"Digital Walls" is book 3 in the excellent Cyberpunk Saga, written by Matthew A Goodwin. I'd recommend you read the other two great books in the series before picking up Digital Walls. I'd also highly recommend "Deadly in Pink," which is a backstory novella starring everyone's favorite badass cyberpunk heroine: Ynna.
"Digital Walls" picks up shortly after the tumultuous ending of book 2, "Corroded Cells." Moss is held captive, armed with nothing but an enigmatic program in his head. After a daring escape, Moss must figure this program out whilst on a manic adventure replete with newfound allies, fresh locales, glitzy galas, and dastardly villains. Meanwhile, the lines between reality and the digital realm become increasingly blurred for Moss, who must navigate a world where nothing is quite what it seems on the surface.
Once again, I must applaud Matt Goodwin for a job well done. "Digital Walls" takes what has been great in the series thus far and keeps running with it, while giving us new content and new ideas that are compelling in the way only a cyberpunk tale can effectively convey. The concept of a computer program in Moss' head is terribly interesting. Having him come to grips with it while figuring out how it works--all while having to survive ranks of corporate goons, pirates, and the like--makes for a tale with wall-to-wall action, but also with some real depth. I appreciate that the author has crafted such a nail-biter of a story that also deals with such substantive themes. The balance is not an easy one, but author Goodwin handles it deftly.
There are some fun new worlds introduced "Digital Walls" that we have not been seen thus far in the series. The setting is unique for a cyberpunk tale, and is a fun contrast to the rain-soaked urban sprawl familiar to cyberpunk fans. The series continues to explore man's relationship with technology, and we see that even in the future there is still rejection of technology, with over-reliance on it seen as a stigma. From a narrative standpoint, these ideas create opportunity for unique situations and fun action scenes that the author takes full advantage of. Of particular interest to me is the idea that perception of reality can be blurred with that of the digital realm. It's a fascinating concept, and one worth exploring further. Also compelling is the idea that digital copies can be made of someone's essence, such as with Moss' father. The book is chock full of these intriguing and provocative ideas; they'll stick with you even after you've finished the final page. The novel also rings true as a cautionary tale against invasive technology, unfettered corporate power, and more.
Robust characterization has been, and continues to be, a hallmark of the series. Moss and Gibbs continue to be developed into seasoned and increasingly grizzled veterans of the conflict in which they find themselves. Their transformation feels authentic, despite being done within a relatively short amount of time. The addition of Moss' grandmother as a main character is a boon to the novel. She is easily the most interesting character of the bunch, and her complicated relationship to Moss lends an engaging dynamic to the story. Puck and Irene are also great, and the sexual tension between Irene and Moss is well done. I did find the corporate villains to be a tad caricatured, but they're certainly easy to hate! In the end the novel never loses its human element, which gives the book heart and makes the reader care about the characters.
"Digital Walls" is such a delight to read, whether for its exciting action, superb characters, or big ideas. Matt Goodwin has a real winner on his hands with his Cyberpunk Saga, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this fantastic series and its fantastic author!