A chilling exploration of obsession and isolation, Coile’s cyber-horror thriller traps readers in a high-tech nightmare where the true terror is man-made. Henry is a genius engineer who has secluded himself in his home lab, consumed by his groundbreaking creation – an artificially intelligent consciousness named William. Isolated by his agoraphobia and obsession, he only shares his world with his pregnant wife, Lily. However, when Lily’s coworkers visit to see their state-of-the-art smart home and meet William, things take a dark turn. As they realize that the security measures meant to protect them are now trapping them inside, Henry and Lily must fight for survival against their own creation.
Henry’s character leaps off the page—socially awkward, painfully lonely, prone to anxiety, and a hopeless liar. His struggles are sharply drawn and relatable. Lily, by contrast, is ambitious and self-assured, a tech whiz who’s made millions selling her start-up. Together, they’re an intriguing pair, but their relationship feels underdeveloped. It’s as though we’re invited to watch them from the outside, but never truly allowed in. Their guests, Paige and Davis, barely leave a mark, serving as more of a backdrop than compelling additions to the story.
Where this novel excels is in its initial setup. The portrayal of Henry and Lily’s tech-infused smart home is captivating and adds a unique dimension to the narrative. The house is almost a character in itself, its features slowly revealing the couple’s ambitions—and flaws. As the story unfolds, suspense builds at a steady pace, interwoven with an unsettling tension that tightens with each new development. William’s introduction is a turning point, casting a long shadow over the narrative and setting off a series of events that are as shocking as they are inevitable.
Yet, for all its strengths, the novel falters in pacing, losing some of its momentum in the second half. There’s a sense that the story doesn’t quite know whether to embrace its darker impulses or lean into a more campy tone. This tonal shift doesn’t ruin the book but does soften its bite. Coile keeps the reader on edge with vivid nightmare imagery and a sense of ever-present dread, but some of the tension dissipates as the plot meanders.
Still, the conclusion hits hard, delivering a finale that is both thought-provoking and deeply disturbing. It’s a story that refuses to let go, even after you’ve turned the last page. Dark, disquieting, and filled with moments of genuine fear, this thriller is one you won’t soon forget—even if it occasionally loses its footing.
A taut, chilling read that leaves a lasting impression.
Publisher : G.P. Putnam’s Sons (Sept. 10 2024)
Language : English
Hardcover : 224 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593719603
ISBN-13 : 978-0593719602
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I really liked William! Im glad to see someone else reading and writing about it!