CHARACTERS: 3/5
WRITING STYLE: 4/5
CLIMAX: 3/5
ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 3.5/5
Science fiction stories are always fascinating.
The technology involved and the settings are almost always futuristic, and to see how the world in the future may evolve always keeps the reader interested.
Of course, sometimes, the circumstances become too improbable, and readers may not be able to relate.
Also, if all the technological jazz is not explained enough or if too much jargon is used, then the reader is lost and will be unable to use his imagination while reading the book, which is especially important for science fiction and fantasy novels.
Memories with Maya by Clyde Dsouza is one such science fiction story that ticks all the boxes.
The story is about Dan, Maya and Krish, and how circumstances led to evolving a technology that they had already been working on. Dan is in love with Maya, though he does not fully realize it.
He is working with Maya’s brother, Krish, on developing important technology for the military. This involves developing Dirrogates and Augmented Reality visors to help with drones and other such military applications.
But as is often the case when dabbling with technology, things go unexpectedly bad, taking Dan and Krish’s research in a different direction.
Even if technology and science fiction is not your thing, this will be an easy book to read as the author ensure that there is not too much jargon involved, and when he has no other choice but to use it, he explains it in simple terms.
Even the technology used has been explained in a way that even the most averse will not have trouble figuring out what’s going on and how the visors can affect everyday life.
The story of Memories with Maya could have used a little more depth, as sometimes it feels as if the plot is an afterthought.
Also, there should have been more intimate scenes with Maya to not only give more credence to the title but also understand why Dan is fixated on developing the technology.
The depth in that plotline would have certainly made this a fantastic book, both plot-wise and in terms of technology used by the characters.
However, as the author explained at the end of the book, he has had to make changes to his original storyline which did have the intimacy required from the characters but had to tone it down because readers complained they were too graphic and didn’t sit well with them.
It’s a pity though. It would have made a hell of a read.
Apart from that minor problem, overall this is a very enjoyable book to read.
While science fiction novels usually deal with technology that is too far away to fathom right now, Memories with Maya talks about the technology that is already in the works, making it very relatable to the readers.
And there’s a sequel planned as well, so hopefully, the plot lines will get more depth. But that’ll be a book I’ll certainly be waiting for to read!