This book was interesting but I think the horror took over the science fiction at some point and I was expecting a more balanced read. The science sections dealing with both the brain and space were fascinating and overall, it was a good read.

Dementia is a scary diagnosis for the elderly population, but imagine if age was no longer a restriction. Obscura tackles this with a near-future Earth on the brink of climate collapse and a mysterious illness called Losian, which can affect the memory of any human of any age. Dr. Gillian Ryan is leading the charge on researching a cure for the disease that took her husband and is slowly consuming her daughter. This leads her to accept a spot on a NASA mission that will allow her to expand her studies. However, once aboard the ship she begins to start questioning the true objective of her colleagues while dealing with unexplainable events occurring.

Overall, I enjoyed the concept of Hart's novel. It was easy to understand, although I do wish there had been a bit more science present. Also, I didn't find the relationship between mother and daughter as compelling as the author intended which led to Dr. Ryan's motives for the mission questionable..

While the premise of this book was good, and the possibilities for plot lines was endless I did find it a little too difficult to grasp at times. It was quite plausible at the beginning but I began to lose my attention a little as Dr. Gillian's grip on reality fell further and further away from her. It was interesting though and certainly provided food for thought in relation to what might possibly lie ahead of us but other than that I found it to be a tad too far fetched for my taste.

This was one of those books that took me forever to get to, and that is by no fault the author's. In a unfortunate coincidence, my grandmother - who suffered from Alzheimer's - passed away not long before this was published, so obviously the subject matter wasn't something I could handle for a while. Now that I've done the brunt of my grieving, it was time to pick this one up, and I'm so glad that I did. I mean, it still hit a bit too close to home at times, but overall this was one thrilling, roller coaster ride.

Another 5 star favourite for 2019.

If you're like me and enjoy a wide range of genres, this book is a must read for you. From psychological/suspense thriller, mystery, science fiction, to climate fiction, dystopian and even a touch of horror, this book ticks off all those boxes. Throw into the mix a well developed, character driven plot, refreshing setting and intelligent, smooth as butter writing and you have a gripping, intoxicating, unputdownable and unpredictable read that I absolutely devoured. Brilliant!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing a digital copy in return for an honest, unbiased review.

What could really be scarier than losing yourself? Losing yourself so drastically that you no longer know what you can trust to bring you back?

That, for me, was the real thread running through the core of this book. It's the future, and a disease called Losian's is running through the population, causing Alzheimer's-like symptoms and causing our protagonist to lose her husband; and now, maybe, her daughter. Dr Gillian Ryan may not have to simply sit back and watch tragedy repeat itself, however; despite plenty of inner turmoil, she's on the verge of a breakthrough. But what will she compromise to have that chance at a cure?

This was a high-speed, well-paced novel. Joe Hart has taken a very real fear and plays it out expertly - his characters felt real even as their trials proved too much for simple humans to bear. And after that epilogue, I DO hope there's more to come!

This was good but I think the horror took over the science fiction at some points and I'm not a fan of the horrifying themes. So personal preference is what didn't allow me to enjoy this as much. But it's actually a good story and the genres of sci-fi and thriller are very well combined. Give this a read if you're looking for a story that'll actually make your mind go in all directions!

What a bloody wild ride. Sci-fi, thriller, mystery, dystopian and horror all rolled into one, keeping you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath throughout.

It’s 2028 and our world is suffering a climate crisis, there are landslides, dangerous rainfall and the Artic ice will be all gone within a couple of years. Possibly even more terrifying is the new form of dementia striking randomly around the globe. Young or old, Losian’s doesn’t care. It takes their memory, it changes their personality and in the end it takes them.
After losing her husband to the disease Dr Gillian Ryan throws herself into finding a cure and then when her daughter is diagnosed she goes to extreme lengths to help her. Including agreeing to help NASA on their satellite in exchange for more funding. Things turn sour with secrets being kept by everyone involved and it quickly becomes a simple fight for survival.

Hart’s vision for our future is bleak and incredibly realistic. Climate change is choking the planet and life on Earth is not going to be viable for much longer. This is the stuff of MY nightmares guys. I’m convinced that what Hart has put forward in this book is stuff that will be happening sooner rather than later and that’s what makes it so scary. So much of the climate crisis in Obscura is just an exaggeration of what’s already happening. I thought the way Hart used realistic climate issues upped the tension from the very start. It is the same as the way he took dementia, something which affects a large number of people, and made it even worse.

