“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

Memory makes reality. That’s what New York City 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.

Neuroscientist Helena Smith already understands the power of memory. It’s why she’s dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious moments of our pasts. 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?

Book Type:

Sci-Fi Thriller

Review: Recursion

Blake Crouch is back with a new sci-fi thriller—a mindbender about the nature of memories and the potential for catastrophic consequences when one relives them.

In his last book, DARK MATTER, Crouch explored alternate realities—what if you could go back and change everything? And what if you were trapped by time, unable to find a way out from an outcome you never expected? RECURSION takes those themes and deepens his explorations in this surprising, action-packed twister.

We first meet New York City cop Barry Sutton, on his way to save a woman from jumping to her death. She’s got False Memory Syndrome—a mysterious affliction driving people like her to suicide. That night sends Barry down a rabbit hole that changes everything.

We also meet neuroscientist Helena Smith who has spent her career studying memories and how to preserve them for those who are losing them—like her mother. Unfortunately, she’s getting nowhere. Until one man offers her an opportunity she couldn’t refuse. A chance to revolutionize reality as we know it.

Except instead of changing the world for good, Helena’s work begins to unmake it, time and time again.

When Barry and Helena’s paths cross, they must work together to destroy everything Helena has worked for and save the world from total apocalypse.

Fast paced, tense and utterly mind-boggling, RECURSION is quite the thrill ride, and everything I hoped it would be after loving DARK MATTER so much. Intelligent, philosophical and thought provoking with undercurrents of romance make Crouch’s latest a compelling summer must-read.