The Chain Loop

Sovereign #1

by N. von Wolf

I survive on grit, scraps, and the refusal to die.
Beyond the city walls, the world is ash and ruin. Storms hunt the living. So do worse things. Things like him.
Silent. Part man – part machine. Deadly.
He chains me up and drops me into a world where obedience is currency and flesh is owned.
But I’ve fixed machines tougher than him. And I see the cracks in his code.
If I play this right, I might escape.
If I don’t, I won’t just be trapped underground – I’ll be a keepsake.
And the worst part?
Some twisted part of me wants that.

The Chain Loop is a gritty, psychological dark sci-fi romance novella about a captive tech-savvy heroine, a cybernetically augmented brute unravelled by obsession, and a world ruled by AI where autonomy is coded, suppressed, and violently reclaimed.



!Full list of trigger warnings on the author's website!

Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Dark, Kidnapping, Enemies To Lovers, Dark Romance, Forced Proximity

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2025

About the author

N. von Wolf writes dark, psychological romance set in worlds where myth bleeds into obsession and love walks a razor’s edge. Her stories explore the intimate territories of power, trauma, and fate – whether in vampire courts, ancient battlegrounds, or dystopian futures.

Rooted in the Balkans and shaped by years in Ireland and Scandinavia, she draws on haunted history, folklore, and cultural echoes to craft emotionally charged tales where the past never sleeps and the heart is never safe. Her favourite playgrounds are epic fantasy, historical and paranormal fiction – but she loves to dip her toes into sci-fi waters, as well.

By night, she writes of forbidden desires and fractured worlds; by day, she thrives as a Technical Engineering Team Lead, a wife, and a mother of two.

You can see what she's currently brewing on her website, or follow her on Social Media:

Reviews

[Melanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS!

Love is not forced with chains.

Really liked this one; thought-provoking and deliciously dark, one of my favorite combos.

I'll definitely continue the series.

[Raven Darkholme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a great while, an author creates a world so vivid that it feels less like reading a book and more like stepping through a doorway.

This novel drops us into a wild steampunk-inspired future filled with imagination, danger, mystery, and wonder. The world-building is exceptional—not because of the sheer volume of detail, but because every piece feels alive and purposeful. The setting isn’t merely a backdrop for the story; it becomes a character in its own right.

What impressed me most was the author’s ability to make the impossible feel tangible. As I read, I stopped seeing words on a page and began seeing places, machines, people, and possibilities. The world felt vast, layered, and far larger than the story being told within it.

And then there was ending….

The true measure of a great book, for me, is whether I continue thinking about it after I’ve closed the cover. This one lingered. Its characters, its world, and its possibilities stayed with me long after I finished the final chapter.

Needless to say, I immediately reached for The Tether Protocol.

[♥︎Obsidian°Scorpio°Reads♥︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually one for cyberpunk or Apocalyptic but when I say this book was beyond what I thought i would like the way N. can and will pull you in with whatever she has is something I think everyone needs to experience.

this will in some ways crush you and put you back with a couple of wtf moments but trust the process.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½/5
🫦🫦🫦/5

[Erin E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to be extremely honest. Sci Fi is usually not my cup of tea. Like ever. However, whatever N. Von Wolf writes I will read. This surpassed my expectations and was fantastic! Thankful for the glossary I had to use it a couple times 😂 i thoroughly enjoyed the premise.. what happens when AI takes over completely and things are basically post apocalyptic with humans and augmented humans existing. The world and character building in this is phenomenal!

I love love love all the psychological elements the author always puts her in books. Her writing is just so layered and it always captivates me. Every single detail, thought, has me able to visualize and feel everything the characters do. Her writing just enables everything to play out like a movie while reading 🖤

This is fairly dark, slightly unhinged, the tension is intense, and the emotional hit this takes is heavy. You're stuck in Hazels (FMC) mind seeing and feeling everything from her perspective. So some questions are left unanswered but we only know what she knows! The romantic pull to Jase (MMC) it's a tad twisted but also undeniable. Half the time I'm screaming no girl don't do it the other half I'm like oh gosh how sweet. Do I want you to break free or fall in love? I don't know!!! 😂 All I know is I ate this up (especially with that ending!!!) there's quite a few twists in here I didn't see coming... Looking forward to diving deeper into the world and the characters! The stakes of survival are high so I'm really intrigued as to where this will go!

