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The City 2603 #1
The City Below: A 2603 Novel
A new science fiction thriller from the bestselling author of the Shadows in the Water series.Commander Grace Buteo protects Zone 2, a prosperous place thriving in part due to her diligent efforts to guard its citizens against cyber-attacks, identity theft, and security threats from the rogue terrorist cells plaguing the outer zones. But when her husband and son are killed in an IED explosion intended for Grace herself, her survivor’s guilt nearly breaks her.She throws herself into her work, hoping to renew her sense of purpose and loyalty to the city she loves. She’s given the opportunity when a high-profile genetic engineering company reports the theft of 26 artificial organs. But investigating this theft leads Grace to discover that her city—and her new assistant inspector—may not be as perfect as they seem…If you're a fan of Philip K. Dick's thought-provoking sci-fi or Neal Stephenson’s rich worldbuilding, then The City Below is a must-read. Don't miss this thrilling blend of mystery and science fiction, with a touch of romance that will captivate your imagination and challenge your vision of the future.Praise for The City Below★★★★★ “Wow! Great read!!...what an incredible amount of detail.”★★★★★ “Following on the heels of her highly successful seven book series, “Dying For A Living”, Kory M. Shrum once again presents us with another strong female character to root for in The City Below★★★★★ “Kory’s imagination is always one to count on to steal you away to deep, rich motifs of swirling surrealistic backdrops accompanied by fully developed and fleshed out characters that you instantly want to be friends with.”★★★★★ “The world of The City Below is a blend of elements from the Matrix and 1984…”★★★★★ “Shrum has a unique talent, writing science fiction that captures the whole story of a future world.”★★★★★ “I already love one of Kory Shrum’s series, but now I have another favorite hero/anti-hero to follow! A fantastic work of science fiction - can’t wait to read the next book.”★★★★★ “Captivating!”
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2020
103 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Kory M. Shrum
53 books649 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Kory M. Shrum has published more than thirty books, including the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 10, 2026
An excellent police procedural set in the future.
Great characters and tech.
Also a great ending for the first in a series.
I’ll be back for more.
Great characters and tech.
Also a great ending for the first in a series.
I’ll be back for more.
December 23, 2020
Following on the heels of her highly successful seven book series, “Dying For A Living”, Kory M. Shrum once again presents us with another strong female character to root for in “The City Below, A 2603 Novel”.
2603 is a futuristic, dystopian world in which over population has brought about the destruction of its natural resources, poisoned its water and has somehow managed to damage the atmosphere, to the point that there are regions that are always shrouded by dark clouds and flashes of lightening.
The country is divided into numbered zones, with the lowest numbers being the safest, and most desirable areas to live in. Societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, and moral control.
Commander Grace Buteo is head of the police department for Zone 2. As the book begins we find that the Commander is returning to work for the first time following a car bomb explosion that took the lives of her husband and son and severely burned her face and right arm. The arm was amputated but replaced with a life like prosthetic. Grace had managed to get thousands to safety before the blast, and is considered a hero. She doesn’t see it that way, as she was unable to save the only thing that mattered to her … her family.
A new case involving the theft of some organ transplants and a new, somewhat quirky, assistant inspector, Heron Jane, mark the beginning of a story that will take Commander Buteo deep beneath the city and show her a level of corruption within her zone that has been seething all around her. Ugly truths and injustices are revealed that will take every bit of strength and courage that Grace can muster to fight for those that cannot. And of course, attempting to discover the real criminals has just put a very large target on her and Heron’s backs.
Kory has once again created a compelling story and fascinating characters. It’s a fast paced novel that was fun to read, and I look forward to the next book in the series, “The City Within”.
2603 is a futuristic, dystopian world in which over population has brought about the destruction of its natural resources, poisoned its water and has somehow managed to damage the atmosphere, to the point that there are regions that are always shrouded by dark clouds and flashes of lightening.
The country is divided into numbered zones, with the lowest numbers being the safest, and most desirable areas to live in. Societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, and moral control.
