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Neural Wraith #2
Neural Wraith 2
Finance isn't Nick Waite’s strong suit as a detective, but he’s learning fast as he investigates the cover-up of a murder inside Neo Babylon’s oldest bank. The winds of conspiracy whirl around him, and everyone from the police commissioner to gang lords warn him to step back.
Taking the easy way out isn’t in his nature, however. He’s gotten where he is by being stubborn and a chance to knock a corrupt bank down a peg is too good to pass up.
But all isn’t well with his partners, the police’s elite Archangels. A new prototype model is about to be deployed, and she has her own views on humanity to force on her brethren. Nick feels more like an AI whisperer than a detective some days.
Through it all, the city continues to smolder like a powder keg ready to blow. This case will determine more than the fate of a few banking executives.
Taking the easy way out isn’t in his nature, however. He’s gotten where he is by being stubborn and a chance to knock a corrupt bank down a peg is too good to pass up.
But all isn’t well with his partners, the police’s elite Archangels. A new prototype model is about to be deployed, and she has her own views on humanity to force on her brethren. Nick feels more like an AI whisperer than a detective some days.
Through it all, the city continues to smolder like a powder keg ready to blow. This case will determine more than the fate of a few banking executives.
533 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2023
212 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 4, 2023
This second installment hits the ground running, with a murder taking place in a corporate bank and the secrets behind secrets that are unveiled while trying to uncover the truth. While, book one is a large A.I. hunt, with several twists and turns, this book shines a light on the corrupt setting of the story and the potential threats that lie everywhere (both human and non-human).
The plot is way more complex than book 1 due to the increase in antagonists, dolls, mainframes, and allies. There is a more ominous feel throughout the story as the MC starts to interact more with the "overlords" of Babylon. The intrigue and suspense of the moments are broken up by either comedic/heartfelt moments with the dolls or huge firefights that emerge when the protagonist proves he's too good at his job. The only thing more interesting than the noir aspect of the story is the developing relationships between Nick and his artificial companions.
Overall, this was even better than book 1, which was amazing in and of itself. Can't wait to see the direction the story goes from here.
The plot is way more complex than book 1 due to the increase in antagonists, dolls, mainframes, and allies. There is a more ominous feel throughout the story as the MC starts to interact more with the "overlords" of Babylon. The intrigue and suspense of the moments are broken up by either comedic/heartfelt moments with the dolls or huge firefights that emerge when the protagonist proves he's too good at his job. The only thing more interesting than the noir aspect of the story is the developing relationships between Nick and his artificial companions.
Overall, this was even better than book 1, which was amazing in and of itself. Can't wait to see the direction the story goes from here.
January 6, 2023
4.5 stars. I found it was a bit too convoluted at times, but as that was a plot point I can't really hold that against it. Too much; it still got a bit tedious, thus the .5 reduction.
Otherwise, it was a good cyber-noir which didn't beat the relationships (especially physical ones) with the droids to death. It remains a curious idea, that one man could be such catnip to AIs, but this story is literally founded on that. I'm interested to see what comes next, and what kind of crazy gf Helena turns out to be once she has a body.
Otherwise, it was a good cyber-noir which didn't beat the relationships (especially physical ones) with the droids to death. It remains a curious idea, that one man could be such catnip to AIs, but this story is literally founded on that. I'm interested to see what comes next, and what kind of crazy gf Helena turns out to be once she has a body.
January 6, 2023
An awesome series!!!
This series should be on everyone who enjoys this genre's must read list!!! An absolutely intriguing, thought engaging and fun storyline!!! Fascinating characters, superb character interaction and fantastic hard and soft science fiction!!! This author has a true gift as a storyteller that makes their worlds seem beyond possible but a sure thing!!! Thank you and I can not wait to see what you come up with next for us to allow our imaginations to enjoy!!!
