In the year 2080, Earth has become a dystopian society, plagued by overpopulation, poverty, and crime. The city of New Babyl is a sprawling metropolis where the rich and powerful reside in luxury, while the poor struggle to survive in the overcrowded slums. The protagonist, a young engineer named Aria, becomes involved in a rebellion against the corrupt government and the oppressive mega-corporations that control the city. As the resistance grows, Aria discovers the truth about her own identity and the dark secrets that the ruling elite will stop at nothing to protect. As the city teeters on the brink of revolution, Aria must navigate political intrigue, betrayal, and personal sacrifice to fight for a better future for all its citizens. ‘City on Fire’ is a gripping exploration of class conflict, technology run amok, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
![Imagined AI depiction of Max from "City on Fire" by Walter Jon Williams, encapsulating the essence of this iconic archetype of {'value': 'Hacker and Informant', 'rendered': 'Hacker and Informant'} in the narrative.](https://cdn.sf-and-fantasy.com/wp-content/sf-articles/uploads/2024/03/ad172ad7-7117-43f8-85c4-1a29b930565b-300x300.png)
Max
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