In a neon-lit, rain-soaked future city, Risa, the only cyborg able to interface with any machine, AI, or human, finds her unique abilities—and her very identity—threatened by a series of unsettling events. Exploring themes of transhumanism, identity, and resilience through a feminist lens, the novella delves into Risa's struggle to protect vulnerable women while confronting the dark secrets of Neolutetia.

Reader Review Summary

Set in the neon-lit, rain-soaked streets of NeoLutetia, this feminist cyberpunk novella follows Risa, the city's only cyborg, who possesses the unique ability to interface with any machine, AI, or human. The narrative explores what happens when Risa's singularity is threatened, plunging her into a series of events that challenge her identity and role in a world reminiscent of Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell. The story is concise, spanning around 160 pages, and delves into themes such as transhumanism, identity, guilt, and resilience, all within a dark, atmospheric urban setting filled with vibrant neon and advertising holograms. The protagonist, Risa, is depicted as a complex character with a troubled past, dedicated to rescuing young women and confronting the horrors embedded in NeoLutetia.

Readers appreciated the novella's intense and immersive storytelling, noting the effective use of the short format to deliver a tightly constructed plot. The writing style was praised for its emotional depth and humanity, with particular mention of the nuanced portrayal of Risa and the subtle feminist undertones woven into the narrative. Some found the decision to forgo extensive world-building exposition engaging, as it allowed them to be immediately immersed in the setting. The focus on the internal struggles of the protagonist and the depiction of 'female rage' were highlighted as strengths, as was the pacing, which kept the story moving from revelation to revelation.

Some readers found the themes and philosophical questions addressed in the novella to be familiar or repetitive, feeling that they had encountered similar ideas in other works. The initial immersion into the world was described as challenging due to the rapid introduction of names, nicknames, and pseudonyms, which could be disorienting. Criticisms also included the perception of the story as a 'festival of clichés' and a lack of originality in its approach to the cyberpunk genre. For some, the brevity of the novella was a drawback, as it limited the depth of exploration for certain themes.

Published on May 15, 2025, and authored by Floriane Soulas, the book has received an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 from 24 readers, with 5 full reviews available. It is categorized as science fiction and is written in French. The novella format and the focus on a single protagonist navigating a futuristic cityscape are central to its structure. The book's marketing emphasizes its feminist angle and the protagonist's unique abilities, positioning it within the broader context of contemporary cyberpunk literature.