Heather’s Bookshelf: Lapse
Author: Aaron Ivanoff
Released: Jan 1, 2021
Genre: Dystopian Scifi Novella
“You’re right, I have no right to judge you. I know your world changed very fast, but it’s time to open your eyes. They’re using you, and everyone else that lives in that goddamn city.” I think about it for a moment while she gazes across the water. “Whatever it doesn’t matter, you’ll get it, eventually. What matters is that when the time comes, I know you’ll do what’s right.”
“Lapse” introduces two long time friends, Drew and Calvin, two guys in very different places in their lives. They live in the outskirts of a city set in the future that has devolved into a system of haves and have-nots. The rich are super rich and the poor run up debts that there is absolutely no way to dig out of.
Drew works at a factory where he is content-enough to keep his head down, do his job, and stay safe and sober. Calvin, on the other hand, is a risk taker and wants nothing more than to dig he and his friend out of their debts- no matter the cost. He finds himself working for a kingpin in a dangerous role that promises freedom if he can just survive. While his questionable job pays well, Calvin spends a good majority of his money on purchasing his drug of choice, Lapse.
Calvin’s recklessness to acquire Lapse leads to a break in the long time friendship. But a series of events brings them back together in an even more dangerous and meaningful mission to save more than just themselves.
Trigger Warning: drug use and abuse, violence, adult language
Overall, I enjoyed this fast-paced story. I thought that writing the story from the perspectives of both of the main characters gave insight into each while also keeping the story moving along. It also provided some world building which was a little bit lost in all of the action. Calvin and Drew were distinctive in their behaviors, thoughts, and motivations providing voices that were easy to delineate between the two. I also thought that the author did a nice job incorporating Calvin’s substance abuse issues. However, as a lot of this story was about their friendship, I wish that there was more backstory about it. There were a couple of snippets from Drew’s POV, but I really wish there was more there. I think that would have made a difference for how invested I felt by the ending. As it was, I think it was fine, just a little predictable. It was an interesting, quick read and I can see how it could be either a stand alone or an origin story.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
An action-packed read with main characters that stand out on their own but whose relationship fell a little flat
Want to learn more about the author? Check out my interview with Aaron Ivanoff:
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or on Kindle Unlimited
Interested in submitting your book for review? Visit my review page for guidelines and submission requirements.