A substantial part of Obscura is an old fashioned “who done it?” tale. We meet a large variety of characters and while weaving all of their tales together Hart manages to keep you guessing. I was accusing everyone throughout this book of one thing or another. As the book progressed the tension rose and I couldn’t put the book down; I had to know how the story played out, how each of the characters fit into the puzzle.

The characters themselves were well developed. Occasionally a character would behave in a way that seemed to only happen to try and trick the reader, which is fine it just felt clumsy. Hart was able to make me emotionally invested in the characters, especially Gillian and her daughter. When Gillian was on high alert and hallucinating, I was turning the light on because I didn’t need shadows in my room, I was creeped out enough. When Gillian was watching her daughter struggle, my heart was breaking with hers.

It was a well rounded book. I liked the pacing, it was a fast read. There were no wasted words bogging you down, no info dumping. The science in the book was fascinating. I have no idea if it’s based on anything or completely made up from scratch, but oh the possibilities. Also it gets an extra “YES” because it didn’t leave me confused. I’m really enjoying picking up extra Sci-Fi’s this year. I mentioned above it was part thriller and it is, which is why I’m finishing my review here. I would hate to spoil anything and take away the fun of experiencing it for yourselves.


One last thing, I’d be remiss not to mention the dedication at the front of this book;
“To all those who have lost their pasts – may we remember for you.”
It is heartbreaking and beautiful.

Phenomenal story. Interesting premise. I was drawn in by the concept and stayed for the characters! A winner in every category.

A genre-bending book with something for everyone. Hart mixes science-fiction, suspense, psychological thriller, and even a touch of horror to make for a wild ride.

“They say those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. I say that’s bullshit. Humankind has never learned from the past, we hold grudges. We remember, that’s why there’s violence and hatred. That’s why there’s wars. It’s the most vicious circle ever created.” Ever read something and not expect to come across something that cuts you deep - gets you to find a notebook and pen and quote it? This was it for me.

Now, I love sci-fi and mystery babies, but this is the first Joe Hart book I've read and I really enjoy the way the characters are developed, the story played out and the narrative style. Dr Ryan is extremely motivated after the loss of her partner, and now when losing her daughter - I could related to a lot of what she felt and the devotion to her daughter that came a long with it.

This was a lot of fun to read! This book has it all: incurable disease, murder mystery, space travel, teleportation, psychological suspense. It grips you from the beginning and keeps you engaged throughout. It would make a great television series or movie with all of the action and suspense.

I definitely recommend reading this book and will happily read future novels from Joe Hart!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy in exchange of an honest review.

Obscura by Joe Hart is one of the most suspenseful and terrifying novels of the past year and one that horror and sci-fi fans should not miss. A perfect blending of genres, Obscura has one of the most intriguing central characters you will come across in sometime.

Dr. Gillian Ryan is one of the most passionate and brilliant minds pursuing a cure for dementia. She has already lost her husband to the disease and now, an aggressive new form of the disease is attacking people of all ages and Ryan is determined to find a cure. But not everyone believes as deeply as she does and she finds her funding cut and her lab being closed. But the memory of what this disease has taken from her haunts her even now.

"...Greg,' Gillian said. 'Your brother's name is Greg.'
His face slackened. The anger left his eyes, its presence there like some alien parasite. She had seen him truly furious only twice in the years of their relationship.
Gillian reached a trembling hand out to touch his shoulder. It was warm and solid beneath her fingers, reassuring. Her husband-he was still there beside her. But was he really?
Stop. Keep it together.
'Honey, I think there's something wrong with your memory. We need to go get it checked to be sure. I can oversee the tests and I'll read them myself. But we have to have you see someone because this is starting to scare me.' She paused, unsure if she was going to say the next part or if she should wait. She stood on a swaying high wire with solid ground nowhere in sight. 'And I need you. We need you. Honey, I'm preg-'
It was in the moment she felt the passenger side wheels leave the highway that she recognized the blankness of his stare for what it was.
Grass hissed beneath the undercarriage, and she yelled, reaching for the wheel that turned in his loose hands.
I should've been holding his hand, she thought before the ditch sloped sharply away and the Tahoe rolled..."

Now the disease that took her husband is slowly beginning to attack her daughter. After her lab closes, a unique opportunity comes Ryan's way to continue her research. NASA is asking her to travel to the Space Station between Earth and Mars to conduct tests on some of the astronauts. It seems that they are beginning to show signs of an inexplicable psychosis. They are having bouts of memory loss, trances and violent outbursts.

"...Gillian laughed, and Kenison smiled again.
'Thank you, Doctor.' Kenison nodded, sobering. He lingered before her, hands holding his glasses shaking slightly.
'Are you sure you feel okay?' Gillian asked. His color had drained in the last few seconds.
Kenison licked his lips, tilting his head as if he'd heard a sound he couldn't identify, and she wondered if he might be on the verge of passing out. 'There's something wrong with them,' he said quietly.
Gillian threw a glance over his shoulder at the three men by the door. They were in conversation again, not looking their way. 'Who?' she asked, matching the biologist's volume.
Kenison leaned forward so suddenly, she nearly shrank back. His lips moved, and she read the word more than heard it.
'Everyone..."

Gillian's voyage into space turns into a rapidly descending nightmare of paranoia and hallucinations as she realizes that nothing is as it seems. The mission began as a research opportunity but soon turns into a violent battle for her life. But what is real and what is hallucination?

What Alien the movie did to make space so terrifying, Obscura does as well. Only the monsters in this tale are very human. Mind bending at times, Obscura blurs the reality and paranoia line so well that at times you question where Gillian Ryan is the hero or the murderer. The isolation of the space mission is as thick as the desperation Ryan has to find the cure. Hart's tense and quick prose makes the reader feel every word. You will feel the oppression of hopelessness.

This book is unique for me. At once terrifying and at once a mystery to be solved. This is not crime noir but a melding of horror, science fiction, and crime noir and done so damn well that you will wonder why more writers are doing this.

Maybe Joe Hart is just that damn good.

A terrific read.

As always, Joe Hart doesn't disappoint! Very different from his LAST GIRL series but just as enjoyable!

I'm always down for a thriller that takes place in space. There were some really great elements of this one - I loved the medical aspect of the main character's motivations and several of the characters felt well-rounded (especially the research assistant, Birk). However, I did guess several of the twists and the ending left me wanting more. And my biggest pet peeve would be that I don't understand what the title means! I would probably check out more from this author though.

Premises: In the near future, humankind is hit by Losian's, a new dementia-like epidemic, more devastating than Alzheimer. Dr. Gillian Ryan, a radiologist/imagist, lost her husband to the disease and now her 8yo daughter is showing signs of having it too, so she is determined to help find a cure. When she’s on the brink of losing her funding, NASA approaches her with an offer of full permanent funding if only she agrees to go on a space mission to investigate a space station where most of the members have begun to show symptoms similar to Losian's.

Under the umbrella of sci-fi setting, this novel is foremost a thriller. The characterization of the main character is very good, you can really feel isolation, claustrophobia, paranoia, addiction, fear. As the for the other characters, nothing memorable and there isn't a lot of character development. Also, I would have liked more of the sciency part: details about the disease and the secret on the space station.

If you’re looking for a mystery/thriller with a sci-fi setting and not too many scientific details, this will probably appeal to you.

Disclosure: I was offered a pre-publication copy of "Obscura" in exchange for a review.

I read this one quickly. It's a whodunit with a science fiction backdrop featuring space travel and teleportation. The protagonist, Gillian Ryan, is a medical researcher looking for a way to stop a mind-wasting disease that has already claimed her husband and is now beginning to affect her daughter. On the promise that NASA will fund her research if she spends six months in orbit helping solve a similar problem affecting astronauts on a space station, she agrees to go.

What's happening up in space is sinister indeed, but most readers, as I did, will figure out what's going on long before Gillian does. Still, the climactic scenes, where everything comes to a head, are worth the wait.

I didn't like Gillian much, because she spends most of her time feeding an addiction to opioids and crying over her dead husband and suffering daughter. I mean, yeah, the situation she finds herself in sucks, but enough with the pill-popping and crying already. I like my female protagonists to show a little more pluck, although I will admit that later in the novel, she manages to grow a pair.

