Tapeworld Induction: A Cyberpunk Romance

by Geraldo Nascimento

London, 2060. The climate crisis is over. The corporations won.

ReSports champion Isaak never expected his career to end with a shattered knee. Now
he makes a living pulling dangerous heists inside the TAPEWORLD – a hidden virtual
reality where every mission carries real consequences.

Dylan has spent her life preparing to follow in her revolutionary parents’ footsteps.
Instead, she’s stuck working a dead-end government job, wondering if she'll ever have
the chance to change the world.

When a night out brings her face-to-face with the man she’s admired for years, Isaak introduces her to the TAPEWORLD. But what begins as an escape from their problems quickly becomes a fight for survival as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens both the virtual world and reality itself.

Hunted by ruthless tech corporations, Isaak and Dylan must battle impossible odds – and their feelings for each other – before the people controlling the future erase them both.

Perfect for readers who love Neuromancer, The Matrix, Sense8, Ready Player One,
and dystopian stories, this is a slow-burn cyberpunk romance packed with action,
virtual reality, and high-stakes adventure.

Genres: Cyberpunk

495 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2026

Reviews

[Sylva Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thanks to the Author for giving me an early ARC of his debut baby!

Look, if you hate when women kickass? Get on the next train, this is NOT your stop!

Dylan, oh the woman you are! Immediately I saw it was a “touch him and die” book, I had to sign up! I like strong FMCs, sue me!

Dylan has always known she was destined for something greater than the annoying government job she’s stuck doing. As a child of two revolutionary parents, she’s prepared to follow in their footsteps. And the universe seems to have answered her prayers when a coincidental meeting brings her in contact with the man she’s had a crush on for years, a former ReSports champion, Isaak Powers. How to describe their first meeting? A sweet connection at first sight accompanied by a stupid mistake, where Isaak fumbled (He liked Dylan a little too much, so he wanted to impress her😅) and gave her a roll of tape. Annnnnnnnnd the Craziness begins!

That tape was no ordinary tape. Listen, cause this is probably one of the coolest things you’ll hear. The Author needed to have been on a different level to have thought of this cause omg! So that tape, well, if stuck to the side of your head, it brings you to a virtual world! And this world, the way the author describes it, even I want to visit it😭. What do you mean I can summon things by thinking of it? Only word to describe it? COOL!

Unfortunately, it didn’t remain so for our lovely main characters. What began as a place for them to enjoy and be at their full potential, became a danger to both the TAPEWORLD and reality itself. Isaak and Dylan must now find a way to battle the forces aiming to control both the reality and virtual world. It’s either that, or they get erased—forever.

This book would take you on a ride. One moment you think our main characters not getting their kiss is the problem, the next moment it’s a tech baddie threatening destruction. Yeah, your emotions are about to be thrown all over the place, and I am in support cause I can’t be alone in the craziness of this book! I loved that Dylan was kickass yet a sweet Angel. You wanna see her claws, touch Isaak! The Sleptigrades know what I’m talking about! What are sleptigrades? Read and find out 😏. And Isaak? He was so cute and clueless sometimes, I wanted to either slap him or just love on him😂. And the side characters were also really cool and hard to forget. Special mention to Talia, cause she’s my girllllllll!

I’m of course not ending this review without talking about gunky! Not even an actual human, but I vote him my favorite character! And if you’re wondering who or what it is? It’s a talking sword and gun—the GUNKATANA! Gunky’s got perfect timing and wits to match, you just have to love him❤️😂.

I’m really cheering this one on. You did good with this one, Geraldo. I wish you all the best on release day and after!

[NCN Nerd Culture Network · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tapeworld: Induction is an extremely thrilling read. The world constructed in the book feels vividly real. All of the characters are very well written, but I found myself focusing just as much on the things in between: the objects, the scenery, the backstories and the mysteries quietly unfolding in the background.

Scattered throughout the book are fragmentary snippets, bizarre sci-fi worldbuilding details, unpredictable political shifts and countless unsolved mysteries. It never throws everything at you at once or convolutes the story by making things unnecessarily complex. It builds the world naturally, and you always get the feeling that there is a much bigger picture beyond the story we are following here.

