Fault Lines
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About
Fault Lines is a mind-bending psychological thriller that blurs the lines between reality and dreams. When Micah Lawson awakens from a coma after a devastating accident, he finds himself trapped in a labyrinth of fragmented realities. As he struggles to distinguish between what’s real and what’s imagined, Micah must navigate through layers of consciousness and confront the darkest corners of his own psyche.
With the help of his devoted wife Sloane and a mysterious doctor, Micah embarks on a perilous journey to reunite the shattered pieces of his mind. But as he ventures deeper into the mysteries of his condition, he uncovers a truth more startling than he ever imagined - one that challenges the very nature of consciousness and reality itself.
Blending elements of psychological suspense, science fiction, and philosophical exploration, Fault Lines takes readers on a thrilling and thought-provoking ride through the complexities of the human mind. As Micah races to uncover the truth behind his fractured existence, he must confront his own buried secrets and make an impossible choice that will determine not just his fate, but the fate of multiple versions of himself across different realities.
This gripping tale of love, identity, and the power of the human spirit will leave readers questioning their own perceptions of reality long after the final page is turned.
Fault Lines is Beth Curry’s first full length novel after the release of her two short story compilations Autopsy of the Mind and Dissection of the Soul.
Curry’s latest novel is a razor-sharp exploration of identity, consciousness, and the fragile nature of reality. Micah Lawson wakes from a coma to find himself trapped in a maze of twisted realities. As he struggles to separate truth from illusion, he discovers a terrifying secret that threatens to upend everything he thought he knew—including his own identity.
Curry maintains a precise balance between pulse-pounding suspense and reflective introspection. The narrative unfolds in a tight, deliberate rhythm, alternating between scenes of palpable unease and quieter, more contemplative moments. Through vivid descriptions and precise language, the novel expertly conveys the disorientation and confusion of Micah’s experience, making his struggle to separate truth from illusion deeply felt and hauntingly real. Micah’s relationships, particularly with Sloane, serve as emotional anchors that ground the story in genuine human connection. Curry’s depiction of their dynamic is raw and authentic, capturing the complexity of love, loss, and the yearning for understanding in the face of overwhelming uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the enigmatic Dr. Chen provides intellectual counterpoints that add layers to the narrative, pushing Micah—and the reader—to question what’s real. Micah’s journey of self-discovery is fraught with contradictions and blurred boundaries, challenging readers to question the nature of their own perceptions. Throughout it all, the novel delves into the exploration of consciousness and memory, raising unsettling questions about the reliability of our own minds and the stories we tell ourselves. A twisted, unpredictable psychological thriller that will keep readers turning pages long into the night.
Praise for this book
Post copy edit - manuscript review:
"Fault Lines" by Beth Curry is an ambitious and thought-provoking novel that dives deep into the complexities of consciousness, reality, and identity. Through the journey of its protagonist, Micah Lawson, Curry explores profound philosophical questions about the nature of existence and the fragility of our perception of reality.The novel's greatest strength lies in its intricate plot and the way it challenges readers' assumptions about what is real. Curry masterfully weaves together multiple layers of reality, creating a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. The concept of fractured consciousness and the exploration of multiple realities are handled with skill and originality.
Curry's writing style is immersive and descriptive, effectively drawing readers into Micah's disorienting experiences. The author's background in psychology is evident in the nuanced portrayal of Micah's mental state and the psychological impact of his experiences.
The character development is strong, particularly for Micah and Sloane. Their relationship serves as an emotional anchor throughout the story, providing a touchstone of humanity amidst the surreal and often unsettling events. The supporting characters are also well-crafted, each playing a crucial role in Micah's journey.
The pacing of the novel is generally well-managed, with moments of intense action balanced by quieter, introspective scenes. The gradual unfolding of the mystery keeps readers engaged, while the philosophical underpinnings of the story provide food for thought long after the book ends.
