale. The romance with both is also very enjoyable!

The storytelling strikes a perfect balance of fast-paced action mixed with thoughtful world-building that never overwhelms. The alternating perspectives bring depth, while subtle romance threads add warmth without overshadowing the main plot. Although the middle slows a bit, the story quickly regains momentum and leaves plenty unanswered, setting the stage for an exciting series continuation.

Though aimed at a YA audience, I still really enjoyed it as someone in their twenties! Coldwire resonates well beyond, inviting reflection on our increasingly digital lives and what the future might hold. A thrilling read with memorable characters and razor-sharp twists, it’s a debut that left me eager for the next installment.

Thank you to Hachette Australia & New Zealand and Chloe Gong

I really enjoyed the concept of this, however I had trouble getting into it. It was a little disjointed and slow until about 60-70%. After that I really got into it and kind of guessed the plot twist which was kinda predictable but still fun. Wish this had a bit more romance and character development but still gonna read book two!.
Thank you netgalley for the arc!