Book Review: Memory Reborn

Memory Reborn is a Dystopian Sci-Fi novel by Steven M. Nedeau that explores ethical considerations for a special kind of human, fighting for their humanity. Mind bending while also fiercely logical, this novel is a must read for Sci-Fi lovers.

Title: Memory Reborn
Author: Steven M Nedeau
Release: September 2020
Genre: Sci-Fi, Dystopian
Goodreads Link: Here

At his new job at the memory storage facility Darien Mamon is stunned to discover that he is the intended storage device, and has been all along. Darien thought MemorSingular hired him for his brain. They did. They just don’t need what’s in it. After discovering details of a century old knowledge retention program Darien learns an old classmate, Nancy, could be his only chance to escape MemorSingular before his mind is overwritten. Unfortunately, Nancy hates his guts, and if she doesn’t change her mind, the company will change his.

This book has a big cast but Nedeau does an excellent job with character development. This mind bending plot makes it important to know who you are following around and with detailed chapter headings as well as moments that help us remember character’s, it is easy to keep up. That’s the thing. The MOMENTS help us remember the characters. Their looks are detailed, but the things they do together are what help us remember a character. Like Nancy. She hates Darien and their interactions made that clear, so every time I read about her, I remembered those moments and I could “see” her.

The world building in this book was simple yet detailed and unique. The book is based in the United States from the Southwest to the East Coast and down to Florida. Basic locations are described just enough for us to see them, but not enough to take way from our imaginations. Then there are spots, still within those common locations that are more complicated, like the MemorSingular buildings and silos. Nedeau does an excellent job of making these futuristic locations feel surreal and authentic without getting complicated. Additionally, Nedeau uses MOMENTS to help us remember locations. For instance, some buildings in the book have glass floors. Darien is bothered by the floors so any time we are in these areas, we remember his fear and hence, remember the floors. There is also some very cool tech in this story!

I was blown away by the plot of this book. The funny thing is, Nedeau just moves through this plot like it’s a gentle stream, making it as easy to read as Green Eggs and Ham, but in reality the idea is so complex and should be over our heads. He makes the idea of brain science and engineering seem as simple as ABC without taking away the importance of the science or the implications for the characters. The depth of the characters motivation on all sides really kept me invested. Even the bad guys were understandably evil. There was only one character who I didn’t entirely understand her motivation but in the end, it didn’t matter to me! I loved this story and the plot is like nothing I’ve every read.

Themes of trust, honesty, corruption, control and morals are ever present in this book. Darien didn’t know who to trust and sometimes couldn’t even trust himself. Honesty was wielded like a gun and anyone could be shooting it. In the end though, this whole book was about layers and layers of control. Everyone wanted but could anyone really have it?

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this book. Nedeau spins a web of confusion and deception for his characters that they cannot avoid and we get to be follow along as they try to understand just what the heck is going on and survive what they believe is a fight for their fragile lives.

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