Memories of Tomorrow – Book Review
by Josh Herner
If you could start over, how would you proceed? Would you attempt to create the ideal existence just to find that it isn’t real? Josh Herner’s Memories of Tomorrow takes that query and turns it into a captivating, multi-layered story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
I was so happy to get a review copy of this book and I’m excited to tell you what I thought in my spoiler-free review. First, while officially classified as sci-fi, this is definitely a multi-genre, genre-bending story. The sci-fi really acts as the trigger or jumping off point for the story, which then develops into a drama that occasionally tries to be a thriller with spy novel rolled in.
In short, it’s a fun time! So, let’s take a look at what it’s all about. The novel has 17 chapters and an epilogue to wrap up the story. From the very first lines of the very first chapter, it dives right into the heart of the story with detailed, descriptive writing.
Tom, a guy burdened by both personal and professional disappointments, is introduced to us in the opening chapter. He stumbles upon a mysterious work opportunity that has the potential to completely transform his life. This is the beginning of an incredible journey that defies reality, not merely a new career. Herner steadily pulls you in so you may walk with Tom as the commonplace starts to fall apart and the exceptional starts to emerge.
From the beginning, the story is dialogue-heavy, and it’s really well done. I felt like it was the natural way people speak, and the natural way these characters would speak. This drew me into the story more, immersing me in Tom’s world and the unfolding mystery.
This novel’s smooth blending of genres is what sets it apart. Despite being classified as science fiction, it is also a tale of redemption, second chances, and the brittle beauty of human connection. Yes, the technological ideas and speculative twists are fascinating. Like a prism, the science fiction framework refracts Tom’s intensely personal issues into something more vivid, eerie, and universal.
I was never quite sure where it was going to go, and I loved that about it. It kept me hooked – reading further to see where the journey would take us. Time travel fiction is one of my favorite genres so I really loved that aspect of it, but if you’re not familiar with these types of books, you may need to follow closely at the time jumps, or you’ll be confused about what is going on. Still, I felt it was written in a way that you can keep up with, even if time travel fiction isn’t your usual read.
The writing style achieves the ideal balance between being atmosphere-rich and easy to read. You may enter Herner’s settings and experience the atmosphere there; they are almost like living characters themselves. Because of careful pacing, readers have the opportunity to comprehend the complex web of timelines and consequences, empathize with the characters, and take in the stakes. With details that take on new significance as the plot develops, this book is one that encourages close reading.
Some reviewers said it was a “slow burn” or slow to start, but I didn’t personally feel that at all. I felt like it dove right into the story and action and left me wondering what was happening next right from chapter one.
One of the book’s strongest points is Tom himself – our main character. He is genuine, flawed, and painfully sympathetic. We witness more than simply a man attempting to hide his mistakes as we follow him through changing realities and uncertain futures; we see a human being struggling with the common desire to change some aspects of his existence. His successes and setbacks are relatable because they seem like they might happen to us.
Without giving anything away, the conclusion has both intellectual and emotional resonance. It’s the sort of conclusion that makes you stay motionless for a while to take in all that has happened to you. You will most definitely still be thinking of this book long after you put it down.
Memories of Tomorrow is more than just an alternate world or time travel tale. It’s a reflection on our defining memories, choices, and consequences. Josh Herner provides a memorable experience for readers who like intelligent, genre-bending literature that pushes the boundaries of cognition while appealing to emotions.
I also want to point out that while this book is available on Kindle Unlimited as well, the paperback version is beautifully formatted. A lot of care and attention to detail went into making this a great book. It was all-around five stars from me. I would read more from this author.
Verdict: An emotional and thought-provoking investigation of what it means to start afresh and the costs to do so.