Common Sense Media Review
By Julian Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action, mystery, and intrigue in YA cyberpunk sci-fi novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In COLDWIRE, humanity suffers from the threat of climate change, raging pandemics, and crime. In response, StrangeLoom, a software engine, enables nations with a server to constructs a new virtual world where humanity can flourish. However, two rival nations, Atahua and Medaulo, are caught in a cold war of information warfare, espionage, and deception over who will claim dominance over the technology and virtual world as they know it. Eirale and Lia undergo separate missions for NileCorp, a company headquartered within the Federated States of Atahua. NileCorp soldier Eirale Ward's mission is to secretly aid a fugitive anarchist in search of a dangerous program within enemy territory. Thirteen-year-old Nile Military Academy Cadet, Lia Sullivan is on her final assignment as a Cadet tracking down a traitor who defected to the enemy. Unknown to both of them, their respective journeys begin to connect to a devastating truth that could shatter the reality of who they are.
Is It Any Good?
This science fiction novel is a riveting cyberpunk instant classic. It's an immersive story touching on themes of evolving technology in today's world including AI, robots taking over people in the workforce, information warfare, misinformation, corporate bureaucracy, and the ethical lines between AI and humanity. With a fascinating set-up of a Cold War revolving around which country will be the dominant superpower in virtual reality, Gong's impressive world-building and gripping storyline will entice readers into this first entry in the "StrangeLoom" Trilogy. Add in explorations of climate change, sickness, crime, corruption, and racism, the story could feel heavy and didactic, but instead is a powerful call to be a part of solving the crises of the present.
Eirale and Lia are captivating protagonists. They are different, yet compelling characters. Eirale is introduced as a loyal soldier for NileCorp who is headstrong in her convictions that the ideals of her adopted nation are just and right despite NileCorp's corruption. During her undercover mission, she becomes curious about her past, and the people she is with may hold the key to uncovering the answers to the questions that plague her. Lia, on the other hand, is upbeat and determined, a cadet who prepares to excel at her final exam at Nile Military Academy to become valedictorian and serve as part of her father's security detail. Similar to Eirale, her journey is also one of introspection, exploring her own identity within Medaluo's upcountry regions. Both characters' narrative arcs collide in a climactic series of shocking chapters that will leave readers eager for book two. Coldwire will be hit with most teen fans of science fiction, cyberpunk, dystopia, and romance genres.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how curiosity shaped the journeys of both Eirale and Lia in Coldwire. How does being curious help you grow as a person?
Eirale and Lia exhibited perseverance to complete their respective goals throughout the story. What was a situation in which you exhibited perseverance in your life?
Talk about AI and the use of technology to control people. Are these realistic concerns? What do you think our future will be like in terms of technologies using AI?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Robots , STEM ( AI , Science )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Margaret K. McElderry
- Publication date : November 4, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 496
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 10, 2025
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