Recursion by Blake Crouch

Recursion

by Blake Crouch

A breathtaking exploration of memory and what it means to be human, Recursion is the follow-up novel to the smash-hit thriller, Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch.

'Recursion takes mind-twisting premises and embeds them in a deeply emotional story about time and loss and grief and most of all, the glory of the human heart' - Gregg Hurwitz, author of Orphan X

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 shockwave, unleashed by a stunning discovery – and what’s in jeopardy is not just our minds.

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.

'A fantastic read' – Andy Weir, author of The Martian.

Reviewed by Renee on

1 of 5 stars

Share
We have this interesting concept that is just so poorly executed. It is predictable, I didn’t care about the characters, and the science is just completely wrong. Not even the big scientific aspects of this book, but apparently Blake Crouch and his team have no idea what a firewall is or when quantum computers had a breakthrough. Sure, I understand that some artistic changes to our real world can be made, but I don’t accept that disabling a firewall will change the preconditions of a program. That is not how it works.
Also, the large science aspect of this book relies on the belief of the reader that making a person relive their memory somehow becomes time travel. Don’t ask anyone how, because it is never explained. Everyone just accepts it. Alter one part of the brain and... poof! You are suddenly in a new timeline.
Sure, often in sci-fi the break through is not scientifically correct. But, from what I have seen so far, does not take such a giant leap without any explanation throughout the whole book.

Oh, there were also some plot holes.

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 14 January, 2020: Finished reading
  • 14 January, 2020: Reviewed