An instant New York Times bestseller! From #1 New York Times bestselling author Chloe Gong comes the first book in the dystopian Strangleloom trilogy, an “ adrenaline-fueled mystery ” ( School Library Journal , starred review) in which humanity has moved to virtual reality to flee their deteriorating world, following two young soldiers who must depend on unlikely allies in their fight for survival. The future is loading… To escape rising seas and rampant epidemics, most of society lives “upcountry” in glistening virtual reality, while those who can’t afford the subscription are forced to remain in crumbling “downcountry.” But upcountry isn’t perfect. A cold war rages between two powerful nations, Medaluo and Atahua—and no one suffers for it more than the Medan orphans in Atahua. Their enrollment at Nile Military Academy is mandatory. Either serve as a soldier, or risk being labelled a spy. Eirale graduated the academy and joined NileCorp’s private forces downcountry, exactly as she was supposed to. Then Atahua’s most wanted anarchist frames her for assassinating a government official, and she’s given a choice: cooperate with him to search for a dangerous program in Medaluo or go down for treason. Meanwhile, Lia is finishing her last year upcountry at Nile Military Academy. Paired with her academic nemesis for their final assignment, Lia is determined to beat him for valedictorian and prove her worth. But there may be far more at stake when their task to infiltrate Medaluo and track down an Atahuan traitor goes wrong… Though Eirale and Lia tear through Medaluo on different planes of reality, the two start to suspect they are puzzle pieces in a larger conspiracy—and the closer they get to the truth, the closer their worlds come to a shattering collision. "Gong’s wit and dialogue transport readers into two heroines’ alternating POVs as they fight for their space in an unjust world. Well-choreographed action sequences keep the battles interesting, while characters embark on a fetch quest layered in corporate conspiracies. Gong’s worldbuilding addresses themes of identity, ­reality, and race, with the heroines’ statuses as second-class citizens vital to the plot. Subtle foreshadowing is hidden behind ­humor and emotional highs, ensuring attentive readers are rewarded but still surprised....This inventive and explosive beginning to a cyberpunk trilogy is a first purchase." -- School Library Journal, starred review ― 10/1/25 "Gong capably explores themes of diaspora, corporate control, and artificial intelligence while spinning a labyrinthine mystery with a sprinkle of romance." -- Publishers Weekly ― 9/8/2025 "This series opener maintains a crackling pace, with inventive worldbuilding and a cleverly executed reveal... Inventive and engaging." -- Kirkus Reviews ― 11/1/2025 "Chloe Gong has not only built an intricate cyberpunk world in Coldwire , but uses it to shine a searing light on our own reality—and the dangers that our future could hold. A breathtaking thrill ride by a masterful storyteller." -- Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author “A high-voltage, whip-smart adventure that presents a future both eerily prescient and totally novel. Pulse-pounding and cinematic, with a twist that knocked the breath from me—I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.” -- Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fable for the End of the World "With gorgeous prose, propulsive action, and swoonworthy banter, Coldwire has skyrocketed to one of my favorite books of the year. Gong’s cyberpunk thriller is unputdownable!" -- Axie Oh, New York Times bestselling author of The Floating World "Super-charged with electrifying action, mindblowing twists, and timely commentary, Coldwire is a cyberpunk masterpiece ripe for our tumultuous new age." -- Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow "Chloe Gong is bringing cyberpunk back in the best way with Coldwire . This book is page-turning action set in a gritty world with twists you won't see coming. Executed with laser-precision that will leave readers wanting more." -- Scott Reintgen, New York Times bestselling author of A Door in the Dark Chloe Gong is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the critically acclaimed Secret Shanghai novels, as well as the Flesh and False Gods trilogy. Her books have been published in over twenty countries and have been featured in the New York Times , People , Cosmopolitan , and more. She was named one of Forbes ’s 30 Under 30 for 2024. Chloe graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English and international relations. Born in Shanghai and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, she is now located in New York City, pretending to be a real adult. Chapter 1: Eirale 1 EIRALE At ten minutes to midnight, the riot bots detonate around the block. Our ropes tremble, each suspended harness bracing against the shock waves slithering up the sk