What do you think?
Rate this book
Defrag
There are two kinds of Runners in Neosaka - those who believe in luck, and those who survive. Glitch, a hacker with more talent for computers than people, is one of the latter but when she is hired for a simple data-grab from the 189th floor of the Eyes in the Sky corporation, all her preparation can't avert disaster. Caught between a deadly security force and a rival team of Runners, Glitch's loyalty to her own puts her survival in jeopardy. Forced to ally with her enemies, she struggles to pull together the fragmented pieces of the job and make it out alive.
Defrag is the first book of The Glitch Logs series.
Defrag is a novella-length work, approximately 100 pages long in print-version.
Defrag is the first book of The Glitch Logs series.
Defrag is a novella-length work, approximately 100 pages long in print-version.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2018
5 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 6, 2020
Defrag, the maiden journey into the cyberpunk Glitch Logs series, is a lean little novella clocking in at just about 90 pages. But what an exciting 90 pages! Beck manages to cram a whole lot of character into her protagonist, Glitch, a hacker who, by her own admission "isn't very good with people," who finds herself surrounded by increasingly annoying ones during a mission she takes as a "Runner," sort of a digital mercenary. It seems to be a routine heist, but everything goes off the rails pretty quickly, and Glitch has to learn some people skills, and fast, in order to make it out in one piece.
Perhaps its the length, but this novella reminded me, quite favorably, of the first novella in the Murderbot Diaries, with its reluctant, sardonic hero and seemingly disdainful view of humanity that gives way to an underlying theme of camaraderie and human connection. But the Glitch Logs is more cyberpunk than space opera, and takes many of its cues from older works like Ghost in the Shell and the Matrix, with its depiction of the cyber world, taut action sequences, shady corporations, and mysterious, neon city of Neosaka. While only hints of the larger world are given in this first foray, it promises a lot more where this comes from.
While this is an indie publication, and could use a touch of editing for the odd grammatical or spelling error, this is still an extremely solid introduction to a larger story, and also delivers a more satisfying experience, in my opinion, than many works from larger publishers (and I appreciate the author staying true to her heroine's ideals; it's hard to imagine Glitch being comfortable at a corporate publishing company). I definitely look forward to what's next for our heroine and her neon-washed world.
Perhaps its the length, but this novella reminded me, quite favorably, of the first novella in the Murderbot Diaries, with its reluctant, sardonic hero and seemingly disdainful view of humanity that gives way to an underlying theme of camaraderie and human connection. But the Glitch Logs is more cyberpunk than space opera, and takes many of its cues from older works like Ghost in the Shell and the Matrix, with its depiction of the cyber world, taut action sequences, shady corporations, and mysterious, neon city of Neosaka. While only hints of the larger world are given in this first foray, it promises a lot more where this comes from.
While this is an indie publication, and could use a touch of editing for the odd grammatical or spelling error, this is still an extremely solid introduction to a larger story, and also delivers a more satisfying experience, in my opinion, than many works from larger publishers (and I appreciate the author staying true to her heroine's ideals; it's hard to imagine Glitch being comfortable at a corporate publishing company). I definitely look forward to what's next for our heroine and her neon-washed world.
May 24, 2018
First off, I am a sucker for anything with cats in it—and this doesn't just have a cat, it has a bloody wicked cyberpunk cat in it—so, yeah, I'm in love.
But aside from that, the story is quick-paced, complex, and enthralling. It's a great episode of a cyberpunk heist. The lead character is interesting and relatable. I'm curious to see if the next installments follow Glitch off-run, or if they will all be focused on her work.
If you enjoy action heist stories drenched in neon and chrome, then you should read The Glitch Logs!
But aside from that, the story is quick-paced, complex, and enthralling. It's a great episode of a cyberpunk heist. The lead character is interesting and relatable. I'm curious to see if the next installments follow Glitch off-run, or if they will all be focused on her work.
If you enjoy action heist stories drenched in neon and chrome, then you should read The Glitch Logs!
