Die by the Code is a compelling dystopian cyber-thriller and the second book in The Daedalus Cycle by Christoph Brueck. It follows Cypher and her friend, Tifi, after escaping from Ghana. Cypher still has the stolen hacking software DAEDALUS, a tool coveted by powerful enemies that she stole from her ex-boyfriend. While they make new allies in Hong Kong, they have powerful enemies to face as well, and things get even more complicated as her enemies, including Damian, from whose grip she slipped away when she escaped to Africa in the first place, are after her. This time, Damian and his allies have a lot to prove and they will do anything to get the software from Cypher. What Cypher does next changes the story, a surprise that no one saw coming and a decision that puts her in her element. She embraces what she was meant to be.

Die by the Code is a well-written story for fans of fast-paced science fiction pulsating with action and featuring memorable characters. Christoph Brueck has created a dystopian world where pure humans co-exist with AI characters and where the survival of the fittest becomes the law in most parts. It is against this backdrop that Cypher finds herself caught up in a dangerous web. The setting is brilliantly imagined and captured in prose that is hugely descriptive and filled with strong imagery. The conflict is strong, with the protagonist pitted against characters that are ruthless and vile. Christoph Brueck’s world-building is detailed and well thought out and the plot is twisty in this interesting science fiction novel.

Die By The Code is Christoph Brueck’s follow-up to the first volume of his Daedalus Cycle Series. This is a much-awaited sequel to Cypher’s chaotic adventure in The Revolution Will Be Tokenized. She’s on the run. The girl who hacked into high-security drones in seconds, started a revolution in an African refugee camp, and opposed the dreaded Amber Eyes and his minions, has spiced up her credentials now that Damian is regrouping to commence his unfinished business with her. He did a lot of mindless killings and failed to apprehend her, and he finds no reason to stop now. Meanwhile, as they play hide and seek with their pursuers in a futuristic Hong Kong, Cypher and her friend Tifi make new friends and new enemies. With a magic program in her hands, Cypher decides that it is truly time to turn the tide because what she now faces is something bigger and more threatening—and they will never stop hunting her.

Computer science never read this well. Sure, it’s a hacksploitation story about a young girl in possession of a powerful program that she uses to alter the course of human events. But take a closer look at the real world and see if real-life hackers aren’t challenging cybersecurity. Christoph Brueck puts it on a large scale and in a time period that such a premise is likely to happen. At least for me, it’s a good guess. If you take a look at how Brueck explains the technical aspect of the plot the way he did in the first installment, you can say that all the high-tech stuff is not merely for decorative effect but an essential tool to keep the story running. Another good thing in Die By The Code is the human relationship between Cypher and Tifi. It is obvious that Tifi worships her. Moreover, Brueck has the wit to create a smart, quirky villain and does not opt for the boring, white-collar, cookie-cutter evil boss. Despite being outwitted by Cypher, Damian remains determined and formidable. Why would Cypher keep running if he isn’t? Damian tries to keep his emotions in check and, like a patient predator, waits for the right time to pounce. If you’re into futuristic thrillers, this is a series that you won’t want to miss.