ReLive

ReLive starts with a premise any parent would find irresistible: what would you do to get your child back? The protagonist is given the chance to change the past, but only if she commits a murder.

The fact that the story takes place over just four hours immediately grabbed me; I was curious to see how the author would maintain a constant sense of urgency. And she absolutely delivers. The pacing is relentless: short chapters, tension that builds through three increasingly desperate attempts, and a countdown that makes you feel the pressure in real time. The ending delivers a well-executed twist that adds an interesting layer of moral complexity.

A note on the foreword: I would have preferred to dive straight into the story. The introduction reveals a lot about the emotional heart of the novel and its production background, which slightly lessens the element of surprise. I’d recommend the author move it to a postscript, and for current readers, consider skipping it at first and coming back if you’re curious.

The prose is functional, if rarely surprising. Some secondary characters are underdeveloped, and the scientific worldbuilding remains deliberately vague. That said, I enjoyed it. The writing is so cinematic that it makes you want to grab popcorn while flipping the pages. It’s the kind of book that makes you lose track of time, which is very fitting for a story about time travel. Perfect for reading in bed, all in one go.