Book Club December Review: Coldwire by Chloe Gong

Did I choose this book because it was December and we're getting to the colder months? Or was it because I saw an event on the Waterstones website with Chloe Gong which compelled me to buy tickets because who wouldn't want to meet a successful young female author? Either way, Coldwire might seem like a rogue choice since we usually choose fantasy or contemporary thrillers, but we couldn't miss this cyberpunk novel in our current climate of AI taking over the world.

Coldwire is a dystopian novel that takes place in a world ravaged by natural disasters and epidemics, forcing humanity to build a virtual reality called upcountry. The ones who can't afford it remain in deteriorating downcountry. Split between two storylines, we follow two rivals, Lia and Kieren, in upcountry on their final assignment to infiltrate the enemy nation, and Eirale and Nik, a hardened soldier and the anarchist that kidnaps her in downcountry.

Our Rating

⭑⭑⭑⭑ - CY

⭑⭑⭑½ - Kay

It was a quick and easy read that offered a mystery from the very first page and a plot twist that we didn't see coming, making it difficult to put down. Whilst the world was rich and imaginative, it felt as though we needed slightly more to be fully immersed. Overall, we still enjoyed it and would read the second instalment in this trilogy to discover how the wider conflict will resolve.

Our Comments

• On Plot: It's hard to talk about this book without mentioning the huge plot twist, but I want to refrain from spoiling the story so you can be as shocked as we were when you finally pick this up. The different storylines worked really well because there was always this question at the back of our minds about when the paths of the characters will finally converge and reveal the truth behind the mysteries laid out from the beginning. This slow unravelling was intriguing enough to make us gloss over some of the plot holes.

• On Lia & Kieren: These two characters were marketed as rivals, but it was difficult to buy into the trope. We felt that Lia and Kieren were more like closeted lovers that have had feelings for each other since the beginning, their open rivalry only a show for their fellow classmates. Even during their final assignment, Kieren didn't seem to act for his own benefit. Although, I have to say that their banter was kind of cute. (But, Kieren, don't say such cheesy things, again!)

• On Eirale & Nik: We quite enjoyed this storyline because Gong lays out two mysteries from the very beginning. Firstly, Eirale's missing memory of her final assignment. Secondly, Nik's elusive persona as the most wanted anarchist. Even though the latter didn't quite live up to our expectations, it was compelling to watch Eirale grow into herself as she slowly discovers her connection to Nik's grand plan. I have to say that I was more engrossed in this storyline than that of Lia and Kieren. I mean, who doesn't like a man that fights for his beliefs? (Kieren was too much of a sucker for me.)

• On Worldbuilding: The world was captivating and refreshing because of the recent rise in AI technology without deviating too far from our current reality. At times, we wished there would have been more detail on how some aspects of the world worked, e.g. how do people get away so easily when almost everything is constantly being surveilled, but we have hope that the sequel will delve more into the lore.

• On YA: Both Kay and I feel like we've outgrown young adult fiction, so it came as a bit of a surprise when I realised that Coldwire belonged to that genre. For some reason, I just assumed it was adult fantasy. Since it was my fault that we weren't the target audience, it would be unfair to judge the book with our biased tastes. It was quite clear from the beginning that we couldn't relate to any of the cheesy dialogue or romantic scenes, so we did our best to rate Coldwire through a YA lens.

Would We Recommend It:

CY - I would recommend this book to my fellow readers because of the plot twist and how familiar the themes of the novel are in relation to society's current relationship with technology.

Kay - It was an interesting concept and I liked the plot, but it was very YA. I'd only recommend it if you like YA and are prepared for a bit of cringe.

Have you read Coldwire by Chloe Gong? If so, are you ready to dive into its sequel which is coming out in November this year? Let us know what you think of the plot twist, as well!