In a cyberpunk world plagued by ripper murders, detective Dori Drax seeks justice for her sister's death. As she hunts down the killers, she uncovers a web of betrayal and unexpected alliances, leading to a thrilling and surprising conclusion.

Reader Review Summary

"Dori" is a gripping, action-packed cyberpunk novel that fully immerses the reader in the gritty, neon-soaked world of Steris. Andrzej Kwiecień has crafted a rich and vivid sci-fi universe, one teeming with moral ambiguity, corporate greed, and technological wonder.

From the opening pages, Kwiecień deftly deploys his sharp prose and tight pacing to hook the reader into the seedy underworld of Steris, where ripperzy (organ harvesters) run rampant and life is cheap. Our guide is the uncompromising detective Dori Drax, a complex and compelling heroine haunted by past tragedies involving the ripperzy. With her fierce determination and biting sarcasm, Dori instantly cements herself as an iconic cyberpunk protagonist in the mold of Molly Millions or Motoko Kusanagi.

The worldbuilding is superb, eschewing tedious infodumps in favor of vivid scenery and clever technological flourishes that feel innovative yet plausible extensions of current trends. Grisly violence contrasts with stunning futuristic vistas, while the omnipresent chasm between the elite and the downtrodden simmers with class tension. Steris feels utterly alive, a phantasmagoric yet grounded megalopolis where incredible cybernetic modifications coexist with profound human suffering.

The supporting cast matches Dori's depth, with Kwiecień imbuing even minor players with nuanced motivations that make their fates resonate. The relationship between Dori and the enigmatic Ben sparks with banter and intrigue, leaving the reader eager to see where their dynamic leads. Antagonists possess convincing shades of gray that make them formidable yet understandable threats.

While the central mystery powering the plot is engrossing, with clever twists and inventive action set pieces, "Dori" soars by committing fully to its cyberpunk ethos. No thematic stone is left unturned as Kwiecień meditates on technology's impact on ethics, privacy, the body, and the soul. This is heady, slick sci-fi that shoots straight for the brain while the bullets fly.

The novel is not without flaws - Dori's characterization can feel thin at points, and her motives could use further fleshing out. A few plot conveniences also stick out. But these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of this neonpunk thrill ride. The sheer imagination and breakneck momentum Kwiecień conjures makes "Dori" a must-read cyberpunk experience.

For veterans of the genre as well as neophytes, "Dori" opens a fascinating new gateway into the cyberpunk realm. With its morally murky situations, disturbingly visceral concepts, and stunning ultraviolent set pieces, it's a perfect encapsulation of sci-fi's grittiest subgenre. Kwiecień has constructed a rich tapestry of a world that lingers long after the final page, leaving the reader craving an immediate return to the merciless, mesmerizing streets of Steris.