
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
**Book Review: Cohesion Lost by John Newton β A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Mystery**
John Newtonβs *Cohesion Lost* is a captivating mix of science fiction, psychological suspense, and mystery. As the third installment in the Avar-Tek Short Stories series, this novella takes readers on a thrilling journey where past, present, and future intertwine in an unsettling enigma.
**Plot Overview**
The story follows Alex, an ordinary man who begins experiencing vivid visions of starships, intergalactic wars, and lost civilizations. These arenβt mere hallucinationsβthey feel like real memories from another life. As Alex grapples with these experiences and an unknown illness that jeopardizes his sanity, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery to uncover the truth behind his visions. Is he losing his mind, or is there a deeper reality at play?
**What Makes Cohesion Lost Stand Out?**
- **Mind-Bending Narrative:** The story leaves readers questioning reality, creating an immersive psychological experience.
- **Rich World-Building:** Even in a short format, Newton builds a detailed sci-fi universe full of intrigue.
- **Fast-Paced & Engaging:** Every scene propels the mystery forward, ensuring no wasted moments.
- **Themes of Identity & Time:** The novella explores the fluidity of identity and how memory shapes self-perception.
**Who Should Read Cohesion Lost?**
Fans of cerebral sci-fi, particularly works like *Inception*, *Dark Matter* by Blake Crouch, or *The Man in the High Castle* by Philip K. Dick will find it both thrilling and thought-provoking.
**Final Verdict**
John Newton delivers a compelling novella that lingers in the readerβs mind long after the last page. With its intriguing premise and philosophical depth, *Cohesion Lost* is a must-read for sci-fi enthusiasts seeking a quick yet immersive experience.
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