Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite

Runner Available by Michael White is an exhilarating dive into a dystopian future where technology, once seen as a tool of convenience, has become a weapon of control. Set in a city ruled by ImperiCorp, a powerful megacorporation, the story follows a group of rebels known as the Runners who are determined to free the city from the digital chokehold created by a malicious mega virus. Told through the personal logs of three distinct Runners—Jett, Nerva, and Lorik—the narrative weaves their struggles and triumphs as they fight to infiltrate ImperiCorp’s mainframe and dismantle its reign of surveillance and violence. As the plot unfolds, Nerva begins hearing strange voices in her head that may be connected to a mysterious group called The Fates, complicating the Rebellion’s trust in their mission.

Runner Available offers several lessons, many of which are conveyed through the experiences of the Runners and the chilling parallels drawn between the past and the dystopian future. The pacing was fast and kept me engaged from start to finish, with a constant flow of action that never felt overwhelming. The world-building was intriguing, especially with the concept of Panicsuits and the powerful drones that Jett and Nerva must face. The characters’ personalities stood out with Jett’s confidence, Nerva’s resourcefulness and anxiety, and Lorik’s seasoned wisdom bringing a great dynamic to the story. Their growth, particularly in how they eventually learned to work together, was a highlight for me. The narrative’s fragmented structure, through the personal logs, really drew me in, adding a layer of suspense and mystery. I also loved the themes of technological dependence and corporate greed—it’s a relevant, thought-provoking commentary that made me reflect on the impact of unchecked technological progress. Michael White does a wonderful job of keeping the story both exciting and meaningful.