The plot moves along and keeps you turning pages, but apart from Gillian, there isn't a lot of character development, and I had questions about the science behind teleportation ... but I knew from the beginning Hart's novel would be more of a mystery thriller than a serious attempt at literary or speculative fiction, and I was willing to overlook my objections.

The pre-publication Kindle copy I read carried a notice that it is an "uncorrected proof," but I found no errors, typos, or formatting problems with the book. If it's marketed to the mystery/thriller audience, I don't doubt it'll do well.

This book was incredible! A psychological thriller filled with mystery and great science. A total page turner. When I was reading it I didn't want to stop, and when I was’t reading it, I could not stop thinking about it. Very unpredictable, something hard to accomplish now days.

As a reader with a background in Neuroscience and some philosophy, this book was pleasant surprise. With a science fiction book you go in expecting the unexpected with an open mind and putting your knowledge aside on certain subjects. That is how I started reading, but the further I read, the more I fell in love with it, because the science not only made sense but also pushed the envelope to something believable and achievable.

The main character, Dr. Gillian Ryan, is incredibly human. She is an brilliant researcher but also an addict, a mother, and a fighter. I found the changing between present, past and future very well done, again something hard to achieve, but it was seamlessly done.

I will definitely read this again very soon.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderfully written yet disturbing story. In the not so distant future we have reached a tipping point. Our beautiful blue marble is dying. Humanity has no choice but to look for a new home. In addition to this we are plagued by a new disease. It targets young and old, related and unrelated. There is no cure...there is no predicting it but once you have it you are done. Its a slow, tortuous death. Not just for you but for your loved ones who have to watch you slowly forget them...yourself...everything.

We are following Gillian a Doctor, mother, and now Astronaut who is on the verge of curing this awful disease. She has her own issues and reasons for wanting a cure but when NASA calls upon her she goes...a tad unwillingly but she goes. This book is a total mystery. From the opening pages to the last line. Its a roller coaster of emotion and distrust. There is the dying Earth, the incurable disease, a new technology (shifting) that could change the future of humanity, and death...lots of death. Its a whodunit wrapped up in a what would you do. And it has space travel so win win win, right?!

I absolutely loved this book. I was confused, concerned, disturbed, terrified, and happy. The whole gambit of emotions. Just when I thought I knew what to expect something else slapped me in the face. I didn't know who to trust. Half the time I didn't even trust Gillian and it was from her POV. I wanted to love so many of the characters but I just didn't know. The only one I fully trusted was Birk, he was an open book. In a heartbeat I would recommend this book. Anyone who loves a good murder mystery and/or sci-fi should read it. It is by far one of the better near future space travel books I've read, and I've read quite a few. Check it out, you wont be sorry.

“Obscura” by Joe Hart

Before I began to read “Obscura,” I was a bit skeptical. “Oh, another medical thriller,” I thought. Boy, was I wrong! From the first page, Joe Hart hits you with three G’s of literary force. Instantly, you’re glued to the chair, your eyes wide, your palms sweaty. Every word of this novel has been carefully crafted and is essential to the reader. “Obscura” is a tour-da-force of a thriller.
When it opens (in the future), we meet Gillian Ryan, a lab tech, happily married and soon to be mom. From normal conversation, she picks up on her husband’s stark reality: he has become mentally ill, suffering from an array of symptoms known as Losian’s disease. A disease that slowly takes away your short term memory, brings on bouts of paranoia, and eventually fits of violence before it takes your life.
We next meet Gillian eight years later, she is now a doctor of neuroscience and the mother of a seven-year-old, who like her father, is a victim of Losian’s. When NASA presents her the opportunity to help find a cure, she’s skeptical due to having to conduct her research on the Space Station. Reluctantly, she agrees knowing it’s the only way to help her daughter. Thus begins a story so mind-blowing that I guarantee you will read “Obscura” in one sitting and that it will keep you up nights wondering about the ‘what ifs.’
What appears on the surface to be a medical/science-based thriller quickly becomes so much more. It is a stark reminder that the physical nature of who we are is nothing when compared to the emotional aspect of who we are.
With “Obscura,” Joe Hart has vaulted himself into the stratosphere of thriller writers.

Reviewed by J.M. LeDuc, author of The Kiche Chronicles for Suspense Magazine