A Filipina-American content moderator in Las Vegas is promoted to oversee virtual reality environments for a tech giant, navigating the psychological toll of her work, family pressures, and the isolating perks of corporate success. As she becomes entangled with the enigmatic co-founder of the VR company, the novel explores trauma, corporate overreach, immigrant identity, and the complexities of real connection in a hyper-mediated, dystopian near-future.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future shaped by financial crises, climate catastrophe, and a global pandemic, the novel follows Girlie Delmundo, a Filipina-American content moderator who is considered the best in her field. After her company Paragon acquires Fairground, a leading virtual reality platform, Girlie is promoted to an elite VR moderator role, offering her financial stability and the means to help her family. The story explores her navigation of the isolating, psychologically taxing world of content moderation—both in traditional social media and in immersive VR environments—while delving into her family history, trauma, and the pressures of immigrant life. As Girlie becomes entangled with William Cheung, Fairground’s enigmatic co-founder, the narrative weaves together themes of corporate overreach, technology’s impact on society, and a restrained, slow-burn romance, all set against the backdrop of Las Vegas and the evolving tech industry.

Readers praised the novel’s sharp, witty prose and the depth of its main character, Girlie, whose voice is described as emotionally armored, sarcastic, and deeply human. Many highlighted the book’s nuanced depiction of content moderation, the psychological toll it takes, and its unflinching look at the darker aspects of online life. The writing style, with its lush imagery, acerbic humor, and detailed cultural references, was frequently cited as a strength. Several reviewers appreciated the slow-burn, understated romance and the way the narrative balanced social commentary with emotional depth. The world-building, particularly the integration of VR technology and its corporate implications, was also noted as immersive and smart. Some readers found the book thought-provoking, especially in its exploration of immigrant family dynamics, trauma, and the complexities of desire and connection.

Criticisms centered on the pacing and structure, with multiple readers noting that the story’s focus shifted abruptly or that the ending felt rushed and unresolved. Some felt that the romance was underdeveloped or lacked convincing chemistry, particularly regarding William’s character, who was seen as aloof or insufficiently fleshed out. Others were disappointed that the VR and tech elements took a backseat to office politics or family drama, and that certain plotlines or side characters were not fully explored. The book’s graphic depictions of disturbing content, including child abuse and suicide, were flagged as unexpectedly intense or gratuitous by some, with calls for clearer content warnings. A few readers found the protagonist’s emotional detachment distancing, and some struggled with the long chapters and narrative digressions. There were also comments that the book tried to cover too many themes at once, leading to a lack of cohesion.

The novel is scheduled for publication in August 2025 and has received a moderate average rating of 3.57 out of 5 from over 600 readers, with a significant number of full reviews. It is categorized across genres including fiction, romance, contemporary, literary fiction, and science fiction, and is available in audiobook format, with the author herself providing narration. The cover art was frequently mentioned as striking or appealing, though some felt it was unrelated to the story. Content warnings for graphic material were a recurring topic in reviews. The book is Elaine Castillo’s second novel, following her earlier work 'America Is Not the Heart,' and several readers compared the two, noting differences in tone and focus.