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Table of Contents
About The Book
The danger ramps up as Lia works as a double agent against NileCorp in this second book in the dystopian Strangeloom trilogy, in which humanity has moved to virtual reality to flee their deteriorating world, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Chloe Gong.
One wrong move will end the world…
The nation can’t stop talking about Eirale Ward. After a perilous mission with the enemy, she has been rescued and returned to NileCorp. Her gracious employer cleared her charges of treason and restored her status as an elite soldier.
Once, that would have been enough—but she is not that same Eirale anymore. She is a spy for the Coalition, tasked to take down NileCorp from the inside.
Meanwhile, everyone in Atahua is watching Nik Grant. Though he succeeded in his mission to retrieve Project Wit, he has put a target on his loved ones, and NileCorp will stop at nothing to bring him in. Working for the Coalition was supposed to help him destroy NileCorp, but the Coalition is pushing restraint while he wants action. He’s running out of time.
When Atahua’s charismatic vice president joins the scene at NileCorp, the company grows untouchable. Kieren is unwavering in his belief in Lia and her ability to rupture the power in virtual reality—but NileCorp sees all, and it has long set its trap. Before total and absolute control can land in NileCorp’s hands, Lia must embrace what she was built to do…
Either change the world or burn it all down.
One wrong move will end the world…
The nation can’t stop talking about Eirale Ward. After a perilous mission with the enemy, she has been rescued and returned to NileCorp. Her gracious employer cleared her charges of treason and restored her status as an elite soldier.
Once, that would have been enough—but she is not that same Eirale anymore. She is a spy for the Coalition, tasked to take down NileCorp from the inside.
Meanwhile, everyone in Atahua is watching Nik Grant. Though he succeeded in his mission to retrieve Project Wit, he has put a target on his loved ones, and NileCorp will stop at nothing to bring him in. Working for the Coalition was supposed to help him destroy NileCorp, but the Coalition is pushing restraint while he wants action. He’s running out of time.
When Atahua’s charismatic vice president joins the scene at NileCorp, the company grows untouchable. Kieren is unwavering in his belief in Lia and her ability to rupture the power in virtual reality—but NileCorp sees all, and it has long set its trap. Before total and absolute control can land in NileCorp’s hands, Lia must embrace what she was built to do…
Either change the world or burn it all down.
About The Author
One Grid Studio
Chloe Gong is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of critically acclaimed fantasy and science fiction novels, including These Violent Delights, Immortal Longings, and Coldwire. Her books have been published in over twenty countries, and she was named one of Forbes’s 30 Under 30 for 2024. Chloe graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English and international relations. Born in Shanghai and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, she is now located in New York City. Visit her online at TheChloeGong.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @TheChloeGong.
Product Details
- Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (November 17, 2026)
- Length: 480 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665960168
- Grades: 9 and up
- Ages: 14 - 99
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Raves and Reviews
"Gong’s wit and dialogue transport readers into two heroines’ alternating POVs as they fight for their space in an unjust world. Well-choreographed action sequences keep the battles interesting, while characters embark on a fetch quest layered in corporate conspiracies. Gong’s worldbuilding addresses themes of identity, reality, and race, with the heroines’ statuses as second-class citizens vital to the plot. Subtle foreshadowing is hidden behind humor and emotional highs, ensuring attentive readers are rewarded but still surprised....This inventive and explosive beginning to a cyberpunk trilogy is a first purchase."
– School Library Journal, starred review, 10/1/25
"Gong capably explores themes of diaspora, corporate control, and artificial intelligence while spinning a labyrinthine mystery with a sprinkle of romance."
– Publishers Weekly, 9/8/2025
"This series opener maintains a crackling pace, with inventive world-building and a cleverly executed reveal...
Inventive and engaging."
– Kirkus Reviews, 11/1/2025
"Chloe Gong has not only built an intricate cyberpunk world in Coldwire, but uses it to shine a searing light on our own reality—and the dangers that our future could hold. A breathtaking thrill ride by a masterful storyteller."
– Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“A high-voltage, whip-smart adventure that presents a future both eerily prescient and totally novel. Pulse-pounding and cinematic, with a twist that knocked the breath from me—I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.”
– Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fable for the End of the World
"With gorgeous prose, propulsive action, and swoonworthy banter, Coldwire has skyrocketed to one of my favorite books of the year. Gong’s cyberpunk thriller is unputdownable!"
– Axie Oh, New York Times bestselling author of The Floating World
"Super-charged with electrifying action, mindblowing twists, and timely commentary, Coldwire is a cyberpunk masterpiece ripe for our tumultuous new age."
– Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow
"Chloe Gong is bringing cyberpunk back in the best way with Coldwire. This book is page-turning action set in a gritty world with twists you won't see coming. Executed with laser-precision that will leave readers wanting more."
– Scott Reintgen, New York Times bestselling author of A Door in the Dark
"Gong’s wit and dialogue transport readers into two heroines’ alternating POVs as they fight for their space in an unjust world. Well-choreographed action sequences keep the battles interesting, while characters embark on a fetch quest layered in corporate conspiracies. Gong’s worldbuilding addresses themes of identity, reality, and race, with the heroines’ statuses as second-class citizens vital to the plot. Subtle foreshadowing is hidden behind humor and emotional highs, ensuring attentive readers are rewarded but still surprised....This inventive and explosive beginning to a cyberpunk trilogy is a first purchase."
– School Library Journal, starred review, 10/1/25
"Gong capably explores themes of diaspora, corporate control, and artificial intelligence while spinning a labyrinthine mystery with a sprinkle of romance."
– Publishers Weekly, 9/8/2025
"This series opener maintains a crackling pace, with inventive world-building and a cleverly executed reveal...
Inventive and engaging."
– Kirkus Reviews, 11/1/2025
"Chloe Gong has not only built an intricate cyberpunk world in Coldwire, but uses it to shine a searing light on our own reality—and the dangers that our future could hold. A breathtaking thrill ride by a masterful storyteller."
– Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“A high-voltage, whip-smart adventure that presents a future both eerily prescient and totally novel. Pulse-pounding and cinematic, with a twist that knocked the breath from me—I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.”
– Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fable for the End of the World
"With gorgeous prose, propulsive action, and swoonworthy banter, Coldwire has skyrocketed to one of my favorite books of the year. Gong’s cyberpunk thriller is unputdownable!"
– Axie Oh, New York Times bestselling author of The Floating World
"Super-charged with electrifying action, mindblowing twists, and timely commentary, Coldwire is a cyberpunk masterpiece ripe for our tumultuous new age."
– Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow
"Chloe Gong is bringing cyberpunk back in the best way with Coldwire. This book is page-turning action set in a gritty world with twists you won't see coming. Executed with laser-precision that will leave readers wanting more."
– Scott Reintgen, New York Times bestselling author of A Door in the Dark
"Gong’s wit and dialogue transport readers into two heroines’ alternating POVs as they fight for their space in an unjust world. Well-choreographed action sequences keep the battles interesting, while characters embark on a fetch quest layered in corporate conspiracies. Gong’s worldbuilding addresses themes of identity, reality, and race, with the heroines’ statuses as second-class citizens vital to the plot. Subtle foreshadowing is hidden behind humor and emotional highs, ensuring attentive readers are rewarded but still surprised....This inventive and explosive beginning to a cyberpunk trilogy is a first purchase."
– School Library Journal, starred review, 10/1/25
"Gong capably explores themes of diaspora, corporate control, and artificial intelligence while spinning a labyrinthine mystery with a sprinkle of romance."
– Publishers Weekly, 9/8/2025
"This series opener maintains a crackling pace, with inventive world-building and a cleverly executed reveal...
Inventive and engaging."
– Kirkus Reviews, 11/1/2025
"Chloe Gong has not only built an intricate cyberpunk world in Coldwire, but uses it to shine a searing light on our own reality—and the dangers that our future could hold. A breathtaking thrill ride by a masterful storyteller."
– Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“A high-voltage, whip-smart adventure that presents a future both eerily prescient and totally novel. Pulse-pounding and cinematic, with a twist that knocked the breath from me—I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.”
– Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fable for the End of the World
"With gorgeous prose, propulsive action, and swoonworthy banter, Coldwire has skyrocketed to one of my favorite books of the year. Gong’s cyberpunk thriller is unputdownable!"
– Axie Oh, New York Times bestselling author of The Floating World
"Super-charged with electrifying action, mindblowing twists, and timely commentary, Coldwire is a cyberpunk masterpiece ripe for our tumultuous new age."
– Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow
"Chloe Gong is bringing cyberpunk back in the best way with Coldwire. This book is page-turning action set in a gritty world with twists you won't see coming. Executed with laser-precision that will leave readers wanting more."
– Scott Reintgen, New York Times bestselling author of A Door in the Dark
"Gong’s wit and dialogue transport readers into two heroines’ alternating POVs as they fight for their space in an unjust world. Well-choreographed action sequences keep the battles interesting, while characters embark on a fetch quest layered in corporate conspiracies. Gong’s worldbuilding addresses themes of identity, reality, and race, with the heroines’ statuses as second-class citizens vital to the plot. Subtle foreshadowing is hidden behind humor and emotional highs, ensuring attentive readers are rewarded but still surprised....This inventive and explosive beginning to a cyberpunk trilogy is a first purchase."
– School Library Journal, starred review, 10/1/25
"Gong capably explores themes of diaspora, corporate control, and artificial intelligence while spinning a labyrinthine mystery with a sprinkle of romance."
– Publishers Weekly, 9/8/2025
"This series opener maintains a crackling pace, with inventive world-building and a cleverly executed reveal...
Inventive and engaging."
– Kirkus Reviews, 11/1/2025
"Chloe Gong has not only built an intricate cyberpunk world in Coldwire, but uses it to shine a searing light on our own reality—and the dangers that our future could hold. A breathtaking thrill ride by a masterful storyteller."
– Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“A high-voltage, whip-smart adventure that presents a future both eerily prescient and totally novel. Pulse-pounding and cinematic, with a twist that knocked the breath from me—I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.”
– Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fable for the End of the World
"With gorgeous prose, propulsive action, and swoonworthy banter, Coldwire has skyrocketed to one of my favorite books of the year. Gong’s cyberpunk thriller is unputdownable!"
– Axie Oh, New York Times bestselling author of The Floating World
"Super-charged with electrifying action, mindblowing twists, and timely commentary, Coldwire is a cyberpunk masterpiece ripe for our tumultuous new age."
– Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow
"Chloe Gong is bringing cyberpunk back in the best way with Coldwire. This book is page-turning action set in a gritty world with twists you won't see coming. Executed with laser-precision that will leave readers wanting more."
– Scott Reintgen, New York Times bestselling author of A Door in the Dark
"Gong’s wit and dialogue transport readers into two heroines’ alternating POVs as they fight for their space in an unjust world. Well-choreographed action sequences keep the battles interesting, while characters embark on a fetch quest layered in corporate conspiracies. Gong’s worldbuilding addresses themes of identity, reality, and race, with the heroines’ statuses as second-class citizens vital to the plot. Subtle foreshadowing is hidden behind humor and emotional highs, ensuring attentive readers are rewarded but still surprised....This inventive and explosive beginning to a cyberpunk trilogy is a first purchase."
– School Library Journal, starred review, 10/1/25
"Gong capably explores themes of diaspora, corporate control, and artificial intelligence while spinning a labyrinthine mystery with a sprinkle of romance."
– Publishers Weekly, 9/8/2025
"This series opener maintains a crackling pace, with inventive world-building and a cleverly executed reveal...
Inventive and engaging."
– Kirkus Reviews, 11/1/2025
"Chloe Gong has not only built an intricate cyberpunk world in Coldwire, but uses it to shine a searing light on our own reality—and the dangers that our future could hold. A breathtaking thrill ride by a masterful storyteller."
– Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“A high-voltage, whip-smart adventure that presents a future both eerily prescient and totally novel. Pulse-pounding and cinematic, with a twist that knocked the breath from me—I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.”
– Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fable for the End of the World
"With gorgeous prose, propulsive action, and swoonworthy banter, Coldwire has skyrocketed to one of my favorite books of the year. Gong’s cyberpunk thriller is unputdownable!"
– Axie Oh, New York Times bestselling author of The Floating World
"Super-charged with electrifying action, mindblowing twists, and timely commentary, Coldwire is a cyberpunk masterpiece ripe for our tumultuous new age."
– Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow
"Chloe Gong is bringing cyberpunk back in the best way with Coldwire. This book is page-turning action set in a gritty world with twists you won't see coming. Executed with laser-precision that will leave readers wanting more."
– Scott Reintgen, New York Times bestselling author of A Door in the Dark
"Gong’s wit and dialogue transport readers into two heroines’ alternating POVs as they fight for their space in an unjust world. Well-choreographed action sequences keep the battles interesting, while characters embark on a fetch quest layered in corporate conspiracies. Gong’s worldbuilding addresses themes of identity, reality, and race, with the heroines’ statuses as second-class citizens vital to the plot. Subtle foreshadowing is hidden behind humor and emotional highs, ensuring attentive readers are rewarded but still surprised....This inventive and explosive beginning to a cyberpunk trilogy is a first purchase."
– School Library Journal, starred review, 10/1/25
"Gong capably explores themes of diaspora, corporate control, and artificial intelligence while spinning a labyrinthine mystery with a sprinkle of romance."
– Publishers Weekly, 9/8/2025
"This series opener maintains a crackling pace, with inventive world-building and a cleverly executed reveal...
Inventive and engaging."
– Kirkus Reviews, 11/1/2025
"Chloe Gong has not only built an intricate cyberpunk world in Coldwire, but uses it to shine a searing light on our own reality—and the dangers that our future could hold. A breathtaking thrill ride by a masterful storyteller."
– Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“A high-voltage, whip-smart adventure that presents a future both eerily prescient and totally novel. Pulse-pounding and cinematic, with a twist that knocked the breath from me—I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.”
– Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fable for the End of the World
"With gorgeous prose, propulsive action, and swoonworthy banter, Coldwire has skyrocketed to one of my favorite books of the year. Gong’s cyberpunk thriller is unputdownable!"
– Axie Oh, New York Times bestselling author of The Floating World
"Super-charged with electrifying action, mindblowing twists, and timely commentary, Coldwire is a cyberpunk masterpiece ripe for our tumultuous new age."
– Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow
"Chloe Gong is bringing cyberpunk back in the best way with Coldwire. This book is page-turning action set in a gritty world with twists you won't see coming. Executed with laser-precision that will leave readers wanting more."
– Scott Reintgen, New York Times bestselling author of A Door in the Dark
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