Memory Clear

by Beth Martin

What makes a person? Their choices? Their accomplishments? Their memories? Marco Sinclair launched his career as a scientist by developing a revolutionary pharmaceutical called Memory Clear that erases targeted memories. When he formulates an antidote that reverses Memory Clear’s effects, he hopes his new discovery will catapult him into scientific fame. Sure of his new formula’s safety and efficacy, Marco tests it on himself. He begins recalling countless memories which were best left in the traumatic events, a torrid affair, and many reckless choices. But then, a mystery surrounding Memory Clear's development begins unveiling itself. Two fellow scientists worked with Marco to create the powerful memory-erasing drug. Who were these two men, why couldn’t Marco remember them, and where were they now? As he tries to piece together past events, his life falls apart around him. Will Marco ruin his future to uncover the ruins of his past?

184 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2023

About the author

Beth Martin has her degree in mathematics and enjoys all things numbers. She's always up for a board game. Other hobbies include playing the piano and making quilts. Although she's terrible at video games, she loves watching her husband play.

Most of her time is spent chasing her two adorable children. She also has two fluffy cats.

Reviews

[Brittani Avery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unique sci-fi story with random twists and turns

I picked up this book as part of Indiecember and as a way to read more from my fellow indie writers. The story of Jake and Lola kept me intrigued as I constantly asked questions of who and why and how. Getting the background of Jake's childhood and how Lola was introduced into his life was nice to have and helped me to understand his connection to her. The book also left me pondering some moral questions on mental health and actual reality vs perceived.

There were a couple of things that left me either confused or dissatisfied, however. One was the mingling of the past with the present. In the same chapter, Jake would be speaking about class at the academy and then the very next section he would be an adult doing his assignments on the ship. Yet the switching back and forth doesn't continue throughout the entire book. I actually would have preferred to have the two timelines separate from each other by chapters with indicators such as "X years later." There were also some choices by characters that didn't really make a lot of sense and no one really explained what happened or why. I felt that there were still some plot questions that are not answered by the end of the book.

While the execution of the tale was a bit hard to follow at times, overall, I enjoyed the story and the true science behind it.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following Jake as he navigates school and life was interesting. It took a bit to figure out the flip from now to his past but once I had it I was fine with it. Lola and her connection with Jake was interesting, but tough to read due to medication side effects and the doctor’s behavior.

Just was an okay book. Parts were really interesting, the worlds were fun to read about, Jake was likable. I just felt like something was missing, like there could have been more.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so well written. I really enjoyed it and it was an easy read. It all came together so well and was a fun journey. It was just as long as it should have been and didn’t have any fluff to make it longer which I thoroughly appreciated. Such a fun concept too! Thanks for allowing me to read it.

I received an advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.