by Blake Crouch
Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Memory makes reality.
That’s what NYC cop Barry Sutton is learning, as he investigates the devastating phenomenon the media has dubbed False Memory Syndrome—a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived.
That’s what neuroscientist Helena Smith believes. It’s why she’s dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious memories. If she succeeds, anyone will be able to re-experience a first kiss, the birth of a child, the final moment with a dying parent.
As Barry searches for the truth, he comes face to face with an opponent more terrifying than any disease—a force that attacks not just our minds, but the very fabric of the past. And as its effects begin to unmake the world as we know it, only he and Helena, working together, will stand a chance at defeating it.
But how can they make a stand when reality itself is shifting and crumbling all around them?
I completely lose myself in Blake Crouch’s worlds and Recursion was no exception. I started this late one Sunday evening and ended up staying up until almost 2 am to finish because my goodness I had to know…
time, identity, and memory….
I didn’t even read the blurb going in as Crouch is an auto-buy for me. I had the privilege of meeting him at BEA a few years ago. He was witty, brilliant and kind.
The story is told from alternating, non-linear timelines. It shares the perspectives of NYC Police Officer Barry Sutton and neuroscientist Dr. Helena Smith. This is a science-fiction thriller that will keep you turning the pages. Crouch opens Pandora’s Box regarding memory and time.
The reader is slowly given information as we interact with characters and events until it suddenly hits us. There comes a moment when we finally understand what is happening. We see the good, the bad and the terrifying. There is no going back….
Tightly written with an almost plausible reality Crouch left me agreeing with Helen on so many levels. The storyline had all the elements of a big screen thriller but unlike those epic over the top scenes Crouch made event seem eerily plausible or opened my mind to the possibility.
There is a romance here but it’s served on the side while still being powerful and relevant. The two Povs/timelines eventually intertwine as the tone and pacing increase until you the reader are white-knuckling your kindle and completely lost to the outside word.
Recursion delivers a brilliant, addictive science fiction thriller. One you won’t be able to set down. Add it to your bookshelf or audio library. It’s the perfect summer thriller.
A #MustRead Summer #Thriller Recursion by Blake Crouch #NewRelease #SciFi #2019FAVE Crouch opens Pandora’s box regarding memory and time. Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
YES!!! I totally have and will read this one on my break!! I have Dark Matter also waiting for me! I can’t wait. I have read really good things about this book. I love thrillers/horrors so you know I have this on my nightstand! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Mary
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love when a story feels like it would be suited for the big screen. I think it’s great that the event seemed plausible, and weren’t over the top. I can tell how much this story pulled you in! Excellent Review Kim!
Ethan
I loved this one too!
Olivia Roach
If you stay up till 2am reading you know it is a good book! I haven’t tried this authors books before, as I didn’t read Dark Matter. I think I would start here, actually. I really like the sound of how unique and hooking this one is.
blodeuedd
*scratches head*
I can not remember what I felt about Dark Matter! To gr I go!
Carla
Great review Kimberly. I have only read Dark Matter, but might try this one. Science Fiction is not my usual genre.
sayford
i enjoyed “dark matter” this looks like a winner:danger with a hint of romance-my favorite kind of book
Debbie Haupt
OMG this is so my kind of read. Thanks Kim
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
Oh I love when an author is such an autobuy that I don’t even need to read the blurb. This sounds good and Crouch is one I’ve been wanting to read.
Billigt Somatt
You guys read ALOT of books, I rarely have the time….unless it’s summer 😉
Greg
Oh I’ve been looking forward to this one after LOVING Dark Matter, so I’m so glad to hear it;s good.
kindlemom1
Looks like I need to make this author a priority this summer as well.. Wonderful review, I can’t wait to try this one!
Mary Kirkland
I haven’t read this author but this sounds like a good one.
Maggie Katz
*typing this with my eyes closed* — Kim I can’t wait for this book. I have it on pre-order and I am just so freaking excited about it – I saw you LOVED IT. Can you please tell me if it compares to Dark Matter as far as awesomeness? Does it show I am crazy excited? lol
Melliane
Oh that’s great to see you had such a great time with this one!
Sophia Rose
That sound riveting and chilling. Messing with the mind in a thriller always gets to me. Glad it was fab for you, Kimberly!
Anne - Books of My Heart
OK Carole enjoyed this one too. It sounds a little bit scary to me. But I know you read the best books! Excellent review!
sherry fundin
great review. i must read me some crouch
Nick
Oh this does sound twisted and very cool! The concept is very interesting. I haven’t read anything from Crouch! I’m glad you loved it, Kim!
Ailyn Koay
that’ sounds scary and yet cool at the same time, imagine having false memories and you have no idea what had really happened… that would scare me
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Fantastic review! I just finished Recursion and completely agree with you. It was a mind-bending story and it actually freaked me out how plausible it actually felt. I got sucked in right away and couldn’t put the book down until I knew everything. Crouch is an auto-buy for me now as well.