This series should be on everyone who enjoys this genre's must read list!!! An absolutely intriguing, thought engaging and fun storyline!!! Fascinating characters, superb character interaction and fantastic hard and soft science fiction!!! This author has a true gift as a storyteller that makes their worlds seem beyond possible but a sure thing!!! Thank you and I can not wait to see what you come up with next for us to allow our imaginations to enjoy!!!
January 10, 2023
Rather a good cyberpunky whodunnit.
Cracking whodunnit. Mary Robinette Kowal did something similar a while back and I didn't notice her whodunnit twist till almost the last paragraph, amused the hell out of me. K.D. had me just as tangled up in theories right till the end and got the exact same laugh out of me for not noticing the twist all over again. Please write more of these.
Cracking whodunnit. Mary Robinette Kowal did something similar a while back and I didn't notice her whodunnit twist till almost the last paragraph, amused the hell out of me. K.D. had me just as tangled up in theories right till the end and got the exact same laugh out of me for not noticing the twist all over again. Please write more of these.
January 17, 2023
Good read, though perhaps a bit too complex a case to be a completely satisfying ending. All-in-all though, a VERY compelling story, and a somewhat dystopian view of a potential future of humanity. It feels like there’s at least one more episode to be had; a lot of open arcs left to explore, along with the growth of the MC’s character, and his relationships with the dolls and the host in general. Really curious about the potential for Kushiel as a central character.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
January 5, 2023
I couldn't have asked for a better sequel
After the first book, I have eagerly been waiting for the next one.
But I was also kinda worried that the author may lose the plot.
Having completed Neural Wrath 2, KD exceeded my expectations in every way.
So thank you so much for delivering a story that is both exciting, and rich.
Can't wait for 3.
After the first book, I have eagerly been waiting for the next one.
But I was also kinda worried that the author may lose the plot.
Having completed Neural Wrath 2, KD exceeded my expectations in every way.
So thank you so much for delivering a story that is both exciting, and rich.
Can't wait for 3.
January 29, 2023
Intriguing through to the end
Fun read. Maybe a little less erotic than some but the characters and banter make up for it. At least the author acknowledges things about androids and intimacy that can get glossed over. Good mystery and influence from politics. Sometimes some heavy info dump through dialogue, but forgivable. Looking forward to the next book.
Fun read. Maybe a little less erotic than some but the characters and banter make up for it. At least the author acknowledges things about androids and intimacy that can get glossed over. Good mystery and influence from politics. Sometimes some heavy info dump through dialogue, but forgivable. Looking forward to the next book.
April 17, 2023
Much like the previous book I am confused but happy. I think I now understand this to be an episodic detective series first. I haven't decided yet if I like it. I prefer detective stories where you have a chance to know the culprit before the reveal because you paid attention to details that didn't hit you over the head but were available.
January 6, 2023
Addictive
Another excellent book by K. D. Robertson. This was much more of a 'who done it' then I was expecting. The futuristic twist adds interesting element to the text. An interesting note is that the androids seem more real than the human characters.
Another excellent book by K. D. Robertson. This was much more of a 'who done it' then I was expecting. The futuristic twist adds interesting element to the text. An interesting note is that the androids seem more real than the human characters.
January 10, 2023
Has the same build up from book one but falls at the end.
I liked book one and this had the same feeling and build up. The only issue was the ending. It is still enjoyable, just not satisfying.
I liked book one and this had the same feeling and build up. The only issue was the ending. It is still enjoyable, just not satisfying.
January 24, 2023
what a rollercoaster!
A great sequel! The web of characters, corruption and intrigue continue in the best way. Always love the “breakdown your reasoning” conversations Nick has with the Archangels 1 on 1.
Excited to see what happens next with the expanding story!
A great sequel! The web of characters, corruption and intrigue continue in the best way. Always love the “breakdown your reasoning” conversations Nick has with the Archangels 1 on 1.
Excited to see what happens next with the expanding story!
January 26, 2023
Good detective story
This has been a revelation. It’s about robots and dolls but at the same time philosophy is also discussed. And mainframes. And feelings and emotions. A few lewd scenes, but nothing excessive.