✔️Dark psychological thriller
✔️enemies to lovers
✔️Captive tech savvy heroine
✔️Sci Fi
✔️Post apocalyptic
✔️Morally grey
✔️Obsession

[Nicole Sapriken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so good. It is a psychological dark romance, and I don’t think it’s just the characters that are being twisted. I found myself feeling bad for almost every character at one point (not Aaron), but also angry at all of them as well.

Jase and Hazel are such a contradiction in so many ways. I will say, I fell for Jase pretty hard. My heart was whimpering at the end of this one. I am about to dive in to “The Kill Switch” soon and can’t wait to get even more of a look at his soul and what makes him tick.

Hazel, well, she makes me want to cry for her, and also I want to strangle her. And the two of them together are absolutely beautiful.

Definitely a recommendation for anyone looking for a psychological dark romance, that is in a series, so cliffhangers happen, and the series isn’t finished yet (which is an ongoing joke in N. von. Wolf’s reels on socials.

You will find:

⛓️ Captive / Captor
⚔️ Enemies to Obsessive Lovers
🔥 Forced Proximity
🖤 Morally Grey / Possessive MMC
🤖 Dark Sci-Fi / Cyberpunk
⚠️ Dubious Consent & Power Imbalance
🌆 Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic

[Maureen Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me chained

There were times I wasn’t sure who I was rooting for!! Desolation seems to have won and we did it to ourselves! Chaos, confusion, catastrophe, and computers seemed to ruled this shithole of a world, but despite the darkness, there are souls of light.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but absolutely devastating

Yaaaassss! This story scratched an itch. It proves that a book doesn't have to have a heavy word count to get its point across. The plot had me in an absolute choke hold. I can't wait to read more from the author.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 already hooked

Not my usual read but I was hooked from the start.

Awesome read, was a long night when I couldn't put it down

[Sarahg1706 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book on TT and it instantly intrigued me - post apocalyptic, cyberpunk, dark romance/thriller - are you mad!! I'm all over that. I was NOT disappointed. Did someone say trigger warnings? ohhh yeahhhh nearly 2 pages of them. chef's kiss (for me)

so, the book, where the hell do I start? I must admit the start I was a little confuzzled with all the technology talk (this isn't my usual book, ok!) BUT she does give us a glossary which helped - to be fair I actually understood it apart from some reason my brain couldn't function and I didn't know what a human augment was 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣 if you know what one of those is, you're good.

I really liked the FMC the struggle she went through is so real and the MMC (jeeezzzzz he's smoking HOT if you like the tall dark haired tattooed silent broody type 🥵) and he's soooo obsessed with the FMC it's insane, literally. I loved him from the get go I don't know why but he just had something about him (I do know why but you have to read it to find out😝). The tension is something else in this book, I've read a lot of DR and this blew it out the park with tension. Sometimes in books I find the tension too much, like I'm saying to myself "will you hurry up" not in this book! She kept me on my toes for sure.

The ending - I'm split between I understand and HOW DARE YOU!! The emotions I went through in this book, wow just wow!! what a rollercoaster. I put this book down 2 days ago and I am STILL thinking about it.

I was absolutely glued to this book, as soon as I started, if I didn't have to work I wouldn't have put it down! it was incredible, loved it. 5* for me. the spice? when it spices - it SPICESSSS

side note, please read the trigger warnings as it is dark and some points I was even like "ok that's f***ed" but I can't even put into words how much I enjoyed this book. How she wrote it as well, my brain has been well and truly blown away. I look forward to the next one ✌️😊

[Shyan Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was kindly given an ARC to read and now that it’s been released to the public for a while, I feel comfortable enough to share my thoughts on this one.

