LINKS

KEYWORDS

Cyberpunk Retelling
Queer Romance
Class Struggle
Filipino American Protagonist
Corporate Espionage

Local Heavens

by K.M. FAJARDO

In a cyberpunk New York City of 2075, Filipino American hacker Nick Carraway is tasked with investigating the enigmatic billionaire Jay Gatsby, only to become entangled in a web of desire, class struggle, and the moral decay of a tech-obsessed elite. This queer reimagining of The Great Gatsby explores the enduring costs of ambition, love, and identity amid the ruins of the American Dream.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a cyberpunk New York City of 2075, the novel reimagines The Great Gatsby through the eyes of Nick Carraway, now a Filipino American corporate hacker sent to investigate the enigmatic billionaire Jay Gatsby. The story unfolds in a fractured, late-capitalist America where the wealthy use advanced technology and body modifications to maintain their status and cheat death, while the middle class crumbles beneath them. The narrative explores themes of class, race, sexuality, and the enduring impact of the American Dream, with Nick navigating both the physical and virtual worlds as he becomes entangled in the lives and secrets of Gatsby, Daisy, Jordan, and Tom. The book is described as both a tribute to Fitzgerald’s original and a standalone story, blending elements of cyberpunk, speculative fiction, and queer romance, and is noted for its focus on the consequences of ambition, exploitation, and the search for meaning in a technologically saturated society.

Readers praised the book’s prose, often noting its lush, immersive, and sometimes Fitzgerald-inspired style, as well as its ability to balance homage with a distinct narrative voice. The character work, especially the reimagining of Nick as a Filipino American and the nuanced portrayals of Jordan, Daisy, and Gatsby, was frequently highlighted as a strength. Many appreciated the handling of relationships, both platonic and romantic, particularly the slow-burn dynamic between Nick and Gatsby and the inclusion of queer subtext. The worldbuilding, while sometimes challenging, was generally seen as thoughtful and effective, with readers noting the integration of cyberpunk elements and the depiction of a stratified, tech-driven society. The book’s social commentary on class, race, and capitalism resonated with many, and several reviewers mentioned that the story’s emotional impact and thematic depth prompted reflection and discussion.

Some readers expressed concerns about the book’s reliance on the original Gatsby narrative, feeling that it sometimes leaned too heavily on familiar plot points and structure, which could make it feel less like a standalone work. A few found the pacing slow, especially in the first half, and noted that certain side plots or character motivations felt underdeveloped or were introduced and then left unresolved for long stretches. There were comments about the dialogue occasionally feeling unnatural or overly expository, with some characters serving as vehicles for thematic exposition rather than organic participants in the story. A minority of reviewers found the worldbuilding or cyberpunk elements confusing or insufficiently explained, and some felt that the love square dynamic was frustrating or that certain characters, such as Jordan or Tom, lacked depth or clear motivation. Technical issues with ARC formatting were also mentioned but not attributed to the content itself.

The book is scheduled for release in October 2025 and has garnered significant early attention, with a high average rating and a large number of reviews prior to publication. The author, K.M. Fajardo, has engaged with readers directly, providing context about the book’s inspirations, content warnings, and the writing process. The novel is positioned as both a centennial tribute to The Great Gatsby and a work that stands at the intersection of multiple genres, including science fiction, LGBT fiction, and retellings. The story’s approach to themes such as transhumanism, racism, and the persistence of social inequalities is frequently noted, and the book has been recommended for readers interested in speculative fiction, queer narratives, and literary reinterpretations of classic works.

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