May 11, 2025
Defrag is the best thing out of the Matrix since Neo—the exciting first installment of a series in which hacking takes place at the speed of thought. “Runners” like Glitch probe their targeted networks by uploading their consciousnesses, leaving their bodies in the care of their crew. Glitch is an expert at taking down systems as her black cat avatar, but not all the game pieces are digital. And when a job goes south, she must bend both the digital and physical world to her will to escape.
July 6, 2020
More reviews at consumingcyberpunk.com
"...revenge or no, you’ll still live every waking moment of the rest of your life knowing that if you suddenly disappear off the pavement in this hellhole of a city, the first person to come looking for you will be your landlord, because the rent is overdue."
The Glitch Logs are tapping into the same vein as K.C Alexander's cyberpunk action thrillers. Glitch is a hacker of some notoriety, a famous, retired gamer girl, and a veteran Runner. She pulls off jobs against 'corps that others only hear about in hushed tones throughout the sub-culture. Surprisingly, her day-to-day interactions are more relatable than I had anticipated. She may be infiltrating an evil Corp with some compatriots, breaking their security in 3 minutes (tops). But she's also dealing with fuckboys who undermine her on the job because they think they're being chivalrous, or whatever.
"Glitch stared at him for a beat. She had dozens of runs to her name and he was giving her instruction. Offering to come to her rescue. Implying that she’d need it. Unacceptable."
Rachel Beck, the author, does a great job of peppering in small details that culminate into an experience that feels authentic. The banner says "The World Is Hers For The Breaking". She's got the experience, the technical skills, and the attitude in the fiction, no doubt about it. Interestingly though, the challenges Glitch faces end up being intersectional ones that contribute to world-building even when we know as a reader that she's probably going to hack the shit out of this system. When it comes to the physical world though, we have no idea how it's going to play out, all bets her off. She's a hacker, not an enforcer.
The first novella, Defrag, is an action-packed cyberpunk story that takes place during what should be an easy data-grab from the Eyes In The Sky corporation but, well... things go to shit and Glitch has to seriously roll with some punches to get out with all her body parts intact.
"Cold pixels from her right rear leg flew through the air like blood droplets."
The second book, Overclocked, takes place immediately after this job and carries forward a lot of small, seemingly innocuous details into the second book. They hinted at potential character details yet to be revealed, served as the catalyst for the main thrust of this new book's plot, and was another vector for world building. As such, each time these details carried forward there was a pleasant feedback loop.
"Runners are moths. Doesn’t matter how perfect a machine you build. There’s a weakness there, and Runners will find a way to exploit it."
Sometimes shit just happens to Glitch. It's the life of a runner. Living outside the law and scraping a living, the cyberpunk way, you know how it goes. What is compelling about her is that she also can't help but make additional problems for herself due to her moral code on top of this life she's chosen. Then, baggage from the previous runs accrue and that weight is embodied in various, clever ways; one of which is an item from the first book that seemed at first just to be a cool bit of tech described offhandedly—but revealed throughout as something more across both books. I really enjoyed that.
"Like all of society’s discards, the street life of Neosaka immediately put the tunnels to use and so the Night Market was born."
Even her moral code, an assumption (and a trope of cyberpunk) are expounded upon in a compelling way that is intrinsic to the character (It also seems to be the catalyst for the next book as well based on the epilogue). Details are always used to great effect. From Glitch noticing how many women are around in an underground night market and how safe she feels in that space because of that, to the smells and sights of the world around her. The reactions of Glitch to her surroundings, as well as the world's reactions to her, feel dynamic and real.
"She looked away and saw his blood running down the channel of the transportation rails built into the floor, like blood vessels of the mall itself."
The characters, including Glitch herself, were all pretty diverse from what I recall, and there were a few interactions that also felt like they'd be pulled out of a conversation you'd hear on the street. Even characters who are "nice" and treat her well have stereotypical reactions to her, such as assuming that because she's Latina she can speak Spanish, help to create environments that make the world feel lived in.
