“Arrival,” the critically acclaimed film from 2016, garnered significant praise, earning “Universal Acclaim” on Metacritic and multiple Academy Award nominations. Its screenwriter, Eric Heisserer, is now venturing into novel writing with his debut, “Simultaneous: A Novel,” slated for release on October 28. Early reviews suggest it rivals the impressiveness of “Arrival” with its captivating premise.
“Simultaneous” centers on Grant Lukather, a federal agent working in the Predictive Analytics department of Homeland Security. His primary role is to monitor potential terrorists` conversations to preempt attacks. Upon uncovering a potential explosion in New Mexico, Lukather embarks on a mission with unexpectedly high stakes.
During his quest, he encounters Sarah Newcomb, a therapist who has stumbled upon an unusual phenomenon while practicing hypnosis. Together with help from one of Newcomb’s patients, they embark on a gripping journey that transcends physical locations, delving into multiple timelines and consciousnesses. The novel has already received commendations from notable authors; Josh Malerman, known for “Bird Box,” stated, “Heisserer has outdone himself,” while Leigh Bardugo, creator of the “Shadow and Bone” trilogy, described it as, “A twisty, mind-bending thriller that will keep you guessing until the final gut punch.”
For readers seeking similar mind-bending narratives, “1Q84” by Haruki Murakami and “Bright Eternity” by Daniel Zeigler are suggested. Murakami’s “1Q84” follows Aomame, a character who perceives her world transforming, leading her to believe she has somehow entered a parallel reality. Zeigler’s “Bright Eternity,” part of “The Brightness Trilogy,” delves into the concept of overcoming death. It portrays NewEden Life Sciences, a company offering life extension, and a journalist investigating the unsettling changes observed in participants’ family members.
More Speculative Fiction Novels
- 1Q84
- 1Q84 (Hardcover: The Folio Society)
- A Thousand Steps into Night
- Bright Eternity
- Ilium
- The Memory Police
- Tender Is The Flesh