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Cybernetic addiction plagues the populace of Cyber City, a neon metropolis of grime and crime. The government promises a tech-free ‘Utopia’ for the Virgins, a small community rejecting body modification technology. But before the invitation goes public, the Virgins begin to disappear.

Xia, a lawbreaking freelancer with a haunting past, is the first to notice the strange vanishings. As she puts the pieces together, she reveals a sinister someone is kidnapping Virgins and using their bodies to escape to the promised Utopia. Teaming up with Mai, a Virgin prostitute, Xia’s mission shifts from simple protection as a means for money into an impossible helping the Virgins escape the city.

This mission puts them at odds against both the mysterious Virgin body snatchers and Cyber City’s government—two threats that could end in fates worse than death. As the unlikely duo embark on the impossible, they discover secrets more shocking than the plasma dome that traps the city within.

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2024

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Nina Voss

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for J M Boutwell.
5 reviews
August 21, 2024
Cyberpunk Meets Detective Noir in This Gripping Dystopian Saga

Neon Noir, by Nina Voss, is the first in a compelling saga that immerses you in the neon-soaked dystopia of Cyber City, where cybernetic addiction runs rampant and the government’s promises are as toxic as the acid rain.

Nina Voss seamlessly blends the gritty atmosphere of detective noir with the high-tech, low-life essence of cyberpunk.

Complete with mysterious dames with shady pasts and damsels in distress, Neon Noir weaves a narrative that echoes the timeless allure of classic noir while immersing readers in a dystopian future where trust is scarce and survival comes at a steep price.

At the heart of the decaying Cyber City is Xia, a lawbreaking freelancer with a heavy heart and a past that haunts her every step. When the Virgins—a small, tech-averse sect—start disappearing, Xia takes notice. Her investigation quickly spirals into a perilous mission to protect the Virgins from forces far more sinister than she could have imagined.

Nina Voss excels in world-building, painting a gritty picture of a society teetering on the edge of collapse. The city feels like a character, with its towering structures, narrow alleys, and flickering neon lights glowing hazily through the thick, cloying smog. It reaches for you, inciting you to partake in the rampant hedonistic culture of its citizens, drawing you deeper into the gritty, unforgiving world where danger lurks in every promise of pleasure.

The narrative doesn’t just rely on vivid descriptions; it also incorporates surprisingly complex social commentary. When one beautiful face is indistinguishable from the next and the lines between human and machine blur beyond recognition, Cyber City feels more like home than a dystopian future ought to.

There are no one-dimensional characters in Cyber City. Each has depth, shaped by the harsh reality of a world where humanity is commodified and freedom is an illusion. Throughout the book, we follow Xia and, to a lesser extent, our resident damsel in distress—oh wait, Mai is a strong, independent woman, willing to go to any lengths to save her people and uncover the truth.

Xia and Mai are accompanied by a whole cast of fully developed characters that push and pull the plot in unexpected directions. No one is exactly who you think they’re going to be, and everyone has their own agenda in this gritty, multi-layered narrative.

Would I recommend this book?

The pacing is dense but rewarding, demanding your full attention as you piece together the story’s many intricate layers. From the initial investigation to the climactic confrontations, every chapter adds to the building tension, culminating in revelations that leave you eager for more.

It’s a gritty, immersive journey through a world that feels both futuristic and eerily familiar.

Neon Noir delivers a dark, thrilling exploration of a society on the brink. With strong characters, a gripping plot, and a city that feels alive in its decay, this novel is a standout in the cyberpunk genre.

*I received an ARC of this book. My review was not required, and the opinions expressed in this review are genuine.
5 reviews
August 12, 2024
Neon Noir is a great example of how world building and character development should be. Thrown into an inhumanly cruel world filled with very human characters, I was immediately engrossed in the struggles and co-operation between all of the characters. There's quite a cast. The science fiction is well written and plausible, and the AI stuff is pretty relevant to what's happening in our world today. I liked the clever use of alliteration as well. Can't wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Richard.
771 reviews31 followers
November 1, 2024
DISCLAIMER - I received a free copy of this book to review for the 2024/25 Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC).

Neon Noir by Nina Voss is a disturbing dystopian book predicting a bleak future for our planet, a genre I have been reading much of in the past few years.

Voss introduces us to a world where enhancing your body with physical augmentations is the norm. Like tattoos, some people have only one or two while others have gone for the full body approach. While these augmentations give you enhanced perceptions and abilities, you need to take a daily shot to keep your body from rejecting them.

Voss’s main protagonist is a woman named Zia who uses her skills and augmentations to eke out a living. Depending on the day and the client she alternations between sides of the law, most often finding herself in the seedier sections of the city. Somehow Zia stumbles onto a diabolical plot by the corrupt authorities to kidnap “virgins,” i.e. people with no enhancements, for some unknown purpose and sets off to save the innocent victims.

The storyline moves quickly with; a lot of action, characters who keep you guessing as to their intentions, and a constantly evolving maze of intrigue. Fortunately the story is engaging enough to distract you from the inconsistent writing and the unbelievable science. While I wanted to like this book, I found myself putting it down and then delaying picking it up again. While this is book one in a promised series, the ending came abruptly, leaving me wondering if I had missed downloading a last chapter.
Profile Image for Sean Tirman.
Author 3 books5 followers
November 11, 2024
If you're a fan of gritty cyberpunk sci-fi with a lot of heart, you'll love Nina Voss's Neon Noir. The characters are unique and interesting, and the world is refreshingly novel yet comfortably familiar (especially if you're a fan of hardboiled '80s science fiction). It's also engaging to read without being too cerebral or self-serving. I can't wait for the next one.

For transparency's sake, the author gifted me an ARC copy of this book (with no strings attached). However, I also bought a hard copy of my own accord because I wanted to have it on my bookshelf (and I'll certainly reread it).
Profile Image for Stephen Winter.
52 reviews
November 9, 2025
This book was one wild ride! A dystopian, cyberpunk sci-fi centered on Xia, a freelancer in Cyber City who gets dragged into a deadly government conspiracy experimenting on its own citizens.

The standout for me was the world-building of Cyber City—immersive, inventive, and just plain fun. Almost like the Wild West and Tokyo had a baby. I could easily see this as a movie.

Imagine Blade Runner meets Mad Max!
Profile Image for Amber The Gaming Booktrovert.
37 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2024
With full disclosure, I received this book as an advanced reader copy in exchange for my true thoughts and review. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I'm not usually one for sci-fi type books, but this one intrigued me from the description and cover. Being a gamer - the cyberpunk aspect and cover called to me. I am also a huge fan of thrillers/mysteries, and this book appeals to both of those as well. Set in a dystopian future where nearly everyone in the population has modded their bodies, there is a group of people called "Virgins." Those who have 0 mods. Suddenly a new land (Basically a promised land by description) is being offered, only for the virgins to sign up to move to, but you can't see it first and are given little information about it.. The virgins are weary and distrustful, while others are envious that they do not qualify. Just how far will people go to reach this promised land? Think Invasion Of The Body Snatchers meets Divergent. Fair warning this book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next book though!
Profile Image for Diana Blaylock.
7 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2024
Neon Noir follows Xia, a freelancer of a cyberpunk city. She's punky, she's a hard-a$$, and she's going to get crap done. Xia uncovers a government plot, and while she seeks answers, she makes a few unexpected (sometimes unwanted!) friends along the way.

I loved the imagery in this novel. Nina Voss does a great job of painting a clear picture of each scene and each character.

The ending is quick and will have you going, "Uh oh. Uh oh. UH OH NOW WHAT?"

For whom the content matters: there is cursing (it IS adult fiction) and mentions of sex, but nothing explicit happens on page. Most of violence is quickly summed up.

Disclaimer: I read Neon Noir as an ARC.
Profile Image for J.E. Erickson.
Author 7 books23 followers
January 7, 2025
This scratched my itch for my early teen years when I would wake up early to catch the Sci-Fi Channel's Saturday morning Japanese animated films.

Of all genres on my shelves, cyberpunk is not only the thinnest but also the most recent. Of them, Neon Noir has to be the most accessible title. It doesn't bog itself down with jargon, there's enough of the "current world" that I had no problem falling into the setting, and the tropes are familiar without feeling contrived or shoe-horned in. It's simple without being simplistic.

Xia is amazing. I'm in love with the badass FMC with a plucky sidekick (Xena: Warrior Princess comes to mind). She's complicated without being distant (in a narrative sense), smart, capable, and troubled. Very much a person who does the wrong things (illegal, in the world of the story) for the right reasons.

The story is well-paced. Though the ending felt a bit abrupt, it wasn't jarring. The worldbuilding worked for me, too. It's not a book with everything front-loaded before we get to the story. The world emerges organically.

Overall, this is a lovely book. I'm eagerly anticipating where the next in the series takes me.
Profile Image for Hoyt.
393 reviews8 followers
October 5, 2024
Rating: 4.25. As a big fan of cyberpunk stuff , I had a lot of fun reading this book. In particular, it felt a lot like the world of the Cyberpunk 2077 video game, and I'm here for it! We've got a badass female main character with an interesting back story, lots of side characters who also have their own stories, and a depressing, futuristic post-apocalyptic city setting with cyborgs, and a fascist government. So, cyberpunk! Am I mildly annoyed that this novel basically just sets the whole big quest in motion and leaves us hanging with no resolution a giant cliffhanger? Yes. I'll just have to be patient and wait for the next installment to see how everything ends up. Definitely recommend for fans of: Neuromancer, Snow Crash, Cyberpunk 2077, and Ghost in the Shell. It fits in nicely with the vibes of those works.
5 reviews
September 30, 2024
(Spoiler Free Review) Book girls and gamer boyfriends, delight! This is THE book to bridge that gap perfectly and one you both will enjoy. This novel is a fantastic story of a cyberpunk world that feels so unlike our own, with fully real and developed characters that ground the story perfectly. I say this as the biggest compliment I can give: this book should be a video game. Although the plot and characters are 10/10, the world-building is so thorough without being overwhelming that you feel completely immersed in a joyful way. Nina's writing style is easy, witty, and full of little nuggets of wisdom spread throughout. You will not be disappointed by reading this book. I cannot wait for the next book in the saga!
Profile Image for Lisa Bentley.
243 reviews11 followers
September 30, 2024
This one was action packed all the way through. A dystopian world full of humans (virgins) and those who have mods.
Xia is a freelancer who helps people for money until she falls headlong into a situation that ends up being far more than she realised. I loved how strong and capable she is, a real kick ass FMC.
It ended so strangely but as it’s only book one I’m sure it’ll pick right back up in book 2 which Id definitely read.
Really makes you think because one day, who knows how society will be..if people will walk around with mods and have to live under a dome that protects you from the outside world.
Profile Image for Hannah.
22 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2025
Neon Noir is a well written book. I can't find any flaws beyond my dislike for the abrupt ending. But even that is just a matter of preference.

Despite the book being objectively great, it felt hollow. I finished the book not caring one way or another, even though I thought the characters and plot were interesting and well written.

This is just my standalone experience, and I recommend this book to anyone who would be interested.
Profile Image for Keely Faust.
5 reviews
September 13, 2024
This book has become one of my top 3 favorites. It's beautifully written and all the characters feel so real. It's the perfect dystopian, noir, cyberpunk story
Author 1 book2 followers
August 21, 2024
Neon Noir is a gripping piece of literature. Right from the outset, you are immersed into a setting bright with artificial lighting, contrasting sharply with the dark tone that is quickly established. Lovers of cyberpunk aesthetics will immediately feel appreciated.

The author, Nina Voss, boldly juggles several genres at once. The plot is propulsive as you would find in commercial fiction, yet you still want to linger on scenes because of the descriptive depth usually found in literary fiction. It keeps you on the edge of your seat like a thriller, will make your skin crawl like a horror, there are several layers to the story as you would find in a mystery, and of course there are the sci-fi elements.

Nina also takes time between heart racing action scenes to focus on the emotional workings of the characters. There were moments when I got all misty-eyed and times when I laughed out loud. The characters are well built and likable, even the not so hero-like ones. I could also easily notice the attention to detail as revelations in the story show complex and organized plotting.

All of these things are great, but what really makes me love this book is that you can tell the author is having fun writing this. There is a piece of her in this story. A part of her has flowed into the pages and you can tell by reading that this story has a soul. I will be purchasing the paperback once it’s released. Check it out!
Author 3 books4 followers
March 24, 2025
“Neon Noir” was my first dive into cyberpunk, and I had a blast with it. The characters felt real and well-developed, making it easy to connect with them. Xia, the tough freelancer with a messy past, wasn’t some overpowered hero. She was relatable and flawed in the best way. Then there’s Mai, who was basically a "golden retriever on crack," bringing nonstop energy that perfectly balanced Xia’s introverted vibe. Their dynamic was super entertaining, and Xia’s continual frustration with Mai just made their relationship feel even more real.
The side characters were just as memorable. There’s the gentle giant bartender, a Samurai Daimyo, and a mercenary with a complicated past, all adding depth to the world. The setting was everything you’d want in cyberpunk: dark, neon-lit, and claustrophobic in a way that pulled me right into the story. The pacing was spot-on too. No dull moments, just a seamless flow that kept me hooked.
If I had one minor gripe, it’d be the semi-omniscient third-person perspective. Jumping between different characters' thoughts mid-scene threw me off a couple of times, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker.
And that ending? Left me desperate for more.
Bottom line: “Neon Noir” was a wild, immersive ride that I’d recommend to cyberpunk fans or anyone craving a thrilling read.
Profile Image for Cat Treadwell.
Author 4 books130 followers
March 31, 2025
Remember when you first encountered cyberpunk? Was it William Gibson, Bladerunner, 2000AD, the Wachowskis…? This book takes all that goodness which has gone before and runs with it.

A What-If future of urban sprawl, rampant technology and the challenges of everyday life amidst the chaos, this is a mystery that pulls the world of tomorrow back to just what it means to be human. Who’s most valuable to the Corporations, what would you compromise to survive, and how real is friendship amidst the everyday battles to survive on the streets?

Xia is a great heroine, combining the ‘cool’ factor of motorbikes, Oriental culture and technology with a deep sense of family, both blood and found. The pace is steady, letting the reader get to grips with this world of bright lights and grey concrete, becoming aware of how the privilege of city life means being forever trapped within walls of both brick and wire. Is it truly worth submitting to for the sake of the norm?

‘Neon Noir’ is an adventure that asks questions that have become even more important in the few months since I finished it. A twentyfirst-century fairytale of the best kind.
4 reviews
September 12, 2024
Neon Noir was filled with meticulous world-building, robust character development, and a captivating storyline. The world-building was incredibly thoughtful and functions more than just a backdrop. Each detail enhances the story's atmosphere and thematic depth which pulls you in with every page. You are immediately immersed in a society where technology and corruption intertwine in a way that feels alarmingly plausible. The emotional depth of the story ensures that you both stay engaged but deeply invested in what happens to the characters as the plot moves along.

Beyond entertainment, the book prompts reflection on the intersections of technology, humanity, and society. It stands as a testament to the power of well-crafted speculative fiction and reinforces our fascination with possible futures. I am beyond excited for the continuation of the series!
Profile Image for Zac.
29 reviews
November 28, 2024
This book will stick in the craw of your mind like a piece of bread with warm Brie on it. The characters are both relatable and fully fleshed out, I could nearly see them in post-read hallucinations in the corner of my room. The story is fast-paced, full of thrilling heights and devastating lows, and kept me turning page after page. For a debut from a first-time author, this one is 100% a worthwhile read, deserving a dedicated few hours to process the ending and many hours more in eager anticipation of the next in the series.
1 review
August 13, 2024
Enthralling plot and world. The diverse selection of characters makes the interactions genuine and fun. The mixture of good and bad in everything lends a sense of realism that I always search for. One of those books where I wonder how I personally would fit into the established world. I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Profile Image for Lena.
Author 6 books7 followers
November 17, 2024
This had a slow start, and it took a good chunk of the book before I understood what the main conflict was. A couple points had some awesome action and twists, but I was confused and slowed down by many parts. One of the characters sort of drifted out of the story right when their role was getting interesting. Still, it was a super intriguing premise, and it will scratch your cyberpunk itch.
Profile Image for Adam Bassett.
Author 8 books35 followers
March 7, 2025
Neon Noir is a classic cyberpunk novel and a great starting point for anyone interested in the genre. It’s got all the hallmark body modifications and AI chips, but the story is really about solving a mystery, and Xia’s relationships. Read the full review on FanFiAddict.
1 review
October 21, 2025
A very enjoyable read! The world feels so vivid and alive, Nina pulls you right into the atmosphere of the city with the way she writes. The characters are intriguing, the pacing keeps you hooked, and there’s this constant sense of mystery that makes it hard to put down. Definitely a great start to what feels like an epic sci-fi series! I am excited for more 💙.
1 review
September 18, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable, good character development, solid world-building, can't wait for the next installment in the series! This is an excellent debut novel. It is easy to read and flows nicely. There are many small mysteries scattered throughout the book and I felt intrigued to read on after each chapter to see where it would take me. I appreciate that the main character is a strong-willed woman.
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