In a post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk world where immortals rule and reality blurs with virtual existence, a morally conflicted bounty hunter named Thibault Allard is forced to hunt down a killer to gain leverage with his captor and continue his desperate search for his missing wife. Themes of memory, identity, and the cost of love drive this atmospheric, genre-blending story, which explores the illusion of free will and the struggle to retain humanity in a dystopian society.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth where immortal vampires rule over sun-shielded cities and virtual reality has become both a prison and an escape, the story follows Thibault Allard, a morally ambiguous bounty hunter determined to find and rescue his wife. After escaping a virtual reality addiction, Thibault works for a powerful, unsavory immortal in hopes of gaining access to information about his missing spouse. The plot centers on Thibault being forced to hunt down the killer of his boss's wife, leading him into the dangerous underworld of cult leaders, digital ghosts, and gladiatorial combat against monstrous adversaries. The novella blends science fiction, cyberpunk, and fantasy elements, featuring advanced technology, androids, augmented humans, and a society shaped by both virtual and real-world power struggles, with the narrative exploring themes of memory, morality, and the cost of love in a dystopian setting.

Readers praised the atmospheric and stylistic writing, noting the vivid and poetic descriptions that set the tone for the world, such as the line 'Memories etched wounds worse than any acid, scarring the mind with the residues of reality.' The integration of cyberpunk and fantastical elements, including virtual reality ('the slip'), the real world ('the bleed'), and the presence of androids and vampires, was highlighted as engaging and immersive. Many found the world-building intriguing, appreciating the hints of a complex power structure and the seamless inclusion of technology and myth. Side characters like Blink and Ors were frequently mentioned as memorable, and the protagonist's internal conflict and motivations, particularly his love for his wife, were seen as compelling driving forces for the narrative. The novella's ability to establish a foundation for a larger series while delivering a contained story was also noted.

Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with the limited exposition and the novella's tendency to withhold information about the world, its history, and the nature of the vampires, which left them wanting more context. The emotional connection to Thibault and his relationship with his wife was seen as underdeveloped by several reviewers, who felt that more flashbacks or direct experiences would have deepened their investment. The protagonist's morally questionable decisions and the bleak, unresolved ending were points of contention, with some feeling that the story did not provide enough closure or accomplishment for Thibault. Additionally, the decision to place a necessary epilogue behind a newsletter sign-up was criticized as detracting from the completeness of the book. A few minor editing issues were also noted.

The novella serves as a prequel to a planned series, with references to an upcoming main installment, 'A Spectre in the Steam.' The book has received a moderate number of ratings and reviews, averaging just under 4 stars, and has been featured in speculative fiction competitions such as SFINCS. The narrative is described as genre-blending, combining elements of science fiction, cyberpunk, fantasy, and mystery, and is recommended for readers interested in stories driven by complex power dynamics, advanced technology, and the psychological impact of memory and loss. The book's structure and length reflect its role as an introduction to a broader saga, and it has been compared to works like 'The Matrix,' 'Daybreakers,' and the TV show '1899' in terms of atmosphere and themes.