Netherwood, by Michele Lang

Talia Fortune is the newly appointed sheriff of Netherwood. In the virtual world, she has been forming a relationship with a man who calls himself “Avenger.” But Avenger is also a criminal. And Talia finds herself torn. Should she arrest him? Or could he be right about the danger facing their world?

Netherwood is a fascinating look at a futuristic society where the virtual world has almost completely replaced the real one. Lang has created an incredibly interesting idea, giving the story a dark intensity that makes for a fascinating read. Talia has a great depth, and is faced with ideas that contradict her beliefs and what she has always been told to be true. Laced with romance, this high-tech, futuristic, scifi adventure is full of suspense and danger. Netherwood is a surprisingly creative novel in the gradually-growing science fiction / romance category.