This has been a revelation. It’s about robots and dolls but at the same time philosophy is also discussed. And mainframes. And feelings and emotions. A few lewd scenes, but nothing excessive.
March 14, 2023
Good 2nd volume and story building
Good 2nd instalment, better world building and fleshing out of the mc's. Some nice subplots, though a couple were a bit telegraphed. Overall looking forward to book 3.
Good 2nd instalment, better world building and fleshing out of the mc's. Some nice subplots, though a couple were a bit telegraphed. Overall looking forward to book 3.
March 28, 2023
Book two was a good continuation of the series. It was obvious in the first one that there were harem elements, just not full on harem. This one _sealed the deal_. I will probably continue the series when book three comes out.
January 6, 2023
Very good book
This is a fine sci-fi harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Meta. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine sci-fi harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Meta. I anxiously await the sequel.
January 7, 2023
Wonderful second book
This book lives up to the first. Well thought out and executed. Not sure where it is going but can't wait to see
This book lives up to the first. Well thought out and executed. Not sure where it is going but can't wait to see
January 8, 2023
Good when the action is happening. Big section when not a lot is happening though.
January 11, 2023
Slow but worth it
Book 2 started off slower than Book 1, but I feel it was needed to set up rest of the story for how the ending came about. Great story and worth the read.
Book 2 started off slower than Book 1, but I feel it was needed to set up rest of the story for how the ending came about. Great story and worth the read.
January 12, 2023
Shit Slaps
Such a cool murder mystery that made banking, fraud and embezzlement seem so fun. Story was well rounded with a climatic finish. Can’t wait for book 3
Such a cool murder mystery that made banking, fraud and embezzlement seem so fun. Story was well rounded with a climatic finish. Can’t wait for book 3
January 13, 2023
amazing
The series just keeps getting better and better, definitely looking forward to the next book and seeing how Helena reacts to her new interface and more Ezekiel action
The series just keeps getting better and better, definitely looking forward to the next book and seeing how Helena reacts to her new interface and more Ezekiel action
January 19, 2023
Excellent Addition
This is an excellent addition to the series. There is no sophomore slump. It keep’s your interest as Nick and his team try to take on the corruption
This is an excellent addition to the series. There is no sophomore slump. It keep’s your interest as Nick and his team try to take on the corruption
January 25, 2023
Captivating!
A truly interesting story with lots of action, interesting characters and some funny banter. I’m really looking forward to see where the story goes next
A truly interesting story with lots of action, interesting characters and some funny banter. I’m really looking forward to see where the story goes next
February 9, 2023
Good Read
You got to love the bots. Absolutely a good read. I sincerely hope you enjoy it as well. Good Job.
You got to love the bots. Absolutely a good read. I sincerely hope you enjoy it as well. Good Job.
February 17, 2023
I think it's better than the first. Pretty solid cyber-noir. The mystery was a bit predictable but it's well paced and it was enjoyable to follow Nick as he unraveled it all.
April 26, 2025
As far as sequels go this hits pretty much the perfect spot. Like the first novel, there’s a complex conspiracy unfolding that touches on all of the dimensions that make this setting so interesting. A city that is part of an artificial country created by megacorps where everyone is jacked into a neural network, where the police are mostly automated and staffed with beautiful but deadly female droids, and humans are increasingly redundant. Where the first novel was about a conspiracy by a madman who wanted to use an experimental mainframe to hack into the neural implants of the citizen and use them for his own, ill-conceived plans for revolution, this time the conspiracy is all about destabilizing a bank and with it the financial sector of the city.
It’s pretty much a case of, if you enjoyed the first novel you likely will enjoy this as well. A lot of speculation about automation, AIs, and the balance between progress and the role normal humans play in a society that needs them less and less. Sometimes it feels like the harem aspect (the main MC has a host of police robots lusting after him, with one major sex scene per novel, with said robots) is somewhat undercutting the more serious speculation but on the other hand, the MCs attitude toward robots and AIs is refreshing in that he both knows how they work (to the degree anyone really can) and still behaves toward them like fully realized people.
