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.

Oh dystopian cyberpunk fiction is IN let me tell you

The future is online. The future is digital

Join us in this world divided in two where you can either spend your days "upcountry" - a virtual reality or "downcountry" - the real world that's plagued by extreme weather conditions, epidemics, and pollution. Set against the backdrop of the neon-lights we connect with cyberpunk you are thrown into this futuristic, dystopian, and a vaguely apocalyptic world.

Coldwire is beautifully written. With a focus on a YA audience Gong still manages to make sharp commentary on our world, leadership, and the race for power. She weaves this sharp commentary with an incredible world-building that's easy to follow, characters that you love, an insane plot, and a language that just makes you want to turn the next page.

Even if this book had two separate storylines it was surprisingly easy to follow. I can sometimes struggle with dual storylines, but the way Gong has written them were very easy to grasp. At first, it can seem a bit jumpy in the storyline, but when you get the hang of it the book transforms. I loved the way she would sometimes leave us hanging, switch POV, to then comeback and throw us into the storyline again. Gong trusts the reader to keep up and it's noticeable.

The story in itself is also incredibly exciting. On one end, you have Eirale, the government soldier. She works for NileCorp who controls all of "upcountry" (and downcountry as well) and therefore the world. Eirale and her team are tasked with bringing in anarchist Nik Grant who's a teenage boy wreaking havoc on NileCorp and trying to get everyone to open their eyes and realize that one corporation having a. power over the whole population and their minds b. power over the government and c. therefore power over the whole world, isn't ideal. Nik recruits Eirale (frames her for murdering a government official and then breaks her out of jail, classic) to help him and his team (think Thunderbolts) fetch a cyberweapon that the enemy state is developing. Nik wants it so NileCorp can't have it. On the other end you follow Lia Ward and Kiernen Murray, academic rivals on their final assignment of Nile Military School. They are instructed to locate an engineer who has gone missing and find out if he's dead or hiding. Academic rivals with a hint of forced proximity, there's only one bed, only one motorcycle, you get the gist. Is it romance heavy? no? am I rooting for them? OH YES.
Eirale and Nik are situated in downcountry whilst Lia and Kiernen are upcountry. This I had a hard time following at first, but after a couple of chapters it was easier to follow the story.

This book has captured me, and I am gonna continue to rave about it forever. Gong adds a new layer and a new voice to the YA dystopian genre and she does it in style. I am so jealous of everyone who has this book on their TBR and I would do anything to read it again. With that ending to a book I'm also gonna be manifesting an announcement for book 2 in the near future.

SO, log off and enjoy Coldwire out November 4th. If you wanna prep I would recommend listening to Badlands by Halsey on repeat.

Thank you so much to Chloe Gong, Netgalley, and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Oh. My. God. This was so good, i loved every minute of it. The twist with Eirale and Lia being the same person?? But sentient ai. I didn’t expect it at all especially since i thought i was reading about two different groups of people. The ending thought ugh. I can’t wait for the next book whenever it comes out

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars, really entertaining.

I wasn’t 100% sure on this one in the beginning. The rapid switch to Lia’s POV after Eirale’s arrest felt a bit jarring and the world building took some time to get used to but this book had me in a chokehold for the last 50%, once we started to see the connections between the two POVs I could not stop reading. This book has so many twists and turns, betrayals and plot lines within plot lines that I almost feel like I need to read it again right now, because I missed almost every clue for the plot twist and had guessed it as something completely different.

I thought I would have to take half a star off because I wasn’t completely convinced by the romances but having finished the book, I get it now and I love it.

The virtual reality world that has been built is really cool, I liked that even things like walking virtual dogs etc were included to make it feel both mundane and a bit terrifying.

This is an incredibly hard book to review without including spoilers but I highly recommend reading and I can’t wait for release day because I need to talk to people about that ending!

Thank you so much to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Unable to read this because the file was corrupted, contacted NetGalley but couldn’t get it fixed :(

<i>Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.</i>

4.5 ★ (leaning towards 5 ★)

This is the first book I have read by Chloe Gong, but, just like many other people, I was aware of her other books since they're all very popular and well praised (I was putting off reading them for this exact reason, I was afraid they wouldn’t live up to the hype). All I have to say for this book is that, DYSTOPIA IS SO BACK (and I’m ready to throw myself into the Chloe Gong universe)!!!

