In a near-future world saturated by AI and virtual reality, reclusive hacker Julia Z is drawn out of hiding to help a desperate lawyer find his kidnapped wife, a renowned dream artist whose unique abilities have entangled her with a dangerous criminal syndicate. The story explores the blurred boundaries between technology, identity, and art, raising questions about privacy, connection, and the consequences of a society increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future world where artificial intelligence and pervasive technology are deeply integrated into daily life, the novel follows Julia Z, a former “orphan hacker” who is drawn out of her self-imposed obscurity when a lawyer named Piers seeks her help to find his kidnapped wife, Elli, a renowned dream artist known as an onierofex. Elli’s unique ability to weave collective dream experiences through advanced virtual reality technology has attracted the attention of an international criminal syndicate, leading to a high-stakes investigation that takes Julia across the country and into the digital and psychological shadows of her own past. The narrative explores themes such as the intersection of technology and identity, the commodification of art in an AI-driven society, the nature of memory and consciousness, and the societal impact of ubiquitous surveillance and data collection. The story is structured as a techno-thriller with cyberpunk and mystery elements, featuring hacking sequences, AI assistants, and a blend of first- and third-person perspectives that shift between Julia, Piers, and the antagonists.

Readers appreciated the book’s detailed and plausible worldbuilding, particularly its extrapolation of current trends in AI, surveillance, and digital culture into a near-future setting. Many found the exploration of the role of AI in art, privacy, and human connection to be thought-provoking, with several reviews highlighting the concept of dream artistry and the use of technology to create collective emotional experiences. The protagonist, Julia Z, was often described as compelling, with her combination of technical brilliance, emotional vulnerability, and complex backstory resonating with readers. The fast-paced, thriller-like structure, clear prose, and integration of philosophical questions about technology’s impact on society were also cited as strengths. Some readers, especially those new to Ken Liu, found the book gripping and accessible, and praised its ability to provoke reflection on contemporary issues.

Criticisms focused on several recurring issues. Many readers found the pacing uneven, noting that the story’s momentum was disrupted by lengthy digressions into the mechanics of AI and technology, and that a major climax occurred well before the end, leading to a jarring tonal shift. The narrative’s frequent shifts in perspective—from first to third person and between characters—were described as disorienting and sometimes undermined the intimacy or suspense. Character development, especially for secondary characters and villains, was often seen as thin or caricatured, with some readers feeling that emotional stakes and relationships lacked depth. The prose was described by some as overly direct or YA-like, lacking the subtlety and lyricism of Liu’s previous works. Several reviewers also felt that the book’s thematic commentary on AI, art, and society was heavy-handed, with too much exposition and authorial intrusion, and that the story sometimes prioritized message over narrative immersion.

The book is the first in a planned series and has received a mixed but generally positive reception, with an average rating of 3.71 out of 5 from 77 ratings and 63 full reviews. While some readers compared it to the works of Blake Crouch and Stieg Larsson, others noted that it differs significantly from Ken Liu’s earlier fantasy and short fiction, both in style and emotional impact. The novel’s accessibility and focus on contemporary technological anxieties make it approachable for new readers, though longtime fans of Liu’s more intricate or poetic works may find it less satisfying. The book’s publication is scheduled for October 2025, and it has generated anticipation for future installments, with some readers expressing eagerness to see how the series develops and others uncertain about continuing.