In a near-future society where social capital and online presence determine personal worth, Damon’s life unravels after his universal basic income royalties vanish, his girlfriend leaves, and he learns he’s dying. Determined to solve his own impending murder, he navigates a world shaped by influencer culture and the commodification of popularity.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future society where social capital and online presence determine personal worth, the story follows Damon, whose life unravels after his UBI royalties collapse, his social standing evaporates, and his girlfriend leaves him. Facing the revelation of his impending death, Damon embarks on a quest to solve his own murder, with the added hope of financial gain. The narrative blends elements of science fiction and noir, exploring the consequences of a world where digital popularity is currency. The book is categorized as a short story and is scheduled for publication on July 30, 2025, by Alex Irvine, with DRM-free distribution at the publisher's request.

Readers appreciated the book's exploration of a society dominated by social media metrics, noting its relevance to current trends where online popularity equates to value. The depiction of a world where 'follows and reels' are central to personal worth resonated with readers, who found the premise plausible and timely. The story's initial setup as a hard-boiled noir in a futuristic context, along with its engagement with influencer culture, were highlighted as engaging aspects.

Some readers felt that while the story began strongly, it did not maintain its momentum throughout. Criticisms focused on the ending, with comments that the narrative 'fell apart' and did not 'stick the landing.' This suggests that the resolution or final act did not meet the expectations set by the book's promising start and intriguing concepts.

The book has received a modest amount of attention, with 9 reader ratings and 4 full reviews, resulting in an average rating of 3.33 out of 5. It is available to read for free on the Reactor Magazine website, as indicated by multiple reviewers. The work is classified under both short stories and science fiction genres, and is authored by Alex Irvine.