Isaak is a complex character in a good way. He is easy to relate to, but at times he feels like the embodiment of that impulsive part of your brain that makes you do something before thinking about the consequences.

Dylan is a perfect contrast to him. They fill in each other's gaps while still connecting really well. It isn't the typical "opposites attract" relationship that a lot of romance tends to lean towards, and the romantic elements never overwhelm the story or take away from what is going on. The emotion is still there to be felt, though, and the foundations have definitely been set for this to become a bigger part of the story going forward.

I can't write this review without mentioning this next part, but I also don't want to spoil anything.

Gunkatana.

As a fan of Final Fantasy games, and specifically the Gunblade from Final Fantasy VIII, I was so excited for this, and it didn't disappoint.

Gunkatana is such an important part of this story and has so much mystery surrounding it that I can't wait to find out more.

I loved reading this. The writing style was a delight. It kept the story moving forward while giving just the right amount of detail to paint each scene in your mind without slowing everything down.

Tapeworld: Induction wraps up its own tale nicely enough to work as a complete story, while still leaving enough open ends and mysteries that you immediately want more.

It creates a world that you want to get lost in.

And next time I have some duct tape lying around, I won't be able to help myself.

I'll have to stick some on my head.

Just in case.

[Amanda Shortman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for an honest review

Cyberpunk is not a genre I really know much about, but having read Tapeworld: Induction I am definitely going to look into more of it. I really enjoyed exploring this near-future world in which technology played a pivotal role.

Picture the scene - the world has narrowly escaped a climate disaster following a revolution that, amongst other things, made the use of animal products for food and clothing illegal. And yet capitalism still reigns, and technology has an even greater hold on society than it does today. Where would that leave you?

For Isaak Powers, an ex-ReSports champion who was forced to retire due to an injury, it is a case of survive by any means possible. And that draws him into a world that is even darker than the one he thought he inhabited. And for Dylan, it means living in the shadow of famous revolutionary parents, unaware just how important a lifetime of preparing to fight would be.

A chance meeting brings them together, exploration of the Tapeworld brings them closer, and uncovering the depths of plotting and manipulation hiding within seals their fate. Together with a supportive cast, some of whom you never quite know where their allegiance lies, they go up against a power they may not be able to defeat.

Geraldo Nascimento expertly weaves a story that will pull you in and keep your turning the page well into the night (trust me, I read well beyond my bedtime!) It is a fantastic debut, and I look forward to seeing more work from this author.

[Sarah (TheLibrarysKeeper) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Just because a reality is virtual, digital, it doesn't mean it's worthless or fake. It still exists, and you still experience it. It has a physicality even if you can't touch it."

I simply cannot belive this is a debut novel. When I said I wanted to dive into Sci-fi THIS is what I wanted. Tapeworld has the perfect balance of tense action and romance. Set in the future the book explores a world where humans have escaped the dangers of global warming but not without consequence. The use of animal products has been banned and technology reigns supreme. 

The book opens with Isaak, who is a retired ReSports celebrity taking on work known as striding into a virtual world known as The Tapeworld. But the jobs are getting more dangerous and hes starting to question those above him and just what his life is worth to risk.

Dylan, on the other hand, is the daughter of revolutionaries. Her parents led the revolution that led to the ban on animals being used for food or anything else. Shes been trained in their ways, but has been looking for purpose in her life beyond calling people everyday and encouraging them to not eat meat. 

One night out at a club brings Dylan and Isaak together. That night chages everything. Dylan and Isaak fall into a routine of exploring the Tapeworld together and begin to find things that are much darker than they could have imagined. Together they will have to lead the next revolution.

If you can't already tell, I adored this book and can't wait for more of this universe. I am so grateful to Geraldo for reaching out and sending an ARC my way.

[Ruslana Pidsadiuk · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This is my first cyberpunk novel, and although I haven’t become a new fan of the genre, this book opened the door to a new world for me and kindly invited me in, for which I’m very grateful.

I liked the way light was used to describe the setting, changing depending on the time of day and location.

Now, the most important part for me: the characters. I liked them because they feel alive. I especially want to highlight Astrid. Oh, what a fiery woman! She was incredibly interesting to follow.

