Lornographic Material

Before I begin my review it should be known that I pretty much hate science fiction literature. I couldn't even finish Andy Weir's uber-popular novel, The Martian. I hadn't heard of Robert Heinlein until last year, and I cannot recall the last sci fi novel I actually finished. When it comes to movies, I don't like Star Trek, and if Star Wars didn't exist I wouldn't be upset. That being said, I love science fiction movies with a strong horror element.Event Horizon, The Thing, and Sphere are three of my favorite films.

But this book? This book right here? This book is fucking awesome.

I started Peter Clines's The Fold at 11pm last night. It is now 5:30am and I am finished. I've read mixed reviews, but I'm here to say that I found absolutely nothing wrong with it. The Fold is gargantuan fun from beginning to end. In fact this review is going to be all over the place because I don't have any complaints. I'm just going to tell you what I liked while trying not to spoil anything for you. Because you really should go into this book knowing nothing about it. Let the joy of discovery wash over you. Or, you know, whatever.

The first thing I will mention is the attention to detail where character development is concerned. Mike, our MC, is a genius with an IQ of 180 and an eidetic memory. I've read about these types of people several times before but Clines delves into aspects of this character I never would have considered. How someone with a photographic memory deals with loss. What goes through their minds during sex. If other authors have tackled these ideas, I've not come across them. All I know is that Clines did it well. I shed a tear listening to Mike explain how everyone he's ever lost replays perpetually in his mind because it is literally impossible for him to forget.

The insane happenings of this book was another huge plus for me. I had no idea what was coming next, and I sure as shit did not expect the second half of the book. It gets pretty fucking epic by the end. I certainly did not plan to read this in one sitting. But after the halfway mark it was impossible to put down.

Finally, the science. I loved the way Clines explained the unexplainable without really explaining anything. If you read this, you'll understand. In the hands of a less-capable author, the how of the device would have come off as a cheat. Not here. It makes sense, and leaves just enough to the reader's imagination.

In summation: The Fold is the perfect blend of action, what-if tech, and creature-feature. This book is definitely in the running for my favorite of 2015. All the fucking stars. Highest possible recommendation.

Final Judgment: Don't'cha wish your sci fi was cool like me? DON'T'CHA?!