The Neons

by Dylan Wiseman

A girl has gone missing—nothing unusual for the corrupt, crime-filled megacity of Xi, where biotechnical mods make everyone as unique and dangerous as their imaginations allow. Soon enough, no one will remember that the girl ever existed.

At least, that’s what Chance believes, until a duo of ambitious bounty hunters snatch him from his mundane day-to-day in the slums and introduce him to the shiny, secretive world of Xi’s rich and powerful.

Meanwhile, in the city’s sparkling high-rises, a pair of siblings witness a murder and are forced into the violent bowels of the city, hunting for answers as they are hunted by a killer.

A hard-punching, fast-paced cyberpunk fantasy, The Neons follows an ensemble cast of unlikely heroes as they untangle the wires of a twisted mystery and uncover a reality inhabited by cybernetic deities, android angels, and the resurrected demons of their own past lives.

Genres: Science Fiction, Cyberpunk

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2024

Reviews

[ERIC MORGAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Neons” - A Cyberpunk Thrill Ride

I discovered this novel from a Tik Tok video that was saying “if you like this, try this”. It sounded like everything I enjoy so I went ahead and made the purchase. I finally started “The Neons” on Christmas and finished it four days later. I couldn’t put it down. It is very well written, full of heart stopping action, and comes with an amazing setting with so many unique and compelling characters.

If you are a fan of anything cyberpunk and are looking for a fast paced and fun read, 100% give “The Neons” a chance.

Congratulations Dylan!

[Marlie Salamatin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I am new to the cyberpunk, sci-fi world, but this was such a good intro. I love movies/shows in this genre, so I decided to try a book! Guys! I was fascinated, shocked, and heartbroken pretty much the entire time. The writing was chef’s kiss, and the characters?! I did not realize this was the first book in the series, and was severely disappointed by the end! How am I going to wait for the next book?? It hooked me; it hooked me good. This is your fair warning: you will be, too.

[Jake McKinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to start by saying that I do really feel like this is a great first novel for someone so young to release, and is very ambitious in its scope and scale, while generally maintaining the lofty expectations set out for what is intended to be the first book in a trilogy. The world is fairly interesting and the characters are, for the most part, likeable. My chief concern is that the book is divided into two different perspectives (mostly) and one is (in my opinion) considerably better written. It ended up leaving me wishing that I could only read the chapters following Chance and co. but the other sections are of course plot crucial. The finale of the book was also a real step up generally speaking, and while there were a few twists I didn't care for, that boils down to personal preference and is not a mark against the writing. I am definitely more than willing to see where the series goes from here, and I do want to commend and congratulate the author on his first release.

[Dante B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyberpunk done right

Review contains minor Spoilers



I’ve been searching for a solid cyberpunk novel, and The Neons fits the bill perfectly. The mega city of Xi really stood out, especially with the sharp contrasts between its different districts. That world-building was one of the highlights for me.

Chance quickly became my favorite character, someone stuck in a mundane life until he crosses paths with Friday and June. The technology and self-modifications throughout the book were fascinating, and I appreciated that they were explained clearly without getting bogged down in overly complex details.

The arcs for Aria and Noah were the strongest overall. They went through the most change and development, and I’m especially excited to see how the siblings continue their journey and whether they accomplish their goal.

The Seven Rays are an especially intriguing group of antagonists, and the idea of adding a mythical element to them sounds very promising. I’m eager to see how these so-called “gods” fit into this futuristic world and what impact they’ll have on the story.

My favorite scene takes place in a nightclub, which perfectly captured the gritty, neon-drenched atmosphere that defines great cyberpunk and sci-fi storytelling.

Overall, Dylan Wiseman did an excellent job with The Neons, and I’m already looking forward to book two in the series.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting first novel from Wiseman

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. I had seen it on TikTok a bunch and the concept sounded interesting, an action forward cyberpunk novel.

It was pretty much exactly that. An enjoyable, easy read. Primarily plot driven, the characters didn’t really do much for me.

There were a couple twists and turns and I felt like I was maybe figuring it out slightly before it was revealed, but nothing too predictable.

The final twist at the end seems a little unbelievable, like it was written just because it would be unexpected vs. making a ton of sense.

At the end of the day though, this was an enjoyable read, and it is a solid debut from Wiseman. I’ve DNFed a lot of indie slop from TikTok, but this was a very polished, well edited self published novel.

I didn’t realize this was the start of a trilogy when I picked it up, and I’m curious enough to see how he grows as a writer and where the story goes.

[Braden Waller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot going on at the same time that all work together in an amazing way!
Loved the characters! I loved getting to know them and seeing everywhere they went in this complex world.
Amazing world building! Complex, yet simple enough for a simpleton like me 😅😂
This felt like a lot of genre bending. Sci fi meets mystery meets religion meets gangs & mobs all the while being a slow burn. All of those at once were very new for me, but experiencing new genres and genre bending is what helps us grow as readers.
Very excited for the next book!!

[Jesus Nevarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book, but got lost somewhere at the end

It is a good book, with some good characters and some others that didn't go anywhere or died too quickly.

I hope the author can add more detail to the world building, as I enjoy the neon punk. It is a char
acter driven book, and I didn't get to enjoy the world as much.

Perhaps the book is for a younger crowd, therefore I didn't connect as much. The book is a set up for a larger work, but it does provide a good closure for this specific section.

[Destiny Whaley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the multiple perspectives of this book, though I will admit Emry's perspective felt like it didn't belong as early as it was introduced (I understand why it was there, but it threw me off)
The last few chapters felt like a sprint and didn't really clean up any plot points, if anything it simply added more loose ends (but that's the point with books in series right? Though this felt like nothing resolved)
I still enjoyed the book and found it a fun read

[Jordan Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ventured out on a limb to read a genre I'm not typically keen on and I was so pleasantly surprised!!
The level of detail and descriptive verbiage was insane - my imagination was running wild!! It's a book you should try to read in one sitting or within a few days because of all the details and entertaining stories. Mr Wiseman knocked it out of the park with his debut book!!

[Vincent Bereznicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start from a new author! The turns at the end of the book were not at all what I was expecting and I can't wait for the next to come out so I can see how things continue! Would recommend to anyone who is a big Cyberpunk fan as this gives off a lot of those vibes but with its own twists. Love how the mods work as tattoos as well. A lot of brilliant ideas went into this book.

[Miles De La Fuente · Rating 5 out of 5]

Post-cyberpunk City adventures

For fans of the Sprawl trilogy, here's a cyberpunk scifi/fantasy adventure that takes you through a post cyberpunk mega city. Vivid setting, nonstop action, gangs, tech cults, corporations, and cybernetic/bio enhancements that are borderline magic. I couldn't put it down.

[Colby Purvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

solid first book

For Dylan’s first book, this was an enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing how the story continues to develop. The ending’s pace seemed a little rushed, but I could see how that might be a good thing when the next book is readily available.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this and, in my summer spent playing Cyberpunk 2077 and reading the classics of cyberpunk literature, this book is the real deal. Can't wait for the second book because there's way too much left to explore!

[Aidan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!!

Seriously. Read it in 2 days. I loved the world building, the characters, and the savage plot twists!! Can’t wait for Book 2!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6 Amazing world building that sucks you into the book. Character that you fall in love with and an amazing power system whilst keeping all the characters human.

[Artinthemachine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. Loved the setting and the cyberpunk vibes. This book feels like a prologue to a larger story. Looking forward to Book 2.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the whole story. Characters, world, story. Highly recommend it, especially for those who are looking for a book in the cyberpunk genre.

[Spencer Coombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly fun, felt like I was in the cyberpunk world with these characters. Surprised multiple times. Great visual worldbuilding

[Jazmin Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Seriously such an amazing book! I definitely did not expect the ending! Captivating from beginning to end. I can’t wait for book 2. I NEED to know what happens next!!

[Solomon Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would highly recommend for anyone looking to get into the cyberpunk genre

[Auburn Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not expect the ending! Loved the character of Friday—she is very complex and interesting.

[Kevin Ruttenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great first book from an author, I’m excited to see where the series goes.

I am frustrated because I don’t know this author. So the cliff hanger with no resolutions at all feel like a betrayal. I can’t trust the author to give me a compelling resolution. Would I get any resolution in the future second book? Will I be dying to read a book with no guarantee of any resolution?

[miranda speth · Rating 4 out of 5]

ily dylan

[Stephen Horne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Equal parts bleak and hopeful, the characters in this book are what really make this story hum. I look forward to the continuation of this series, recommended for anyone hoping to dip their toes into the genre.

[Carter Mosher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pick this book up right now it is unbelievable. I absolutely loved this book and devoured it quicker than any I have read in recent memory. I found out about it from Tik Tok and seemed like something I would enjoy. This being the author’s debut novel also excited me and I wanted to support him. Honestly, I didn’t expect much but decided to give it a shot and I am so happy that I did. The characters are deep and easy to grow attached to. The mystery is intriguing and kept me from putting the book down. The world is incredibly rich and interesting and one I escaped into easily. Dylan Wiseman is an author that I will continue to follow and I cannot wait for what other twists and turns he has in store.