“Shadows of Memory surprised me with how simple, yet complex, it is and how cozy its vibes are.”

Review by Rayleigh Setser

A scientific breakthrough. A twisted motive. A chance to regain everything that was lost.

Everyone in New Ancadium has been having the same dream. Nobody knows what caused it, or what it means. But the more time that passes, the more apparent it becomes that it was anything but ordinary.

Holly Beckett, an up and coming scientist, is pulled into the investigation against her will. In a desperate attempt to uncover the truth, she seeks help from trusted friends and dangerous criminals alike.

Oliver Cahill, an ordinary accountant, may be the key to solving the case—if Holly can help him before his brain, and his reality, is torn apart.

As the mystery unravels, new feelings blossom, old wounds are reopened, and reality is threatened.

The past might just destroy the future.

Shadows of Memory was such a delight to read.

I've started calling it "cozy sci-fi" because while it has science-fiction elements, it's more of a cozy romance within the realm of science fiction. Holly and Oliver are charming and loveable characters with complex emotional backgrounds. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd like Oliver, but the reasons for his actions were explained fairly early on, so he quickly had me rooting for him.

The story is easy to follow and moves quickly. I binged the majority of it in one sitting, so it's great for fast readers. This doesn't mean the story is without depth, though. Holly and Oliver both deal with grief and complicated ethics that come with technological advancements. Overall, Shadows of Memory surprised me with how simple, yet complex, it is and how cozy its vibes are.

I recommend it to readers looking for a sweet romance story set in a science fiction world with some emotional depth and creepy bad guys.

Content: Romance vibes and cute dates (no on-page romance, no descriptive kissing). Heavy themes of loss and grief. No cursing.

Content Ratings:

3. Mild action (common injuries with some details).

1. Very mild content (feel-good vibes but nothing physical; not even kissing).

0. None

Other Trigger/Content Notices:

Some heavy themes of loss and dealing with grief (both family members and significant others) as well as some mild stalker scenes.

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