FIREBREAK

Carlotta Brentan narrates a dystopian cyberpunk story in which megacorporations have taken over and divided the country. Two corporations have each claimed half of America--with the last remaining city straddling the division and serving as a horrific battleground. There, Mallory streams herself playing an online game based on the city and the war until an ally disappears and a shocking secret comes to light. Brentan's narration is easily the stand-out element of the audiobook; her earnest delivery catches the ear. She captures character voices with aplomb while keeping the action taut and tense. The story has some faults, but Brentan's performance diminishes them, ensuring that this is engaging cyberpunk. J.M.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2021]