"There were no other women here, and she’d only noticed a couple in the surrounding tunnel on her way in. Not a good, long-term hiding solution."
I thought the first book was very enjoyable and delivered the experience pitched in the blurb. The second book was even more enjoyable because of the details already talked about, the introduction of the wider world and societal structures, Glitch taking just a pounding Harry Dresden style, the author's superb descriptions of digital environments and the interactions therein, and the safe space Glitch has created for herself there; which I won't spoil.
"Runners were social outliers - proud, volatile, and adhering to a strong tradition of greeting anything that rubbed them wrong by kicking it in the teeth, no matter how large or powerful the jaws."
If she could, Glitch would tell the world to fuck off and stay in the matrix, that's clear throughout. But where many stories with deckers who jack in often skew a little too much toward the idea that meatspace and your own embodiment doesn't matter over the power fantasy that is your mind over matter; The Glitch Logs do not. Instead, the matrix is a beautiful world where Glitch is very powerful and savvy but also largely permeated and dominated by corporations or other opponents (like hackers that want what you have).
"You wanted to be a Runner, this is how Runners survive. You learn to walk away."
Ultimately the only thing Glitch truly has is the way in which she chooses to live her life. She is constantly being pressured to do something someone else's way; easy choices that would make her life so much easier if she would just do things another way. And it would be easier, Maybe. But as Overclocked somewhat eludes to, she may have made that decision before already and the past is always something you carry around with you.
"Everyone has a price. We all sell out to something. Anyone who thinks they’re the exception is just scared or stupid.” Her eyes narrowed. “Maybe you’ve been able to outrun that truth so far, but sooner or later, it’ll catch you by the throat and drag you down just like it did the rest of ‘us’."
If you dig cyberpunk thrillers, especially stuff that feels like K.C Alexander's stuff (but less Britishy and much less crass) I feel safe recommending you these. Both exceeded my expectations for a fun little cyberpunk romp, ending up being delightful. I gave them both 5/5.
"...revenge or no, you’ll still live every waking moment of the rest of your life knowing that if you suddenly disappear off the pavement in this hellhole of a city, the first person to come looking for you will be your landlord, because the rent is overdue."
The Glitch Logs are tapping into the same vein as K.C Alexander's cyberpunk action thrillers. Glitch is a hacker of some notoriety, a famous, retired gamer girl, and a veteran Runner. She pulls off jobs against 'corps that others only hear about in hushed tones throughout the sub-culture. Surprisingly, her day-to-day interactions are more relatable than I had anticipated. She may be infiltrating an evil Corp with some compatriots, breaking their security in 3 minutes (tops). But she's also dealing with fuckboys who undermine her on the job because they think they're being chivalrous, or whatever.
"Glitch stared at him for a beat. She had dozens of runs to her name and he was giving her instruction. Offering to come to her rescue. Implying that she’d need it. Unacceptable."
Rachel Beck, the author, does a great job of peppering in small details that culminate into an experience that feels authentic. The banner says "The World Is Hers For The Breaking". She's got the experience, the technical skills, and the attitude in the fiction, no doubt about it. Interestingly though, the challenges Glitch faces end up being intersectional ones that contribute to world-building even when we know as a reader that she's probably going to hack the shit out of this system. When it comes to the physical world though, we have no idea how it's going to play out, all bets her off. She's a hacker, not an enforcer.
The first novella, Defrag, is an action-packed cyberpunk story that takes place during what should be an easy data-grab from the Eyes In The Sky corporation but, well... things go to shit and Glitch has to seriously roll with some punches to get out with all her body parts intact.
"Cold pixels from her right rear leg flew through the air like blood droplets."
The second book, Overclocked, takes place immediately after this job and carries forward a lot of small, seemingly innocuous details into the second book. They hinted at potential character details yet to be revealed, served as the catalyst for the main thrust of this new book's plot, and was another vector for world building. As such, each time these details carried forward there was a pleasant feedback loop.
