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Cyberside: Level Zero
Level Zero unravels the extraordinary rise of Fall Water Lake, a once-small game studio that quietly evolves into a global tech empire—one that reshapes reality in ways no one could have predicted.
Told across four defining eras, the story follows James Reynolds, an ambitious engineer whose steady climb through the company exposes a chilling the game he’s helping to build isn’t just a game. It’s a blueprint for something far bigger—and far more dangerous.
Blending speculative fiction with unsettling real-world parallels, Level Zero is a pulse-pounding exploration of corporate power, artificial intelligence, and the thin, treacherous line between illusion and control. As technology tightens its grip, one question Are we shaping the future, or is it shaping us?
“A masterclass in speculative fiction, blending insider knowledge of the gaming industry with profound insights into corporate ambition and technological evolution. Utterly unputdownable." - Chris Riches, Daily Express
"A gripping speculative thriller that takes readers deep into the high-stakes world of game development and the dark secrets lurking beneath. A must-read for tech enthusiasts and sci-fi fans alike" - Richard Moriarty, The Sun
Told across four defining eras, the story follows James Reynolds, an ambitious engineer whose steady climb through the company exposes a chilling the game he’s helping to build isn’t just a game. It’s a blueprint for something far bigger—and far more dangerous.
Blending speculative fiction with unsettling real-world parallels, Level Zero is a pulse-pounding exploration of corporate power, artificial intelligence, and the thin, treacherous line between illusion and control. As technology tightens its grip, one question Are we shaping the future, or is it shaping us?
“A masterclass in speculative fiction, blending insider knowledge of the gaming industry with profound insights into corporate ambition and technological evolution. Utterly unputdownable." - Chris Riches, Daily Express
"A gripping speculative thriller that takes readers deep into the high-stakes world of game development and the dark secrets lurking beneath. A must-read for tech enthusiasts and sci-fi fans alike" - Richard Moriarty, The Sun
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2025
43 people are currently reading
1779 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
May 4, 2025
This was a FABULOUS read! Honestly heart pounding and just mind blowing! From the start the reader knows something big is going to happen, but doesn’t know when; and then suddenly without even knowing it, the truth is revealed and is so much worse than expected!
This is a sci-fi/dystopian thriller based on a gaming company and its rise to unparalleled levels until it becomes THE tech empire with hands in every sector of society. This is also a deep exploration of humanity’s flaws, from the greed and psychopathy of high level execs., to the complacency and submission of employees who are content to just keep going, without any higher purpose. It is also a story of the geniality of the human mind and its ability to fight back in impossible ways.
All of this in a programming context that gamers, coders and tech enthusiasts will love!
Whilst the first part reads like a very gripping memoir, all the while placing the thriller elements in the right places, the second part picks up the pace, until the very last pages, leaving the reader with one of the best cliffhangers ever! (I might have smiled and cursed at the same time for that lol). In addition, there are so many references to the 90s gaming and programming, plus the last part reminded me of Tron, all elements I absolutely adore.
I honestly can’t recommend this book enough, especially if you love speculative fiction. As this is the prequel of Cyberside, I am so excited to be reading it next!
Thanks to the author and Palamedes PR for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
This is a sci-fi/dystopian thriller based on a gaming company and its rise to unparalleled levels until it becomes THE tech empire with hands in every sector of society. This is also a deep exploration of humanity’s flaws, from the greed and psychopathy of high level execs., to the complacency and submission of employees who are content to just keep going, without any higher purpose. It is also a story of the geniality of the human mind and its ability to fight back in impossible ways.
All of this in a programming context that gamers, coders and tech enthusiasts will love!
Whilst the first part reads like a very gripping memoir, all the while placing the thriller elements in the right places, the second part picks up the pace, until the very last pages, leaving the reader with one of the best cliffhangers ever! (I might have smiled and cursed at the same time for that lol). In addition, there are so many references to the 90s gaming and programming, plus the last part reminded me of Tron, all elements I absolutely adore.
I honestly can’t recommend this book enough, especially if you love speculative fiction. As this is the prequel of Cyberside, I am so excited to be reading it next!
Thanks to the author and Palamedes PR for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
May 6, 2025
As someone who loves sci-fi/Cyberpunk/Dystopia and also has loved gaming since I was a child, this book really spoke to me.
First off, I loved the glimpse inside the gaming industry and all the nostalgic references and overview of emerging tech. It is evident that the author has a raft of experience and knowledge of this field. So, it was no surprise to see that he has worked in the industry for 26 years. This adds a whole believable foundation to the story and I found it incredibly interesting but also captivating.
The character development is great and I could picture each of the main players vividly. Anyone who works in an office setting may recognise some of these guys!
The story is well written, and I liked that the focus was on various characters, not jus James as this really brought it all to life.
I love a story with a nefarious plot and this had it in spades, it was well crafted and with the rise in AI and our phones listening to us and bombarding us with marketing, it didn't feel too much of a leap to imagine level zero.
A really enjoyable read, huge thanks to the author, publisher and Hygge Book Tours for providing a copies of the book to review.
First off, I loved the glimpse inside the gaming industry and all the nostalgic references and overview of emerging tech. It is evident that the author has a raft of experience and knowledge of this field. So, it was no surprise to see that he has worked in the industry for 26 years. This adds a whole believable foundation to the story and I found it incredibly interesting but also captivating.
The character development is great and I could picture each of the main players vividly. Anyone who works in an office setting may recognise some of these guys!
The story is well written, and I liked that the focus was on various characters, not jus James as this really brought it all to life.
I love a story with a nefarious plot and this had it in spades, it was well crafted and with the rise in AI and our phones listening to us and bombarding us with marketing, it didn't feel too much of a leap to imagine level zero.
A really enjoyable read, huge thanks to the author, publisher and Hygge Book Tours for providing a copies of the book to review.
May 5, 2025
Cyberside was a brilliant read set in the world of the gaming industry. From the very start, there was a feeling that something big was coming. As the company grows from its grass roots beginning through to its meteoric rise to the top, this book was a paradise for anyone who loves gaming. The story gets more complex as it progresses and the characters continue to develop throughout. The book reads as a memoir when it begins, but then slowly morphs and picks up thriller vibes. It will appeal to gaming fans and sci-fi readers alike.
April 30, 2025
I devoured this book in one sitting and absolutely loved it. The digital world created is simply magnificent. Even though I'm not into games, I was captivated and kept entertained throughout the book.
The writing style is simply brilliant and very detailed. I enjoyed the protagonist's journey throughout the story. Definitely recommend this book.
The writing style is simply brilliant and very detailed. I enjoyed the protagonist's journey throughout the story. Definitely recommend this book.
April 26, 2025
This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook.
I am not the target audience. But it had a very real world feel and kept my interest with the (somewhat) long setup based upon the video gaming industry. For me it did read a bit setup overdone. Great character development. I can envision a very complex universe in the works with this series. I am a binge reader and would rather experience the entire series in a long read.
As stated, this is Level Zero, so I did expect this to be the lead in to a continuing set of books. I did like the final closing scenes. I can see the appeal to hard core gamers. I really am not a fan of incomplete stories. For myself, I don't expect to be continuing this series. But you should have a run on it yourself.
Have a GoodReads.
I am not the target audience. But it had a very real world feel and kept my interest with the (somewhat) long setup based upon the video gaming industry. For me it did read a bit setup overdone. Great character development. I can envision a very complex universe in the works with this series. I am a binge reader and would rather experience the entire series in a long read.
As stated, this is Level Zero, so I did expect this to be the lead in to a continuing set of books. I did like the final closing scenes. I can see the appeal to hard core gamers. I really am not a fan of incomplete stories. For myself, I don't expect to be continuing this series. But you should have a run on it yourself.
Have a GoodReads.
May 5, 2025
Cyberside: Level Zero
by Aleksey Savchenko, Michael
Shilliam.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I really enjoyed this book. I got into it straight away. I'm not a games person, but I loved the writing style and the story. The tech. Everything. There was nothing I didn't like about this book. Recommend.
by Aleksey Savchenko, Michael
Shilliam.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I really enjoyed this book. I got into it straight away. I'm not a games person, but I loved the writing style and the story. The tech. Everything. There was nothing I didn't like about this book. Recommend.
June 23, 2025
This was a mind-blowing ride from start to finish! The moment I got into James world, I couldn’t put the book down. The tension builds slowly at first but explodes midway, and I loved every second of it. The way the story blends cutting-edge tech with deep emotional undercurrents is absolutely masterful. As someone who grew up on 90s games, I caught so many clever references it made the whole experience richer. Can’t wait for what’s next in the Cyberside series
April 12, 2025
Cyberside is a fast-paced, dark cyberpunk story with a cool digital world and strong characters. A great read for sci-fi and gaming fans!
May 31, 2025
First of all, this is not a genre that I read all that often - but I love to stretch my reading sometimes because I always end up absolutely loving these reads so much!
This was no exception!
I was obviously, initially drawn to the front cover of this one - I just loved the colours and the relative serenity shown in the image.
What always hits me with this genre, is the scary nature of the content which all too often mirrors some of the issues that were encountering - or predicting - for our own real life....sometimes in the not to distant future.
With the ever developing nature of technology and possibly the fact that I'm getting older and understand it all less and less, this story actually made for an uncomfortable read in places and had me on the edge of my seat!
I've seen so much already, but still find it shocking that things can change so massively, so quickly!
Although I'm not hugely tech savvy, I did find lots of this story was very relatable.
My boys are obsessed with gaming and my husband and son-in-law are also in development, so there was a lot that I found familiar here, even if I wasn't fully with the technicalities at all times.
The whole premise of this story was so intriguing and compelling - really fast-paced and I was totally hooked from very early on!
Each development and twist had me racing on to find out how things would play out.
A great first read for me from this author and I'd love to read more in the future!
This was no exception!
I was obviously, initially drawn to the front cover of this one - I just loved the colours and the relative serenity shown in the image.
What always hits me with this genre, is the scary nature of the content which all too often mirrors some of the issues that were encountering - or predicting - for our own real life....sometimes in the not to distant future.
With the ever developing nature of technology and possibly the fact that I'm getting older and understand it all less and less, this story actually made for an uncomfortable read in places and had me on the edge of my seat!
I've seen so much already, but still find it shocking that things can change so massively, so quickly!
Although I'm not hugely tech savvy, I did find lots of this story was very relatable.
My boys are obsessed with gaming and my husband and son-in-law are also in development, so there was a lot that I found familiar here, even if I wasn't fully with the technicalities at all times.
The whole premise of this story was so intriguing and compelling - really fast-paced and I was totally hooked from very early on!
Each development and twist had me racing on to find out how things would play out.
A great first read for me from this author and I'd love to read more in the future!
