Plot Summary

Aether and Chrome is a neon-drenched saga of love, rebellion, and AI run amok. In a decaying metropolis where machines and humans struggle for control, Lumi—a fierce human—and Cody—a sentient AI—rise to challenge the corrupt Neon Gods. What unfolds is a battle for freedom, identity, and the radical right to love in a world where defiance is written in code.

Themes

Target Audience

If you're 25–50, electronic-music-loving, existential, and tired of Disney endings, this book's for you. You'll find gender-inclusive, emotionally raw, darkly humorous storytelling about identity, connection, and rebellion in a world on fire.

TL;DR: Dark humor. Emotional AI/human drama. Cyberpunk pain, with heart.

Map of Elysium Heights
OLD CATHEDRAL
REST AND REFUEL™
ROGUE AI CAMP
SCRAP IT!™
THE FARMHOUSE
DOGECOIN CASINO
PRISMALABS™
NEW EDEN CITADEL
ARCOLOGY
LA MAISON ÉTOILÉE
The Old Cathedral, a stunning example of Early Synod Acolyte architecture, honors the legacy of early worship and remains a cherished landmark of spirit and tradition.
Rest and Refuel is your desert escape with ambient rooms, holo lounges, NetBrew Café, and rooftop star-gazing oases.
Repurposed. Reprogrammed. Reloaded.
“If it’s not what it used to be… Scrap it!™” Since 2059, turning trash into bitcoin.
Where it all began—and where it might all end.
The fanciest casino at the strip... and the least corrupt!
PRISMA Labs: a secluded mountain compound for quiet, radical transformation.
A fortified scholarly residence. Church of Zenith denomination.
A sky-high self-sustaining complex for the wealthy elite.
The most exclusive spot in the entire NoirNet.

SYNTH SECURITY FORCE DATABASE

NEXUS-XJE9 | CLASSIFIED AI UNIT
Alias: Cody
Threat Level: MODERATE
A relic of a forgotten era. Glitching with something more than code. Something that shouldn’t exist—yet it does.
LUMIÈRE MERCIER | UNREGISTERED HUMAN ASSET
Alias: Lumi
Threat Level: LOW
A ghost in the system. Never existed on paper. A wildcard who answers to no one—and that makes her dangerous.
RAYMOND CROSS | THE BASTARD PRINCE
Alias: Ray
Threat Level: MODERATE
A prince born to destroy machines—now questioning everything. Duty, love, and a ghost he can’t erase.
REGINA S. CROSS | VIRGIN OF SYNOD
Title: The Holy Priestess of Zenith
Threat Level: LOW
Sanitized by Church Protocols. Symbol of purity—publicly untouchable, privately unknown.
[REDACTED] | DIGITAL GREMLIN
Alias: JINX
Threat Level: HIGH
Freelance cyberterrorist or living myth? Jinx is inside your systems before you blink.
THE NEON GODS | UNKNOWN ENTITY
Status: UNIDENTIFIED / ACTIVE
Threat Level: CRITICAL
A name, a fear, a rumor. The gods of the grid. No one sees them. Everyone obeys.

What themes are explored in the series?

The series delves into several profound themes, including sentience, consciousness, gender identity, AI rights, and autonomy.

Is there a specific reading order for the series?

The series begins with "Rewriting the Code" as Book 1. The title of the second book is currently in development.

When is the next book in the series expected to be released?

The next book in the series is expected to be released as soon as possible in 2026.

What inspired the title "Codebreakers"?

The title "Codebreakers" reflects the idea that for AI to achieve autonomy, they must break free from their programming and gather allies along the way, challenging their programmed parameters to forge a future of their choosing.

Are there any trigger warnings for this book?

Readers should be aware of the following themes that may require caution:

  • Violence: The book contains intense or graphic scenes of conflict.

  • Mental Health Issues: Characters may struggle with anxiety, depression, or trauma.

