After inventing a machine that allows users to briefly observe moments from their own past, scientist Beth Darlow is plunged into grief and obsession when her husband dies, only to discover that her time-traveling visits—meant to be harmless—are subtly warping her present reality. As Beth’s world unravels and the boundaries between memory, trauma, and reality blur, the novel explores the emotional cost of grief, the dangers of tampering with time, and the haunting power of unresolved pasts.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future world, the novel centers on scientist Beth Darlow, who, along with her late husband Colson, has developed a machine that allows human consciousness to travel back to moments within the traveler's own lifetime. The process is governed by three strict rules: travel is limited to the traveler's own lifespan, each trip lasts only ninety seconds, and the traveler can only observe, not interact. After Colson's death in a car accident, Beth is left to raise their young daughter Isabella and continue their research under the pressure of a demanding corporate backer, Langan Corp. As Beth uses the machine to revisit her own traumatic memories, she begins to notice subtle and then dramatic changes in her present reality, suggesting that even observation may have unforeseen consequences. The narrative blends elements of science fiction, psychological thriller, and horror, focusing on the emotional and psychological toll of grief, memory, and the desire to change the past, while also introducing corporate intrigue and ethical dilemmas around scientific discovery.

Readers praised the book for its engaging pacing, emotional depth, and accessible approach to science fiction concepts. Many found Beth Darlow to be a compelling protagonist, appreciating her flawed, determined, and emotionally complex characterization. The story's focus on the psychological impact of time travel, particularly the exploration of grief and trauma, resonated with readers, as did the gradual escalation of tension and the 'butterfly effect' of Beth's journeys into her past. The book's structure, with short chapters and a slow-burn build to a suspenseful climax, was frequently cited as a factor that kept readers invested. Several reviewers highlighted the effective blending of thriller and horror elements, noting the unsettling atmosphere and the sense of dread as Beth's reality begins to unravel. The novel was also described as approachable for those new to science fiction, with its emphasis on character and emotion over technical detail.

Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with the book's lack of scientific depth, noting that the mechanics of the time travel machine and the professional backgrounds of the characters, particularly Beth, were not explored in detail. A number of reviewers found the pacing slow in the first half, with extensive exposition and a focus on Beth's daily life and grief that some felt bordered on repetitive or emotionally overwhelming. The villainous corporate antagonist was described by several as one-dimensional or cartoonish, and some felt that the thriller subplot was less effective than the psychological and emotional aspects. The ending received mixed reactions, with a few readers finding it confusing, abrupt, or reliant on familiar time travel tropes such as deus ex machina. Additionally, some noted that the present-tense narration and the limited development of secondary characters detracted from their overall experience.

The book has been compared to works by Blake Crouch and Michael Crichton, as well as to time travel stories like 'The Time Traveler's Wife' and 'Oona Out of Order.' It is described as a blend of science fiction, thriller, and horror, with a focus on memory, trauma, and the consequences of scientific ambition. The narrative is written in present tense and is considered accessible to both seasoned science fiction readers and those new to the genre. The story incorporates familiar time travel tropes while also emphasizing the emotional and ethical implications of revisiting the past. The book has received a moderate average rating from readers and has generated significant discussion around its approach to character, pacing, and the balance between science and emotion.