Neon Cortex

Neon Helix Universe #2

by Nik Whittaker

The first standalone short story based in the Neon Helix Universe

Salem had quit the world six years ago. His unique skills forcing him to escape the reality of the Neon Boulevard and into the complete isolation of a virtual world.

Until, an old debt forces him back into the world, kicking and screaming, to repay a debt and find the missing daughter of an old friend.

Along with his assigned guardian Bella, Salem will have to throw himself back into the gritty world of the Boulevard to pay off his debts.

Revisit the cyber noir world of the Neon Boulevard in this standalone novella set within the Neon Helix Universe.

42 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2020

About the author

Nik Whittaker is the science-fiction and fantasy author of the Neon Helix Universe series.

Having started his self-publishing career in early 2019, Nik Whittaker has written fast-paced novels that hook the reader in both the cyberpunk and space opera genres and is currently working on his first full-length fantasy novel.

Nik Whittaker spent many late nights studying for his bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from the Open University whilst working full-time to pay the bills.

Now, fueled by coffee, bourbon, and imagination, he enjoys creating new worlds and characters for readers to explore.

You can join Nik on his writing journey at www.nikwhittaker.com and sign up for his newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming

Reviews

[Anna Mocikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neon Cortex is a novella set in the Neon Helix universe, introducing two new characters, Bella and Salem.
I really enjoyed book 1 of the series and was therefore excited when this novella was published on audiobook and I dived into it almost instantly.
Salem has a rare condition: he can perceive all data streams around him in his head. In a future world, where everything is even more digital than today, this is a real problem. To escape the constant data bombardment in his head, Salem flees into VR, where he spends his time peacefully. Only there the digital noise is filtered and doesn't reach him.
Until one day he gets violently extracted from his digital paradise. An old friend needs his help and special talents...
Neon Helix is basically a little cyberpunk detective story and fun from the first page to the last.
It can easily be read as a standalone and introduction into the world, but it's certainly more fun if you know the first book.
I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series, Neon Blood!

[Mark Everglade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neon Cortex is a short novella that is part of the Neon Helix Universe but can be read as a stand-alone piece. Salem has retired into a permanent VR vacation, but his six-year exodus is interrupted when he is solicited to find a missing girl, Kirsten. The plot quickly advances through tense conversations and wild action scenes until Kirsten is located and the gravity of the situation increases.

Salem has a unique ability to assist him with both investigating and resolving the crisis, which revolves around the way the world's communication flows through him as he enters environments due to his implants. Without giving too much away, suffice to say that mind jacking is involved and Salem has to come up with some unique solutions to unusual dilemmas in this cyberpunk story.

The story will leave readers thirsty for more of Nik’s writing, and with both Neon Helix available, and another book planned, there’ll be plenty to occupy themselves with.

[Nac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives a deeper insight and some back story, an enjoyable short story that I would have liked to be a bit longer.