Recursion A Novel

Just like Dark Matter, I enjoyed this a lot. Anything to do with timey wimey things is going to grab my attention. I didn’t understand the science behind anything happening and still didn’t feel like I was confused. Crouch does an excellent job laying out the details as well as the stakes of the situation. The romance subplot was honestly really well done and slightly tragic. Maybe it’s okay to trust a male author with romance. I loved the two timelines aspect.

My only gripe is the pacing. There was a point where it felt like everything was wrapping up and coming to a natural conclusion, just to keep going. The ending was satisfying enough to me, but I feel like we could’ve pared down some of the other moments so that it didn’t happen after I felt like the book should be ending.

Overall, this author is quickly becoming a favorite.

Really interesting concept - I was all in for the first half, but when it turned into more of a love story (which felt a bit forced tbh) I kinda tuned out. I also felt there was an easier means to the game end that were not just explored, but overall a decent sci-fi-esque novel.

i have no words

I'm in awe of how Crouch was able to fit so much in 384 pages. He made sure to leave nothing unanswered. This could easily be the best movie adaptation, and I hope it's being considered.

I'm glad for the time we had.

(4.5) I'm about to go through an existential crisis because of this book but it'll be worth it.

Several original ideas presented in a fun-to-read way. Never seen some of these concepts explored in the this direction.

Stop merging! Rebase!!!

I found it very formulaic (but somehow lacking in understanding of how the formulae are supposed to work) and Christopher Nolan-y.

This is a screenplay written as a novel. Or, this is what happens when a screenwriter renders his blockbuster idea in prose. Unfortunately what happens is the dialogue is usually wooden and overly-straightforward, without a shred of nuance; any sort of plot exegesis is delivered offhand and matter-of-fact. Scenes occurs at breakneck pace. Settings blur past the camera...you get the idea. Maybe this is normal for the genre: epic (sort-of)-sci-fi thriller? I've never read a Jack Reacher novel before... Thankfully time travel is not approached with the intent of deliberately confusing the reader. Timelines split, things repeat, but the reader may rest assured that any of these threads can be plausibly abandoned at any time, if the plot so calls for it. Which means you don't have to keep it all in your head as the plot progresses. It would be chauvinistic to suggest this is bad writing, cinema-as-a-novel, so I won't, but also because it isn't. The plot is extremely fluid and interesting and engaging; the romance and trauma genuinely heartrending. But everything else feels flat, rendered in 2D, without any of the depth I have come to expect from the format. (In all likelihood I am projecting my dissatisfaction, in a way, with the poor quality of modern cinema onto this poor novel. Sorry)

This was one of those rare books that gets you thinking, questioning the nature of memory, identity, and reality itself. I continue to think about it days after having read it. An awesome take on the genre, an im super excited Netflix bought the rights to make a TV series. This is a must read

Really 3.5 - 3 for first half and 4 for second half. Saying why that is would be a spoiler.

Smart, suspenseful, and surprisingly touching. This was my second time reading Blake Crouch, and it definitely won't be my last.

I read this book in about 4 sittings. Extremely thought provoking, unpredictable, and an amazing ending. One of the few books I’d consider re-reading for fun

** spoiler alert ** This book was a whole journey. Truthfully at first it was kind of tiring and hurtful to see them dying over and over again, but fortunately the ending justified all of their agony lol. I also felt like this book would be a good movie like Inception. I recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi story.

This is a book I truly can't stop thinking about, similar to Dark Mater by the same author. I'm not the most experienced sci fi reader, but I knew I had to read this one after loving Dark Matter, and I am so glad I did. I'm also glad I knew nothing about this book before reading it! There was some technical stuff that I know went right over my head, but I still understood the plot and enjoyed the characters and their development. This story makes you think about life, the choices we make, the thing that are out of our control, human nature, and so much more. It's a fantastic summer read and I highly recommend it!

I read Crouch's previous book Dark Matter and ripped through it. The way he writes and the concepts he plays with in his books are so well executed. I then picked up this book from my local library and was so happy to have ready it. A fantastic book just as good as Dark Matter, I highly recommend, especially if you enjoy mind-bending concepts.

Hmm so let's see. Recursion is a science-fiction thriller novel written by Blake Crouch. It is mind-bending, slick, invigorating, and at the best of its times, a solid page-turner. Some problems I have I read Crouch's Dark Matter and I loved the book. Loved the story, the characters, and in all and all, it was an immersive and enjoyable ride. Recursion, however, felt like it missed the mark a little towards the last quarter. The novel is divided internally into five books (or parts) and epilogue. The first three parts, or books, were quite interesting but with the onset of book four—it felt like I was now reading a different story. As if the main story with the protagonists and the antagonist ended with book three and afterward, it was just an extension. And, even though a logical extension, it was slightly harder to get through. With book five, the story pulled me back in for a little while, and then again, it became hard to read and even a little exhausting. But I will say that the last twenty-five or so pages were really good and the ending and epilogue were well carried out. Overall, I feel the book was a good sci-fi thriller and will definitely bend your minds in all the amazing ways. Final rating: 3.75 stars (rounded off to 4 for goodreads)

4.5 ⭐️ because literally everybody says dark matter is even better and I have to give it a try. But this was excellent in itself. Save recommendation.

Breathtaking

Officially a Blake Crouch fan! I loved Dark Matter, but this surpasses it with bells on!

Blake Crouch is at it again.

the major sciency things were lost on me but didnt stop me from enjoying:) little repetitive @ the end but given it was multiverse timeline shit it works

4.75 ⭐ rounded up. The first 60% is so perfect, then it has a slow lull, and a nice ending.