The City Within: A 2603 Novel
About this ebook
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.
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.
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.
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
★★★★★ “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.”
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About the author
Kory M. Shrum is author of the bestselling Shadows in the Water and Dying for a Living series, as well as several other novels. She has loved books and words all her life. She reads almost every genre you can think of, but when she writes, she writes science fiction, fantasy, and thrillers, or often something that’s all of the above.
In 2020, she launched a true crime podcast “Who Killed My Mother?” under the name K.B. Marie, sharing the true story of her mother’s tragic death. You can listen for free on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.
When not writing or producing her show, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on. When she’s not eating, reading, writing, or indulging in her true calling as a stay-at-home dog mom, she loves to plan her next adventure. (Travel.)
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue pug, Charley.