June 25, 2025
Cyberside: Level Zero by Aleksey Savchenko
This book clicked with me on so many levels, it honestly felt like it was written for people like me who grew up loving dystopian sci-fi and gaming, and now find themselves navigating a world where fiction and reality are getting harder to separate. I genuinely didn’t expect to enjoy this book this much, but by the time I finished, I was like—damn, I needed this read.
There’s something about the way Aleksey blends the eerie future of AI with the grounded, very real (and honestly, a bit too familiar) world of tech corporates that hit me hard. The whole rise of Fall Water Lake as a company—it felt so believable. Like, I’ve seen this happen, maybe not at this scale, but you get what I mean. It wasn’t just fiction, it was a little too real in places. The storyline walks that fine line between “this is cool sci-fi” and “uh oh… are we already halfway there?”
The characters were written with care—James in particular felt like someone I could relate to. Not in a “I know exactly what he’s going through” way, but in a “I’ve met this guy in real life, and now I’m watching him lose himself in the very thing he helped build” kind of way. I actually liked that the story didn’t just orbit around James, too. There’s a broader narrative web and it made everything richer.
One of the biggest reasons I loved this book is because it made me think. Like really think. About AI, control, illusion, reality, how tech is shaping our lives, and whether we’re still the ones in the driver’s seat. It felt like a wake-up call, wrapped in a fast-paced, twisty, suspenseful narrative. And that mix? Chef’s kiss.
Even though I’m not a developer myself, I’ve always been a bit of a tech enthusiast and this book tapped into that side of me. There’s so much detail here—about games, emerging tech, how companies evolve—it’s clear that Aleksey knows this world inside out. I appreciated that authenticity so much. It’s rare to find books that entertain and make you feel smarter at the same time. This one did.
In short, this book was such a satisfying ride. Dark, relevant, thrilling, and full of depth. It felt like Black Mirror and Cyberpunk 2077 had a smart baby. If you enjoy tech thrillers with a soul, I highly recommend picking this one up.
This book clicked with me on so many levels, it honestly felt like it was written for people like me who grew up loving dystopian sci-fi and gaming, and now find themselves navigating a world where fiction and reality are getting harder to separate. I genuinely didn’t expect to enjoy this book this much, but by the time I finished, I was like—damn, I needed this read.
There’s something about the way Aleksey blends the eerie future of AI with the grounded, very real (and honestly, a bit too familiar) world of tech corporates that hit me hard. The whole rise of Fall Water Lake as a company—it felt so believable. Like, I’ve seen this happen, maybe not at this scale, but you get what I mean. It wasn’t just fiction, it was a little too real in places. The storyline walks that fine line between “this is cool sci-fi” and “uh oh… are we already halfway there?”
The characters were written with care—James in particular felt like someone I could relate to. Not in a “I know exactly what he’s going through” way, but in a “I’ve met this guy in real life, and now I’m watching him lose himself in the very thing he helped build” kind of way. I actually liked that the story didn’t just orbit around James, too. There’s a broader narrative web and it made everything richer.
One of the biggest reasons I loved this book is because it made me think. Like really think. About AI, control, illusion, reality, how tech is shaping our lives, and whether we’re still the ones in the driver’s seat. It felt like a wake-up call, wrapped in a fast-paced, twisty, suspenseful narrative. And that mix? Chef’s kiss.
Even though I’m not a developer myself, I’ve always been a bit of a tech enthusiast and this book tapped into that side of me. There’s so much detail here—about games, emerging tech, how companies evolve—it’s clear that Aleksey knows this world inside out. I appreciated that authenticity so much. It’s rare to find books that entertain and make you feel smarter at the same time. This one did.
In short, this book was such a satisfying ride. Dark, relevant, thrilling, and full of depth. It felt like Black Mirror and Cyberpunk 2077 had a smart baby. If you enjoy tech thrillers with a soul, I highly recommend picking this one up.
May 6, 2025
Here is my review for Cyberside Level Zero by Aleksey Savchenko
This was an exciting story which I really enjoyed reading. I was never a big gamer that was my brother who was into the PlayStation 2 and X Boxes(he still is!) I was more into coding programs and eventually got a job as a programmer which I loved doing so I can relate to some of this although it happened after I left my job and moved onto pastures new. It’s a brilliant story involving gaming and how a small company, Fall Water Lake, grows and develops before expanding into different areas, not just games. It’s an intriguing story as it incorporates artificial intelligence with a treacherous line between illusion and control. The author has used his imagination well in writing this story. I believe he thought about and planned his characters before writing them into the story as some of them are very interesting and it’s intriguing how they fit into the story. The synopsis for this story drew me to read it and I wasn’t disappointed. I found the story very hard to put down as I was intrigued by it. It was really well written and well thought out by the author.
Blurb :
Cyberside: Level Zero unravels the extraordinary rise of Fall Water Lake, a once-small game studio that quietly evolves into a global tech empire—one that reshapes reality in ways no one could have predicted.
Told across four defining eras, the story follows James Reynolds, an ambitious engineer whose steady climb through the company exposes a chilling truth: the game he’s helping to build isn’t just a game. It’s a blueprint for something far bigger—and far more dangerous.
Blending speculative fiction with unsettling real-world parallels, Level Zero is a pulse-pounding exploration of corporate power, artificial intelligence, and the thin, treacherous line between illusion and control. As technology tightens its grip, one question looms: Are we shaping the future, or is it shaping us?
This was an exciting story which I really enjoyed reading. I was never a big gamer that was my brother who was into the PlayStation 2 and X Boxes(he still is!) I was more into coding programs and eventually got a job as a programmer which I loved doing so I can relate to some of this although it happened after I left my job and moved onto pastures new. It’s a brilliant story involving gaming and how a small company, Fall Water Lake, grows and develops before expanding into different areas, not just games. It’s an intriguing story as it incorporates artificial intelligence with a treacherous line between illusion and control. The author has used his imagination well in writing this story. I believe he thought about and planned his characters before writing them into the story as some of them are very interesting and it’s intriguing how they fit into the story. The synopsis for this story drew me to read it and I wasn’t disappointed. I found the story very hard to put down as I was intrigued by it. It was really well written and well thought out by the author.
Blurb :
Cyberside: Level Zero unravels the extraordinary rise of Fall Water Lake, a once-small game studio that quietly evolves into a global tech empire—one that reshapes reality in ways no one could have predicted.
Told across four defining eras, the story follows James Reynolds, an ambitious engineer whose steady climb through the company exposes a chilling truth: the game he’s helping to build isn’t just a game. It’s a blueprint for something far bigger—and far more dangerous.
Blending speculative fiction with unsettling real-world parallels, Level Zero is a pulse-pounding exploration of corporate power, artificial intelligence, and the thin, treacherous line between illusion and control. As technology tightens its grip, one question looms: Are we shaping the future, or is it shaping us?
May 2, 2025
I used to be heavily into game playing, from the late 80's up until about 10 years ago or so ( when our first Daughter came along I had less time to play, so now I play here and there, when I can ), so for me, this was a great, interesting insight into the gaming industry. It's also a read that will appeal to those who create and develop games, or just if you are into real, proper sci-fi.
The author has extensive experience of the gaming industry, having spent over 20 years in various roles within game development, and that experience really shows in the great detail and descriptions of that world.
All in all, a real masterclass in speculative thriller fiction writing, with a great dystopian feel to it and a story that explores the dangers of corporate power and politics, with some great insights into the world of artificial intelligence.
Dark secrets unfold before your very eyes, and there's treachery at every turn in this high-stakes tale set in the sometimes treacherous technology business, where control is the name of the game ( puns intended, ha ha ), and on the surface, nothing is as it seems.
Follow our main character, James Reynolds, an engineer at tech company, Fall Water Lake, who has some serious ambitions, and who's ambitions become a reality as he rises through the company. On his rise, he realises the game he's helping to build, is no ordinary game, it's something bigger.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up.
4 stars from me.
The author has extensive experience of the gaming industry, having spent over 20 years in various roles within game development, and that experience really shows in the great detail and descriptions of that world.
All in all, a real masterclass in speculative thriller fiction writing, with a great dystopian feel to it and a story that explores the dangers of corporate power and politics, with some great insights into the world of artificial intelligence.
Dark secrets unfold before your very eyes, and there's treachery at every turn in this high-stakes tale set in the sometimes treacherous technology business, where control is the name of the game ( puns intended, ha ha ), and on the surface, nothing is as it seems.
Follow our main character, James Reynolds, an engineer at tech company, Fall Water Lake, who has some serious ambitions, and who's ambitions become a reality as he rises through the company. On his rise, he realises the game he's helping to build, is no ordinary game, it's something bigger.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up.
4 stars from me.
July 7, 2025
Cyberside: Level Zero is probably one of the most beautifully painful stories I’ve read in a long time.
When I started, I was hooked by the concept: a near-future gaming company building immersive digital worlds, a brilliant developer haunted by family tragedy, a corporation on the edge of something monstrous. It sounded like the perfect sci-fi binge. But it’s so much more than that.
What hit me hardest was how human it all felt, even inside these dazzling simulations. James is fragile in a way that’s almost uncomfortable to watch. His desperation to reconnect with his family, to rewrite the code of his own loss I felt that ache in my bones. The moments with Alice, especially, were both sweet and absolutely devastating. I kept wanting to reach through the pages and tell him that no perfect system could ever truly fix that kind of grief.
The writing is sharp but also tender in surprising places. There are little lines sprinkled throughout that made me stop and just breathe for a minute. At one point, James talks about how memory is both a gift and a cage I highlighted that so fast.
And don’t even get me started on the ending. It’s not neat, not tied up with some cheap emotional resolution. It’s messy and hard and exactly what this story needed. I closed the book feeling like I’d been cracked open, like it reached in and rearranged some of my thoughts about loss and love.
If you’ve ever wanted a book that feels like someone gently pressing on an old bruise while whispering, “It’s okay to hurt,” this is it.
When I started, I was hooked by the concept: a near-future gaming company building immersive digital worlds, a brilliant developer haunted by family tragedy, a corporation on the edge of something monstrous. It sounded like the perfect sci-fi binge. But it’s so much more than that.
What hit me hardest was how human it all felt, even inside these dazzling simulations. James is fragile in a way that’s almost uncomfortable to watch. His desperation to reconnect with his family, to rewrite the code of his own loss I felt that ache in my bones. The moments with Alice, especially, were both sweet and absolutely devastating. I kept wanting to reach through the pages and tell him that no perfect system could ever truly fix that kind of grief.
The writing is sharp but also tender in surprising places. There are little lines sprinkled throughout that made me stop and just breathe for a minute. At one point, James talks about how memory is both a gift and a cage I highlighted that so fast.
And don’t even get me started on the ending. It’s not neat, not tied up with some cheap emotional resolution. It’s messy and hard and exactly what this story needed. I closed the book feeling like I’d been cracked open, like it reached in and rearranged some of my thoughts about loss and love.
If you’ve ever wanted a book that feels like someone gently pressing on an old bruise while whispering, “It’s okay to hurt,” this is it.
July 9, 2025
📚 Book Review: Cyberside – Level Zero by Aleksey Savchenko
🎮💡🧠⚠️🕶️
🌀 What It's About
➤ A once-small game studio, Fall Water Lake, quietly evolves into a tech empire
➤ Told across 4 powerful eras of change and escalation
➤ Follows James Reynolds, an ambitious engineer whose dream job becomes a waking nightmare
➤ The “game” he helps build? Not just entertainment—it's a tool of control 🧩
🧠 Themes & Depth
➤ 🎯 Corporate power and ambition gone unchecked
➤ 🤖 Artificial intelligence with chilling consequences
➤ 🎭 Reality vs simulation — where does one end and the other begin?
➤ 🧨 A deep dive into the psychology of tech addiction & manipulation
🎯 Why It Hits Hard
➤ Written by a game industry insider (former Epic Games, GSC Game World)
➤ Packed with real-world tech knowledge & futuristic speculation
➤ Feels eerily believable—like tomorrow’s headlines today
➤ ⚡ Fast-paced, intelligent, and totally unputdownable
🗣️ What Critics Are Saying
➤ “A masterclass in speculative fiction” – Chris Riches, Daily Express
➤ “Gripping and thought-provoking. A must-read.” – Richard Moriarty, The Sun
🔍 Perfect For Fans Of
➤ Black Mirror 🖤
➤ Ready Player One 🎮
➤ Neuromancer 👓
➤ Snow Crash 🌐
🛒 Available Now
➤ Paperback & Kindle on Amazon & Cyberside.co.uk
⭐ Final Verdict:
> Cyberside: Level Zero is a chilling, brilliantly crafted sci-fi thriller that will make you question reality, rethink technology, and maybe even unplug for a while. 🔌📵
🎮💡🧠⚠️🕶️
🌀 What It's About
➤ A once-small game studio, Fall Water Lake, quietly evolves into a tech empire
➤ Told across 4 powerful eras of change and escalation
➤ Follows James Reynolds, an ambitious engineer whose dream job becomes a waking nightmare
➤ The “game” he helps build? Not just entertainment—it's a tool of control 🧩
🧠 Themes & Depth
➤ 🎯 Corporate power and ambition gone unchecked
➤ 🤖 Artificial intelligence with chilling consequences
➤ 🎭 Reality vs simulation — where does one end and the other begin?
➤ 🧨 A deep dive into the psychology of tech addiction & manipulation
🎯 Why It Hits Hard
➤ Written by a game industry insider (former Epic Games, GSC Game World)
➤ Packed with real-world tech knowledge & futuristic speculation
➤ Feels eerily believable—like tomorrow’s headlines today
➤ ⚡ Fast-paced, intelligent, and totally unputdownable
🗣️ What Critics Are Saying
➤ “A masterclass in speculative fiction” – Chris Riches, Daily Express
➤ “Gripping and thought-provoking. A must-read.” – Richard Moriarty, The Sun
🔍 Perfect For Fans Of
➤ Black Mirror 🖤
➤ Ready Player One 🎮
➤ Neuromancer 👓
➤ Snow Crash 🌐
🛒 Available Now
➤ Paperback & Kindle on Amazon & Cyberside.co.uk
⭐ Final Verdict:
> Cyberside: Level Zero is a chilling, brilliantly crafted sci-fi thriller that will make you question reality, rethink technology, and maybe even unplug for a while. 🔌📵
May 4, 2025
A copy of this book was supplied through Palamedes PR in exchange for an honest review.
After finishing Atomfall, something needed to fill the void and this was it. Taking a look behind the scenes of games development, the author's passion and experience shines through, telling a unique tale and making a cameo himself.
I found the book slow-paced, with most scenes centering around a meeting so there was a lack of action and a lot of dialogue, focusing on plot development rather than character arcs. I found parts 3 and 4 most interesting as this is when the AI and neural interfacing is introduced, but we don't really see this unfold. I would've liked more exploration around how this works, the introduction of the hardware into the market, conflicting push-back etc. A lot of action happened in the background and we discover it through dialogue.
I enjoyed the world building elements we got around climate impacts and the creation of protection domes - I would've liked to see more of this through character actions. The quest element near the end was super fun and loved how this played out, but I would've liked to see the earlier quests mentioned.
The twist ending got me shook.
A great read for any gaming fan.
After finishing Atomfall, something needed to fill the void and this was it. Taking a look behind the scenes of games development, the author's passion and experience shines through, telling a unique tale and making a cameo himself.
I found the book slow-paced, with most scenes centering around a meeting so there was a lack of action and a lot of dialogue, focusing on plot development rather than character arcs. I found parts 3 and 4 most interesting as this is when the AI and neural interfacing is introduced, but we don't really see this unfold. I would've liked more exploration around how this works, the introduction of the hardware into the market, conflicting push-back etc. A lot of action happened in the background and we discover it through dialogue.
I enjoyed the world building elements we got around climate impacts and the creation of protection domes - I would've liked to see more of this through character actions. The quest element near the end was super fun and loved how this played out, but I would've liked to see the earlier quests mentioned.
The twist ending got me shook.
A great read for any gaming fan.
June 24, 2025
I was gifted this book by my cousin, who knows I’m into sci-fi but also told me, “This one’s different. It’s deeper.” And wow, was he right. I don’t even know where to begin. On the surface, it’s a story about a tech company and the complicated AI world they’ve created but underneath, it’s so much more.
James is such a compelling character deeply flawed but entirely relatable. I felt his exhaustion, his confusion, his guilt. And Alice... what a phenomenal character. She's both the emotional heart of the story and one of the most intriguing representations of artificial consciousness I’ve seen in fiction.
What really caught me off guard was how philosophical the book became by the second half. It raises big questions, but never sacrifices pace or emotion. Every chapter felt like it peeled away a new layer of truth. And just when I thought I had it figured out another twist. The final chapters left me stunned and deeply reflective. It’s been a while since a book stayed with me this long. If you enjoy science fiction that also explores the human condition, don’t miss this one.
Rating --8.5/10
James is such a compelling character deeply flawed but entirely relatable. I felt his exhaustion, his confusion, his guilt. And Alice... what a phenomenal character. She's both the emotional heart of the story and one of the most intriguing representations of artificial consciousness I’ve seen in fiction.
What really caught me off guard was how philosophical the book became by the second half. It raises big questions, but never sacrifices pace or emotion. Every chapter felt like it peeled away a new layer of truth. And just when I thought I had it figured out another twist. The final chapters left me stunned and deeply reflective. It’s been a while since a book stayed with me this long. If you enjoy science fiction that also explores the human condition, don’t miss this one.
Rating --8.5/10
June 24, 2025
I actually found this book completely by accident. I was browsing through a thread on Goodreads about underrated sci-fi gems, and someone passionately recommended Cyberside: Level Zero.
I’m so glad I took the plunge. This book completely blew away my expectations. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into a world that was unsettlingly close to our own, yet rich with technological imagination. What started off feeling like a behind-the-scenes look at a tech company quickly transformed into something deeper ,a psychological dive into trauma, loss, and digital immortality.
The writing style is immersive without being overwhelming I never felt lost, even with the more technical scenes. Plus, the nods to 90s gaming culture gave it a nostalgic kick that I didn’t know I needed. It’s rare to find a book that feels both emotionally satisfying and intellectually challenging. This one nailed both. I’ve already recommended it to three of my friends and I’ll definitely be diving into the sequel.
I’m so glad I took the plunge. This book completely blew away my expectations. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into a world that was unsettlingly close to our own, yet rich with technological imagination. What started off feeling like a behind-the-scenes look at a tech company quickly transformed into something deeper ,a psychological dive into trauma, loss, and digital immortality.
The writing style is immersive without being overwhelming I never felt lost, even with the more technical scenes. Plus, the nods to 90s gaming culture gave it a nostalgic kick that I didn’t know I needed. It’s rare to find a book that feels both emotionally satisfying and intellectually challenging. This one nailed both. I’ve already recommended it to three of my friends and I’ll definitely be diving into the sequel.
June 30, 2025
I honestly don’t know where to start with this book. My brain is still tangled up, and my chest feels tight just thinking about it. Cyberside: Level Zero isn’t just a tech thriller it’s an emotional minefield that completely messed me up in the best possible way.
The thing is, it’s all so subtle. The tech is cool, yeah, but the story is so much more about grief, guilt, and those impossible questions of what if I could rewrite the past?
I found myself wanting James to succeed even when it felt wrong. And then hating myself for that. The way he holds on to Alice, even though she’s… well, whatever she is now, broke me. I couldn’t stop imagining what it would be like to lose my own family like that, and how far I’d go to get a piece of them back.
I almost want to forget I read it because it hurts, but at the same time, I’m grateful for the perspective it forced on me. A little part of me is still there, inside that code with James, trying to rewrite something that probably shouldn’t be touched. Incredible, haunting, absolutely unforgettable.
The thing is, it’s all so subtle. The tech is cool, yeah, but the story is so much more about grief, guilt, and those impossible questions of what if I could rewrite the past?
I found myself wanting James to succeed even when it felt wrong. And then hating myself for that. The way he holds on to Alice, even though she’s… well, whatever she is now, broke me. I couldn’t stop imagining what it would be like to lose my own family like that, and how far I’d go to get a piece of them back.
I almost want to forget I read it because it hurts, but at the same time, I’m grateful for the perspective it forced on me. A little part of me is still there, inside that code with James, trying to rewrite something that probably shouldn’t be touched. Incredible, haunting, absolutely unforgettable.
June 24, 2025
I picked up Cyberside: Level Zero on a whim while traveling I was at the airport, browsing for something different. I’m usually more into thrillers or crime fiction, but the blurb intrigued me, and I was in the mood to try something new. Best spontaneous purchase I’ve made in ages. This book surprised me in all the right ways. First of all, the world-building is intense and beautifully crafted. You really feel like you’re inside a hyper-modern, morally questionable tech empire. But what made this book memorable for me wasn’t just the dystopian setting it was the emotional intensity .James, the main character, is so human, so broken, and trying so hard to fix something that maybe can’t be fixed. Plus, I loved the pacing it starts off reflective and philosophical, then ramps up the tension with some truly jaw-dropping moments. And the ending? Let’s just say I closed the book and stared at the wall for a bit. I’ll be recommending this to everyone I know who enjoys meaningful sci-fi.
June 24, 2025
This was our book club's first-ever foray into speculative fiction, and it was a massive hit. I was a little worried that some members might find the tech-heavy setting confusing or too futuristic, but this book does such a great job of grounding everything in very real human emotion. The story revolves around James, a former tech executive trying to make sense of a world and a company he helped create, only to watch it spiral out of control. We spent almost two hours discussing it all in our meeting. Everyone had something different they related to. It’s rare that a sci-fi novel can engage such a wide variety of readers, but this one really struck a chord with everyone. Personally, I was most moved by how real the emotional journey felt, especially given the futuristic setting. We've already decided to read the sequel as soon as it's out. If you're part of a book group, this is an amazing conversation-starter.
June 30, 2025
4.5 stars.
This book was so different from what I expected. I thought I was signing up for a fast-paced, slick tech story. Instead, I got a painfully real look at grief wrapped in virtual layers that only made it more intense.
I loved how it didn’t spell everything out for me. I had to figure out how broken James really was, piece by piece. His guilt practically seeped off the page. And Alice… I don’t even have words for how eerie and beautiful she was. The moment it really clicked for me what she represented, I think I actually closed the book and said “wow” out loud.
It’s hard to explain without giving too much away, but this is one of those stories that lingers. I kept asking myself, would I do the same thing? Could I live in a lie just to see someone I lost again?
I’d recommend this to anyone, but especially people who think they love their neat little sci-fi concepts. This isn’t neat. It’s messy and painful and all the more powerful because of that.
This book was so different from what I expected. I thought I was signing up for a fast-paced, slick tech story. Instead, I got a painfully real look at grief wrapped in virtual layers that only made it more intense.
I loved how it didn’t spell everything out for me. I had to figure out how broken James really was, piece by piece. His guilt practically seeped off the page. And Alice… I don’t even have words for how eerie and beautiful she was. The moment it really clicked for me what she represented, I think I actually closed the book and said “wow” out loud.
It’s hard to explain without giving too much away, but this is one of those stories that lingers. I kept asking myself, would I do the same thing? Could I live in a lie just to see someone I lost again?
I’d recommend this to anyone, but especially people who think they love their neat little sci-fi concepts. This isn’t neat. It’s messy and painful and all the more powerful because of that.
July 5, 2025
James isn’t just a protagonist to me anymore. He’s like a mirror. The way he clings to the idea of bringing his daughter back through the system it felt so raw, so painfully honest. I’ve lost people too. I’ve imagined a hundred different versions of conversations I’d have if they were still here. Reading James do the same thing, but through lines of code and simulated realities, destroyed me.
And Alice... I still don’t know how to feel about her. Is she a daughter? A ghost? A clever algorithm with echoes of love?
This book is haunting in the truest sense it lingers, whispering questions about what’s real and what we invent to survive. It made me cry. It made me question my own memories. And somehow, despite all the darkness, it left me weirdly hopeful about the resilience of human connection.
If you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster disguised as a tech thriller, you need to read this. Just… be prepared to have your heart broken in the best possible way.
And Alice... I still don’t know how to feel about her. Is she a daughter? A ghost? A clever algorithm with echoes of love?
This book is haunting in the truest sense it lingers, whispering questions about what’s real and what we invent to survive. It made me cry. It made me question my own memories. And somehow, despite all the darkness, it left me weirdly hopeful about the resilience of human connection.
If you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster disguised as a tech thriller, you need to read this. Just… be prepared to have your heart broken in the best possible way.
June 30, 2025
I can’t stop replaying this story in my head. It’s been a week since I finished it, and I’m still walking around feeling unsettled.
The author somehow made me believe in this digital afterlife thing without ever explaining it in overwhelming detail. It felt plausible terrifyingly so. And the emotional manipulation? Spot on. I found myself making excuses for James constantly. Of course he wants to bring her back. Of course he’d risk everything. Then I’d catch myself and think… oh no, this is exactly how it happens.
It forced me to rethink how memory works, how we cling to things that are long gone, hoping they’ll save us from our own failures.
This isn’t just a book you read and shelve. It kind of infects you, in the softest, saddest way.
The author somehow made me believe in this digital afterlife thing without ever explaining it in overwhelming detail. It felt plausible terrifyingly so. And the emotional manipulation? Spot on. I found myself making excuses for James constantly. Of course he wants to bring her back. Of course he’d risk everything. Then I’d catch myself and think… oh no, this is exactly how it happens.
It forced me to rethink how memory works, how we cling to things that are long gone, hoping they’ll save us from our own failures.
This isn’t just a book you read and shelve. It kind of infects you, in the softest, saddest way.
June 30, 2025
There are books that entertain you, books that challenge you, and then there are books that quietly shatter you. This was that last one for me.
It’s weird because on the surface it’s about tech, startups, and the gaming industry. But underneath? It’s about the absolute wreckage of loss and what it does to your mind. I hated how much I related to James. That’s the brutal honesty of it.
His obsession with building something that might fix the past? That hit way too close. And Alice… I want to say she was the ghost of the story, but honestly I think James was the ghost, haunting his own life while she tried to pull him forward.
If I could bottle the feeling this book gave me that sick, hopeful, aching feeling I would, just to remind myself why stories like this matter.
It’s weird because on the surface it’s about tech, startups, and the gaming industry. But underneath? It’s about the absolute wreckage of loss and what it does to your mind. I hated how much I related to James. That’s the brutal honesty of it.