In terms of dark romance, it was not as dark as I was expecting. I mean, it’s not a sunshine and rainbows walk, but I have certainly read gnarlier things 🤣

I want to say the flourishing romance between the MCs was genuine for the setting they’re in and the circumstances that they both have. There are small moments where I feel like there should have been MORE to it.

As a whole, I felt like there should have been more.
World building, backstory, lore etc.
it felt like what was given was just the tip of the iceberg and I had so many questions.

The Apocalyptic/Post Apocalyptic world that was built here was so interesting, yet we’re given hardly enough information to really understand the construction of the society.
This book could have been twice as long, had more information and establishment and I would’ve had Zero complaints.

Here’s hoping the next books have more and satisfies my cravings for answers 🤣

[Solstice Star · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the balance between plot and smut in this one. There's enough of an actual story to keep things interesting, and the relationship is complicated in a way I wish more dark romances would explore.

What I particularly appreciated was that the FMC doesn't automatically fall in love with the MMC simply because he's the romantic lead. She can love him while still recognizing all the reasons she has to hate him. He's irredeemable, and the story doesn't need to turn him into a better person to make their relationship compelling.

I also liked how the book ended. Rather than forcing a romantic resolution, the FMC outsmarts him and escapes back into the desert, leaving him behind. Of course, it ends on a cliffhanger, so her escape isn't necessarily the end of their story. I'm interested to see where the second book takes things, particularly whether it maintains the complexity of their relationship without resorting to a redemption arc.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle unlimited

For a honest review in my own words on a book I read. Another fanatic book by this writer , the characters and the chemistry. Hazel finds herself hurt and jace finds her.

[Molls Bells · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I love an obsessive and truly mental MMC👏😛 Jase and Aaron are truly cray cray. Jase and Hazel are both very interesting individually and both likable characters. This book was an easy read for me and held me captive from the very beginning. I’m starting book 2 and my hopes are high.

[Danielle Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t wait to read the next installment.

[Freya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Absolutely truly loved it. I’m still thinking about it a week later!
It’s such a new and interesting concept about artificial intelligence and modified humans.
I liked how the relationship progressed with the two main characters and can’t wait to see what happens in the sequel (which can’t come soon enough).
There is spice - I’d give it 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️ on the scale!
It was a bit violent, especially with the two side characters but there is a trigger warning page for everything.
I loved how the FMC didn’t always forgive the MMC too.
I’m so glad I read this! I look forward to learning more about this world in the sequel, as the first was not long enough - I need more!

[Cindy ☕️ · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I am here for N. Von Wolf!
An easy read packed with everything you want without being overloaded, straight onto number 2.

[Cafedarc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a world where humans are forced to live under the rule of AI — a world where people are programmed to create human–robot hybrids designed to serve the AI’s own interests. Terrifying, isn’t it.

I’ve never really been a sci‑fi person, but it’s no surprise that Nessie managed to pull me straight into this world. I know Nessie is an engineer, and that gives this book an unsettling sense of realism; the main character, Hazel, is an engineer who programs and codes Auggie for the AI—until she escapes. Hazel knows the AI’s demands, its skills, and its weapons, and she refuses to help it gain absolute power by breaking and suppressing human free will.

Jase is an Auggie stripped of emotions and speech. Hazel promises to reprogram him in exchange for her freedom. Somewhere along the way, they fall in love.

Nessie builds this world with such skill that the reader holds their breath while also wondering how close we are to real AI control. Because every day humans rely more and more on artificial intelligence — at what point does a service turn into servitude. Or has it already.

The book ends on a delicious cliffhanger, leaving the reader hungry for the sequel that’s coming soon. Even if you’re not a sci‑fi fan, read this book. Its psychological thriller edge keeps you hooked until the very last moment.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start this off by saying, I do not like Sci fi at all.
But this book had me wanting to read more lol. I was a little confused with the technical terms but the glossary helped me in that regard. And even with needing to scroll through it, it didn't take away from the story at all.
The dark elements were there, oh boy were they.
I found this book to be very well written with a great plot and CLIFFHANGER!!! I need to know what happens next.
Anyway. I loved the overall style of this book, the characters were developed nicely. I love it when an author puts effort into their characters because it makes it easier and more enjoyable to read if you can really see them in your mind while reading. The same can be said for the story itself. I love a movie in my mind when I read, and this hit the nail on the head.
This book was dark, emotional, catching your interest and want to keep knowing more. I truly can't wait to read the next book in line

[જ⁀➴ Amanda ✿ ≽^• ˕ •^≼ ✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, dystopian sci-fi that leans heavily into horror, The Chain Loop delivers a tense and unsettling ride from start to finish. N. von Wolf weaves together suspense and psychological unease in a way that keeps the stakes feeling immediate and ever-present.

At the center of the story is Hazel, whose trials begin when she finds herself a prisoner of two brothers surviving by gaming a broken system — leveraging class structures, smuggling, and black-market dealings to secure their own prosperity. What starts as a fight for survival quickly becomes something far less linear. In a world reduced to ash and ruin, survival demands impossible choices — not just from Hazel, but from Aaron, Jase, and Strawberry as well, each shaped by the sacrifices they’ve been made to endure.

What stood out most to me was the emotional complexity beneath the brutality. Hazel’s instinct to survive begins to blur as she’s drawn to Jase — an attachment that feels as much rooted in understanding as it does necessity. Their connection is complicated, unspoken, and at times difficult to define, shaped by a world where morality has long since fractured.

Jase, in particular, is a fascinating contrast to Hazel. Though physically unshackled, he is perhaps the most imprisoned of them all — controlled through the manipulation of his augments, lack of updates and maintenance, and repeatedly stripped of memory by his own brother, Aaron. Hazel becomes the catalyst for Jase's awakening, helping him rediscover autonomy, voice, and identity — even as she searches for her own. By the end, I was left questioning whether what they had shared was real in any sense, or simply another means of survival in a world that offers little else.

The atmosphere throughout is thick with tension — there’s a constant sense that something is just slightly off, ready to unravel. The story plays with control, consequence, and the fragility of reality, pulling the reader into a loop that feels as disorienting as it is compelling.

The writing itself is downright phenomenal. Even beyond the story’s focus on technology, augments, and circuitry, the prose mirrors these elements — each sentence precise, deliberate, and immersive. The mimetic style is incredibly effective, reinforcing the world at every level.

Upon finishing Sovereign #1, I was left with a lingering feeling of dread and heartbreaking exhaustion — the kind that stays with you long after the final page. The Chain Loop is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year and has earned a place on my favorites shelf.

What lingers just as deeply is the nature of Hazel and Jase's connection. Love is often illogical even in a perfect world — but here, in a reality where every decision is tied to survival and every action is transactional, it feels almost impossible. Their bond, forged through trauma, runs against not only the grain of this world, but the very systems that sustain it - the wires, circuits, code and programming that underpin everything. Every good system is designed with a fail-safe, a way to contain instability and restore order — but what they share exists beyond those safeguards, something that can't be reset, overridden, or contained.

Honestly, if you enjoy stories with elements of dystopian horror, toxic attraction, and dangerous pursuits — run, do NOT walk. Be aware: The Chain Loop comes with a two-page menu of trigger warnings - and it delivers in every sense.

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suffice to say I started, I finished then jumped straight into the next one 🤣

Hazel is caught in a lightening storm searching for food, if that’s bad what follows is her finding herself trapped in a hole, if that’s worse she then finds herself a captive and you think you’re having a bad day 🤭 It’s not all bad, as her captive becomes enamoured with her and she has skills, skills she utilises to her advantage…

​🇼​​🇭​​🇪​​🇳​ ​🇼​​🇴​​🇲​​🇪​​🇳​ ​🇩​​🇮​​🇸​​🇦​​🇵​​🇵​​🇪​​🇦​​🇷​ ​🇮​​🇳​ ​🇹​​🇭​​🇪​ ​🇨​​🇮​​🇹​​🇾​… ​🇮​​🇹​’​🇸​ ​🇳​​🇪​​🇻​​🇪​​🇷​ ​🇫​​🇴​​🇷​ ​🇬​​🇴​​🇴​​🇩​ ​🇷​​🇪​​🇦​​🇸​​🇴​​🇳​​🇸​.

NGL I saw this on socials, loved the cover and the synopsis added to my tbr, where of course it sat for a bit. I was at the stage of ‘what to read next’ and this just talked back to me. I got so into the story I didn’t want to sleep, the sci-fi storyline is there but it’s the relationship build up between the MCs that kept my attention, their difference in dynamic and the pull each feels even if there are lingering doubts due to the chains. I was that engrossed to the point once I’d finished I had to instantly start the next one!

[Bethany Grunau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little apprehensive about this book at first glance. Not that I thought it was bad or anything, just because of the sci-fi aspect of it. The dark, physiological romance of it was right up my alley but I didn’t know about the sci fi part…. Until I started reading. Once I got past the trigger warnings there was a very detailed glossary of terms used in the book. With careful explanations of what each word meant. And that made a word of difference to someone who was thinking that her 15 yr old son might have to explain parts of the book to her if I didn’t understand what a term meant. And thankfully I didn’t have to do that! Especially because of the spice level. Which was perfect and a slow build at first. I loved the gritty nature of this book and the characters. I’d put it at about a 4 star read normally but the detailed glossary made it so much easier to read and understand, especially for someone who isn’t an engineer. That alone made it a 5 star read and I can’t wait to start the second book!!

[After Dark Chapters - Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I should say something, do something – anything. But all I do is breathe. And even that feels borrowed. Wrong."

⭐️ 4/5

This author continues to impress me with her ability to completely transform her writing style to fit each story. After the more flowery and poetic feel of From Valhalla, this book is completely different. The writing is sharper, more blunt, and almost staccato, perfectly matching this bleak dystopian world where survival is everything. I was completely enthralled by the storytelling and the way she pulled me into this broken, brutal world.

I appreciated that Elise’s survival instincts stayed at the forefront, even as complicated feelings developed. She never lost focus of her goal to escape. Jace is a cyborg just barely hanging on to humanity and watching the cracks begin to show was fascinating (and not without anxiety). The tension between danger, attraction, and trust kept me invested throughout.

A fast-paced, intense read with a cliffhanger ending that left me ready for the next book.

[J.J. Hynd · Rating 5 out of 5]

First up I will preface saying I did not properly understand what I was getting myself into with this one. Did I read the triggers? Nope. Should I have? Absolutely.

This is so dark its pitch black. Vanta black. Black hole black.
The triggers are there for a reason and I suggest reading them.

That said the writing is good. The world building is very interesting, and the characters intriguing. The big bad AI sovereign ruling over the humans with a iron fist and essentially enslaving humanity is such a great premise. I want to know more about the enslaved humans who work for the machines, and about the ones living outside the system making money how they can even if its from selling organs or guns or anything in between. However, I cant continue the series as it's too dark for me. That said if you're okay with toxic, abusive, stockholm syndrome romance then go and eat cake cause you will love this one.

[Kathalene Stokes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that leaves your chest tight and your mind racing long after you've turned the final page. The world-building is exceptional—rich, immersive, and crafted with incredible attention to detail. Every character feels deeply human: flawed, complex, and driven by motivations that are both believable and compelling.

The technical aspects are woven seamlessly into the story, and the science feels grounded without ever overwhelming the narrative. At the same time, the romantic tension is exquisitely written, stretched so tightly that every interaction feels charged with anticipation.

Blending science fiction with psychological thriller elements, this book keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Even if science fiction isn't usually your genre, I highly recommend giving this book a chance. Its suspense, emotional depth, and timely themes make it a truly unforgettable read.

[Happei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings. Don't say you weren't warned. I've popped the list of them below this review.

This story is dark, but not quite as dark as I was expecting. Maybe I dissociated while reading it? Everyone is a little broken, a little (or a lot) augmented and all engage in manipulation for their own survival.

Just when you think you know where it is going, the author inserts a little left hand curve.

Be warned this book ends on one hell of a cliff hanger. I, for one, will be hanging on with my fingernails for the next installment.

Trigger Warnings
Emotional and Sexual Manipulation, Coercion and Power Imbalance, Psychological Abuse, Gaslighting (mild and manipulative conditioning), Physical Abuse, Torture, Medical Torture / Physical Restraint, Human Trafficking (implied), Sexual Exploitation (implied and referenced), Objectification, Non-Consensual Sexual Acts and Undertones, Dubious Consent, Light BDSM Elements (non-kink context), Domination and Submission, Voyeurism (implied and observed), Obsessive and Controlling Behaviour, Threats of Violence During Intimacy, Emotional Blackmail, Emotional Collapse / Dissociation, PTSD and Trauma Responses, State-Sanctioned Abuse, Dehumanisation, Aftereffects of Abuse, Psychological Trauma, Suicidal Ideation (brief), Loss of Autonomy, Violent Retaliation, Moral Ambiguity, Forced Drugging / Ingestion of Substances (implied), Power-Imbalance Sexual Dynamics, Stockholm Syndrome Undertones, Trauma Bonding, Cybernetic Modification Without Consent, Gore and Bodily Injury (including neural chip procedures), Implied Sexual Violence (against secondary characters), Cannibalism (referenced and implied), Neurological Overload and Sensory Torture, Forced Memory Extraction, Violence Between Siblings, Non-Consensual Medical Procedures, Psychosexual Threats and Humiliation, Unreliable Reality / Induced Delusions, Emotional Numbing / Suppression as Control Mechanism, Eroticisation of Captivity, Mass Surveillance and Loss of Privacy, Complicity in Abuse (morally grey characters)

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book that kinda explores Stolkholm Syndrome a bit. I'm not sure if that's what I would classify the FMC and MMC's relationship as though, so don't be too worried about that. I really liked the view on a post-apocolypic world where AI and machines run the world. Add in the spice and this book was great!
I really enjoyed the story and the characters! I thought it was poignant that the evil human character portrayed as less human/more beast than the mech character.
Heads up, there is non con and dub con, as well as a hint of a grape kink.
The ending made me very excited for the next book in the series! Waiting impatiently now 😅

[Srahina · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading "From Valhalla" I had to read the other books of this amazing author and I was not disappointed.
I loved every second I spent with "The Chain Loop" and if I had one wish for 2026 it would be to get a sequel to this fantastic story (I desperately need one 😭). From the world building to the writing style to the relationship between the two main characters it all clicked perfectly.
I know I've only read two books by N. von Wolf but I can safely say that she has become my new favorite author.

[catherine campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started with the Facebook videos. Then I started reading. To say N. Von Wolf is my new obsession is an understatement. Book wise it started with Chain Loop. The story grabbed me and held tight, I cheered, I cried, I raged and when the last page was done I was left needing more. All I will say is I am very intrigued with Jace and I cant wait to read more.
*spoiler* I have moved on to read the other book and the novella in the series!

[Jeanette_Ava_Botanica S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for showing me a whole new genre♥️ I never thought Sci-Fi, cyberpunk and dystopian apocalyptic worlds was for me. Loved every second of it ♥️

Plot:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dark/Morbid: 💀💀
Format: 📚

[Misty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too slow

I stop when they got the voice chip. I skipped through most of the book to that part and was still able to keep up. This book is full of filler information and tech terms. Keeps repeating brother is s psycho other girl has fillers.