If you liked Crouch's first book, Dark Matter - or if you like Philip K. Dick or Twelve Monkeys or La Jetee - you'll enjoy this fast-paced, philosophical thriller. (Can't wait to see the movie.)

Many thanks for this advance reader's copy of this a-freaking-mazing new novel by Blake Crouch! What he did with the concept of choice in "Dark Matter" he does here, and equally well, with the idea of memory and alternative timelines. Just when I thought it was already creepy and weird (it should be sold with a trigger warning for suicide), it takes a wild turn into sudden global knowledge of what was intended to remain a well-kept secret project. Helena and Barry, the main characters, are matched well and excellent protagonists through whom we are given short, then deep, then longer explanations of the concepts behind Helena's invention of a machine that can not only map and record a person's specific memory completely, directly from the brain, but then can also stimulate that memory at just the right time to send the person back into that moment with full knowledge of what is to come. Of course, despite noble intent, the consequences become increasingly catastrophic. The author deftly handles the many different ways that this technology can be used, delving again and again into a recursive loop that Helena and Barry work desperately to break themselves, and then the world, from its inevitable and tragic ending. I couldn't put the book down until I saw how it turned out.

As an avid Crouch fan I had high hopes for this new novel, and was not disapointed. Although there were times that I was confused between the timelines, this definately got harder to keep track of as the book progressed. I even found myself having to flip back and forth a few tinmes to figure out where I was. That being said I still thoroughly enjoyed this book, it would make a very interesting tv/movie!

RECURSION, by Blake Crouch, is a mind-boggling science fiction thriller that sticks with you long after you've finished reading. Barry, a New York cop, is dealing with people who seemingly have two sets of memories, while Helena, a scientist, is trying to find a way to help afflicted with memory loss; to retain those memories and therefore their identities. As Barry digs deeper, and Helena has more breakthroughs in her work, they eventually cross paths and realize that what they are dealing with is infinitely more complex and layered than they could have ever imagined.
Crouch does a masterful job of building the tension to remarkable heights, while at the same time clearly and succinctly explaining the science behind everything. Without giving away anything, the science in the story is challenging to grasp, but it's complexity didn't keep me from wanting to get it because it was so fascinating to understand and I felt a sense of accomplishment that I got the science. As the excitement built and the plot thickened, the desperation of Barry and Helena was palpable and honestly I felt my heart racing, hoping they would succeed. In the end, the reader can't help but question memory, identity, time, and emotion and how well they are tied together.
Not many books stick with me like RECURSION has, and I think it's a testament to Crouch's ability to challenge the reader's perception and tell an great story at the same time. I think anyone who picks this book up won't want to put it down, but be warned, you won't think about time and space the same way again.

Crouch does an excellent job of capturing readers from the beginning with his plot centered around what he calls False Memory Syndrome, in which a mysterious disease impacts people's memory and giving them memories of a life they never lived. I enjoyed this book because while at its core it is a sci-fi novel, I also found myself invested in the characters.

I did find myself having to re-read parts at times, although this is more likely due to my tendency to read before bed. Overall I found it grabbed my attention immediately and I enjoyed the timeline, which alternated between past and present. If you enjoyed Crouch's Dark Matter you will love this book.

Blake Crouch is an amazing author with an incredible imagination. He's created another awesome book that will cause you to question your own reality. Fast paced with twists that will boggle your mind.

Recursion
Book Review | 📚📚📚📚 4/5
Blake Crouch (author) | Crown Publishing

False Memory Syndrome. Neuroscience. Murder. Genocide. Cops. Government. Alzheimer’s. A race against time.

Why I was interested in this book:
While I have not read any of Blake Crouch’s previous works, I did watch the television adaptation of his Wayward Pines trilogy. And, I loved its mind-kerfuffle of a long-play Twilight Zone or Outer Limits storyline. So, given the opportunity to read Crouch’s new book, Recursion, was received with enthusiasm.

My assessment:
This was a rollercoaster-ride story that kept me enthralled at such a quick pace that I didn’t want to go to sleep each night so I could continue with the adventure.

