Revenge of the Cyber Dragons

Cyber Dragons, Book 2

By: C.T. Phipps, Michael Suttkus

Narrated by: Catherine Ho

Ex-Rider Keiko "Kei" Springs was living with her adopted daughter Becky away from her previous life of crime.

Unfortunately, the past is not easy to escape and her sadistic former sensei, Snake, gives her an ultimatum: perform eight tasks for him or die. The final mission before her freedom is nearly impossible, though. Snake wants her to take down a luxury resort where the super-rich are implanted with their heart's desires, only to be brainwashed into serial killers for blackmail potential.

Teaming up with the eccentric techjack Paradise, her on-again off-again lover Case, and a Judicial Magistrate named Parvati Rao—Kei thinks she can pull it off.

Unfortunately, that's before she discovers the luxury resort is owned and operated by a nearly omnipotent AI that has it out for her.

©2022 C.T. Phipps and Michael Suttkus (P)2023 Podium Audio

Excellent Storytelling

Revenge of the Cyber Dragons by C.T. Phipps and Michael Suttkus is a thrilling cyberpunk adventure that not only lives up to the standards set by its predecessor but takes the story to a whole new level. In this captivating sequel, we’re treated to a deeper exploration of Kei’s character, a richer dive into the cyberpunk world, and a healthy dose of humor that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

The first thing that becomes apparent is Phipps and Suttkus’ innate talent for crafting a gripping and entertaining narrative. They have a knack for storytelling that is evident throughout each book I’ve picked up from them. The action is relentless, and the pacing is spot-on, ensuring that readers are on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. This felt like a rollercoaster ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing.

What sets this and most of Phipps’ books apart is their humor. Phipps, in particular, has a unique ability to infuse humor into his narratives without sacrificing depth or intrigue. The witty banter and clever one-liners add an extra layer of enjoyment to the story, making it not just interesting but genuinely funny. It’s a rare skill to combine humor and action effectively, and they have perfected it.

One of the notable strengths of Revenge of the Cyber Dragons is how it builds upon the foundation of the first book. The world and its characters are further developed, allowing readers to connect with them on a deeper level. Kei, in particular, receives more attention, and her backstory adds emotional depth to her character. This newfound vulnerability makes her all the more relatable and engaging as a protagonist.

The cyberpunk genre is embraced with open arms in this installment. The world-building is immersive, and readers will find themselves fully immersed in a futuristic realm filled with technology, intrigue, and all the cybernetic elements that make cyberpunk so fascinating. Paradise, Kei’s companion, adds an extra layer of intrigue and wonder to the story, showing the authors’ creativity and ability to blend the human and technological aspects seamlessly.

What’s truly remarkable about this book is how it takes the best elements from the authors’ previous works and cranks them up to eleven. There’s an intangible quality to these new titles that leaves readers with a sense of satisfaction and surprise. The narrative scratches at unexplored itches in your brain, offering a refreshing and innovative take on the genre. It’s as if Phipps and Suttkus have reached new heights with their storytelling, delivering something that’s not just enjoyable but profoundly memorable.

Catherine Ho does an incredible job of “becoming” Kei and really helps take an already great story and make it even better.

Overall, I think that this is a must-read for fans of the genre and a delightful surprise for anyone who appreciates humor, action, and deep character development. Phipps and Suttkus have once again proven their mastery of storytelling and have given us a sequel that surpasses all expectations. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, keep you on the edge of your seat, and leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment, this is it.

Cyberpunk

Twists and turns and a bit too convoluted at times. Enjoyable story, but not a lot of world building aside from the intrigue. I have the next book on my pre-orders.

I do love this series

Another fun installment in the cyberpunk series by C.T. Phipps and Michael Suttkus. I’ve read so many books by this pair of authors, I can’t even count. They write really fun stories with a lot of action and humor and even more pop culture references. This book is no different. This series takes place in the future where the US is not as it is today. Yellowstone volcano has erupted and made the world more dystopian. Kei was around and survived the eruption, but lost her family in the chaos that happened after. In this story, Kei and her adopted bioroid daughter try to go the more legal route than in the first book. But the closest thing Kei has to a father figure has other plans.

In Revenge of the Cyber Dragons, we meet some new characters and get to spend time with some beloved characters from the previous book (and one that crosses over to several series). Kei has always been one to try to avoid friendships and getting close to people, she doesn’t like to get hurt emotionally or possibly get someone else hurt physically. Despite all of that, she has more friends that she knows. And they won’t let her take on this new challenge on her own.

Kei also has to deal with a daughter who physically doesn’t grow up, but mentally does. Becky still looks fifteen, so when things get really dark, Kei really wants to shield her. However, Becky is a much older soul than she looks and she wants to be helpful, which makes her search out upgrades to her technology. That is something really new to this series and this author mostly too. We don’t often get to see a motherly side of characters in Phipp’s books (or well, we have, but they are nothing like Kei and in a different series).

The thing I really love about this author duo are the characters. I always fall in love with all the characters they create. I get really invested in them and their story. I always get really wrapped up in their lives and it helps me escape my own and the real world, which is always a good thing to have. I’m often made to laugh out loud and made to smile to myself even more. I know it will never be a boring time when I pick up one of these books. I always look forward to the next installment.

There is a bonus short story at the end, so make sure to keep going even when you think you’re finished. It is also worth a listen.

Narration:
Catherine Ho was new-to-me when I picked up book one, Daughters of the Cyber Dragons. I really liked her voices for all the characters then. That hasn’t changed. I really get lost in the story when she is performing. She has become the voice of Kei and well, Paradise too. She’s great with all the different characters, males included. I can’t imagine listening to this series with a different narrator. I would highly recommend the audiobook version of this book and would gladly pick up another book by this narrator.

**I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Terrific follow up!

Revenge of the Cyber Dragons
By C. T. Phipps and Michael Suttkus
This is book two in the series. It really isn't all that necessary to read book one first but you do lose some subtle references. I would suggest reading book one first because it is so good!
Kei was a Rider but she and her adopted daughter are living straight now, no crime jobs! But her ex Sensei, who is known for his cruelty, is not going to leave her alone. She has to do a list of jobs for him then she will be free. But one of the jobs is not what it seems!
Exciting, action packed, love the futuristic cyber punk world and the great characters! Paradise is my favorite! She is still crazy! Becky is pretty cool too!
Can't wait for the next book!
I listened to the audio version and the narration was perfect!

Fantastic Sequel

While it's just as action packed as book one, there's definitely some new twists for you in here. I feel I got to know Kei a lot better in this book, and not just because I got a lot more of her backstory. With Becky she has more to lose and so is more vulnerable as well. This book also gets a lot more into the "cyber" part of cyber punk - but lucky for Kei, she has Paradise! As someone who loved playing the game Shadowrun I do still swear I sometimes hear the dice roll in the book with either a crit success or failure, which has a certain sweet nostalgia for me, as well as making for some fantastic storytelling.

Catherine Ho did amazing as always as narrator. She definitely helps bring Kei to life in my mind.