This novel draws significant inspiration from Tom Clancy's "The Division" series, particularly the first game up until chapter 37. The gaming segment starting around chapter 14 borrows heavily from the original "The Division," transplanting the setting to Brooklyn instead of Manhattan. The story revolves around secret military operatives fighting factions for control post-plague in the United States, with the protagonist's group referred to as "ICARUS" instead of "The Division."
There are some differences between the book and the game, but I won't delve into them further. As a note, I didn't extensively play the first game; I mostly played the second, so my memory is limited to the general atmosphere and major plot points.
The narrative begins with a character who was conscripted from the Korean military into a top-secret US ops unit. After a pandemic devastates the country, they endure four years of苦难, eventually undergoing a gender transformation and becoming a snake-like demihuman. The plot then takes an unclear turn, but the MC finds themselves in a world similar to their previous one without the disaster. Chapters 1-13 depict the MC adjusting to this new reality.
During these chapters, the MC discovers a fully immersive VRMMO game based on their experiences, which becomes the focal point of the story. I won't provide more specifics, but I thoroughly enjoyed what I've read so far. I rate it 4.5/5, deducting half a point for its lack of originality, but rounding up to 5 due to the appealing tone. As Sareza suggests, if you're curious, start from chapter 14 to see if it suits your taste. If you like it, consider reading from the beginning to understand the background context, as the novel is still early in its development.
If you appreciate modern warfare themes, tsundere (gender bending) elements, or VRMMO narratives, this book aligns with your interests. However, if any of those topics aren't your cup of tea, be cautious when approaching it. Simply check the tags and decide based on your preferences. If you enjoy The Division, you might find this novel enjoyable too.