Telling much in detail about what happens in the book would be a review riddled with spoilers, and that’s not my intention. What I can share is that this is truly a fantastic adventure. It was intriguing to learn about False Memory Syndrome and its possible connections with Alzheimer’s patients. It definitely included a thriller-esque storyline of good guys and bad guys, and good intentions and consequences. Like the Wayward Pines story, there was a good dose of science, reality, intrigue and mis-guided direction. Hell, this even becomes a global story of power, fear and solving the world’s problems. Oh, and it’s also possibly a love story. I enjoyed this book, more as a work of science fiction or fantasy and thriller than a book that uses science to answer questions, if that makes sense. But, it really does make you ponder about life.

The only shortfall, for me, was the confusion I experienced with some of the science that was used to justify some of the actions. I got lost, even after reading the paragraphs over and over. But, overall, just go with it and it is a great read.

Stories of the human condition:
This is one of those stories set in current time that explores the human condition at many levels. From love of a parent, love of a child, love of a partner, love of science, love of humanity to the price paid for even caring and wanting to make a difference. The notion of our memories and dreams, and what they mean; even trying to examine the sense of déjà vu connects the characters in this story.

NOTE: In full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com for an honest review. I would not have asked to review this book (or read it), had I not been interested in the first place.

TAGS:
#Recursion #review-book #book review #CrownPublishing #BlakeCrouch #TuggleGrassBlues #Tuggle Grass Reviews #TuggleGrassReviews #NetGalley

This novel has twists, turns, intrigue, philisophical questioning, ethical decisions. A young scientist devotes her life to coming up with a cure for her mother and her research is taken in an unforeseen direction. Can the chaos be stopped?

Received via NetGalley for review.

I've never read Blake Crouch before, but have heard good things about him, and was eager to read his newest effort. And I'm probably going to go out and see what else he's written!

Crouch does an excellent job with characterization and setting, relentlessly driving the plot forward but not allowing the reader to get lost in the details. I don't really care HOW Helena's chair transports people back in time, and neither does Crouch, not really (though it IS a very interesting take that time is such an illusion that we force ourselves to view it in a linear, rigid manner). What matters is that it does.

Some VERY small things that in no way detract from the readability of the book or the enjoyment of it's plot: Helena is VERY against the use of her chair for any purpose, but still allows Shaw to attempt to do good. It's understandable that she'd be wary of it's potential, but she bends to Shaw too easily. That, instead, could be a great motivating factor for how extreme her views get.
There's no explanation of why Slade chose to send Barry back in time - was he just a random choice? Was he getting too close so Slade distracted him?
The idea that coming back from a timeline where you have died should have been explored more thoroughly. It's already a long book, I understand, but it doesn't read long and this seems important. Their first test subject and Meghan killed themselves because they saw death, and wanted to return to whatever perfect moment they saw, and Crouch seems to be setting this up as an insurmountable obstacle... and then there's no other mention of it. Where were the rash of suicides after Shaw stopped the school shooting? Why weren't people (and especially Helena) bringing this up as an unavoidably lethal side effect? Ben and Timoney (the two soldier with DARPA) were said to suffer the mental effects of repeatedly dying, but Helena doesn't discuss these effects or seem to suffer any herself.

The book moves quickly to the meat of the action (False Memory Syndrome is actually a bit of a red herring...) and doesn't let up. The questions Crouch raises about time and memory and being are thrilling and important, and Barry and Helena's romance is tragic and beautiful: they are truly soul mates.

I finished this book about 20 minutes ago and my head has been spinning from the start. Barry Sutton a detective called to talk a woman off the ledge is led down a winding road of FMS, False Memory Syndrome. This woman claims to have memories from a life that are no longer her own. Meeting the right or wrong people Barry gets to answer the question of "What would you do with a do-over?"

Helena Smith is a scientist working on a chair that will help preserve memories, her mother suffering with Alzheimer's. She is running out of time and money when Marcus Slade offers to fund her research. She suddenly learns that Slade knows more about the chair than she ever expected.