"Runners are moths. Doesn’t matter how perfect a machine you build. There’s a weakness there, and Runners will find a way to exploit it."
Sometimes shit just happens to Glitch. It's the life of a runner. Living outside the law and scraping a living, the cyberpunk way, you know how it goes. What is compelling about her is that she also can't help but make additional problems for herself due to her moral code on top of this life she's chosen. Then, baggage from the previous runs accrue and that weight is embodied in various, clever ways; one of which is an item from the first book that seemed at first just to be a cool bit of tech described offhandedly—but revealed throughout as something more across both books. I really enjoyed that.
"Like all of society’s discards, the street life of Neosaka immediately put the tunnels to use and so the Night Market was born."
Even her moral code, an assumption (and a trope of cyberpunk) are expounded upon in a compelling way that is intrinsic to the character (It also seems to be the catalyst for the next book as well based on the epilogue). Details are always used to great effect. From Glitch noticing how many women are around in an underground night market and how safe she feels in that space because of that, to the smells and sights of the world around her. The reactions of Glitch to her surroundings, as well as the world's reactions to her, feel dynamic and real.
"She looked away and saw his blood running down the channel of the transportation rails built into the floor, like blood vessels of the mall itself."
The characters, including Glitch herself, were all pretty diverse from what I recall, and there were a few interactions that also felt like they'd be pulled out of a conversation you'd hear on the street. Even characters who are "nice" and treat her well have stereotypical reactions to her, such as assuming that because she's Latina she can speak Spanish, help to create environments that make the world feel lived in.
"There were no other women here, and she’d only noticed a couple in the surrounding tunnel on her way in. Not a good, long-term hiding solution."
I thought the first book was very enjoyable and delivered the experience pitched in the blurb. The second book was even more enjoyable because of the details already talked about, the introduction of the wider world and societal structures, Glitch taking just a pounding Harry Dresden style, the author's superb descriptions of digital environments and the interactions therein, and the safe space Glitch has created for herself there; which I won't spoil.
"Runners were social outliers - proud, volatile, and adhering to a strong tradition of greeting anything that rubbed them wrong by kicking it in the teeth, no matter how large or powerful the jaws."
If she could, Glitch would tell the world to fuck off and stay in the matrix, that's clear throughout. But where many stories with deckers who jack in often skew a little too much toward the idea that meatspace and your own embodiment doesn't matter over the power fantasy that is your mind over matter; The Glitch Logs do not. Instead, the matrix is a beautiful world where Glitch is very powerful and savvy but also largely permeated and dominated by corporations or other opponents (like hackers that want what you have).
"You wanted to be a Runner, this is how Runners survive. You learn to walk away."
Ultimately the only thing Glitch truly has is the way in which she chooses to live her life. She is constantly being pressured to do something someone else's way; easy choices that would make her life so much easier if she would just do things another way. And it would be easier, Maybe. But as Overclocked somewhat eludes to, she may have made that decision before already and the past is always something you carry around with you.
"Everyone has a price. We all sell out to something. Anyone who thinks they’re the exception is just scared or stupid.” Her eyes narrowed. “Maybe you’ve been able to outrun that truth so far, but sooner or later, it’ll catch you by the throat and drag you down just like it did the rest of ‘us’."
If you dig cyberpunk thrillers, especially stuff that feels like K.C Alexander's stuff (but less Britishy and much less crass) I feel safe recommending you these. Both exceeded my expectations for a fun little cyberpunk romp, ending up being delightful. I gave them both 5/5.
April 10, 2018
I read Defrag when it was just on Beck's website, and loved it. I bought both Defrag and Overclocked as soon as they were available hardcopy (good choice, too. Oh my goodness.) It's a noir gateway to cyberpunk that has dynamic characters, textured world building, and a whole lot of action. From what I can tell, there's a lot more of it to come and I can't wait.
November 2, 2018
Non-stop action. Very engaging story. I want to continue seeing where this goes.
July 2, 2023
It's better than I expected.
