In a near-future world dominated by capitalism, a repoman gets entangled in a heist involving stealing the first sentient AI, leading to a complex web of consequences and moral dilemmas. The story explores themes of family, identity, capitalism, and the blurred lines between virtual and real worlds.

Reader Review Summary

Repo Virtual is a gripping cyberpunk novel that takes readers on an exhilarating ride through a vividly imagined near-future world where reality and virtual existence blur. Corey J. White skillfully blends classic cyberpunk elements with a fresh perspective, creating an immersive and action-packed narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

One of the book's standout strengths is its exceptional world-building. The city of Neo Songdo, a coastal Korean metropolis, comes alive with vivid details that seamlessly merge the physical and digital realms. Readers are transported into a world where augmented reality overlays the gritty, poverty-stricken streets with a glossy corporate facade, while millions engage in virtual warfare across vast simulated battlefields. This rich, multifaceted setting provides the perfect backdrop for the high-stakes heist that propels the story forward.

White's characters are another highlight, each one meticulously crafted with distinct personalities and identities. The diverse cast includes queer, disabled, and gender-nonconforming individuals, seamlessly woven into the narrative without ever feeling tokenized. The protagonist, Julius Dax (JD), is a complex and flawed hero, a down-on-his-luck thief and repoman navigating a world that has left him few options. His relationships with his ex-boyfriend, Troy, and his mother add depth and emotional resonance to the story.

Repo Virtual shines in its exploration of artificial intelligence and the philosophical questions surrounding sentience and personhood. The introduction of a nascent AI, initially stolen as a mere piece of software, raises thought-provoking dilemmas about the nature of consciousness and the ethical implications of creating and potentially exploiting a sentient being. White handles these weighty themes with nuance and sensitivity, allowing the AI's development to unfold organically through its interactions with the human characters.

The novel's pacing is masterful, with the first half devoted to the intricate planning and execution of the daring heist, and the second half picking up speed as the consequences of JD's actions come crashing down around him. White's talent for writing gripping action sequences is on full display, with intense chase scenes, daring escapes, and high-stakes confrontations that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Throughout the novel, White seamlessly incorporates timely social commentary on capitalism, corporate greed, and the exploitation of technology and labor. However, he avoids heavy-handed preaching, allowing these themes to emerge organically from the characters' experiences and the world they inhabit.

Repo Virtual is a captivating and thought-provoking addition to the cyberpunk genre, expertly blending cutting-edge technology, gritty realism, and philosophical depth. Corey J. White's debut novel is a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone who appreciates well-crafted science fiction that explores profound questions about humanity's relationship with technology and the nature of consciousness itself.