Crouch takes this sci-fi thriller to an exciting and new level! A huge thank you to NetGalley, Crown Publishing, and Blake Crouch for this ARC! I can't wait to recommend it to everyone.

I loved this. Looooved it. If you need a story that sucks you in and makes you forget about the world, this is the book you should pick up. Don't let the slow-building start fool you, this story is big and bold and explosive. Stories that play around with the concept of time can be tricky, but Crouch handles it deftly and goes to interesting places with it while keeping his characters realistic. Stop reading reviews and just go get the book.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ebook copy for my review.

Blake Crouch is the master of “WTF did I just read?”!

No words. I have no words that can adequately describe just how GOOD this book is. Start reading early in the day because you won’t want to put it down and it will sit with you long after you finish; while you wander aimlessly through your house, questioning everything about life as you know it. Yeah…Crouch has the power to do that to you.

Blake Crouch hit another home run with Recursion.

Bottom line? Buy the book.

5 stars…then let’s go back in time and give it another 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my own, honest opinion.

This was an entertaining book, focusing on memories and what if we could go back and have a do over. At the beginning of the book Barry, an NYPD officer, is responding to a call about a suicidal person at the top of a building. He attempts to talk her down and during that talk she tells him that she has False Memory Syndrome (FMS), she remembers an alternate life she had lived. Barry knows about FMS, though it’s thought to be some sort of disease, the Centers for Disease Control is investigating the cause. Something the woman said stays with Barry and he decides to investigate it by going out to the address the woman said her husband from her false memory resides. The guy denies it’s him, then calls Barry afterwards to say yes it was him and that he had gone to this hotel where he was able to go back to a certain point in time and live his life again. In an alternate arc, we meet Helena who actually invented the process that enables people to go back to a certain point, in particular to a strong memory. The two eventually get together to try to stop the FMS from happening. Helena returns to a point in time and relives that period numerous times in an effort to stop FMS, and as a reader we are also in the same loop. Though a bit repetitious, each time was just a little bit different to allow them to get a little bit further. The ending is hopeful. I would look forward to another from this author.

5 STARS!

Recursion was a science fiction thriller that kept building and building for an epic finale!

I’m still thinking about the ending of Recursion today. It’s a hard driving look into what is the meaning of déjà vu, much less the possibilities of rewriting mistakes and tragedies in your life.

Recursion starts off with a woman jumping to her death in front of NYPD detective, Barry Sutton. Barry doesn’t understand what caused her to do this, why she has false memory syndrome and wants to know what it is. Is this contagious? Will he get it now that he’s had contact this suicidal woman?

So begins the journey of Barry tracking down what false memory syndrome is and how it will destroy a person. His journey introduces him to a fascinating and brilliant scientist named Helena Smith.

Helena has been working on a technology that will change the world and let us relive intense memories. She’s hoping this cutting-edge technology will help Alzheimer patients and the loved ones who are dealing with this crippling disease.

Recursion blew me away with reality theories along with what the mind is capable of doing. This book asked the questions about playing God, along with whether it’s a good idea.

Isn’t the whole point of being human to experience the good and bad memories in your life? It's not necessarily a pretty experience and gets slightly messy.

Did you love Dark Matter? Well, I think you’ll love Recursion too!
It’s an unyielding thriller and excellent science fiction book that asks the tough questions on morality, time travel and excepting the good with the bad.

Kudos to Blake Crouch for producing a complex plot in where I’m thinking about the book days later!!
Recursion will likely be the best science fiction book that I’ve read this year!!

Black Mirror meets Russian Doll.

Once again, Blake masterfully blends sci-fi, action, and thriller into an exhilarating, genre-crossing read.

Told from multiple perspectives at different points in time, Recursion will make you question reality and the constructs of both memory and time.

In the present, Barry Sutton, a NYC detective with a troubled past, is investigating a series of suicides that seem to be linked to a new, mysterious disease called False Memory Syndrome. Those infected experience vivid memories of alternate lives they feel they have lived. Unable to come to terms with these new, false, and sometimes upsetting memories, many have begun taking their lives.

In the past, Helena Smith is conducting groundbreaking research in the field of memory, all the with purpose of curing Alzheimer's. However, her research is noticed a very affluent and mysterious man, Marcus Slade. Once Helena begins working with Slade, she realizes that his intentions for her research may be less than benevolent.

This book will appeal to a wide audience of readers. There are some sci-fi elements, but they are not overwhelming or heavy. Instead, they enhance the action and thrills. The fast-paced plot and short chapters will keep readers hooked and make for a very fast read.

I would recommend this for fans of Crouch's previous novel, Dark Matter, the television series Black Mirror and Russian Doll, and those looking for a fast, action-packed read.

I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley.

Blake crouch is truly an amazing author. Per usual, this book was fabulous. Unique storyline. Likeable characters. And an easy to follow story.

You won’t regret reading it.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. This is an amazing book. Recursion starts down one path and with one goal in mind, to find a cure for losing your memories. Then Blake Crouch twists our minds and his story takes the reader in a completely different direction. The science and ability to capture memories was an amazing concept as was presented. Recursion make Inception simple by comparison. Recursion is so multi-layered and complex it almost requires sketching it out on a white board just to keep it all straight. Every scene and moment of storytelling is so bright, colorful, emotional, deep and thought provoking. Blake Crouch’s ability to bring this level of brightness to a story was stunning. My mind was fully blown as each twist occurred, and there are more than I could count. In his acknowledgements, he says it was the hardest story he has ever written. By my count, it is hands down the best damn story he has written. After reading Dark Matter I couldn’t imagine I would love a book more, but Recursion is that book. Yes, it’s that damn good!

After finishing Dark Matter, I was excited to see Blake Crouch's new book, Recursion, up on Netgalley.  Recursion is another scifi novel that blends a pageturner with a thought experiment. Here, Crouch plays with travel through time, instead of the multiverse, but the themes of fixing mistakes, returning to a soul mate, and obsessive dedication to science return.

Recursion begins as random people begin suffering from a confusing psychological phenomena, False Memory Syndrome.  False Memory Syndrome is just detailed enough to remind you of every moment of deja vu in a place that should be unfamiliar, or that weird feeling that something's missing. People suffering from FMS commit suicide when they're unable to reconcile what they know to be their past with the life they have now.

In one life, a lab assistant realized the value of his boss' work and, after using his repeating lifetimes to become a multi-billionaire, he builds an entire research station and funds her work into the time-traveling chair.  With round after round of memorizing the final form and then rebooting into the past with a lifetime of betatesting, the time-traveling chair would require a lifetime of technobabble to explain that it takes one person back in time. Naturally, this starts as a way to avert tragedies and disasters, but over time (SEE WHAT I DID THERE???) it becomes clear that this can be used for much more sinister purposes. Plus, each change sets off more False Memory Syndrome. This section leans into scifi tropes, like the nosebleeds of mental exertion or the fraying fabric of much-altered spacetime, but it works. 

The plot works fine, and I enjoyed the author's continued exploration into two people searching for each other in an unforgiving scifi landscape, but it's the worldbuilding that stays in my mind. The reports of False Memory Syndrome, how one person knows the world is wrong because they have another life while everyone around them is sure that nothing's happened makes a disturbing premise, and darkly realistic for our world of post-truth news.

As a huge of some of his previous work, I was eager to check out the latest release by Blake Crouch. In many ways, this novel had a lot of similarities to his blockbuster hit, Dark Matter. Blending together elements of science fiction into into a thriller plot, this was a fast paced read that read quickly.

Readers who enjoyed Dark Matter will likely enjoy this one too, but not quite as much. This felt like a pale comparison of his previous work. Even though this read quickly, I was never fully immersed in the story. So while good, this one was not amazing. However, I would still recommend this one to fans of his previous work.

Disclaimer: I requested an electronic copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Blake Crouch does not disappoint, again! A wild sci-fi thriller that I had trouble putting down. As with all of Blake's books, truly a great story!

Many Thanks to Crown Publishing and Netgalley for a super read!