Minor spoilers!
.my thoughts.
Chloe Gong YOU MASTERMIND?!?!

I'm genuinely in love with this book? The way it was written was mass perfection, the characters? Funny, intriguing, and captivating. The plot was absolutely shocking, the twists I did not expect at all! I was way shocked, and smiling because I have never felt like that in a longer time.

From reading about the old Shanghai of 1920s where there's a strange epidemic, we are transported into this cyberpunk place, where the year is 2038, and everything has been mass developed, and divided into upcountry and downcountry.

The Medan orphans in Atahua, are supposed to join the Nile Military Academy and become a soldier in work, or be turned in as a spy. It's the same as Eirale did, and Lia is doing, but both are small pieces of a larger potrait, one they both won't able to believe, because I didn't either.

The plot was executed very perfectly, even when I was thinking about how everything is, the second half practically bombshelled it on me. Like it's eating everything inside me to not have the second book in my hands to read.

Starting off from the characters, all have their own potential that I loved, they delivered the exact thing and I enjoyed having them onscreen.

Lia Ward, genuinely I loved her so much, her teasing Kieran and Rayna was the best, and it takes everything in me not to go inside the book and hug her after the truth she finds out </3.

Kieran Murray, the nemesis, is the man, actually he is, the way he competes with her on everything!? Oh my, and when he knew where to find her has me like🤭🎀. I honestly don't know the fact what I'm gonna do when I get second book, because he's the mastermind here too!!

Eirale is a strong character, and the way she fights Nik at every steps has me intrigued, like how come she does it? she's very intelligent and I ought to be like her bahaha.

Nik Grant is the smartest one, first of all him planning everything smartly till the very end has me on a good hold, intrigued generally.

I actually don't have enough words to describe how much everything is done perfectly to an extent I want the second book NOW!!!! The romance is a subplot too, but it takes all my heart!💓.

Generally Netgalley took my ability to write quotes so I have none of them right now and I can't reopen it makes it even worse! :(, like I wanna go back to my bbs💓

Convincing y'all to read this if you love sci-fi, cyberpunk, angry love confession in the rain [you heard it right] and found family kinda with friendship vibes, and also mastermind plotting.

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐖𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐥𝐨𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐠
~ 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝟐𝟎𝟓𝟖 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ | 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 #𝟭 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗹𝗼𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗱𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘃𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱, 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹.

Chloe Gong brought back YA cyberpunk dystopian novels in the best way possible! The return of dystopian novels was inevitable and this idea was truly surprising and bone chilling.

The idea itself is skin-crawling. The idea of the upcountry and downcountry was a chilling experience to read about. The world building was a bit abrupt but established quickly for us to understand.

The more I read this book, the more intrigued and confused I became. I had assumed my thoughts and assumptions were right but the plot twists were not at all expected?! Even till the very last chapter, twists and turns were saved to shock the absolute life out of readers.

Eirale, Nik, Lia and Kieran are big and small pieces on a giant reality. The way those two stories connect still has my jaw dropped. I never expected it to go that way at all.

The narrative — the reality, everything this shifting constantly. You never know what's right or wrong, what's true or false. The narrator is unreliable at times and you never which one it is. This book messes with your mind a lot with the idea of an easy and predictable twists but the pages slap harder when you realise nothing would to you easily.

I am still at shock while writing this review. I absolutely need the next book even though it's likely to release in 2027.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙣𝙜, 𝙃𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙤𝙣 & 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝘼𝙍𝘾.

At this point, I feel like I just need to not leave reviews for Chloe Gong, because they all say the same thing; I loved everything.

Chloe's writing voice is something that enjoy immensely, and any time I read her books, it just feels easy to fall into whatever world she's created. The story is great, and I love that she's not afraid to try different genres.