As I read this novella, I thought "This is a solid three stars". But then I got deeper into the story, and it became more intriguing. I ended up laughing out loud at the author's line; plus, the bonus content is a nice addition to this book.
You can tell that the author put a lot of work into this story.
I would read another novella by this author, and I liked the freebie that she included in this text.
This cyberpunk chronicle contains profanity; however, it is not overbearing and is in places you would expect. If you prefer clean reads I'd venture away from this series as I can forsee more profanity being a part of it.
As I read this novella, I thought "This is a solid three stars". But then I got deeper into the story, and it became more intriguing. I ended up laughing out loud at the author's line; plus, the bonus content is a nice addition to this book.
You can tell that the author put a lot of work into this story.
I would read another novella by this author, and I liked the freebie that she included in this text.
This cyberpunk chronicle contains profanity; however, it is not overbearing and is in places you would expect. If you prefer clean reads I'd venture away from this series as I can forsee more profanity being a part of it.
September 6, 2023
Rating: 3½ stars.
This one's for people who've played a bunch of the Cyberpunk TTRPG—or, in my case, lots of Shadowrun. Set entirely on a run (read: mission), with a hacker protagonist and a motley crew of cybered-up criminals, it's a fun ride and made me feel really nostalgic for the cyberpunk role-playing I got up to almost a decade ago. It definitely made me want to bust out a cyberpunk RPG for my next campaign!
If I had any criticisms, it's that I took a while to warm up to Glitch, our abrasive protagonist, and that this is a novella that feels more like a Part 1 than a Book 1. But, it's a Part 1 that I certainly enjoyed enough to add Part 2 to be TBR pile.
This one's for people who've played a bunch of the Cyberpunk TTRPG—or, in my case, lots of Shadowrun. Set entirely on a run (read: mission), with a hacker protagonist and a motley crew of cybered-up criminals, it's a fun ride and made me feel really nostalgic for the cyberpunk role-playing I got up to almost a decade ago. It definitely made me want to bust out a cyberpunk RPG for my next campaign!
If I had any criticisms, it's that I took a while to warm up to Glitch, our abrasive protagonist, and that this is a novella that feels more like a Part 1 than a Book 1. But, it's a Part 1 that I certainly enjoyed enough to add Part 2 to be TBR pile.
March 19, 2025
I bought this a year ago and why did I wait to read it!!! This is a cyberpunk novella that may be short, but it's effective, and excellent, storytelling. Glitch is a great character and we instantly get an idea of the world, both bio and digital in this action -packed novella that left me wanting more!
July 21, 2023
Left me wanting more.
Great start, liked the characters and the way they were portrayed and interacted, and the entire vibe the whole way through. My only real complaint is that the story ends too soon. I'm guessing the story picks up in book 2 but this kind of feels more like the opening to a book than a complete short story or novella. Still, worth it and I already bought the next two books.
Great start, liked the characters and the way they were portrayed and interacted, and the entire vibe the whole way through. My only real complaint is that the story ends too soon. I'm guessing the story picks up in book 2 but this kind of feels more like the opening to a book than a complete short story or novella. Still, worth it and I already bought the next two books.
March 3, 2019
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Defrag
Author: Rachel Beck
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 16 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
13 felt it was easy to follow.
12 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
12 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
13 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is a pretty cool story. It’s short but I guess it’s the start of a new set of books. The hero, Glitch, is cool, with interesting talents. The plot is excellent, although the ending lacked punch. I will try to read the rest of them.’ Male reader, aged 26
‘Tons of pace; lots happening. This story is all about high-tech and ‘keeping things moving’. In that sense, it is a great success.’ Female reader, aged 31
‘A little too short for me but I will try to read the next. The writer is rather talented, developing the characters and offering the reader a modern plot. This story will appeal to younger adult readers who enjoy sci-fi or fantasy.’ Female reader, aged 45
‘A young woman battling a powerful force. You can’t go wrong. Young adults, say 16 – 25, will enjoy this.’ Male reader, age 31
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced, full-throttle, high-tech gem! A Red Ribbon winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Defrag
Author: Rachel Beck
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 16 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
13 felt it was easy to follow.
12 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
12 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
13 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is a pretty cool story. It’s short but I guess it’s the start of a new set of books. The hero, Glitch, is cool, with interesting talents. The plot is excellent, although the ending lacked punch. I will try to read the rest of them.’ Male reader, aged 26
‘Tons of pace; lots happening. This story is all about high-tech and ‘keeping things moving’. In that sense, it is a great success.’ Female reader, aged 31
‘A little too short for me but I will try to read the next. The writer is rather talented, developing the characters and offering the reader a modern plot. This story will appeal to younger adult readers who enjoy sci-fi or fantasy.’ Female reader, aged 45
‘A young woman battling a powerful force. You can’t go wrong. Young adults, say 16 – 25, will enjoy this.’ Male reader, age 31
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced, full-throttle, high-tech gem! A Red Ribbon winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
June 30, 2025
Loved it! Defrag is a kinetic, high-stakes hacker thriller that drops you straight into the action, no hand-holding, no filler—pure cyberpunk energy. In just 90 pages, it delivers a breakneck heist where questions like 'Who hired us?' or 'What are we stealing?' matter exactly as much to us as readers as they do to Glitch, our sharp, no-nonsense protagonist: not at all. Her job is to get in, find the thing, get paid, and live to the next one, and that simple goal alone proves to be suitably complicated. The office-tower combat sequences—filled with drones, rival teams, and sudden reversals—crackle with tension, and the ancient temples and gardens of the virtual world is just as thrilling, especially watching Glitch’s feline avatar defying mythical gods and tearing through the fabric of reality. A lean, stylish ride from start to finish, and a great intro to the genre for those who've been too intimidated to dive in to a full novel. Can't wait to see which other adventures await Glitch throughout the series!
December 3, 2024
Defrag is a cyberpunk thriller that is the first of a three-part series that takes this one-time fantasy author home into the cybernetic heart of dystopia. The book follows Glitch’s perspective throughout, a woman who has survived eleven runs on corporations in a world where most people die by their fourth run. The book covers one such run, which begins with one of her crew stating they need to deliver some data on an implant in their head a la Johnny Mnemonic.
The book is action-packed on every page. The style is standard cyberpunk, curt, matter-of-fact, coldly objective. Beck understands the genre inside-out, from references to ICE, cyberdecks, and meatspace, to the weaponry employed by street samurais. Glitch's cat avatar is a fun, playful touch.
Those who like Cyberpunk 2077 or who approach this novella like a level of Shadowrun will enjoy the breakneck pace and cybernetic action.
See the full review here: https://www.markeverglade.com/defrag-...
The book is action-packed on every page. The style is standard cyberpunk, curt, matter-of-fact, coldly objective. Beck understands the genre inside-out, from references to ICE, cyberdecks, and meatspace, to the weaponry employed by street samurais. Glitch's cat avatar is a fun, playful touch.
Those who like Cyberpunk 2077 or who approach this novella like a level of Shadowrun will enjoy the breakneck pace and cybernetic action.
See the full review here: https://www.markeverglade.com/defrag-...
April 22, 2022
Freaking awesome
Clean, compelling, beautifully written cyberpunk with a heroine I want to know so much more about. On to the next book!
Clean, compelling, beautifully written cyberpunk with a heroine I want to know so much more about. On to the next book!
June 28, 2022
A very enjoyable read for cyberpunk fans. Short enough to engage for a couple of hours but, unlike some novellas, you do get a feel for the characters. I'm looking forward to reading more.
May 1, 2023
This was such a fun quick pace book! Very much a stand alone, but there is a book 2 AND 3! I came wait to see where the story goes. I really enjoyed reading this book as it explored the matrix and follows a team of hackers on what seems like a simple date grab. Nothing happens as it’s suppose to and the main character is thrown into new situations she did not plan for. There was actually quite a bit of character development for it only being 107 pages.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews