Hardwired, the acknowledged inspiration for the games Cyberpunk Red and Cyberpunk 2077, is now available in a deluxe edition for its thirtieth anniversary, with new content by the author. Earth lies prostrate beneath the lash of the Orbital powers, and Earth’s Balkanized nations have no choice but to let the Orbitals plunder their remaining wealth. Below the zone of Orbital control, buttonheads, panzerjocks, dirtgirls, and hustlers scramble for their ticket out of the gravity well. But now, if the criminal underworld and the guerrilla underground can join forces, there is a chance to shift the balance of power— in a war fought on the ground by hardwired commandos, in the air by high-flying deltajocks, and by genius hackers in the neural interface. As Roger Zelazny said, “Hardwired is a tough, sleek juggernaut of a story, punctuated by strobe light movements, coursing to the wail of jets and the twang of steel guitars— glittering, nasty, and noble— and told in a style perfectly suiting its content. It has all of my favorite things— blood, love, fire, hate and a high ideal or two. I wish I’d written this one.” The Thirtieth Anniversary Edition of this cyberpunk classic includes essays by the author devoted to the origin of the novel, the unexpected source of the term “panzerboy,” and an amused guide through some of the oddities of the first German edition. “Williams' use of language is as explosive and as techno-tinged as the world he describes. Reading the book is like taking a jet ride across a futuristic America, with acceleration forcing you back in your seat all the way.” Rockland Courier-Gazette “Cowboy is no Rambo; he is a thoughtful, intelligent hero. He and Sarah are two of the many good things about HARDWIRED. Another is the world they inhabit--- an incredibly detailed future of personality transfers, bizarre drugs, cybernetic implants, and complex political and economic power maneuvers . . . It is one of the best SF novels I have read in years; I heartily recommend it.” Fantasy Review “The story moves with the speed of a hovercraft, the climax has all the action and excitement of Star Wars and the ending has a delightful twist.” Providence Sunday Journal “Hardwired is his best book to date...as the parallel plotlines of a hotshot contraband flyer and a sleek bodyguard/assassin develop and gradually intersect, the book takes on a life of its own.” Locus
American · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Formal
“Revenant's youthful yet rugged American voice, with its gritty, cinematic texture, delivers intense narration that hooks listeners. It's a solid choice for dystopian tales and dark fantasy epics, fitting the genre.”
American · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Intense
“Titan's raspy yet youthful tone and natural grit are ideal for a gritty, fast-paced storyteller. The voice is built for suspenseful monologues, which suits the intense nature of this cyberpunk narrative.”
Alok K – Deep, Suspenseful & Intense for Thrillers & Stories
Editor’s Pick
Alok K – Deep, Suspenseful & Intense for Thrillers & Stories
Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional
Indian · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Intense
“Alok K’s deep, deliberate pacing and intense delivery are well-suited for conveying the suspense and tension of a dangerous future. His captivating style will hold listeners in this dark genre.”
For listeners: use the Best Narrator voice above in ElevenReader or Fish Audio. Character casting is for authors producing audiobooks with studio tools.
Cowboy
protagonist
A thoughtful and intelligent hero, a 'hardwired commando' or 'deltajock' navigating a dangerous future. His voice should reflect his intelligence and resilience.
1
Reuven - Natural, Wise, Thoughtful
Editor’s Pick
Reuven - Natural, Wise, Thoughtful
Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Modulated
“Reuven's deep, resonant baritone with a measured, thoughtful timbre perfectly matches Cowboy's intelligent and resilient nature. His warm inflections convey the wisdom needed for a seasoned 'deltajock'.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Professional
“Robert Riggs provides a trustworthy American baritone with a calming effect, even on intense subjects. This voice suits Cowboy's serious and measured approach to navigating a dangerous future, reflecting his intelligence.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Educational · Narration · Deep · Serious · +3 more
“Alhaitham's mature male voice, with a deep, authoritative tone and measured pace, offers a professional and calm delivery that aligns with Cowboy's thoughtful and intelligent character. It conveys a steady presence.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Deep · Calm · Serious · +5 more
“JJK's deep and authoritative male voice, with a calm, professional tone, is ideal for a character like Cowboy. The smooth and measured delivery conveys information with a quiet strength and seriousness.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Deep
“Asher James offers a deep, smooth male voice suitable for a hero in a thriller or mystery. His authoritative yet dark presence can embody Cowboy's intense and resilient personality, making him a compelling protagonist.”
A resourceful and tough individual, a key figure alongside Cowboy in the cyberpunk underworld. Her voice should convey strength and determination.
1
Julie - Confident & Conversational
Editor’s Pick
Julie - Confident & Conversational
Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“Julie's warm, confident African-American female voice feels natural and polished, making her an excellent match for Sarah's resourceful and tough demeanor. Her natural storytelling cadence will convey strength effectively.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“Jane Reader's confident, cosmopolitan, and elegant female voice with crisp, clear elocution is perfect for Sarah. Her rhythmic delivery will highlight Sarah's determination and intensity in the cyberpunk underworld.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“Gia's clear, firm female voice with a calm, confident tone is designed for professional communication, which translates well to Sarah's tough and determined character. She projects a strong, unwavering presence.”
Elise - Warm, articulate, and effortlessly professional with a European tilt
Editor’s Pick
Elise - Warm, articulate, and effortlessly professional with a European tilt
Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“Elise's sophisticated European British voice, with a naturally warm and composed tone, strikes a balance between professional authority and approachable charm. Her crisp enunciation conveys Sarah's resourcefulness and strength.”
African American · Middle-Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Shayla's warm, expressive African American female voice, capable of shifting from gentle to confident and inspiring, is a good fit for Sarah's determined and strong personality. Her smooth, conversational delivery adds depth.”
