A mix of sci-fi and revolutionary AI cyber technology, Coldwire is a fun ride. I really enjoyed the world building, it’s like The Matrix meets Minority Report with high levels of political intrigue. Using virtual reality called Upcountry, people are able to escape a world changed by climate and diseases. It’s a very broad undertaking, yet Gong’s creativity really shines through.

Dual chapters had me questioning the reality and similarities between Eirale and Lia. Slowly unraveling NialCorp’s control on AI technology and its residents, it was an eye opening theme throughout, parallel to our own world with government control, climate change and pandemics. A futuristic dystopia that sounds really cool on paper but terrifying in real life.

There’s a lot of information presented (have your red string board ready!) and maybe the middle slowed down the pacing, but the mysterious reveals were very worth experiencing in the end. I’m very curious how this develops as a trilogy!

Thanks to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing / Margaret K. McElderry Books for the review copy.

Title: Coldwire
Author: Chloe Gong
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia, YA
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️