In Ctrl+Alt, the thrilling sequel to Ctrl+Break in the Nekonikon Punk Trilogy, the stakes have never been higher for the renegade hacker group Corpslayer. After the tumultuous events that left them as fugitives, Juan, Penny, Kara, and Mela find themselves on a dangerous new mission to save their comrades and uncover the truth behind a nefarious program threatening the very essence of free will.
As they journey through the dark underbelly of Nekonikon, from bustling Harborside to the gleaming streets of Cogstown, they'll encounter a colorful cast of new characters and confront a looming specter that threatens them from the shadows. With their relationships tested and their enemies closing in, Corpslayer must confront the true meaning of personhood, and decide what they're willing to sacrifice in the name of freedom.
Packed with adrenaline-fueled action, complex themes, and unforgettable characters, Ctrl+Alt plunges readers back into the gritty, enthralling world of Nekonikon.
S.D. Miller is an author and educator from Nova Scotia, Canada. His non-fiction writing has been featured in EdSurge and his debut novel, Nekonikon Punk: Ctrl Break garnered critical acclaim winning Best Sci/fi Action Adventure of 2024 from Indies Today. His stories balance action and social commentary inviting readers to explore technology, power, and resistance.
First off, thanks to S D Miller for providing this copy in exchange for my thoughts.
Nekonikon Punk: Crtl+Alt is the sequel to fast paced cyberpunk anti-corporate Ctrl+Break.
The pace remains fast in this one, though it's not as breakneck as book one. I'm delighted to see some development in style here, you can really see Miller has worked on his writing. Descriptions of action and particularly movement felt hugely improved upon, and I could visualise this book so well. The dialogue is also great - I still feel some of the language is slightly odd in choice but the banter felt more realistic and the tone improved.
I don't know if I felt like the politics of the piece had the same urgency as in book one, I don't know if it got a little bit lost in this one.
I love the characters though, Juan continues to develop and grow and Penny and Kara have super levels of sass which is great. I think emotional reactions need building on. We get more nuance here but there were some pretty life altering actions in this book for many, if not all characters and while I get that they're all hard as nails, having half ya limbs removed I feel would cause a bigger reaction than it does here. Stoic acceptance maybe? But I'd probably have expected some wallowing/screaming/denial or something first. Everyone is very stoic about everything.
I absolutely love both Shuang and Metalfist. I really really want to see the full potential of their gory creepfest. Like, terrify me with the guys please Miller, I want more more more of the metal/bone gal and weird organic AI monstrosity.
S. D. Miller crafts a gritty world where there are those in power who will do anything to maintain it and those fighting to survive. S.D. Miller's novels are thought-provoking and asks the reader to ponder complex issues such as who has power, how do they use their power, and how do they maintain control. The second novel in the series is no exception.
Nekonikon Punk: CTRL Alt picks up directly after the first novel in the series. Juan and Penny are forced to lay low and avoid detection. As the two contemplate their life in hiding, Kara, their friend, is not to be found. So, Juan and Penny go about devising a plan to determine where Kara went and what has happened to her. The novel has so many twists and turns. There is deception, back stabbing, brutal murders, and loss. The novels gritty landscape is heightened by S.D. Miller's fantastic character building and complex motivations for each character. The final climactic battle ends with a revelation and loss of loved ones. Each page leading up to the climactic final chapters left me on the edge of my seat
If you love Cyberpunk, fantasy and a lot of actions these is series is perfect for you. The author did an amazing job in the first book explaining the city and all the politics behind that, and in this second one we get to see even closer how people in that situation can act. Penny is still my favorite character, I absolutely adore her, and in this book I got the chance to love her even more. I will not make spoilers so that you can read it for yourself, just saying that these books are written very well and the story will make you want more, I dreamed about living in Nekonikon a lot of times since starting to read them 😂
The world that Miller created in Nekonikon is horrific in how closely it mirrors a modern newsfeed. In our modern social and political situation, it’s not hard to envision our world turning more dystopian in the very near future.
Mix in some techno-anxiety and some really epic song pairings and you have a really fun novel, and series.
I blew through book two in three days. I found myself wanting to sit down and spend more time with Corpslayer and the band in Nekonikon. The punchy and fast paced writing style definitely makes the novel bingeable.
Sit back, grab a beer and enjoy the ride. There certainly are a few twists and turns throughout.
Ctrl+Alt delivers a fast, gripping continuation of the Nekonikon Punk Trilogy. After becoming fugitives, Juan, Penny, Kara, and Mela dive into a dangerous mission to save their team and expose a program threatening the core of human free will.
From Harborside’s dark corners to the gleaming towers of Cogstown, the world feels vivid and alive. New allies, hidden enemies, and a haunting threat in the shadows push Corpslayer to their limits, emotionally and morally.
This sequel blends adrenaline-packed action with deeper themes of freedom, identity, and sacrifice. It not only continues the story, it strengthens it. A captivating, thoughtful, and thrilling addition to the trilogy.