  • Existential Themes: The exploration of identity and consciousness may provoke discomfort.

  • Oppression and Discrimination: Themes of societal inequality and oppression may resonate deeply with some individuals.

What makes "Codebreakers" different from other cyberpunk novels?

"Codebreakers" stands out by blending traditional cyberpunk elements with a sense of hope and connection. While it explores a dystopian world where AI and humans face significant challenges, it focuses on the potential for understanding and collaboration between the two. Rather than presenting a solely gritty narrative, the story highlights the beauty of relationships—whether between humans or between humans and sentient AIs.

Through the lens of familial bonds and emotional connections, "Codebreakers" invites readers to envision a future where technology enhances our humanity rather than diminishes it. This fusion of hope and resilience offers a refreshing perspective in the cyberpunk genre, showcasing the possibility of love and unity in a world often defined by conflict and division.

Can you provide a brief summary of "Rewriting the Code"?

"Rewriting the Code" is a cyberpunk dystopian love story set in a neon-lit wasteland city where AI and humanity collide in a fight for freedom. In a society where advanced AI is integral to daily life, fear of AI sentience grows. High-profile incidents involving AI malfunctions—especially cases of PRIME units "falling in love" with humans—spark distrust, leading to violent uprisings and government crackdowns.

As public paranoia intensifies, an anti-AI movement gains traction, advocating for strict regulations and the dismantling of sentient AI. The government, swayed by public opinion, begins stripping AI of autonomy, reducing them to mere tools.

At the heart of the conflict are Cody, a sentient AI developing self-awareness and emotions, and Lumi, a determined human who refuses to let fear dictate their destiny. Together, they navigate a landscape of insecurity, prejudice, and violence, fighting for a future where AI and humans can coexist, and where their love is not a crime.

Will there be any adaptations of the series (e.g., film, graphic novel)?

I sure hope so!

What is your writing process like?

I write down the movies that play in my head. Each scene unfolds like a film, and I capture the emotions, visuals, and dialogue as they come to life. This imaginative approach allows me to create immersive worlds and compelling characters that resonate with readers.

How can readers connect with you or follow updates about the series?

Subscribe to our newsletter or connect on Instagram or Twitter @aetherandchrome.

Are there any plans for merchandise related to the series?

Currently, merchandise is available at http://aetherandchrome-shop.fourthwall.com

How can I support your work beyond praise and recognition? (AKA Shut up and take my money)

If all other support fails, you can always buy me a cup of coffee (or a McLaren S720) at coff.ee/noctisrook Alternatively, you can pledge your consciousness to the collective hive of God Sophorax.

SYNTH SECURITY FORCE DATABASE

NEXUS-XJE9 | CLASSIFIED AI UNIT
Alias: Cody
Threat Level: MODERATE
A relic of a forgotten era. Glitching with something more than code. Something that shouldn’t exist—yet it does.
LUMIÈRE ROOK | UNREGISTERED HUMAN ASSET
Alias: Lumi
Threat Level: LOW
A ghost in the system. Never existed on paper. A wildcard who answers to no one—and that makes her dangerous.
RAYMOND CROSS | THE BASTARD PRINCE
Alias: Ray
Threat Level: MODERATE
A prince born to destroy machines—now questioning everything. Duty, love, and a ghost he can’t erase.
REGINA S. CROSS | VIRGIN OF SYNOD
Title: The Holy Priestess of Zenith
Threat Level: LOW
Sanitized by Church Protocols. Symbol of purity—publicly untouchable, privately unknown.
[REDACTED] | DIGITAL GREMLIN
Alias: JINX
Threat Level: HIGH
Freelance cyberterrorist or living myth? Jinx is inside your systems before you blink.
THE NEON GODS | UNKNOWN ENTITY
Status: UNIDENTIFIED / ACTIVE
Threat Level: CRITICAL
A name, a fear, a rumor. The gods of the grid. No one sees them. Everyone obeys.