As for the main characters, they are wonderfully written, with distinct and well-defined personalities. And although I didn’t always agree with their words or actions, I still worried about them, and they made me feel emotions. And that’s what matters most.

Now, about a small flaw. This is going to be very subjective, but at certain moments, I felt that some parts could have been shortened without the story losing anything essential. However, it’s important to keep in mind that I personally prefer and usually read much shorter books.

The book is suitable both for fans of the genre and for beginners like me.

[Edward (Ed) Smith He Reads Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geraldo Nascimento writes cyberpunk like he’s got neon in his bloodstream. Tapeworld Induction is loud, fast, and unapologetically chaotic — the kind of book that feels like it was built from static and adrenaline.

It’s all slick tech, sharp edges, and characters who look like they’ve never slept but have definitely hacked something important. The pacing doesn’t slow down long enough for you to catch your breath, and that’s part of the fun.

The world‑building hums with energy, the dialogue snaps, and the aesthetic is pure digital rebellion. It’s not subtle — it’s cinematic, and it knows it.

Four stars for a debut that feels like plugging your brain into a power surge and realizing you kind of like it.

[Anna Eaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rating this book 5 stars because I went into it not even knowing what "Cyberpunk" was and the author taught me a thing or two. As a 51 year old woman, that surprised and delighted me. A whole new genre that I can dive into!

Tapeworld Induction has such a creative and inventive world. I love alternate worlds in books and this one didn't disappoint. I found myself wanting my own duct tape and fantasized about what mine would look like when I wasn't reading the book.

Add in a bad ass heroine, who complements the main male character instead of supporting him, along with a villain you love to hate and this book had everything I could have wanted. It's well-written with believable dialogue. The story moves quickly so you are never bored.

You really must give this indie author a chance. You won't regret it!

[Oleander Plume · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention from the first page and didn't let go until the end. Did I lose sleep while reading this because I couldn't put it down? Yes, but no complaints!

Well-developed characters, a thrilling plot, and superb writing by an author who understands the craft. And this is their first book? Amazing.

I will be first in line for Geraldo Nascimento's next novel.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic debut full of compelling characters, a quick-paced plot that makes it difficult to put down, and masterful world building that makes 2060s London feel scarily real, especially with the way the world is going right now. The book opens with a glimmer of hope for those of us who fear the future: climate change has been paused following a revolution, and the world is ruled by tech kings and eco-warriors. But threats to dismantle this hard-won extra time for earth still linger in the shadows. Meanwhile, our main characters are thrust into the mysterious Tapeworld. Is it virtual reality? Where did it come from, who created it, and, most importantly, who is controlling it? We follow badass Dylan and disillusioned Isaak on their quest to uncover truths and save one another - and maybe even the world. One of the best indie books I've read by a truly talented author. Readers are in for a treat.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Then the whole thing turned into the digital dust of the Tapeworld, the light particles shooting off in the distance.”

Spoiler free review.

In a modern world of digital landlords, mass corporate consolidation, and AI psychosis, it's an easy five stars for Tapeworld Induction.

Set in a dystopian near-future London that feels a lot like our own, the story might've felt worn in less skilled hands—but Geraldo Nascimento's fiction debut pumps each trope full of gas, throws it in a barrel and lights a fire at its ass. Instantly familiar in the best ways, we get everything we want in a great cyberpunk work at the base level. Careful tech innovations and subtle, woven worldbuilding bring this up to an A+, dropping the reader into a world with all the philosophical paranoia and high-octane energy of cyberpunk definer, Neuromancer, where one's actions define worth, intimacy might be manufactured and the politicians, frankly, have gone to the dogs (Blade Runner, anyone?).

The VR mechanics in this story are flawless. The literal masking tape, something so 'usual', becomes something wholly unusual—and within the Tapeworld itself, Nascimento really gets to show off his knack for writing action. Well-paced and unflinching, it leaves the reader wanting more, not less, and the spatial awareness and scene tracking is all there. No getting lost in cyberspace for the readers, something I deeply appreciated!