As soon as I started reading Coldwire, I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down, it was soo captivating. The story was well crafted, so were the characters and the world, however I do feel like fewer explanations were needed, we were basically spoon-fed some info over and over again, which annoyed me a bit. As for the characters I absolutely loved both Lia and Eirale (I did enjoy Lia’s POVs more, but that’s probably more because of her dynamic with Kieren and Rayna), and I’m already missing everyone so much, I hope the next book comes out soon (please).

Both love stories were nice, but nothing beats the rivals-to-lovers plot, I was kicking my feet anytime Lia and Kieren interacted. I also do hope the sapphic love story will be in the next book (more, might I add), my girls deserve the world.

Unfortunately when it comes to the plot twist, I’m afraid I saw it from a mile away (one of them at least). I realized what was going on very early on, but luckily this didn’t ruin the experience, instead I was happy to pick up and analyze all the crumbs Chloe left in the book :)) The other part of the plot twist took me by surprise though.

I was afraid the ending would ruin the book for me, but it was perfectly done, and I’m glad it didn’t go the usual way with everyone betraying everyone, because even without adding more drama, it was still full of suspense.

Can’t wait for the next two books!

nuuunca falla esta autora, un nuevo luego y está vez en ciencia ficción que no defrauda

Me ha encantado el mundo y la trama, desde tvd estoy enamorada de sus historias

CHLOE!!!!!
Chloe Gong when I catch you…

Guys this book was such unique wonderful ride. You might think you know where it could be going and then BAM the author does a 180 and says HA GOTCHA!!!

You know how some books will purposely hide information from you, and you actively know they are but you try your very hardest to predict the twist? Welp I was WAYYY off.😭😭

I can’t even find the words to describe how it felt to read this. It felt like going through pixels, energy, and code to find the answers. Chloe Gong does a wonderful job at making you understand all the aspects of the world, the politics and the way things work, but ends up surprising you and making you feel dumb for not noticing it coming. It’s like holding a shovel and whenever you get something right, you dig and dig. But at the end you fall into the hole because you didn’t realize how big it was. That’s Chloe Gong’s mind. I don’t even know how she pulled it off so well, but I’m not even surprised, because she’s one of my favorite authors for a reason.

The base of this story is Lia and Kieren are sent on a joint mission in order to complete their duties as NileCorp cadets. Meanwhile Eirale’s task force is assigned capture the anarchist Nik. Little do they know that what they’re trying to find leads them to much more complex villains than they intended to defeat. It’s a story about resistance and facing the bigger opponent even when all odds point otherwise. It’s about believing in your morals, and understanding the nuances of ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. But it’s also so much more and you’ll just have to trust me and read it to fully appreciate it.

It’s about the strong friendships and maybe even romantic 👀 relationships that form along the way. If you like ‘I’ll find you in every lifetime’ you definitely love this. I LOVE ALL OF OUR CHARACTERS PLEASE CHLOE DONT HURT THEM (who am I kidding of course she will).

The ending had me GAGGED. Like come on I would be happy with any bonus chapter just pllllleeeeeassee give it to me.

