In the neon-lit, corporate-dominated city of Neo Stellaris, a desperate cyberrunner with rare electromagnetic powers and a ruthless corporate enforcer are forced into an uneasy alliance to solve a high-profile murder, uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the city’s fragile balance. Amidst gritty violence, addiction, and mutual obsession, their enemies-to-lovers dynamic crackles with tension as they navigate a world where power, technology, and survival are inextricably linked—and genuine connection comes at a deadly price.

Reader Review Summary

Set in the neon-lit, dystopian city of Neo Stellaris, this cyberpunk romance follows Eon Ibarra, a bisexual hacker and sex worker with rare electromagnetic Flux powers, and Cy Hoshina, a corporate black ops agent with matching abilities. The city is controlled by corporations, riddled with gangs, and stratified by wealth, with those possessing Flux powers surviving on the margins. Eon, driven by the need to support her hospitalized mother, navigates the underbelly of the city through sex work and cybercrime, while Cy enforces corporate interests with lethal efficiency. Their paths collide during a data heist, resulting in a mysterious synchronization of their powers and an uneasy alliance as they investigate the murder of a POM Enterprises executive. The narrative weaves together elements of political intrigue, murder mystery, and a high-stakes conspiracy involving gangs, cults, and corporate corruption, all while exploring the intense, often antagonistic relationship between the protagonists. The story is characterized by mature themes, including addiction, trauma, and mental health struggles, and features a blend of science fiction, urban fantasy, and dark romance.

Readers highlighted the book’s immersive worldbuilding, describing Neo Stellaris as a vivid, atmospheric setting with detailed depictions of both its technological advancements and social decay. The character development of Eon and Cy was frequently praised, with many noting their complexity, moral ambiguity, and the depth of their trauma and motivations. The dynamic between the leads—marked by enemies-to-lovers tension, mutual obsession, and witty banter—was cited as a major draw, as was the inclusion of dual POVs and backstory for both characters. Side characters such as Maddox, Mercy, Dev, and the AI DITA were also well received, adding humor and emotional resonance. Readers appreciated the exploration of themes like corporate exploitation, addiction, and survival, as well as the book’s handling of consent and power dynamics. The plot’s fast pace, frequent twists, and cliffhanger ending were mentioned as keeping readers engaged and eager for the sequel.

Some readers found the execution of the story to be occasionally messy, particularly in the early chapters where the worldbuilding was described as dense or overwhelming. A few noted that certain concepts and descriptions were abstract or confusing, and that the narrative sometimes assumed familiarity with cyberpunk tropes. The use of Japanese language in dialogue was mentioned as feeling out of place by at least one reviewer. Additionally, the book’s focus on plot and mystery over romance was noted by some as a potential drawback for those expecting a more romance-centered story. The cliffhanger ending and the amount of exposition in the final chapters were also cited as points of frustration.

The book is the first in a planned duet, with a sequel anticipated by readers due to the unresolved plotlines and dramatic ending. It contains mature content and addresses topics such as sex work, addiction, mental health, and violence, with reader guidance provided at the start. The narrative includes elements of bi representation, mutual stalking, hacker-versus-enforcer dynamics, and a blend of technology and elemental superpowers. The average reader rating is 4.68 out of 5, based on 90 ratings and 61 full reviews, and the book is positioned for adult audiences who enjoy dark, high-stakes science fiction and romance with social commentary.