OH I’m SAT🫡 this lowkey gives Warcross vibes, 2025 cannot come any soone

coldwire’s a ya book but as an adult reader that reads a lot of different genres and go with the vibes i think that this one’s can be read by anyone that loves the genre or need something you like a different kind of escape gentle offered by our author 😚 and well this book is really the definition of ESCAPE and we have the possibility to run away from our reality by alternating the povs of our main characters lia and eirale two characters that through the story have captured me through their perceptions and will capture you and i’m sure that that they will through their life experiences.

Oh, Chloe Gong, you are SO brilliant.
This cyberpunk dystopia caught me by surprise and I cannot wait for the rest of the books.

We delve into a story of corruption, revolution and a much-loved team of wanted criminals. Following dual POVs of our protagonists - Lia and Eirale - the storylines are intriguing and I enjoyed most of it! I will admit I did NOT see the twists coming and was definitely left shocked. I did feel the last action scene was a little rushed but it left me desperately wanting Book 2 so I guess it did it's job.

Coldwire is written beautifully. It's captivating and well rounded so I didn't feel lost in the world building - which is a huge thing for me as sci-fi is reallllyyyy not my usual cup of tea. As a Chloe Gong fan, this didn't disappoint. My only regret is finishing this too early and now I have to wait an insane amount of time for Book 2. Sigh.
5 stars.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and netgalley for the ARC <3

Coldwire is a dystopian story set in a futuristic world where society has moved online and the real cities have been reduced to run-down shadows of what they once were. The chapters alternate between the POVs of two main characters. Lia is a student at a virtual military academy who is sent on her final assignment mission before graduation with her academic rival. Eirale is a soldier who is accused of treason against the nation she’s been serving and falls into the hands of a rebel from the opposing side. Throughout the book you gradually uncover how their stories intertwine and there are lots of reveals along the way. Chloe Gong knows how to write a plot twist!

This is a YA book but I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult reader and it never felt young or immature. While being action packed and lighthearted in places, it was also a thought-provoking read and raises questions about how increasing aspects of our own lives are now moving online and what our future will look like if that trend continues.

The worldbuilding is done brilliantly here. Chloe Gong has created something unique but explains it seamlessly so the story never feels dense. I was instantly sucked in from the first chapter where you’re immediately thrown into the action. I did find there to be a bit of a lull in the pacing towards the middle but it picked up again in the second half.

There are hints of romance throughout and although that isn’t the main focus of the story, I really liked how that storyline played out and the moments we did see. This is the first in a series and there is plenty left unresolved to keep future books interesting.

I really enjoyed Coldwire, the ending absolutely blew my mind and I will be impatiently waiting for book two!

Wow I loved this. Shame on me for not reading Chloe Gong books earlier! I loved the writing and the pace as well. Not to mention the world building, the explanations, the way everything is described, wow give me more of that. Last but not least I loved the characters and I’d say the romance in this part of the series is more of a subplot, so heads up if you expect it to be front and center in the plot line.

It’s the perfect start for the series, we get introduced to the world, our characters and their stories, their missions and their lives. The plot twists were plot twisting as well. And that ending!?! I’m obsessed because I want sure which way the plot will go and in the end, I was so proud and happy!

There are two story lines and two povs. We have Eirale, our young NileCorp soldier, she has missing memories for a time period she has no idea what has happened. Then suddenly she is framed for the murder of a government official by Atahua’s most wanted anarchist and she is forced to work with him so that she can clean her name and reputation. It’s there when she starts doubting what she knows and figures that her missing memories might be more than she thought it was. Love this girl, she’s smart, strong, and she knows how to fight.

Then we have Lia, she’s in her last year of the academy and she’s sent on a mission with her academic nemesis for their final assignment. She wants to beat her rival and prove her worth. She always gives her best and works hard to achieve it. And she was told she was chosen for this assignment because of her connection to the mission. She has her anxieties but she pushes them. love her too, and I enjoyed her banter with Kieren, her rival, so much! Also love how fast her brain is ticking! And love how she and Kieren just know each other so well when something is off, both know something is going on.

