The truth cost her everything. Now it may cost the city its reality.

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Commander Grace Buteo finally knows who ordered the murder of her husband and son—but before she can bring their killer to justice, a new case threatens to unravel the foundations of Zone 2 itself.

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When a vocal anti–virtual reality activist vanishes, all signs point to CyTown Towers: a cyber-living utopia where citizens escape pain, aging, and death. Grace and Assistant Inspector Heron Jane are tasked with finding him—but the deeper they dig, the more they uncover evidence of a crime far larger than a single disappearance.

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As secrets about cyber-living, consent, and control come to light, Grace is forced to confront a terrifying possibility: the systems designed to protect her city may be rewriting reality itself.

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The City Within is a gripping science fiction thriller about power, perception, and the cost of safety—perfect for readers who loved The City Below and crave smart, high-stakes speculative fiction with emotional depth.

Praise for The City Within

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★★★★★ “Just as good—if not better—than the first book. The story goes deeper, darker, and more twisted.”
★★★★★ “An incredibly well-done sequel. The characters grow, the world expands, and the big questions about the future are woven in naturally—not preachy, just powerful.”
★★★★★ “This series is impossible to stop reading. Addictive, fast-paced, and disturbingly familiar.”
★★★★★ “A gripping look at a tightly controlled future where technology offers comfort—and hides corruption.”
★★★★★ “Grace feels more real than ever. Her dedication to justice, tempered by the world she lives in, makes this an unforgettable read.”
★★★★★ “The worldbuilding is rich and unsettling, with cyber elements that feel frighteningly possible.”
★★★★★ “The series just keeps getting better. Every book reveals more layers of the 2603 puzzle.”
★★★★★ “Believable characters, a strong plot, and a future that feels uncomfortably close to our own.”
★★★★★ “I tore through the entire series in a week. You’re always rooting for these characters.”
★★★★★ “Another gem. Kory Shrum’s storytelling grows stronger with every volume.”