Thank you so much to @hodderscape and @thechloegong for this earc. 🩵

Coldwire is a brilliant and unique new release from Chloe Gong. It is a dystopian, sci-fi set a futuristic world which has developed a virtual reality copy of the world where most of society lives to avoid illness and instability that the 'real' world struggles with. The story follows two characters in a alternating chapters in dual pov as they each navigate the two worlds in 'upcountry and downcountry'. This is such a clever idea for a story and I thought the world building was done brilliantly. I did find myself reading this a bit slower at the beginning as I tried to fully grasp the details and differences between the two worlds. I loved how the story was told in the alternating chapters and picking up pieces of information and trying to work out the truth of what was happening. This book and world was so addictive and I really cannot wait to pick up the second book and dive into this world with these characters again.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! Gong has written yet another masterpiece. I need the second book in my hands right now.
The contrasting lives of Eirale and Lia in a futuristic world, with their different yet complementary (eventually) journeys, were so perfect. The world itself did not seem too wild, considering everything going on, with the constant surveilling and environmental problems. It was quite an impactful message about the possibility of what the world could come to.
Initially, I struggled to keep up with the POV changes, and it sounded like 2 different stories happening at the same time. However, once I got used to it, it was an amazing ride blending cyberpunk and an emotional journey. I definitely got stuck a bit due to the technical jargon, but after getting into the flow of the book, it was all understandable. Definitely not a book to read alongside other ones.
I loved Lia's POV so much- the constant striving for excellence and the rivalry with Kieren. It was so perfect. It did the academic rivals-to-something more trope so perfectly. The way Kieren is just so whipped and understands Lia so intrinsically, and you can tell from the start. I need myself a lover boy like that.
Everyone absolutely sprint to get your hands on this book!!

Incredibly fast paced and addictive.
The writing style pulled me in immediately and I found myself reluctant to put the book down.
The story was compelling and kept me hooked from the first page to the last.
A truly enjoyable book and an easy five star.
I'll be eagerly awaiting more, and will definitely be reading some of Chloe Gong's other works.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodderscape for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5⭐️

Did I finish this book? Or did it finish me? I'm thinking the latter.

Chloe Gong has been one of my favourite authors for a long time, and so I have been desperate to get my hands on this book ever since she started teasing it, and this ended up defying my expectations and more. This is one of the most incredible books this year, and I truly think this is Chloe's best work. Before this, I'd given five stars to all but one of her books, but this book has defied and surpassed everything I have ever read from her. This is truly masterful, dystopian at its finest.

I want to tread really carefully in this review, as I'm still sitting in awe and shock and a constant state of "oh my god?! What just happened?!" after finishing this book and THAT ENDING and I really don't want to spoil anything (trust me, avoid spoilers at all costs, this is a book you really want to experience with no knowledge), so forgive me if my thoughts are not quite as detailed as usual, I've hardly processed them myself.

The premise of this book is fascinating, a society split in two, struggling downcountry, plagued by violence and climate crises and the damning consequences of human ignorance, and booming upcountry, a virtual reality utopia, controlled by the all-powerful NileCorp, and Chloe of course delivers this world excellently, with incredibly in depth and nuanced worldbuilding that perfectly reacted to and was altered by the main plotlines. I really loved how relevant and ominous this book felt, exploring the ethics of AI through a dystopian lens, the political power of mass corporations, the effects of racism and xenophobia within wartimes, and, most compellingly for me, what it truly means to be human. Paired with the dystopian cyberpunk setting, these themes made this book so compelling and fascinating, and brought a nuanced new lens to the dystopian genre.

As always, Chloe's characterisation was incredible. With excellent character development, lovable characters and a hint of found family, and character relations that set up really interesting directions for this series to head in. I particularly want to praise Chloe Gong's conversation writing, as this was something that really stood out to me in this book, with characters conversing in ways that felt real and natural, with each character's own voice perfectly matching and reflecting their age/status/character traits/personality, etc. This brought so much depth to the characterisation, and the interactions between characters throughout were some of my favourite scenes, alongside action-packed, edge-of-your-seat sequences, and intriguing political and moral ruminations.

I really cannot say much more without veering too close to spoilery territory, but then again nothing I write in this review will ever capture how excellent this book was. I was consistently hooked and fully invested with the plot, characters, setting, and theming, and there was not a single moment I didn't love (though Chloe did hurt me emotionally numerous times and caused me a great deal of stress reading this, but I still love and praise her for that). This is definitely one of the best books I have read this year, with an ending that had me amazed in a way that not many books have been able to achieve, and I do think this book was simply just masterful. I really highly recommend this book, even if you wouldn't usually go for a YA dystopia (this is definitely on the higher end of YA), and I cannot wait for this to release to the rest of the world.