For the world we have two rival nations Atahua and Medaluo. We have dystopian world with avatars and virtual realities called upcountry, AI, and downcountry, where the real world is with rising seas, epidemics, and other disasters. Honestly, love this! It kind of hits home with how everyone tries to push AI everywhere. For the cyberpunk lovers, I think this one is perfect for you!

Thank you netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC! I appreciate it!

A very unique dystopian story from Chloe Gong.
I've loved her previous book and this one feels different to those, but in such a good way!
I really enjoyed reading this one!

In Chloe Gong’s version of the year 2058 the world is very different from how we know it today… or is it?

Coldwire is Chloe Gong’s return to YA, a demographic she’s been familiar with since her debut with These Violent Delights and the subsequent books of the Secret Shanghai series, but this is not a genre we have seen her with as she’s strayed away from the Shakespeare retellings (also found in her Adult series, Flesh and False Gods), into a completely new dystopian world of her own creation.

Young Adult Dystopian is an intimidating genre to write as it’s full of the big names of the 2010’s such as Divergent, The Maze Runner, and of course The Hunger Games, but Gong’s novel brings us to the warring countries of Medaluo and Atahua, which is vastly different from anything I have personally read in the genre. In a not-so-distant future, the planet has been devastated by big corporations and a lack of action by the government to prevent this, NileCorp, has created a virtual reality called upcountry, an exact replica of the world people live in or downcountry, which is inhabitable, and is accessed by the StrangeLoom, a subscription-based service run by NileCorp in order for people to live their lives as normally as possible.

To get to know as much of the world as we can, the story is told from the perspective of our two main characters Eirale and Lia. Eirale, a soldier for NileCorp’s private forces on a mission in downcountry, is framed for the assassination of a politician by Nik Grant, a famous anarchist, who gives her the choice of collaborating with him to find a program in Medaluo or be labelled as an assassin and charged with treason. Meanwhile, Lia is in her last year at Nile Military Academy, when she is assigned to her final posting to uncover a mystery in upcountry along with her academic rival, Kieren Murray. Through the eyes of both of these characters, we explore Medaluo in both of its planes to better understand society in 2058, the secrets hidden by NileCorp, and the extent they will go to to keep them from the public.

Although the first half of the book felt slower due to all the world building needed to introduce us to the world of Coldwire, it was in no way boring or unnecessary, The second half was my favorite as it was fast paced with many plot twists and cliffhangers, which were all well done. You could put the pieces together but not quite guess exactly what was going to happen. The characters, although there are both many in upcountry and downcountry, are all unique.

It’s been incredible to see Chloe grow as an author and find her voice outside of Shakespeare retellings. I can’t wait to read the next installment, as I know that Chloe will outdo herself as she always does.

Gong’s world sounds very different from the reality we live in, but upon closer inspection we can realize that it is not the case at all. One of my favorite things about reading Coldwire was the subtle critiques and parallels Gong draws from our world today to her world in Coldwire. I think now, more than ever, the messages in her writing have become relevant given the state of affairs of our modern society in 2025.

An entertaining novel with lovable and relatable characters and a wild ride filled with twists and turns you definitely do not want to miss, Coldwire serves its purpose as a true dystopian novel with its underlying message about a future when countries are run by corporations willing to do whatever it takes to stay in power, may be closer than we think.

Thank you to Hodderscape and Netgalley for a Digital Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5 ⭐

Where do I start?? I dove into this read with lots of expectations because, helloooo we're talking about one of my fav authors, and once again Chloe Gong DELIVERED!

This was everything I could hope for and more. It took me some chapters to really get into the story, but once I did? I was hooked.
As expected, Coldwire is very different from Chloe's other books, since it's a whole other genre, but it still feels like a Chloe Gong book.
It's intriguing and addictive, at times dark and others funny, and full of unexpected twists. I kept trying to make sense of where this was going, and I'm not ashamed to say that every single one of my speculations were wrong. Chloe keeps us on our toes from start to finish, and I absolutely loved that. And that final twist (iykyk)? Got me screaming at my iPad and staring at an invisible camera as though I was pranked (congrats Chloe, you really got us there).

The story follows two narrators through different storylines that share the same end goal. First we have Eirale, who's in downcountry, who becomes a fugitive after she was framed for the murder of an official and ends up on the run with the anarchist who set her up. And we have Lia, in upcountry, who is tasked with a mission alongside her rival as part of their final test.

As expected from Chloe Gong, there are two romances, and I went absolutely feral for both. She knows how to create good tension and yearning, and honestly, I need more because this didn't feel like nearly enough.

Special points for Lia and Kieren because their story really got to me and had me screaming in a pillow. When I say I love a good rivals-to-lovers, THIS is what I'm talking about. The banter, the way they know each other... They've definitely become one of my fav duos. (also, that angry love confession in the rain??? I'll talk about it until I die)

The worldbuilding is absolutely on point, but more than that, Chloe Gong tackles social and political topics that strongly resonate with everything happening in our world: there were several instances that really felt like something that could happen to us in a not-so-distant future.

Anyways, dystopian stories are soooo back, and Coldwire is proof of that!! Now I need to figure out how to survive until the sequel comes out.

I loved this, particularly the second half when the pace really picked up and you feel almost out of breath from the anticipation.
The social and political themes of this book are handled extremely well and the criticism of the regime is clear without feeling like the characters are taking a break from their story to get on the soap box.
The writing style is flawless.
10/10

Love love love the book. Chloe Gong weaves such beautiful stories; it feels like you live in the world with Lia and Eirale. My favourite part is the switch between real world and virtual, and the unexpexted queer MCs. Lia is the snarkiest and I adore her, and Eirale is a sweetheart. Both badass. Will read the sequels!

5✰
↳ eARC

Dive into a world where the powerful tear each other apart for control over the virtual world.

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Chloe Gong immerses us in a universe split into two realities: the upcountry, a virtual world, and the downcountry, the real world, ravaged by global warming and deadly epidemics. This setting perfectly blends futurism, a touch of apocalypse, dystopia, and cyberpunk, with neon-lit cities, omnipresent technology, and powerful forces locked in a relentless struggle for domination.

The beginning of the book takes its time establishing the world and its rules. But once that’s done, the pace picks up dramatically, and I was completely hooked! It was nearly impossible to put the book down. There’s so much action, so many twists, and some plot twists that literally made me scream!

The plot is everything I love: a mission to neutralize a cyber threat, a cold war, power struggles over control of the virtual world, espionage, and team dynamics. I was drawn in from the very first pages, and the tension only kept building until the explosive finale.

I really enjoyed the two fmc. We follow their perspectives through two different storylines that share a common goal. On one side, we have Lia, in the upcountry, tasked with a mission alongside her rival as part of her final test. On the other, there’s Eirale, in the downcountry, who becomes a fugitive after being falsely accused of murder, and ends up on the run with a highly wanted anarchist.

There are also two romances that develop perfectly but coming from Chloe Gong, that’s no surprise! She knows exactly how to write love stories that make you smile, laugh like an idiot, and squeal in anticipation.

Special mention to Lia and Kieren’s relationship, which strongly reminded me of Roman and Iris in Divine Rivals. They’re rivals, but their rivalry turns into a game, into playful banter, and ultimately evolves into a sincere bond. They know each other inside out, and they’ve become one of my new favorite duos!

But above all, Chloe Gong doesn’t just build a stunning world, she also weaves in strong social and political themes that deeply resonate with our own reality.

The ending was explosive, and I can’t wait for the sequel!


────── ୨♡୧ ──────
•Real world & virtual world
•Dystopian cyberpunk
•Fun academic rivalry
•Found family
•Double povs & 2 storylines
•Cold war
•Cyber threat


જ⁀➴ All my thanks to the author, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this eARC <33

4.5/5 Stars

My first Chloe Gong book and I’m about to make my way through her entire backlist!

We follow two parallel journeys: Eirale in downcountry and Lia in upcountry, the virtual reality copy of the real world. I loved both POVs and the side characters were great too! The academic rivalry between Kieren and Lia was so much fun and I loved the banter between Nik and Eirale. The subtle romance subplot was phenomenal - it didn’t take over the story but created a simmering tension throughout.

The book did take me a few chapters to get into it. Though the world building isn’t overly complex, it took a bit getting used to. The way AI and virtual reality work in this world Chloe created are fascinating and also scary (given the current state of our world) - I loved the way commentary on social issues, politics and climate change was woven in.

With more world building in the first half of the book, the plot felt a bit slower but it picked up in the second half and I couldn’t put it down! I had so many theories and all of them were wrong! The story took turns I didn’t expect (in the best way possible) and when I got to the end I just stared at my wall for a few minutes trying to process what I just read because wow! I absolutely loved that I couldn’t see any of the twists coming!

If you enjoy fast-paced dystopian books with great characters and amazing plot, definitely add this book to your TBR!

This genuinely might be one of Chloe Gong's best books yet 🫡

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have sooo much to say about this book so buckle up 😅

When I saw one of my favourite authors was releasing a YA cyberpunk book I was all over it immediately, and she STILL managed to exceed my expectations!

The worldbuilding in this is genuinely phenomenal. Not only does she do a fantastic job explaining the complicated technology of Strangeloom with their virtual "upcountry" and real life "downcountry", our characters also travel through several countries and cities within them, all of which felt fully fleshed out and were utilised in a way that made the story feel so much more real — as well as making a point. 😌

One of the problems I've often encountered in YA speculative fiction since The Hunger Games came out are these dystopian worlds that are just there to be cool, rather than actually saying something about society. But Coldwire isn't afraid of making it clear exactly what the evil corporation of NileCorp is critiquing... and the worldbuilding is still very cool and entertaining for younger readers. 🙏

The real part of this book that shines is the dual perspective, which always feels a bit risky for me because I'm fast to lose interest if one character's POV is a lot more exciting than the other's. Although Coldwire took a little bit of time to actually get moving with the plot, once it was off, it was OFF. For the last 100 pages of this book you couldn't have pried my phone out of my cold, dead hand because I needed to know what was happening next. 😂

And the PLOT TWISTS???? Holy shit. I am talking hand smacked over my mouth, sitting in bed rocking back and forth whispering "oh my god" over and over, and chapter 45 will go down in history alongside Victoria Aveyard's "no I don't think so" as perhaps one of the best plot twists of all time. When I say I had to do a lap around the room... 🤯

I will absolutely be picking up a physical copy of this book in November and I can't wait for the sequel! 💙

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder Books for sending me an early e-arc in exchange for an honest review. 🥰

Coldwire is a layered YA dystopian cyberpunk novel that hooks you early and never lets go. Set in a divided future (crumbling Downcountry and the Upcountry) it explores a world governed by tech prioritising algorithms over human lives.

Through dual POVs, Gong reveals political deception, systemic injustice, and tech manipulation. Lia, a determined student aiming for Nile Military Academy, partners with her rival, while Eirale, a soldier unjustly accused, teams with an anarchist she was trained to fight. Their stories interweave to expose a world built on control, deception, and resistance, with jaw-dropping plot twists that literally left me shook!!

This is such a high stakes book that both a young adult / adult audience would enjoy reading about. I appreciated how the romance was a subplot and how it tied together to the bigger picture of the dystopian world Gong has created.

What I loved about Coldwire is its complexity. I genuinely had so many questions whilst reading and I loved how thought provoking the book is. Chloe Gong has created a world that feels both futuristic and painfully plausible, and it genuinely could not have been published at a better time.

A 5 star read and honestly a new fave of mine! Thank you NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for providing me with an e-arc of this book.

rating: 5/5

watch your step, you might trip over my jaw on the floor. CHLOE GONG WHAT DID YOU EAT FOR BREAKFAST TO CONJURE AND WRITE COLDWIRE

i literally don't know where to start because I have so much things that I love about this book

overall - YA dystopia has been resurrected and i am in full breakdown mode on the floor, fetal position, crying and desperate....nothing can save me but the next book.

world building - the amount of detail and thought to bring atahua, medaluo, Nilecorp etc to life should be studied. I'm not gonna lie, I did feel lost at the start of the book, and there were times where I felt like the pacing of the plot was dialled down to expand on the lore and worldbuilding. But that is not a complaint from me, because I don't think I would love the ending as much as I do if I hadn't been fully immersed and connected to the world that Chloe Gong built. Painstakingly, this is only book one of a trilogy so I am excited to see how she builds on the foundations set in Coldwire (the amount of theory crafting going on in my head right now is insaneee)

plot - holy moly, i wish I can wipe my brain and read it again for the first time... BECAUSE THAT ENDING? wild. I think around the 60% mark is where it all started clicking in my brain and I could see where the story was heading but I did not expect it to be like that, gosh. The stakes were high, the tension was tensioning and i had a physical reaction to the plot twist. This book also felt like a social and political commentary for me and I swear this book could also be thriller... i can definitely imagine a world like this materialising into our reality, capitalism is everywhere, unfortunately.

characters and character dynamics - i truly love all the characters we meet in this story. Lia and Kieren are my most absolute faves. THEIR BANTER? it actually might be my favourite part of the book. I thought enemies to lovers was my endgame trope… but rivals to lovers has entered the arena and I’m starting to spiral (help). I could probably best describe their dynamic as "if you were on fire and i had the last bucket of water, I would go water the plants" like UGH it's the type of playful banter that can only come from years of watching and knowing each other. ALSO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE THE RELUCTANT ALLIES TROPE, AND THIS BOOK SCREAMS IT FROM THE TOP OF THE BUILDINGS. Eirale and Nik were also really fun to follow - whenever Eirale spoke about working to pay off her debts, i felt personally attacked. From one corporate slave to another, chloe gong wrote Eirale in a way where she was tough and badass but still have a layer of vulnerability within her. AND NIK?? wow, no notes. perfection. where do I sign up to join his gang (i'd loveeeeeee to be friends with miz and blare).

romance - as a romance reader, i have high standards. BUT MS GONG DID NOT DISAPPOINT. I will highlight that Coldwire is a romance subplot, which means that the story can exist without it but the story itself is already a 10/10 so now add a sprinkle of romance on top of it? stop I'm actually going to die. The slow burn was simmering, and I will re-read scenes till I commit them to memory <3. That's all I'm going to say...

I will continue to think about this book until the release in November (and mayhaps for the indefinite future).

Thank you to Chloe Gong, Hodder & Stoughton & NetGalley for the eARC. This review is honest and 100% mine <3

Chloe Gong jumps genres with Coldwire, delivering a cyberpunk dystopia that feels both eerily futuristic and unsettlingly plausible. Set in a world divided between the elite “Upcountry” virtual utopia and the decaying “Downcountry” reality, the novel follows two girls on opposite sides of a crumbling system: Eirale, a soldier framed for assassination and forced to cooperate with a notorious anarchist, and Lia, a student reluctantly paired with her academic rival for a final, high-stakes mission.

I found the premise immediately intriguing. Virtual reality, cold war tensions, and rebel conspiracies. And while the opening chapters took a little time to settle into, once the plot found its rhythm, I was hooked. The dual POV structure works well, especially as the two girls’ storylines spiral closer. I personally connected more with Lia’s chapters (the rivals-to-lovers tension was perfectly executed), but Eirale’s journey into the murkier sides of loyalty and survival added much-needed grit.

There’s a lot going on from political scheming, virtual espionage, found family to rebellion, but Gong keeps it grounded in character. And that ending? Chaotic, clever, and satisfyingly twisty. The world feels like a natural evolution of our own, which makes its commentary on tech, surveillance, and class divide all the more unsettling.

It’s classic Chloe Gong: smart, sharp, and emotionally charged, but in a fresh cyberpunk shell. Can’t wait to see where the sequel takes us.

Dystopian cyberpunk is a genre that needs to be in, and I can see this being a trend setter because this was AMAZING.

This book was insanely good. Chloe never disappoints!! Such a fantastic concept and I think Chloe did such a good job of portraying parallels in this dystopian novel with whats happening in the world today. The ending left me absolutely shook and I need the next book in my hands already!!

Coldwire by Chloe Gong is an electrifying cyberpunk dystopian that’s as addictive as it is unsettling. Set in the near future, the planet is divided into two parts: the idyllic ‘upcountry’ virtual reality, and the deteriorating ‘downcountry’. As a cold war rages, we follow two young soldiers in a fight for survival.

The worldbuilding in Coldwire is phenomenal, blending cyberpunk aesthetics with sharp political commentary to create a setting that feels completely unique yet disturbingly familiar. From the sleek, corporate controlled upcountry to the gritty, desolate downcountry, every aspect of the world is layered with history, tension, and purpose. Gong masterfully intertwines critique of corporate control, social inequality, and the seduction of digital escape, creating a dystopian that feels chillingly plausible.

A highlight of the book for me was the dual narrative structure. We alternate between Eirale, a military operative unjustly framed for assassination, and Lia, a driven academy student on the brink of graduation. Each character was exceptionally crafted, and I found myself equally invested in both Eirale’s and Lia’s stories. The strength of their characterisation made switching between their perspectives feel seamless and rewarding, with each chapter revealing new layers to their personalities and the wider world.

Every sentence in Coldwire feels layered with double meaning, where even the smallest detail or line of dialogue hints at deeper truths and hidden agendas. Each character interaction is a carefully placed piece of a larger puzzle, steadily building toward a conclusion that will leave you shocked and desperately craving the next instalment in the series.

I would highly recommend this book not only to long time fans of the dystopian genre, but also to readers looking for a bold and captivating entry point into it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited when I got approved for this ARC because Chloe Gong is one of my all-time favourite authors and the premise of this book had me so intrigued. This book did not disappoint at all, in fact it exceeded my expectations. I loved everything about this book, the characters, the world, the political commentary. It reminded me of other books and media I enjoy such as Ready Player One and Cyberpunk but with its own very unique and fantastic spin. The more I read on the more I got hooked and obsessed with this book. I read the second half in one sitting and just could not put it down.

The ending of this book??!!! my jaw was on the floor. I did not put together the twists and I am so glad I didn't because it made the book even more enjoyable. I am so excited for the direction this series is going and I will be impatiently waiting for the next installment. Chloe I am sat in the bookstore and they are scared because the first book isn't even out yet but I'm simply too excited.

Thanks again to NetGalley for this early review copy!

This might just end up being my favourite book of the year. I have loved Chloe Gong's writing before and with every book she keeps getting better! I highly recommend everyone picks this book up.

This book follows two perspectives and there wasn't one i enjoyed more than the other. I would be sad to finish from one perspective only to be so excited cause I got to continue in the other. The storylines flow together beautifully propelled on by bith amazing characters and plot. The characters felt so really and I only ever wanted the best for them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review <3

🖊️ Beautifully written with strong characters and a story that resonates. A rewarding read worth recommending. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The release of Coldwire comes in at a perfect time. Considering the state of this world, this book offers a very interesting & unique take on what our world might end up looking like in the near/distant future. I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of the book. Literally, once I started, I did not want to stop.

I have always enjoyed Chloe Gong's books, and her writing never fails to capture my attention, but oh my god, this book!! This is so wildly different from whatever she has done before, and yet at the same time has the classic trademarks of her writing; incredible dual narration, crazy cliffhangers and some insane plot twists. Honestly, I think Coldwire might take the top spot as my favourite Chloe Gong book.

Both Lia and Eirale offer contrasting looks at the twisted world, one on a final academy assignment and the other kidnapped and forced on a deadly mission. The contrasts between the two stood out from the get-go, and the way the POVs were written, you can tell there are differences and similarities between the two. So much of Lia and Eirale's characters are intertwined with the plot, and I can't say much without veering into spoiler territory, but these two are some of the most well-crafted characters I've read in recent memory. And the romance? Let's just say Keire n and Nik both have their charms, although personally, I leaned a little towards Keiren (because of the academic rivals-to-lovers of it all)

There is a specific moment in which everything you know is twisted on its head. The last quarter of the book is just insane, and there are so many crazy twists in it. The plot twists were plot-twisting, y'all.

Coldwire was such an incredibly intense and enjoyable read, and now I'm desperately craving more dystopian cyberpunk books. Also lowkey hate myself because now I have to wait a year or so for the sequel lol

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

This is Chloe Gong's best - and I say that as a fan. I was immediately sucked into these two worlds (one virtual, one real) - and these characters. I did start to guess at what was truly happening here about 50% of the way in, and while I was close, I was still wrong!! It blew me away and I desperately need the sequel!

Coldwire completely blew me away. From the very first chapters, Chloe Gong immerses you in a universe split between two realities: the upcountry, a sleek virtual world, and the downcountry, a ravaged reality shaped by climate disaster, epidemics, and corporate greed. It’s the perfect mix of cyberpunk, dystopia, and apocalyptic tension- neon cities and advanced tech set against a world crumbling under corruption. The contrast is both terrifying and beautiful, and I felt like I was right there.

I loved following the dual POVs. Lia’s chapters in the upcountry see her forced to team up with her rival for a dangerous mission, while Eirale’s downcountry storyline follows her on the run after being falsely accused of murder, thrown into uneasy alliance with a wanted anarchist. Both perspectives were equally gripping, and as the storylines came together, the little details I’d picked up earlier fell into place seamlessly.

What makes this book so special, though, is how it balances its heart-pounding action with deeper themes of corruption, power, revolution, and hope. By the end, I didn’t want to let go. Coldwire is hands down one of my top reads of 2025 so far- brilliantly executed, emotionally satisfying, and unlike anything I’ve read before.

This book is not the same as Westworld, Pantheon, or Feed by MT Anderson, but they all might share fans.

It’s a story about the physical world and emerging digital one, with lots of little signs showing how different humans had become in its development. No heavy-handed treatise on climate change or technological changes, but a collection of details that fill in the background of this book.

The characters all felt distinctly their own age to me, rather than a mishmash of “teenager-hood”, and I did really appreciate the representation in them that felt like casual detail.

There were some wonderful moments where I realized I already had the answers to my questions because of something mentioned pages back. As I read, I even had several inklings of what twists were coming but I completely underestimated the importance of the bigger picture and I struggled not to skip ahead to know how each chapter would end.

Unfortunately, the parts of the book I want to compliment the most are, without a doubt, spoilers. But as someone in computing research, this novel did not take the easy answer or try to magically explain away concepts, but instead relied on the character’s foundational knowledge and stuck to sci-fi’s strength of focusing on the purpose and meaning rather than how something functioned.
I believe on rereading that it will hold up despite my knowing the twists and maybe even make it all the more intriguing to spot how it unfolds.

I cannot stress my relief at discovering there will be a sequel and my anticipation for it.

Thank you Hodderscape for sharing an ARC of Coldwire with me through Netgalley and Bookfest!

Chloe Gong has knocked this out of the park once again.

I have never been so excited to recive an ARC, as I was to recieve Coldwire by Chloe Gong. I have been a fan of hers since These Violent Delights came out, owning and reading every book she publishes. She really does hold a part of my heart.

Coldwire was beautiful, fast paced and exiting - the thrills and twists keeping me reading the whole time. Another Chloe Gong worldbuilding masterpiece, which sets the scene, draws you in, and then stays captive within your mind for the rest of time.

The main characters meshed perfectly, and worked well together - their storylines weaving together to create a masterpiece where they grew as people.