Shadows of Verisim Receives Praise from Publishers Weekly!

I’m thrilled to share that Shadows of Verisim has just received a fantastic review from Publishers Weekly's BookLife section! It’s always rewarding to see how my work resonates with readers, especially when it touches on the core themes I aimed to explore.

The review highlights some of the key strengths of the novel, starting with the world of Verisim—a digital utopia with a gritty underbelly. The reviewer points out the careful construction of Verisim as a “stark reflection of societal divisions,” where wealthy citizens and disadvantaged "tourists" coexist in a system that mirrors our own real-world disparities. This dystopian landscape is integral to the story, as my protagonist, Dylan McKnight, navigates the fragile peace of Verisim while investigating a string of murders orchestrated by a shadowy figure.

One of the standout quotes from the review that I’m especially proud of is how Shadows of Verisim “challenges readers to consider the ethical and existential implications of a dark world hiding behind a virtual fantasyland.” The novel’s core conflict of living between two realities is something I wanted to explore deeply—how the promise of digital escapism clashes with the harsh truths of the crumbling real world. The review notes that Dylan’s struggle against “a world veiled by digital illusions” is palpable, and that’s exactly what I hoped would strike a chord with readers.

The review also praises the pacing of the story, noting its “fast-paced plot” and how the tension remains high as Dylan uncovers secrets that could threaten the entire foundation of Verisim. I’ve always been drawn to thrillers that keep readers on the edge of their seats, and it’s gratifying to know that Shadows of Verisim is being recognized as an “edgy thriller” that delivers both suspense and thought-provoking ideas.

As an added bonus, the reviewer draws comparisons to Nick Harkaway’s Titanium Noir and Richard K. Morgan’s Altered Carbon, which is such an honor. These are two works that have inspired me, and to have Shadows of Verisim mentioned alongside them is incredibly humbling.

Overall, I couldn’t be more excited about this positive feedback, and I’m looking forward to sharing even more updates as Shadows of Verisim continues to reach new readers.