Summary: Coldwire is a YA dystopian that feels incredibly relevant to current world issues (sometimes hitting a little too close to home - which only makes it more compelling). I loved the emotional impact, worldbuilding, and character depth. Another brilliant release by Chloe Gong that fully lived up to my very high expectations. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy clever, emotional dystopian fiction.
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Coldwire is packed to the brim with twists and turns - some more predictable than others, but all of them delicious. The major reveals were executed in a way that felt fully satisfying, and I often found myself reacting out loud (swearing at my Kindle like a madwoman - thanks for that, Chloe). While the book starts a little slower as the world is established (which I very much appreciated), once I hit the 40–50% mark I simply could not put it down. I ended up reading until nearly 2 a.m. on a work night and am paying for it as I write this review!

The main characters felt well-fleshed-out, complex, and flawed (ps: just the way I like them). The subtle romance subplot is really well done - Chloe seems to have developed a signature rivals/enemies-to-lovers dynamic that’s so satisfying to read... I may be biased, as this is one of my favourite romantic tropes, but she truly executes it WELL. I particularly appreciate how she captures the angst and yearning in such a vivid way but within a YA context without relying on explicit content.

The worldbuilding is refreshing in its dual setting (much like the dual POV of the story), with Downcountry existing as the real world and Upcountry as its virtual reality counterpart. There's an ongoing theme of blurred boundaries between the “real” and the “virtual” throughout, which is handled in an immersive and intentional way - well played!

Coldwire will definitely make my top 10 for 2025, and I pre-ordered a physical copy the moment I finished reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an eARC of Coldwire by Chloe Gong in exchange for an honest review.

I think this may be my new favourite Chloe Gong. 5/5. The vibes were amazing. I can’t wait for more in this world

First of all, I really wanna thank Chloe Gong, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this masterpiece in advance.
Finished the book about 1h ago and been trying to digest what I read into cohesive thoughts to do this review.
This was mind-blowing! I love a good dystopian book. Love the fact they plug in to a virtual reality and that part reminded me of the movie/book Ready Player One (but only the detail of going into the virtual reality, the rest of what they do in there is completely different).
At first, I struggled a bit with the scientific language but I got used to it and the plot picked up real fast. The world building was incredible, the scientific elements were so interesting (even tho confusing at first), the characters were good.
And the ending... I was jaw dropped and kept stopping to collect the thoughts of what I had read and piece it into my mind. I was shook with the "merges" 😱 I think it's one of the most surprising and unique plot twists I've read lately.
This book was already really good and that freaking ending made it a 5 stars for me.
So curious to see what happens next.

What a wild ride that was!
Dystospian books are sooo back and I could not be happier! I felt such nostalgia reading this as it reminded me of so many of my favourite books from years ago but on a much bigger and cleverer scale.
Having the dual pov's telling different but similar adventures at the same time was so fun and constantly had me questioning everything!
The big brain energy I had to use at the end to figure out what was going on at the end!! I am mindblown!!

This book completely pulled me in. I didn’t know what to expect going in.it’s quite a shift from Chloe Gong’s previous work ,but I ended up really enjoying the ride.

The world is split between the “upcountry,” which is basically a sleek, controlled virtual reality, and the “downcountry,” which is messy, real, and falling apart. That contrast is at the heart of the story, and it’s done so well. It makes you think about power, privilege, and who gets to escape and who doesn’t.

The dual POV worked for me. I liked seeing things from both Eirale and Lia’s perspectives. Eirale’s chapters felt gritty and intense, while Lia brought a bit more lightness, even though she’s dealing with her own version of pressure. Neither character felt flat . they both had really clear voices, and I cared about what happened to them.

I will say, the worldbuilding is dense. You’re thrown into this tech-heavy society without much hand-holding, so it takes a bit to get your bearings. But once I did, I was hooked. There’s action, political intrigue, some great twists, and just enough emotional weight to keep it grounded.

It’s a smart, layered story that doesn’t talk down to you. I’m definitely keen to see where the series goes next.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

We follow two different characters Lia & Eriale. They're on missions with two different teams of characters resulting in a fantastic cast of side characters.

Lia is a NileCorp student working with her longterm rival Keiren. Their goal - to find a missing scientist who defected to a foreign country.

Eri on the other hand has been captured by a rebel group and is promised her freedom after getting these rebels to three databases + entry into an exclusive society.

