Coldwire (Coldwire #1)

In a near-future world ravaged by deadly disease and extreme weather caused by climate change, humans rebuff reality for a virtual realm in this allegorical telling by Gong (Foul Heart Huntsman). Global superpowers Atahua and Medaluo vie for societal dominance in a decades-long cold war fought both IRL and virtually. Two Atahuan teens of Medan descent soon find themselves caught in the crosshairs. Framed for treason by an infamous anarchist, 18-year-old Eirale—a soldier for the virtual reality world developer NileCorp—flees into Medaluo to clear her name. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Lia, eager to complete her final exam mission and secure valedictorian at NileCorp Military Academy, sets out into Medaluo’s artificial reality to retrieve classified research from a rogue scientist. When their respective journeys converge, Eirale and Lia unravel a conspiracy that threatens to undermine everything they know about themselves and the world they live in. Using alternating first-person perspectives, Gong capably explores themes of diaspora, corporate control, and artificial intelligence while spinning a labyrinthine mystery with a sprinkle of romance. A slow beginning gives way to a tightly paced climax and a juicy sequel hook. Ethnic Medans cue as Chinese; Atahuans cue as white. Ages 14–up. Agent: Laura Crockett, Triada US. (Nov.)