2024 the best sci fi novels review

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the bestselling author of Dark Matter and the Wayward Pines trilogy comes a relentless thriller about time, identity, and memory—his most mind-boggling, irresistible work to date, and the inspiration for Shondaland’s upcoming Netflix film.

“Gloriously twisting . . . a heady campfire tale of a novel.”—The New York Times Book Review

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Time • NPR • BookRiot

Reality is broken.
 
At first, it looks like a disease. An epidemic that spreads through no known means, driving its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived. But the force that’s sweeping the world is no pathogen. It’s just the first shock wave, unleashed by a stunning discovery—and what’s in jeopardy is not our minds but the very fabric of time itself.
 
In New York City, Detective Barry Sutton is closing in on the truth—and in a remote laboratory, neuroscientist Helena Smith is unaware that she alone holds the key to this mystery . . . and the tools for fighting back.
 
Together, Barry and Helena will have to confront their enemy—before they, and the world, are trapped in a loop of ever-growing chaos.

Praise for Recursion

“An action-packed, brilliantly unique ride that had me up late and shirking responsibilities until I had devoured the last page . . . a fantastic read.”—Andy Weir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian

“Another profound science-fiction thriller. Crouch masterfully blends science and intrigue into the experience of what it means to be deeply human.”—Newsweek

“Definitely not one to forget when you’re packing for vacation . . . [Crouch] breathes fresh life into matters with a mix of heart, intelligence, and philosophical musings.”—Entertainment Weekly

“A trippy journey down memory lane . . . [Crouch’s] intelligence is an able match for the challenge he’s set of overcoming the structure of time itself.”—Time

“Wildly entertaining . . . another winning novel from an author at the top of his game.”—AV Club

From the Publisher

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ballantine Books; Reprint edition (March 10, 2020)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1524759791
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1524759797
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.17 x 0.73 x 7.98 inches
Reviewer: Richard M. Cook
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: One of the Best Sci-Fi Time Travel Stories I’ve Ever Read
Review: • Author Blake Crouch’s story starts with a bang and keeps delivering right up until its breathtaking ending. It is an exhilarating, wild ride. I was captivated from the very first chapter, having read it with Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature. Hooked, I bought the Kindle version immediately and consumed it very rapidly.• After the initial two chapters, the story lags just a bit as the background, relationships, and environmental setting are built. But pay attention because key elements are introduced here that come back into play in the finale. At first, I didn’t completely understand the finale, thinking the author had cheated and gone against his world’s rules. (I detest authors that rely upon deus ex machina solutions or the breaking of rules they’d set up earlier in their story’s universe.) But in looking over those “background building” chapters, I see that he did not, and I am suitably impressed with what he’s built as a solid, very believable story. Also, I’ve never read about a time-travel model like the one presented here, so I believe the author’s take on a classic sci-fi theme is unique.• The characters are richly detailed, their dialogue sharp and cutting. For instance, the way Crouch uses dialogue to show nuances in the strained relationship of the male main character (MMC) Barry Sutton and his ex-wife Julia adds so much realism and depth to his character, you can feel his pain, even though you don’t (immediately) know why he has so much pain. As the story develops and we learn more about Barry & Julia, we come to understand their pain and feel so much more empathy for them. These are not simply cardboard characters created to forward a pre-determined plot. No, they are complex persons struggling with very real-life situations, and that realism adds a wonderful thickness to the story that many sci-fi tales do not. Crouch’s descriptions are succinct while adding even more layers of complexity, tiny nods to nostalgia, loss, and wistfulness that give marvelous depth to these people. These character traits are integral to understanding WHAT moves them to take drastic action and WHY.• The female main character (FMC) Helena Smith is no less complicated in her race to save her mother from the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease, seemingly unwilling to stop at nothing to attain that goal. But when she is pushed over the edge by her boss (a principal supporting character), Marcus Slade, we start to learn what Helena is truly made of. She struggles with classic dramatic questions of purpose, goals/aspirations vs. unintended consequences, and deep, deep sorrow. But you really will have no idea of Helena’s mettle until you reach the explosive conclusion, which was one of the best in science fiction I’ve read in a very long time.• I love time-travel stories, and this one did not disappoint. I will NOT spoil the ending or any of the action leading up to it, but WOW! You will be exhausted mentally (and perhaps even physically) after reaching the end. Kudos, Mr. Crouch, on such a well-done job, from start to finish. The first quarter was a little sluggish, but I understand it’s necessary to show how the “memory chair” is built and the many failings Helena and Marcus had to overcome. My only criticism is that some of that could’ve been scaled back. But by making me wait for the breakthrough that ultimately comes, you did give me a good perspective on how much they (and their colleagues) struggled to get to that discovery. The descriptions of world-changing events in the last quarter of the book are stunning in their detail, so real you’d swear you’d lived them but thankful you haven’t.• BASIC PREMISE (no spoilers): This unique story starts with Detective Barry Sutton investigating a suicide linked to an emerging “false memory syndrome” epidemic, an investigation that eventually leads him to horrific discoveries of his own. Meanwhile, neuroscientist Helena Smith struggles to build a “memory chair” to store people’s memories in the hopes of using them later to reignite any lost memories in people suffering from Alzheimer’s, like her mother. Helena’s boss, billionaire Marcus Slade, provides her with anything and everything she asks for, regardless of expense. In a remote, idyllic setting, Helena accomplishes her goal. But Slade makes an additional stunning discovery that threatens to unravel reality.• WARNING: As you enter the last quarter of the book, things will get even crazier than you’d think they could. Some of it may make you very sad about mankind and our collective future. But stick with it and try not to get confused by the multiple timelines. The ending is so worth it.• I’m on to buying my next Blake Crouch novel, “Black Matter.” Can't wait to read more of his writing.

