A Fever Dream of Memory and Mortality
I’ve officially entered my “bizarre fantasy” era, and Michelle Maryk’s debut is easily one of the most inventive entries I’ve encountered. Reading it felt like a fever dream centered around a concept I never would have imagined: an underground world where members “voyage” into the final moments of the dead by holding an object the deceased held at the time of their passing. Part speculative suspense and part philosophical puzzle, this novel spins a stunning premise into something provocative and unsettling, posing heavy questions about wealth, privilege, and the lengths people will go to escape their own skin.
Conceptually, this is a 5-star idea. The author skillfully uses this morbid addiction as a metaphor for how trauma can warp desire, exploring why we are drawn to extreme forms of escapism no matter the cost. However, while the premise soared, the execution of the human element felt a bit thin. We follow Greta, a wealthy socialite riddled with survivor’s guilt following the car crash that killed her parents. She is a classic “unlikable protagonist”—prickly and seeking reckless experiences just to feel a spark of life. While I didn’t mind her sharp edges, I struggled to form a deep connection with her because her backstory felt a bit sparse, making it hard to fully invest in her conquering her demons.
This lack of oxygen extended to the secondary characters and the plot’s resolution as well. Greta’s relationships with her best friend, her ex-boyfriend, and the central romance felt rushed, leaving me craving the emotional depth needed to make those stakes feel real. By the final act, I found myself a bit disoriented; the ending felt hurried and left several logistical questions about the Society unanswered. It’s unclear if this is a setup for a sequel or simply an open-ended conclusion, but I found myself wishing for more resolution. Ultimately, while some of the voyages were a bit “much” and a few therapy sessions might have been more effective than this dark exploration, the unique plotline makes it a journey worth taking. I’m giving it 3.5 stars—if you enjoyed The Book of Doors, give this a shot