One of the novel's most impressive aspects is its ability to maintain coherence despite its complex, multi-layered narrative. Curry navigates the challenging terrain of shifting realities with skill, keeping readers oriented even as the story takes unexpected turns.
While the novel's complexity is a strength, it may occasionally be challenging for some readers to follow. The multiple layers of reality and the frequent shifts between them can be disorienting at times, which may be intentional but could potentially alienate some readers.
The ethical dilemmas presented in the story, particularly surrounding the experimental treatment and its implications, add depth to the narrative and prompt important questions about medical ethics and the nature of consciousness.
"Fault Lines" shows Curry's imagination and her ability to tackle complex themes in an accessible way. It's a novel that rewards careful reading and reflection, offering new insights with each chapter.
In conclusion, "Fault Lines" is an impressive work of speculative fiction that blends elements of psychological thriller, science fiction, and philosophical inquiry. It's a compelling read for those who enjoy narratives that challenge perceptions and explore the boundaries of reality and consciousness. Beth Curry has created a novel that is not only entertaining but also deeply thought-provoking, cementing her place as a skilled and insightful author in the genre.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
I read this book and really loved it. I actually read it in one day. I did not want to put it down. Just when I thought I figured it out, i was wrong. Also, just when you think the story will wrap up, something new gets thrown in there and takes you on another road full of surprises and keeps you going for another while. Thanks Beth, for an exciting read. I look forward to reading more of your books!
Nothing short of mesmerizing. [Fault Lines] is full of mystery, heart, and a touch of the surreal. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.
This story is a wild rollercoaster of emotions and revelations. The layered realities and Micah’s journey kept me hooked until the very end.
This book kept me guessing and I couldn’t put it down. Just when you think you've got a handle on what's happening, Beth pulls the rug out from under you in the best way. Major kudos for crafting a narrative that remains remarkably easy to follow.
I was completely immersed in the story and then Beth went and threw in a twist that completely reframed the entire thing. My jaw dropped for real. That revelation made me consider everything I thought I knew about the accident Micah had. I haven’t read a book this good in ages.
I wonder if I’m the first to read this twice. I couldn’t put it down the first time. This needs to be a movie!
This book is really good. I’m on chapter 3 and I can’t put it down. I’m stuck in it. Like you expect one thing to happen and it’s the complete opposite. It’s crazy. I love it. And it’s really well spaced so I don’t go blind.
Fault Lines by Beth Curry is an intriguing medical thriller and paranormal mystery blend. We meet Micah Lawson and his wife, Sloane. One summer afternoon, Micah, who prides himself on maintaining their two-story colonial house in impeccable order, climbs an extension ladder to fix a few shingles on the roof. Suddenly, he sees a strange ripple in the air. Just as he wonders about that unusual ripple, he loses grip of his hammer, the world around him starts warping and twisting, and Micah falls. But instead of plummeting to the ground, Micah finds himself in a viscous atmosphere of a surreal abyss. Then darkness claims Micah until, in the next scene, we find him in a hospital, struggling to emerge from a coma. What happened with Micah, and will he recover?
Beth Curry’s Fault Lines was an absorbing read. I enjoyed the atmospheric, fast-moving, and suspenseful storyline. I liked the paranormal mystery that shrouded Micah’s condition and the thorough descriptions of the events and places that made my reading experience almost cinematographic. Micah’s story was so captivating and unpredictable that reading it I was losing track of time.
I also liked that this story offered much more than pure entertainment. The thought-provoking aspects that emerged from Micah’s experimental medical treatments and the controversial role of Sloane in these experiments were praiseworthy and made this story stand out for me. Even after finishing this book, I wonder sometimes what I would have done in Micah’s and Sloane’s places.
The novel’s editing was impeccable, as I came across no errors. I disliked nothing in this unique story. It was a captivating, memorable, and very cozy read. So, I happily rate this awesome thriller five out of five stars.
I recommend this remarkable novel to medical thriller and paranormal mystery fans. In addition, this novel may appeal to readers interested in psychiatry.