*ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 MUST-READ BOOKS OF 2025* Is all that we see or seem But a dream
within a dream? - Edgar Allan Poe At 14 Julia Z became infamous as the "orphan hacker " a
teenage prodigy who broke the law and captivated a nation. Now years later she's trying to
leave that life behind hiding in the quiet suburbs of Boston. But her fragile anonymity is
shattered when a desperate lawyer bursts into her life begging for her help to find his wife-a
celebrated artist who uses AI to craft shared dreams for thousands of followers and who has
been kidnapped by a criminal syndicate. Against her better judgment Julia embarks on a
harrowing journey across the country drawn ever-deeper into the shadows of the American dream.
As she tracks the criminals she confronts not only their perilous schemes but also the ghosts
of her own past. Resourceful relentless and deeply contemptuous of authority Julia must dig
deep into her unique skillset and fractured psyche to uncover the truth - and to hold onto hope
when everything around her descends into darkness. This is the first book in an electrifying
new series that masterfully intertwines the urgent thriller with thought-provoking speculation
on the future of art in an age dominated by artificial intelligence. Julia Z is a bold
unforgettable heroine destined to captivate readers - a literary creation as rich and
compelling as the Dandelion Dynasty itself.