I'm not a romance gal myself, but I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship, banter, and unique perspectives of our lead romantic interests. Each character has a genuinely distinct voice—something I feel is rare these days, even though it should be the baseline standard for dual-perspective narration—and while I found Isaak relatable (do with that what you will...), Dylan really shines. It's rare for me, as a woman deeply into science fiction and cyberpunk, to feel so drawn to a female character in these genres. Honestly, I usually relate more to the male characters. Here, Nascimento writes a brave, kind, and genuinely three-dimensional female character—and at the same time, one who can be all of these things and flirtatious, too! We really can do it all, y'all!

A masterclass in all things political and cyberpunk, if you want smart worldbuilding that honours the genre while making its own mark—and, at its core, has a deeply human story about connection in the modern world—Tapeworld Induction does this and more.

I'll be back with a more in-depth review after the official release—I've got a lot more to say, but erring on the side of spoiler-caution!

[João Pedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

TAPEWORLD Induction is a real page turner. One of those cyberpunk thrillers you won't be able to put down without fierce resistance from your subconscious mind. It is set in a post-revolutionary London, decades after the vegan 'Apocalypse Revolt' reshaped society into a series of Tech Kingdoms ruled by a techno-feudal monarchy, who traded a dying planet for a world of total surveillance and simulated freedom.

The story follows Isaak Powers, a former ReSports champion whose career was cut short by a permanent, ever painful knee injury. A flawed, vulnerable man, struggling to find his footing in a city that no longer needs what he used to offer, he finds himself pulled into something far bigger and far darker than he bargained for. Alongside him is Dylan, sharp-tongued, courageous, and carrying the weight of famous, world-saving parents she can never quite live up to, and a supporting cast that never feels like an afterthought, each brilliantly written with their own personal stakes in the story.

Fans of movies like The Matrix, Inception, and cyberpunk book classics like Neuromancer will feel right at home. Geraldo Nascimento wears his influences proudly while still managing to create something that feels genuinely his own. The Tapeworld itself is an incredibly fantastic concept: no headsets, no lag, no loading screens, just a strip of duct tape as the conduit to a fully realised alternate reality, a realm of infinite creative potential, but also home to glitchy loops, shadowy nightmares and evilry. And, the mechanics of it are inventive enough to make you wish it were real. There's a true romance at the heart of the book too, one that sneaks up on you and makes you wonder if it's not indeed the true meaning of life; to love and be loved. Add in legendary sentient weapons I won't dare spoil, a slow-burn mildly insane corporate conspiracy, and a sincere ecological throughline running underneath all the chaos.

Geraldo Nascimento's writing style is funny, brutal, fast-paced and inventive in equal measure. A stellar opener to what's shaping up to be a properly addictive cyberpunk series.

[Daphne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wild ride and it combines everything I love about cyberpunk and romance. My favorite kind of speculative fiction is the kind of fake utopia where everything is nuanced, and you'll find both dystopian and utopian elements in this book. Even though climate disasters are narrowly avoided, governments and corporations still control the people. The concept of the tapeworld was super interesting and unique to me and the tech is genuinely terrifying. I won't spoil too much here but it'll slowly reveal itself throughout the book.

As someone who loves the villains, Astrid was my favorite character. She's one of the most unhinged villains I've read in a while and at times, my jaw genuinely dropped from her insanity, lol. I also loved that this book has a badass FMC who's sometimes more fearless than the MMC, a romance where she falls first which is rare to find, and that both the main characters have their own arcs and struggles which are always intertwined with the plot and the world.

I've received an ARC from the author and am writing this review voluntarily.

Some of my highlighted quotes (because they either made me laugh or think):
"You wanted to impress a girl, so you showed her the tape. People have been using technology to impress potential mates since the invention of fire. There's nothing wrong with that."

"Tech feudalism is only concerned with two things: creating new land, and renting it to you. VR is ideal for them. Infinite fake land at zero cost, where they can charge you real-life money."

"Goddess, you're a freak."
"Too early to be calling me a goddess, Ike. I still have to become a Tech Queen first."

"Sometimes the path that's morally pure won't take you where you need to go."

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review of Tapeworld. My opinions are my own as I'm voluntarily posting this review.