Reviewer: OldSchoolSlashers
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: very good, almost great
Review: [ spoilers ]The book starts strong out of the gate in Hollywood fashion, a little formulaic but good escalation, pretty solid writing style. Concepts are interesting enough for most sci-fi buffs, if you don’t nitpick too much and don’t mind similar schtick to other time loop stories. Characters are fairly interesting, although they don’t develop much - their arcs are fairly flat, with the exception of the “main” protagonist.The biggest problem is that the story fizzles at the end, and the character arcs/studies aren’t strong enough to make up for the disappointing wet-blanket deflation of all the plot tension that the author did such a good job of building up. Feels like maybe the author was rushed and ran out of time? Or maybe just a bit lost as to how to really stick the landing at the crescendo? The resolution (I.e. the proper emotional climax of the ending) happens midway through the epilogue, which is weird, because the denouement has already started by then. It robs the reader of the satisfaction they’ve earned.Would make a great movie (and probably will). A good screenplay adaptation and director could adjust the pacing and spectacle of the ending so it lands properly.

Reviewer: Oakland Mike
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Once I dove in, I stayed under until it was finished
Review: Once I dove in, I stayed under until it was finished. Excellent through and through. One of the best time conundrum containing stories in existence. Wish I could forget it and read it again!

Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN
Review: This book is absolutely amazing. I finished this book over a weekend and I am at lost for words, and also teary eyed from crying like a baby. It is such a great book I mean it was beautifully written, perfectly thought out. It felt like I was watching a movie. I 100% recommend this book. It’s safe to say this book is my absolute favorite thus far! And I want to thank you Blake Crouch.

Reviewer: zalea
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: OKAY
Review: Premise is great. But got boring half way through so I just skipped pages till I got to the end.

Reviewer: Valerie I. Rosica
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: False memories, is it a virus?
Review: Addicted plot to this novel, hard to put down, and full of suspense. Excellent reading...

Reviewer: Andria Comma
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Perfect
Review: Book is in perfect condition, cover, pages, spine, cover sleeve, all great. And the story is really interesting too. So glad to finally have my own copy.

Reviewer: Austin Michael
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Gripping and profound
Review: Begs the question we all have pondered at one time or another in our lives.

Reviewer: N.E.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Viaje en el tiempo para cambiar recuerdos. Otra excelente historia de Blake Crouch. No puedo decidirme entre "Recursión" y "Dark Matter", ambas brillantes.

Reviewer: Jelke Hoofdmann
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Wahnsinnig originelle und komplexe Geschichte, die für Fans von verwirrenden Handlungssträngen geeignet sind

Reviewer: Andy Blanche
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I don’t want to seen hyperbolic but this really was an excellent novel. The concept is intriguing and original, the pace and tension electrifying and, even though that concept was incredibly far fetched, my disbelief was completely suspended by the quality of the writing.

Reviewer: Morgan
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Bought this after watching the TV series Dark Matter based on a book by the same author.Superb book. Loved every page. Brilliant pacing.

Reviewer: Abhishek limba
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Blake Crouch, you are the best. The book was an absolute banger. I loved how the language was kept simple and understandable for a fresh reader like me. The story was mind blowing.