I found this one super easy to read and loved following these two sets of characters in alternating chapters. Though sometimes there was mini cliffhangers on chapters and I just wanted to rush ahead!

The world was super interesting and I loved the cyberpunk setting. Having a virtual world where people spend most of their life (if they have funds) which isnt like a videogame, its an emulation of the world without being able to tweak appearance or 'stats' as wanted. You still have to brush your teeth, workout and use the bathroom despite being plugged in. The real world is struggling with sickness and climate change, so people go here to live a normal life. Having each pov take place in one or the other world was really interesting to see the differences.

No spoilers but once we get more clarity on certain events hinted at in the book = huge ahhhhh moment. I did clock it a bit beforehand but it honestly just made the whole experience more enjoyable.

After that ending, I'm soooo ready for the next installment.

Overall, a really fun, fast paced unique read! Thanks to Hodderscape and Netgalley for this arc.

4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Chloe Gong, and Hodder and Stoughton for this arc!!!

This was phenomenal. The story follows two storylines, one being Lia and one being Eirale. It is set in a dystopian world, roughly 40 years in the future, where humans are able to enter pods and have their conscious go to upcountry. In upcountry they live their lives as avatars where they have displays and a large technical life. However, only the richest can afford this and an organisation called NileCorp have complete control over the upcountry world of StrangeLoom. Tensions are growing across the nation between the countries of Atahua and Medaluo. Lia is sent on a mission to finish her training at NileCorp military to retrieve an AI program which could take down StrangeLoom. Eirale is kidnapped by anarchists who are trying to achieve a similar mission.

I am not usually a fan of dystopian or science fiction, but this.. THIS, was so brilliant. To start Gong’s writing is so immersive and beautiful that I was dragged in from the start. The world building was so in depth. This story slightly put me on edge knowing it is a commentary of the way our world is going, it spoke on government or organisational control, socioeconomic differences, racism and so much more. This story tackles a number of political issues while also creating a world you get completely lost in. I sobbed so much at the end, and having to wait for book 2 is going to hurttttt. The only reason it’s 4.5 is because I thought it places the story could move a little quicker.

I cannot recommend this book enough. The characters and world building are some of the best I’ve ever read!!

Huge thanks to Chloe Gong and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC of this incredible read! Coldwire releases today so grab your copy and prepare to be electrified.

From the New York Times best-selling author of These Violent Delights, Chloe Gong returns with Coldwire-a cyberpunk, high-voltage thrill ride that merges political intrigue, rebellion, and heart in the most electric way possible.

Set in a divided future world locked in endless cold war, Coldwire follows two young soldiers, Eirale and Lia, whose lives collide across battlefields, borders, and virtual realities. The author has created a universe both futuristic and startlingly familiar: one in which surveillance, identity, and loyalty are weaponized. Her prose hums with energy, her worldbuilding is razor-sharp, and her characters pulse with emotional depth.

Eirale's desperate fight for survival and Lia's mission, which is tangled in morals, weave together a masterfully paced story of power, control, and defiance. Beneath the neon lights and the digital chaos, Chloe Gong explores what it means for one to be human in a world that wishes to turn them into data.

A cyberpunk tour de force: fierce, reflective, unstoppable.

Chloe Gong does it again! Coldwire is electric — a razor-sharp blend of dystopian tension, cyberpunk aesthetics, and the emotional intensity that defines all her best work. It’s the kind of story that grips you by the throat from the first chapter and doesn’t let go, even after you’ve turned the final page.

Set in a near-future world fractured by a long-standing cold war, Coldwire follows two young soldiers — Eirale and Lia — whose separate missions slowly converge into a collision course that rewires everything you think you know about loyalty, rebellion, and survival. Gong weaves their dual perspectives masterfully, building an intricate political and emotional web that’s both thrilling and deeply human.

The worldbuilding is some of the most immersive I’ve read in YA sci-fi — sleek, chilling, and disturbingly believable. The “upcountry” and “downcountry” divide, the blurred line between physical and virtual reality, and the creeping loss of agency in a world run by code and control all feel eerily prescient. Gong understands how to make a dystopia feel like a mirror held up to our world.

There’s a touch of romance threaded through the chaos — understated, poignant, and perfectly timed — but it never overshadows the pulse of the plot. The pacing is taut, the dialogue smart, and the twists are perfect.

If you loved Warcross, Legend, or Scythe, you’ll find yourself completely at home here — though Gong’s voice makes this world entirely her own. This is a fierce, intelligent, and beautifully layered start to what promises to be a groundbreaking new series.

I finished Coldwire and immediately wished I could erase it from my memory just to experience it again. Chloe Gong, you genius.

5 glowing stars. A cyberpunk masterpiece.

Chloe Gong is one of my all time favourite authors i will literally read and love every single thing she writes and this isnt any different. I feel coming from a different author I wouldn't love Coldwire if it was anyone else but Gong jusy made me fall in love with this and i again will read anything she puts on paper

Coldwire by Chloe Gong
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

As ever, thank you to Net Galley for supplying me with an early copy of this masterpiece to review!

Coldwire focuses on a future Earth, where climate change, pollution and general bad human stuff has led to people spending the majority of their lives upcountry - in a virtual reality version of Earth.

We follow two characters: Lia - a Meden ward who is about to graduate from Nile Military Academy; and Eirale, a recent graduate who is a hired soldier for NileCorp downcountry (aka the real world). NileCorp is the company behind upcountry, and the pseudo powers behind the Atahuan government. Locked in a cold war with nearby Medaluo, the graduates of NileCorp are often Meden orphans, sent to spy on their former country.

This book was utterly fantastic. The pacing was great, and I loved the atmosphere and the parallels between upcountry and downcountry. The characters were lovable, and I felt myself on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going on - I had some theories, but the ending really surprised me.

Gong is able to write such relatable characters in such a unique setting. Speaking of the setting, I loved how this is like the digital twin concept on steroids - a focus on recreating our world perfectly in order to hide away from what we've done to it. I found the story engaging and I loved our two protagonists, and the supporting characters of Kieran and Nick.

This is a book that is fast paced, with all of Gong's grit and wonder that she supplied in Immortal Longings and These Violent Delights.

Action-packed from start to finish, Chloe Gong’s latest offering gives us a glimpse into a future where humankind no longer lingers in “downcountry” - the real world. The technology to build and maintain a virtual world, identical to our own without the danger of violence or death, means that those that can afford it spend most of their time “upcountry”.

But not everything is peachy - sovereign governments are engaged in a constant struggle for power, certain groups are disadvantaged and oppressed and the whole time NileCorp, an evil behemoth tech company that owns everything (including the government), is watching.

We follow two main characters as they navigate dangerous missions in the up- and down-country. On the one hand Lia is the daughter of a powerful government official and an elite student at a military academy. Her final exam sees her tasked with finding a defector - and she’s been paired with her academic rival, Kieran, to get the job done. Meanwhile, downcountry, Eirale is a corporate soldier chasing an anarchist and suddenly finds herself framed and kidnapped by the man himself. Forced to work with Nik but also working as a double agent, she is to recover a secret program that could change the world.

This book is a honestly cyberpunk dystopian wet dream. Neon cityscapes and abandoned buildings form the backdrop to the action as Lia and Eirale race to fulfill their missions. There’s plenty of romantic tension, touching moments and morally grey decisions. I had a good guess at the twist but it still left me gasping - Gong delivers a brutal ending and a cliffhanger worth the ride. I look forward to the next book in the series!

Rating - 5⭐️

Where do I even start?? First things first, CHLOE GONG IS SO BIG BRAINED‼️ The attention to detail on the world building, the plot, and characters had me SOOOO impressed 🙂‍↕️. I was so proud of myself when I recognised all the dystopian elements included in Coldwire from my dystopian genre English literature A Levels hahaha 😌😂. She went all out on the world building, I truly felt like I was transported into a futuristic world that was eerily too similar to our real world which terrified me honestly 🫣. I kid you not, as soon as I read about the high tech glasses, I saw several social media ads about AI glasses and I was so creeped out 😭.

The book follows two character POVs, Lia and Eirale. Both POVs were woven together so cleverly, it was such a great way to tell their stories. I think it’s best not to know much about our 4 main characters other than Lia and Kieren being military academy students, and Nik being an anarchist who technically kidnaps Eirale, a Nilecorp soldier. So just enjoy the rollercoaster ride of getting to know them all along the way 😉.
ALSO, the yearning goes CRAZYYY, they’re literally the yearning final boss😩😩.

My reading experience was INSANE, I was mentally going through it because I was confused in the best way possible since there were so much secrets and mysteries that I was so desperate to uncover. I was also using my brain overtime because I was very hellbent on figuring out what the big plot twists everyone kept raving about. I know Chloe loves to drop very subtle hints along the way for big plot twists so I knew I had to be hyper aware about the details in this book. THERE WERE SO MANYYYY!!! I had a whole list of puzzle pieces that I managed to connect (it made me feel very smart hehe💅).

The important question is, did I figure out the big plot twist?🤔 Technically… no HAHAHAH🤣 but my theories were very close and I DID have an inkling what it would be but I thought I was just delusional so I disregarded it (I should’ve trusted my instincts) YOU GOT ME THERE CHLOE GONG‼️But I love how the big plot twist just makes this book so reread-able with all the tiny details we may have missed on our first read.

firstly, I’d like to say thank you to netgalley for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

CHLOE GONG IS A GENIUS!!!!
she shocks me every time with how excellently she creates intricate plots and worlds, with beautiful writing and amazing characters. I have never been disappointed by a Chloe gong book!

I feel like coldwire is slightly different to other books I read. I don’t read many dystopian books with sci-fi elements so i was intrigued going into this to see what I thought…but I absolutely LOVED it!

the world-building in this book was absolutely phenomenal. I have no idea how Chloe gong created such an intricate world with so many unique ideas and such vivid descriptions. I felt that there was no stone unturned with this world and everything was extremely thought out. it did take me a little while to get my head around the world building and how it worked, purely just because it’s so complex and intelligent that it took a bit of brain power to understand but I do think this was done very well - once you get more pieces and information, the world falls together very nicely. it was honestly super clever.

the integration and focus on AI I think was very well done and relevant for the time, if not slightly scary! but impressive nonetheless from Chloe’s imaginative way of discussing it! the politics that came with this and with NileCorp as a company and leader was super interesting to read and created a very fascinating debate within the world itself.

I loved having upcountry and downcountry and thought it was so unique. I also enjoyed how our perspectives seemed to mirror each other as they made their way on their respective quests with parallels to their locations and common goals etc. it definitely connected the two perspectives well, despite not knowing the true connections between the two for the majority of the book. seeing the different parts of upcountry and downcountry was so fascinating and I found it fun to explore these as we went through.

the strong found family in this with amazing side characters was another reason I loved this. not only were Lia&Kieran and Eirale&Nik so fun to see interact and develop their connections and relationships with their differing situations and dynamics, but how they interacted with those around them was fun too and it was very heartwarming to see. the characterisation was on point, making you really care for these characters which added a lot of emotional impact!

I could go on forever as there is a LOT to unpack about this book but for now…last but not least…THE TWISTS? HELLO? like I said…GENIUS!!!! the intricate and thought out plot really lent itself to certain reveals, there were lots of details that began to add together as we neared certain reveals and I genuinely gasped out loud multiple times. as we were finally piecing things together I just couldn’t get over how clever it was…it really brought everything together and I just loved it!!! I need the sequel asap because i just need more of this world and characters and absolutely WILD PLOT!!!!

highly highly recommend!!!!

This is the fast-paced, action-packed YA Cyberpunk mystery I didn’t know I needed in my life!

“The future is online. The future is digital.”

In a world where people would rather live in the cyberworld while the real world falls apart, as they are jacked into pods to access their artificial paradise (or hell) and corrupt corporations rule the up- and downcountry, we follow two characters on the search for a mysterious AI programme. The two perspectives are interwoven expertly, and soon you realise the strange connections between the two storylines while trying to solve the riddle of the project “Coldwire”. This book hooked me from the beginning and didn’t let go! The last 20% or so of this book were wild. I’m truly impressed with what Chloe Gong tried to achieve here - it is a story unlike anything I have ever read! Give me more!

“I’m getting an AI psychic love reading.”
“You know most of these things have real people on the other end, right?”
I blink, What?”
“Yeah.” He cranes his head into the booth, scanning along the top. “They call it AI to disarm you into talking, but actual AI tested poorly with consumers. They liked the humans better. These companies hire people downcountry to sit in front of a laptop for a few bucks every hour and chat when a booth gets activated.”

(God, I wish that were true for our real world…)

On top of the cyberpunk action-mystery, you get a wide cast of interesting (queer) characters, witty dialogue, a talking cat and of course the “one-bed trope”. What more do you want?

Besides that, I really appreciate the subtle/not-so-subtle commentary of what is happening in our real world - may it be racism, the climate crisis, unjust wars, uncontrolled corporations, or corrupt politicians! The author is clearly not afraid to express their opinion while not being overbearing or patronising with it, but leaving you with questions to think about. Is this the future we’re heading to? Is that the future we want?

Themes & Sparks: YA dystopian, virtual reality, technologically advanced future, scifi and cyberpunk, neon lights, corporate and governmental conspiracies, betrayal and secrets, brilliant plot twists, a treasure hunt through virtual reality, secret missions, queer identity representation

Coldwire is the first book in Chloe Gong’s new YA trilogy that seamlessly blends together dystopian and cyberpunk elements whilst blurring the lines between actual and virtual reality.

In this novel the reader is sent on a vivid treasure hunt through virtual reality, that quickly turns into a high speed and action-packed race against time, and unknown to the character themselves, each other. But not only the characters were kept on their toes, but so were the readers, as there was no way of knowing when the next of many brilliant plot twists would happen in this grand puzzle of a story.

Something regarding Chloe’s character building that I’ve always loved, but what really stood out to me in Coldwire was that the characters talked, acted and made decisions in line with their age, but none of it ever felt naïve or like a “forced” stupid decision. I also loved that this novel highlighted the exploration of queer identity, sexuality and feelings. Along with that, the chemistry between all the characters was just wonderful, which not only added to the emotional twists and tension, but also led to a delightful amount of humour, banter, and teasing.

Additionally, and an element of the novel that really stood out to me, was the fascinating world building. The world Coldwire is set in was, on one hand, quite literally bursting with a multitude of neon colours, flashy billboards as well as both fun and thought-provoking technology. But on the other hand, there was the electric tension of the cold war between Atahua and Medaluo as well as the governmental and corporate corruption, which created a stark and darkening contrast.

Furthermore, Coldwire put the spotlight on themes such as AI, deep fakes, censorship, the dangers of corporate empires, as well as on how social media (or in this case virtual reality) and technology can twist the truth of a person’s appearance and life. All themes whose dangers and serious problems have never been more important than right now.

Lastly, and the only “criticism” I have is that for the first few chapters, I had some difficulties understanding how up- and downcountry worked. Thankfully, the novel provided all the necessary information to change that after a few more chapters read.

I’m now really looking forward to seeing how this trilogy will evolve in future books and what Chloe will add to this world and its characters.

Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton for the e-ARC and the BIGGEST thank you to Chloe herself for allowing me to be part of the Coldwire street team!

It took me a little while to get into, but once I did...incredible! I loved the dystopian vibes and, this gave me Bladerunner/Cyberpunk feels which were AMAZING! This was escapism at it's best.

4.5 stars rated up to 5 stars here.

Thank you so much Hodderscape for the ARC via NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on this book.

CHLOE GONG YOU ARE A GENIUS

The whole plot, setting, world building, characters, vibes were so unique! The way things are revealed throughout the story kept me so hooked and wanting to find out what happens and oh boy… when it is all revealed?!!? AMAZING

I can’t wait to see how the characters relationships develop throughout the rest of the books! So glad the dystopian genre is still alive and thriving!

I feel like I now have to reread the book to pick up on all the clues that were left along the way, even drawing up a whole timeline or something?! Was such a mindf***!!

Read this if you love blade runner/dystopian cities/black mirror!