The colour descriptions in the book make it feel lively and full. I like the awkward character interactions because they feel relatable, as most of the time the characters are strong and outgoing I found this refreshing. I really enjoyed the memory flashback idea, it was definitely well-done.

4.5 ⭐️

The book description immediately caught my attention. The concept of Memory Readers, Writers, and Erasers is brilliant and intriguing. I know I have to read this book and it's a good thing I did! It was enjoyable and so compelling that you want to finish it in one sitting. The world-building and the story were well-written, I loved the detailed descriptions of the characters, the setting, and the sceneries in Thailand.

I love the gay romance and how the author has represented it like any other normal love relationship. Angel is so lucky to have Dhaval. There were moments between them that gives you butterflies in your stomach feeling. I also the strong childhood friendship foundation that the main characters have. That even though they have separate independent lives after boarding school, they have this strong bond and support for each other.

It would have been more exciting if there were more details about the two top-secret organizations involved and how the main characters will be able to help other Weavers like them.

This book is so good that I look forward to reading more of the author's future works.

If you like reading sci-fi, mystery, friendship, and romance, I would recommend this book to you.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this debut novel.

The Memory Project is an introspective, medium-paced and deeply speculative work of art. The universe of the Weavers – who live in complete secrecy, side-by-side with regular humans – that Youngson has dreamed up is fascinating.

The book takes its time getting to its conclusion – offering us tantalizing hints and clues along the way that show us the vague shape of the mystery, but not its full extent. The book is thus able to keep surprising the reader and provide a well-rounded conclusion that is satisfying and leaves no loose ends.

I found some of the language used in the book to be rather unfamiliar, but was able to gather their meaning from context. For example, ‘throwing shapes’ and ‘creasing’ (meaning dancing and laughing respectively) which are, I’m given to understand – British slang. I also found the use of italics rather inconsistent. The entire book is in first-person perspective, and a lot of it is in flashback – but the use of italics didn’t always provide a consistent way of distinguishing between these sections.

But aside from this, the writing style perfectly suits the subject matter. Angel lives primarily inside his own mind, going on long, introspective, mental journeys and slipping seamlessly into memories of the past. The book similarly shifts between the perspectives of various characters as the magic/ superpower flows between them. And at times their thoughts are less than coherent, disjointed, even filled with memory blanks that show up as redacted text.

Portraying all of this accurately requires a fluidity and flexibility of language that Youngson has mastered. The reader does not need to guess at the exact nature of a character’s mental process because of the unorthodox writing style used to perfectly express it at any point.

It’s not just the abilities of the characters that draw you in – it’s also their rich, layered personalities, and the relationships between them. Youngson writes with great care and empathy, making the reader fully invested in the characters and their well-being. He charts the history of difficult and complicated relationships between parents and children, the constantly renewed and reaffirming trust found in undying friendship, and the tender, beautiful pangs of new love.

The Memory Project is a wonderful story focused on healing, hope and love, with an excellent plot and tangible sense of mystery. It does not hurt that the two relationships centred in the book are both same sex.

I loved this book. I did not expect to, but I did. Five stars, and will re-read 💯.

This is a brilliantly written mystery debut story by Andrew Youngson. I absolutely loved the idea of memory erasers and weavers.

What I enjoyed most about the book is the characters and the presentation of dialogues. Such an easy flow and because the chapters are fairly short was easy to read. At times I found myself there's too much description but as I read on, I realised the necessity.

Friendship and gay relationship was explored well. If I say more I will end up giving away too much. I thought I knew the ending but I was wrong. Looking forward to reading more of this author's work.

Unique, refreshing, and wow.

I read this in one sitting. I thoroughly LOVED the premise and in a way it reminded me a little of 'Behind Violet Eyes' in tone and pace.
The characterisation was spot on and the prose and dialogue smooth. The scene setting was wonderful and I felt as though I was in Bangkok - very visceral. Well done!

The nuances of the novel weren't lost on me, and I loved the LGBTQA overtness.

I won't spoil the story - but the twists and turns kept me guessing. Amazing