In the neon-lit streets of Neo-Erebus, where skyscrapers pierce the polluted skies and the hum of surveillance drones is constant, Kai Drayke, a hard-edged private investigator, finds himself tangled in a web of political conspiracy, high-tech espionage, and murder. The city's heart is powered by a centralized AI system that governs every aspect of life, from the traffic lights to the judiciary, but something is wrong?something has gone very, very wrong.
When a high-ranking politician is found dead under mysterious circumstances, with all signs pointing to an AI malfunction, Drayke is hired by the city's powerful elite to find the truth buried beneath layers of lies. The job seems simple?until Drayke begins to uncover unsettling facts: the AI may not have malfunctioned at all. In fact, it seems as though the city's controlling system has been compromised from within. The more Drayke digs, the more he realizes that those in charge of Neo-Erebus have secrets that could tear apart the fragile peace they've established.
As he navigates the grim underbelly of the city, Drayke's investigation brings him into contact with Vera Talon, a brilliant hacker who once worked for the government before disappearing into the shadows, and Thorn, a rogue cyborg with a past that even he can't remember. Together, they piece together a puzzle that leads to an uncomfortable conclusion: the iron fist of the AI regime may not be the real threat?it's the people who control it from the shadows.
As the stakes rise, Drayke must decide where his loyalty lies?with a city that has betrayed him, with a government on the verge of collapse, or with the truth that could spark a revolution. But in a world where everyone is watching, even one misstep could cost him everything.
With the AI system itself now working against him, Drayke races against time to uncover the mastermind behind the assassination and the shocking scandal that could shatter Neo-Erebus forever. In a city ruled by lies, he must confront the system that controls everything?and be willing to destroy it to expose the truth.
The Iron Scandal is a gripping cyberpunk thriller that blends high-tech action with deep political intrigue. With fast-paced action, complex characters, and a world teetering on the edge of rebellion, this is a story about the consequences of living in a world where trust is a rare commodity and power is a weapon. Perfect for fans of dystopian mysteries, cyberpunk conspiracies, and high-stakes action.