I don't generally read sci-fi, I appreciate the cyberpunk settings, but the techno jargon usually goes over my head. Tapeworld felt like a great introductory to cyberpunk as Nascimento doesn't go out of his way to overload the reader with heavy terms or explanations that might leave one scratching their head. All concepts regarding the Tech Kings/government, the Tape, and Resports were all delivered in an easy to digest manner. I'm actually quite jealous of the idea of Tapeworld and wish it were real!

Both main characters are written well - the main female protag is especially written in a style I can appreciate. (Strong female ≠being a raging b*) Dylan stands on her principals with all ten toes and still manages to be kind and caring, while listening to others. Dylan also falls in love first which was a breath of fresh air compared to the overused "man chasing the woman trope".
Isaak, the main male protag, has his flaws, but also holds his own during the story. He was written in such a way which became endearing to me - he's broken but not yet willing to give up the fight.
Neither of the characters have been dealt a good hand, but they also aren't mad at the world which would usually get reflected in their decision making and relationships. There is none of this lack of communication being the reason everything falls apart and the cause for all major conflict.

Nascimento's writing is smart, fun, and engaging giving you just enough to keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.

[Made DNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Image a world... a world you reach by placing a piece of "duct tape" on your temple. Sounds a bit odd, sounds firmly as if you've stepped into a bizarro (a very weird genre of fiction) novel, but you haven't. Like every other invention, it's just the right amount of fascinating. (Remember how odd Neuromancer and Snow Crash felt at first?) Now, imagine that you can build anything in this world. Sounds like VR, but it's not, it's something far more imaginative... and sinister. This is the idea behind Tapeworld Induction.

I wasn't sure what to think of a "cyberpunk romance" (especially the romance half of the equation), but I was extremely surprised and pleased by Geraldo Nascimento's smooth prose, gorgeous worldbuilding, and likeable characters. Incredible for a debut novel to be honest. There's no doubt in my mind that the author has spent a lot of time polishing not just the book, but his own literary hand. Honestly, I'm surprised this isn't on a bestseller's list. It's incredibly accessible for every level of reader, but more to the point, you don't have to love cyberpunk or even science fiction to enjoy the premise. It's just that good.

[Leah Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

If The Matrix and Free Guy had a baby, this book would be it! Excellent world-building right from the start. Such an interesting premise for a book. The main characters, Zack and Dylan are very well written, both have interesting internal dialogues which allows you to get to know them, and their relationship in an organic way. There is an immersive feel to the world-building which runs through the book, with a critique on the addictive capacity of technology. I look forward to exploring more of this world, and reading more in this series.

[HL Boulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

While cyberpunk isn't my usual genre, I really enjoyed this journey into a futuristic London in 2060.

Society's downfall can be traced to the kings of tech. With the type of control based on profit rather than what's right, the Tapeword hides in plain sight.

The imagery inside the Tapeworld is rich, colourful, and imaginative—wild chases and fights.

Even a little time for romance.

*This is an Advanced Reader Copy, direct from the Author. The opinions are my own.
No AI summary or reviews.

[Cade Hatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this as a late ARC, thank you so much.

I really enjoyed this read. There are so many threads throughout the book leading onwards - if you want a fully contained story where you get all the details up front, this isn't it - but for me that's perfect as I am fascinated by the world that's being set up and explored.

The characters are personable, and we see Dylan and Isaak grow in confidence around and because of each other, both having lost (or never found) their reason for being.

I am so glad this is the first in a series, as I have so many questions!

[Sam Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the best and kindest way possible to say these words, there were so many words that have never put together before in the English language that are now because of Tapeworld.

What a fun book this was. I don't typically read sci-fi or anything of that ilk, but I like to dip my toe into other genres occasionally. This book was generally easy to follow. I think the characters were fun and engaging and I think it's a great introduction to the universe Nascimento is creating!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geraldo does a very nice job of bringing together elements of beloved sci-fi and a unique critique on the dangers and use of advancing technology. The characters live and breath in a world that feels alive

[Nicola Hollingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not normally a lover of cyberpunk or cyber fiction, but this was a refreshing change! Gritty, action packed, and an interesting take on how the world might look in the future.