His obsession with building something that might fix the past? That hit way too close. And Alice… I want to say she was the ghost of the story, but honestly I think James was the ghost, haunting his own life while she tried to pull him forward.
If I could bottle the feeling this book gave me that sick, hopeful, aching feeling I would, just to remind myself why stories like this matter.
June 30, 2025
Okay, deep breath.
I didn’t want to like this as much as I did. The writing style is straightforward, almost deceptively simple, but that’s what made it hurt. It doesn’t try to be poetic about grief or guilt. It just is.
I kept waiting for the story to veer into cliché territory, but it never did. Every decision James makes feels painfully authentic, even when it’s obviously the wrong one. And the way the world is built? So close to what we already live with that it scared me more than any horror novel could.
This is the kind of book you finish and immediately wish you could discuss with someone over coffee, just to process all the little truths it sneaks in. Completely worth the emotional hangover.
I didn’t want to like this as much as I did. The writing style is straightforward, almost deceptively simple, but that’s what made it hurt. It doesn’t try to be poetic about grief or guilt. It just is.
I kept waiting for the story to veer into cliché territory, but it never did. Every decision James makes feels painfully authentic, even when it’s obviously the wrong one. And the way the world is built? So close to what we already live with that it scared me more than any horror novel could.
This is the kind of book you finish and immediately wish you could discuss with someone over coffee, just to process all the little truths it sneaks in. Completely worth the emotional hangover.
June 12, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect going into Cyberside: Level Zero, but what I found was a surprisingly emotional and intricate tale of identity, grief, and digital transformation.
James Reynolds is not just a protagonist, he’s a reflection of so many people who work in high-stakes industries, navigating loyalty, burnout, and broken systems. The blend of sci-fi and real-world parallels in this book is razor-sharp. The idea that one’s daughter’s consciousness can live on in a system is haunting and beautiful. And I have to say, Alice is such a compelling character strong, flawed, and deeply human, despite being digital.
Highly recommended if you enjoy near future thrillers with depth.
James Reynolds is not just a protagonist, he’s a reflection of so many people who work in high-stakes industries, navigating loyalty, burnout, and broken systems. The blend of sci-fi and real-world parallels in this book is razor-sharp. The idea that one’s daughter’s consciousness can live on in a system is haunting and beautiful. And I have to say, Alice is such a compelling character strong, flawed, and deeply human, despite being digital.
Highly recommended if you enjoy near future thrillers with depth.
June 12, 2025
This book is an emotional rollercoaster disguised as a cyber-thriller. The way the author captures the behind-the-scenes of the gaming industry, mixed with corporate betrayal and familial love, is honestly brilliant. John Burrow’s story broke me. His late-night conversations with Alice, even after her death, were painful to read but also strangely hopeful. The final scenes where James makes a decision between an artificial utopia and a painful truth are some of the most powerful moments I’ve read in a while. If you’ve ever lost someone and wished technology could bring them back this book will hit hard.
June 21, 2025
A gripping read that makes you question the future of gaming, tech, and humanity as a whole. This is more than fiction it’s a wake-up call. The story dives deep into how technology is shaping our choices and slowly changing the way we live, think, and feel. It’s scary at times because it doesn’t feel too far from reality. The characters are relatable, and their struggles feel like what we might face in the near future. You finish the book with a strange mix of awe and fear, wondering if this is where we’re truly headed. A must-read for anyone who’s ever wondered what happens when the digital world gets too real.
June 30, 2025
I thought I was ready for this. I was not.
What started as a cool concept grieving developer uses tech to rebuild his life quickly spiraled into something way more personal.
James is such a frustrating, relatable character. Half the time I wanted to shake him, the other half I wanted to hug him. His love for Alice, twisted as it became, was one of the most honest depictions of clinging to someone you’ve lost that I’ve ever read.
And don’t even get me started on the ending. I had to walk around my apartment afterward just to shake it off. Five stars for breaking my brain in the best way.
What started as a cool concept grieving developer uses tech to rebuild his life quickly spiraled into something way more personal.
James is such a frustrating, relatable character. Half the time I wanted to shake him, the other half I wanted to hug him. His love for Alice, twisted as it became, was one of the most honest depictions of clinging to someone you’ve lost that I’ve ever read.
And don’t even get me started on the ending. I had to walk around my apartment afterward just to shake it off. Five stars for breaking my brain in the best way.
July 2, 2025
Wow. Just… wow. I don’t think I’ve read a book that felt this uncomfortably close in a long time.
James is so easy to judge at first running from reality trying to program away his pain. But by the end I wasn’t judging him at all. I was too busy wondering if I’d do the exact same thing.
It’s frightening how easily the story lets you slip into his logic. Like, of course you’d want to keep talking to the person you lost. Of course you’d build an entire system to pretend she’s still there.
The writing style isn’t overly emotional, but somehow that makes it hit even harder. It’s like the author trusted me to fill in the grief myself. And I did.
James is so easy to judge at first running from reality trying to program away his pain. But by the end I wasn’t judging him at all. I was too busy wondering if I’d do the exact same thing.
It’s frightening how easily the story lets you slip into his logic. Like, of course you’d want to keep talking to the person you lost. Of course you’d build an entire system to pretend she’s still there.
The writing style isn’t overly emotional, but somehow that makes it hit even harder. It’s like the author trusted me to fill in the grief myself. And I did.
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