Incarnate by Alma Katsu (Putnam)

The digital world forces us into a state of constant performance, and coder Dorothy finds the riskiest shortcut to success. Instead of self-improvement, she creates an imaginary beauty named Isabella using advanced deepfake technology. Isabella instantly conquers the world, while Dorothy stays hidden in the background, trapped in a loop of her own making.

Author Alma Katsu isn't writing a standard horror novel here; she delivers a sharp, chilling satire of our obsession with false images. 

The narrative moves quickly, almost aggressively at times, stripped of unnecessary polish or empty prose. The characters are damaged, selfish, and driven by the most primitive impulses, which makes the whole experience exceptionally compelling. 

The author's choice of short, direct sentences creates a cold, almost technical cadence that perfectly fits this world of pixels and algorithms. In the end, the only question that remains is how much of our own humanity we are willing to discard for a few seconds of artificial attention.

This book is ideal for fans of modern psychological thrillers and anyone concerned about the future of artificial intelligence. Skip it if you are looking for classic heroes with clear moral principles.

What to Read Next:

• Feed by M.T. Anderson: An excellent study on the loss of privacy, algorithmic control, and consumer obsession in a hyper-connected world.
• Neuromancer by William Gibson: A tense sci-fi thriller about artificial intelligence and digital spaces overtaking human agency.
• Bunny by Mona Awad: A dark, surreal story about the obsession with perfection, belonging, and the price paid for an idealized image.