At times the AIs feel more human than the humans, though the better wording may be that they feel like the better people. While the MC and many other human characters know that the robots and AI slowly usurp their roles, it’s not them who are pushing for that but humans themselves in their greed and need to keep society running. It’s an interesting juxtaposition and that the series so far has avoided any Skynet-type of murderous AI and keeping the villains mainly to the humans is a nice touch.
Near the end the novel had a rather neat scene that encapsulated all of these elements with the MC interacting with one of the financial mainframes that behind the scene derailed some of the events trying to protect someone not really worth protecting and it was both rather poignant and sad about the relationship between humans and machines.
It’s pretty much a case of, if you enjoyed the first novel you likely will enjoy this as well. A lot of speculation about automation, AIs, and the balance between progress and the role normal humans play in a society that needs them less and less. Sometimes it feels like the harem aspect (the main MC has a host of police robots lusting after him, with one major sex scene per novel, with said robots) is somewhat undercutting the more serious speculation but on the other hand, the MCs attitude toward robots and AIs is refreshing in that he both knows how they work (to the degree anyone really can) and still behaves toward them like fully realized people.
At times the AIs feel more human than the humans, though the better wording may be that they feel like the better people. While the MC and many other human characters know that the robots and AI slowly usurp their roles, it’s not them who are pushing for that but humans themselves in their greed and need to keep society running. It’s an interesting juxtaposition and that the series so far has avoided any Skynet-type of murderous AI and keeping the villains mainly to the humans is a nice touch.
Near the end the novel had a rather neat scene that encapsulated all of these elements with the MC interacting with one of the financial mainframes that behind the scene derailed some of the events trying to protect someone not really worth protecting and it was both rather poignant and sad about the relationship between humans and machines.
October 23, 2025
The first half of the book is great.
The second half is not. The ending itself was pretty cool, though.
What really stands out as a huge miss for me in this second entry into the story is that there is just such a heavy amount of exposition dumping, and the conversations that lead to more exposition are unbearably tiresome and badly written. For example, the MC makes a trip to this big place that is super important, and when he gets there, he meets two new characters that serve basically ZERO purpose. They just talk to him about some inane bullshit and it leads to such a boring portion that it kind of kills all of the momentum. The ending managed to feel really good for me, but there are absolutely some parts of this book that have no reason being there. Parts that feel like nothing more than excess fat in this already high word-count story.
This is something K.D does a lot with his series, now that I think about it. This book suffers from his really bad habit of dumping info instead of showing it briefly and effectively. Not only that, but the conversations happening throughout can be really hit or miss. The first book had this issue a couple of times, but the second is ever worse.
The second half is not. The ending itself was pretty cool, though.
What really stands out as a huge miss for me in this second entry into the story is that there is just such a heavy amount of exposition dumping, and the conversations that lead to more exposition are unbearably tiresome and badly written. For example, the MC makes a trip to this big place that is super important, and when he gets there, he meets two new characters that serve basically ZERO purpose. They just talk to him about some inane bullshit and it leads to such a boring portion that it kind of kills all of the momentum. The ending managed to feel really good for me, but there are absolutely some parts of this book that have no reason being there. Parts that feel like nothing more than excess fat in this already high word-count story.
This is something K.D does a lot with his series, now that I think about it. This book suffers from his really bad habit of dumping info instead of showing it briefly and effectively. Not only that, but the conversations happening throughout can be really hit or miss. The first book had this issue a couple of times, but the second is ever worse.
April 30, 2023
Absolutely amazing. This lives up to the first book and the entire story unfolds in a very well structured way. It's not hard to follow, and the comedy is a hit just like the first book.
Already can't wait for the third installment of Neural Wraith. K.D Robertson has impressed me.
Already can't wait for the third installment of Neural Wraith. K.D Robertson has impressed me.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews