The Iron Dreamers:

by Ashley Christine

Uncover the Truth Behind the Dream

When 17-year-old Lexi Carvalho is abruptly taken from her small-town existence, she awakens to a startling Earth was destroyed centuries ago, and her previous life was merely a simulated reality. As one of 700,000 "Iron Dreamers," Lexi's mission is to address the immense challenges that humanity faces aboard a vast space station. Recruited by the enigmatic Artemis to apprehend a saboteur threatening humanity's remnants, Lexi confronts her deepest fears and questions the nature of her existence in this dystopian science fiction tale.

Entrapped in a simulation. Selected for a perilous mission. As Lexi's world unravels, she navigates a crumbling reality where illusions and truth intertwine. The boundary between simulation and actuality blurs as she discovers that the technology meant to safeguard life might also dominate it. Each step brings her closer to a revelation that could either rescue humanity or lead to its demise. This young adult dystopian novel is ideal for fans seeking YA sci-fi books about simulated realities and narratives featuring strong female leads in sci-fi.

The fate of humanity hinges on a perilous secret. Artemis offers Lexi a chance for answers—but at a significant cost. In a world where reality is fabricated, whom can she trust? Lexi's journey through layers of deceit challenges her to outsmart formidable adversaries and uncover her true purpose. Readers will be captivated by this science fiction adventure that delves into women in sci-fi, blending dystopian thrillers with strong female characters.

Inside, you'll

A thrilling blend of dystopian fiction and sci-fi intrigue. A strong female protagonist navigating a mind-bending reality. A captivating mystery that questions the nature of existence. When reality is a lie, what is the truth?

If you liked Red Rising, Scythe, or books on simulation theory, you’ll love The Iron Dreamers.

Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia

378 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Julia Froegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book addresses the trauma of a teenage girl getting pulled out of a simulation into a cold space station with the political complexities of 5d chess. She desperately wants to go back to her old life after such a jarring change but how can she when pretty much everyone she knew was a NPC, including her parents.

I really liked how this considered so many aspects to simulations that you don't often see addressed. Also the author did a good job creating a unique but realistic futuristic world with a blended culture.

It's a shame this book only has like 50 ratings on good reads. It really deserves more people reading it. It is a ride for sure and is very intriguing.

[Charlie Bravo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the concept, however, I find myself hard read through at times. I will definitely give it another shot later on as I believe the issue might be with me more than it is with the author.

[Pato Brite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lectura en Inglés. Quizá esa sea una barrera que me aleja un poco del tono que se busca. Amo la ciecnia ficción. Por eso, cuando vi que estaba por salir este libro a la venta, no dudé en comprarlo. Al principio estaba un poco chato. Toca los lugares comunes de la ciencia ficción sin sumar algo nuevo, no es que tenga que hacerlo, pero si no, tal vez en lo común, que sea entretenido. Recién por la mitad, con algunos giros en la trama se vuelve más interesante. Intenta ser existencial pero, explicitamente, no lo deja a uno pensar en ese vacío que genera la pregunta de si estamos o no en una simulación. El mayor problema creo que es: La motivación de la protagonista para avanzar es DÉBIL. Entiendo que uno haría mucho por salvar a alguien, pero lo plantean como(spoiler) que ella está dispuesta a sufrir y a moverse en los desafíos de esta aventura por el simple hecho de que no se mueran 3 desconocidos que ni si quiera sabe si se morirán. Es decir, se plantea una motivación de una protagonista muy moral, Ok, banco lo de hacerlo por los demas sin importar quienes sean, peeeeero, es un medio flojo por una razón. El personaje de ella no fue construido de esa manera. Quiero decir, la motivación está impregnada en ella porque sí, del aire. No fue construido su personaje para que eso la deje sin opciones para avanzar en la trama.
Cada situacion que pasaba, párrafo siguiente era explicada. Como si hubiera un temor a que el lector usase la cabeza para darle sentido y sinergia a los eventos.
Y además, está planteado como SAGA. Mala decisión pues nada de lo que leí tuvo un cierre digno, me sentí estafado como con la peli Dune 1.

[Nikhil · Rating 5 out of 5]

An astoundingly good first novel by multi-talented author Ashley Christine, who also runs some very successful and interesting science related social media accounts on Instagram and TikTok as @modernday_eratosthenes.

The book initially gives some Matrix vibes as a launching point but then takes the story in a very different direction, combining powerful descriptions of the North Country in New Hampshire with a deep understanding of space travel, environmentalism, biology and politics. The characters are layered and well developed as they interact in a complicated web of political intrigue and complex ethics in space.

I love science fiction, especially when it combines deeply humanistic elements and compelling story telling. I would highly recommend this book to those interested in the genre and those who are looking to broaden their interest in sci-fi!

I can't wait for the next book!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very strong YA novel! I’d rate it 4.5 stars!

Lexi wakes up in a bathtub, only to find herself locked up and told that her reality is an AI invention. Her friends and family are not real. The beautiful nature she’s used to is gone, destroyed by nuclear fallout. Her purpose in life is not to attend college and lead a normal life, but to be used as a clone and try to fix space travel from within the simulation.

The plot is filled with a series of plot twists and revelations about the universe. At the same time, Lexi grows as a human being. She starts as a naive teenager who thinks she’s ready for life, but eventually becomes a true adult who understands that life is not black and white, and sometimes there are no good choices.

My favorite part of the book is how actual science is sprinkled throughout. It features a selection of common and lesser-known facts about space, nature, and the laws of physics.

[Sammi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me engaged and excited right from the start. I audibly gasped a couple of times. It's a quick and compelling read that I would recommend to anyone who likes sci-fi or strong female leads. The plot and characters are well developed, with their actions making sense based on their individual personalities and histories. Characters show strengths and faults as they navigate the sociopolitical landscape of the novel. Ashley Christine does a great job packing in a lot of information, descriptions, and excitement into this book without it feeling overly dense.

Iron Dreamers provoked some fun and interesting thought experiments about the future of humanity, the potential of simulations, and what reality actually means. I hope there is another book coming!

[Lauren Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight. This novel held up to my incessant scrutiny of plot coherence—and excelled my expectations by a mile. The author has selected some of the best themes in science fiction literature, paired them with a modern scientific understanding, and designed a world I adored being absorbed by.

“Artemis holds the silence. She pulls the weight of the air in quiet command, funneling it toward her until Lexi is hanging on her every word.”

What a pleasure to read lines like that! Incredible prose for a sci-fi novel.

I’ll be recommending this to anyone who has even a passing interest in science fiction or fantasy.

[Mer Chuza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is humanity responsible for its own demise? What lengths are we willing to go to preserve our species and are we able to keep our humanity while doing so? What even makes us human? Do certain lives matter more than others?

A captivating story in a dystopian future, filled with intrigue and deception, sprinkled with science facts and detailed descriptions of a future with more questions than answers. Thrilling, could not put it down!

[CR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one pulled me in fast with its whole what is real and what is manufactured vibe. Waking up to find out your entire life was basically a simulation is already wild, and watching Lexi try to process that while being thrown into a dangerous mission made it even more intense. The worldbuilding was really interesting and I loved how the story slowly peeled back layers of truth instead of dumping everything at once.

[Erika DeMaggio · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 3.5 for me. With it being a first-time author, I’d say I would absolutely read another by her. The plot is a great concept and the world building was pretty good. There was some depth missing, and some transitions felt abrupt, but I’d be very down to read her next book as she settles into a writing voice groove.

[Samm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful, dynamic, and captivating. The existential terror is worth every moment, the main character is a delight to follow, and the moral quandaries make you wonder, what and who would you sacrifice for the future of humanity?

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally prefer fantasy and have trouble getting into science fiction. Not a problem with this book, got into it and stayed into it front to back!

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great! I think considering it’s this authors first ever novel that it’s fantastic.

It’s not without fault, but I read it within a day or so, and was engaged the whole time - if you can keep my ADHD brain engaged in a story, then that’s a great book, in my opinion.

Can’t wait for the next one!