Commander Grace Buteo is head of the police department for Zone 2. As the book begins we find that the Commander is returning to work for the first time following a car bomb explosion that took the lives of her husband and son and severely burned her face and right arm. The arm was amputated but replaced with a life like prosthetic. Grace had managed to get thousands to safety before the blast, and is considered a hero. She doesn’t see it that way, as she was unable to save the only thing that mattered to her … her family.
A new case involving the theft of some organ transplants and a new, somewhat quirky, assistant inspector, Heron Jane, mark the beginning of a story that will take Commander Buteo deep beneath the city and show her a level of corruption within her zone that has been seething all around her. Ugly truths and injustices are revealed that will take every bit of strength and courage that Grace can muster to fight for those that cannot. And of course, attempting to discover the real criminals has just put a very large target on her and Heron’s backs.
Kory has once again created a compelling story and fascinating characters. It’s a fast paced novel that was fun to read, and I look forward to the next book in the series, “The City Within”.
February 1, 2022
A sci/fi world ready to be walked in with heroes ready to protect it!
First, let me just say how this book felt like it was screaming out at the unfairness of our reality by creating a world that seemed designed to fix all our current socioeconomic, political, judicial, and especially our environmental issues with all its specific laws and gadgets. It felt like an exciting future to be alive in. But I also felt our beloved author's grief for how unfair our reality is. This piece of fiction felt strangely intimate and raw as though the emotions poured into it were seeping out of the pages.
Kory's imagination is always one to count on to steal you away to deep, rich motifs of swirling surrealistic backdrops accompanied by fully developed and fleshed out characters that you instantly want to be friends with.
This book started with such instant and abrupt emotional rawness that it stalled me for a bit. I felt I had to take it on in small doses at first. However, as the story progressed I could not eat up those pages fast enough.
All I can say is how grateful I am that Kory published book one and two at the same time so I can get started on the next one!
I loved this book and definitely recommend!
First, let me just say how this book felt like it was screaming out at the unfairness of our reality by creating a world that seemed designed to fix all our current socioeconomic, political, judicial, and especially our environmental issues with all its specific laws and gadgets. It felt like an exciting future to be alive in. But I also felt our beloved author's grief for how unfair our reality is. This piece of fiction felt strangely intimate and raw as though the emotions poured into it were seeping out of the pages.
Kory's imagination is always one to count on to steal you away to deep, rich motifs of swirling surrealistic backdrops accompanied by fully developed and fleshed out characters that you instantly want to be friends with.
This book started with such instant and abrupt emotional rawness that it stalled me for a bit. I felt I had to take it on in small doses at first. However, as the story progressed I could not eat up those pages fast enough.
All I can say is how grateful I am that Kory published book one and two at the same time so I can get started on the next one!
I loved this book and definitely recommend!
December 14, 2020
I was fortunate enough to be gifted an advanced reader copy (arc) of this book and I am honoured to be able to read and review it.
I love Kory’s writing, I have read many if not all of her books.
This one is certainly not an exception to the rule of fantastic writing!
Set in the future, in an, by all accounts, idyllic world, as long as you are lucky enough to live in one of the good zones.
Grace lives in one of these zones, she is a police commander in a world that was perfect until tragedy struck but that was just the beginning.
These characters are believable and so real that you would think that you know them personally. The story grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go until the end, if I’m honest, not even then! You will want to know what happens next (you are in luck as the second book was released along side this one!).
I honestly believe that you won’t be disappointed if you pick up this book so please do so.
I love Kory’s writing, I have read many if not all of her books.
This one is certainly not an exception to the rule of fantastic writing!
Set in the future, in an, by all accounts, idyllic world, as long as you are lucky enough to live in one of the good zones.
Grace lives in one of these zones, she is a police commander in a world that was perfect until tragedy struck but that was just the beginning.
These characters are believable and so real that you would think that you know them personally. The story grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go until the end, if I’m honest, not even then! You will want to know what happens next (you are in luck as the second book was released along side this one!).
I honestly believe that you won’t be disappointed if you pick up this book so please do so.
November 22, 2020
The City Below (Book 1) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
In the not-too-distant future, enhanced human police Commander Grace Buteo returns to work, following weeks of therapy, after a terrorist attack that injured her badly and claimed the lives of her family, in Kory M. Shrum's new futuristic series. Inspector Heron Jane is promoted to assist Grace's investigation to make the guilty pay.
Who is behind the thefts from Viscosity Inc?
What does Tomas tell Grace? Will she believe him?
In a clever twist on the expected outcome, Kory M Shrum reveals the truth of the eponymous 'city beneath' and it's sure to capture your imagination. Heron tells her more about himself and Grace's dead husband Davion, making her question everything she once thought she knew, about her life and the reasons it's not what she thought it was, at all!
In the not-too-distant future, enhanced human police Commander Grace Buteo returns to work, following weeks of therapy, after a terrorist attack that injured her badly and claimed the lives of her family, in Kory M. Shrum's new futuristic series. Inspector Heron Jane is promoted to assist Grace's investigation to make the guilty pay.
Who is behind the thefts from Viscosity Inc?
What does Tomas tell Grace? Will she believe him?
In a clever twist on the expected outcome, Kory M Shrum reveals the truth of the eponymous 'city beneath' and it's sure to capture your imagination. Heron tells her more about himself and Grace's dead husband Davion, making her question everything she once thought she knew, about her life and the reasons it's not what she thought it was, at all!
December 25, 2020
In a post-climate-catastrophe world, safe zones and bio-sealed facilities are for the wealthy. Others suffer from a hostile environment. Police Commander Grace Buteo, and Heron Jane, a newly-hired investigator with an air of mystery, try to solve the murder of Grace's husband and son. They find rot, corruption, lies, fraud, and a deck stacked against them. One horrific truth leads to another even worse. At the end of Book 1, Grace and Heron know they are facing powerful enemies who don't want their ill-gotten gains discovered, and most especially, how those gains were gotten at the expense of citizens.
December 26, 2020
Set in the future, a gripping tale about commander Grace Buteo, whom while saving the lives of many, loses her husband and child and just survives herself. What unfolds is a story of intrigue, lies, deceipt and compassion. With the help of her husband's friend, Heron, Grace discovers a secret about her husband which brings about the discovery of an underground city of discarded people and the company who caused it. A good story, good, strong characters with plenty of action and food for thought. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It is well written and recommended.
December 26, 2020
Kory never disappoints her readers. I am again amazed by her imagination and ability to write in such diverse genres. A futuristic setting, great for the fortunate “haves”, the privileged, in the city, but mind-blowingly awful for the rest, the outsiders. Political, social, economic challenging/confronting undercurrents of reality today? There’s always a strong female character (of course) leading the action, and there’s plenty of that. I’m eagerly looking forward to the second book in this series.
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
November 27, 2020
After Kory M. Shrum’s ‘Dying for a Living’ series I wondered how she could top that. Well she did. Love, Love, Love this book. The characters hooked me. I became invested In their struggles; I felt their heart ache and I wanted them to win. The police setting; in the future; was a great starting point for a new series. With twists and turns you are transported to 2603. Wonderful. Can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
December 22, 2020
Another amazing book by kory shrum.
A very addictive read, lots of action and futuristic technology, a great storyline which gets you hooked straight away.
Good crime story that keeps you guessing who the bad guy is.
Brilliant characters too, especially Heron, definitely my favourite
Such a good book, definitely recommend it
A very addictive read, lots of action and futuristic technology, a great storyline which gets you hooked straight away.
Good crime story that keeps you guessing who the bad guy is.
Brilliant characters too, especially Heron, definitely my favourite
Such a good book, definitely recommend it
January 20, 2021
Simply fascinating
Kory Shrum does it again with her new world of the future full of clean air and excellent laws and justice for all - until it isn’t. What Commander Grace Buteo finds knocks her on her behind and more. One enticing mystery evolves into another and another, and ‘heads will roll.’
Kory Shrum does it again with her new world of the future full of clean air and excellent laws and justice for all - until it isn’t. What Commander Grace Buteo finds knocks her on her behind and more. One enticing mystery evolves into another and another, and ‘heads will roll.’
February 18, 2021
I continue to be impressed by this author - this series of books is a totally different genre than she is used to writing about - what a wonderful sense of imagination and ability to create an imagery that stays with you throughout the book - and yet another strong female character. Can't wait to read the next book in this series!
March 22, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Grace is a likable and sad character, I immediately bonded with her. Shrum's future world is intriguing and the evil underside of the world is frightening. Grace is a police commander who fights for truth in a world of darkness and lies.
I couldn't put this down even tho I needed sleep. I would definitely recommend this book.
I couldn't put this down even tho I needed sleep. I would definitely recommend this book.
December 19, 2021
I have had this sitting in my tbr for a while. I bought it cause i love kory's other books, but had not read yet cause i hate books where the h or H has lost a child. And I was right to wait til I was in the best head space to read it because as good as the story is - the loss of Grace's husband & son is still fresh and is woven through the story.
January 14, 2026
loved seeing the future come to life, if only we could experience some of that in our time. loved the depth of characters. as a new mom myself my heart ached for Grace. Her trusty sidekick was great comic relief. the story didn't go in the direction I expected and it was a nice surprise, excited to read the next book in the series.
December 22, 2020
Heart wrenching and thrilling. Keep you on the edge of your seat with an intense need to find out what happens next and the deepest hope for things to be alright. I had tears in my eyes at the end, but boy, what a read. I loved it.
December 24, 2020
This is about a world like ours affected by climate change and crime.
The world is put into 2 parts but does it help.
A excellent book.
A cyber controlled world.
Does this make it easier to solve crime or ?
This book makes you really think about our own world and how we could make it better.
The world is put into 2 parts but does it help.
A excellent book.
A cyber controlled world.
Does this make it easier to solve crime or ?
This book makes you really think about our own world and how we could make it better.
December 25, 2020
This was one outstanding and suspenseful story. An amazing futuristic story from a new series. Grace is an extremely tough lady who knows how to deal with life. Once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop.
January 15, 2021
This book was excellent! I couldn't put it down and finished in two days. Immediately purchased the second in the series. Future detective mystery novel, great futuristic world-building, wonderful characters (the mother is perfect!), and cool gadgets. Five stars!
July 21, 2021
As a big fan of Kory's "Shadows in the Water" series I was hesitant to start this new series. I couldn't imagine how it would even compare, but Kory did a fantastic job. I got hooked almost instantly. I can't wait to read book two. Check it out. You won't be disappointed.
January 12, 2026
This book seems to be grief porn. Long diatribes about how the protagonist is mourning the loss of family members, to the point that it ruined the book for me. The continuous grieving added nothing to the story.
I get it. Something bad happened. Fortunately, once the author devolves into continuous grieving, all you need to do is skip five pages or so to get beyond it.
This unbearable grief lasts intensely for the first half of the book, then settles into just being very annoying for the rest of the book.
Awful.
I get it. Something bad happened. Fortunately, once the author devolves into continuous grieving, all you need to do is skip five pages or so to get beyond it.
This unbearable grief lasts intensely for the first half of the book, then settles into just being very annoying for the rest of the book.
Awful.
January 16, 2026
it was hard to set this down, and I could not guess what was coming.
Once I started reading this, it was hard to stop. I thought the character development was great and the plot kept me guessing. I look forward to the next two books in the series.
Once I started reading this, it was hard to stop. I thought the character development was great and the plot kept me guessing. I look forward to the next two books in the series.
January 28, 2026
heartfelt
This was a very intriguing story. Twist and turn truth not revealed until the end. Heart warming and mysterious at the same time. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a good story.
This was a very intriguing story. Twist and turn truth not revealed until the end. Heart warming and mysterious at the same time. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a good story.
July 19, 2021
A strong opening to the 2603 series. The world-building is great.
September 23, 2022
A murder mystery in a a future world with an interesting take on the way we might have to live.
March 19, 2024
The city below was a good read, a little far fetched but ok. I'm hoping that book two is a little better.
January 2, 2026
I thought this was going to be another post apocalypse type story but it was completely different and wonderfully imaginative with great descriptive settings and characters you could relate to.
January 8, 2026
Interesting.
January 13, 2026
Very easy to read and likeable characters with a well-developed world.
February 28, 2026
I really liked this. It felt like Blade Runner combined with Law & Order with a dash of Hunger Games. It's a very good story and I'll be reading the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews