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Subverted
Four romances unfold across history, yet each will become subverted.
Sreetha works at a hospital in Goa, India, in 1967. When she meets the new doctor, a friendship blossoms which could become more, yet the immovable obstacle of different religious backgrounds stands in their way.
In 1973, Rebecca, a young teacher, moves to a small English town to escape a traumatic past. She is forced to work alongside a former lover who jilted her years before. Does she still have feelings for him, despite their antipathy?
Jessica lives in the Australian city of Brisbane in 1996. The hedonistic post-doctoral researcher re-evaluates her life when introduced to a handsome mature aged student whose PhD she will supervise. Can she find love despite his complex family circumstances?
And in 2044, Alistair, a senior software developer, harbours feelings for Janine, while still grieving the loss of his partner two years prior. He hides a dark secret which might drive Janine away, yet his secret is linked to a daring rescue mission, in which she must become involved if it is to succeed.
Each protagonist is plagued by strange dreams and progressively confronted with incidents they cannot explain. Links between their stories emerge, forcing increasingly extraordinary interpretations.
And before long, they will each question the very nature of reality.
Sreetha works at a hospital in Goa, India, in 1967. When she meets the new doctor, a friendship blossoms which could become more, yet the immovable obstacle of different religious backgrounds stands in their way.
In 1973, Rebecca, a young teacher, moves to a small English town to escape a traumatic past. She is forced to work alongside a former lover who jilted her years before. Does she still have feelings for him, despite their antipathy?
Jessica lives in the Australian city of Brisbane in 1996. The hedonistic post-doctoral researcher re-evaluates her life when introduced to a handsome mature aged student whose PhD she will supervise. Can she find love despite his complex family circumstances?
And in 2044, Alistair, a senior software developer, harbours feelings for Janine, while still grieving the loss of his partner two years prior. He hides a dark secret which might drive Janine away, yet his secret is linked to a daring rescue mission, in which she must become involved if it is to succeed.
Each protagonist is plagued by strange dreams and progressively confronted with incidents they cannot explain. Links between their stories emerge, forcing increasingly extraordinary interpretations.
And before long, they will each question the very nature of reality.
462 pages, ebook
Published April 17, 2024
22 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Chris Cosmain
5 books19 followersMy work provides a keen insight into the psychology of its characters, relies upon real science as well as thoroughly researched extrapolation of current technological trends – all while not compromising on being action-packed.
I write adult psychological hard science fiction.
In broad terms, psychological fiction is often strongly character-driven, propelled by a depiction of the characters’ inner world, mental state and even mental health. Characters are frequently flawed, or have inner conflicts which can drive a story, impacting upon the plot.
Psychological science fiction offers an infinite palette of unique and often surreal settings which challenge protagonists in interesting ways. It not only posits powerful “what if?” questions around technological, social or political trends, it allows characters to be placed in quite unusual settings, such as the surreal situations which can arise from time travel. This genre explores how those bizarre situations might impact on the psyche of the characters and ultimately explores the question of what it means to be human.
Hard science fiction is characterised by its devotion to scientific accuracy, logic and cause and effect. While many hard science fiction stories avail themselves of the odd “scientific MacGuffin” to enable certain technologies (like time travel), they strive for attention to technical detail and integrity around the laws of physics.
I trained as a scientist before becoming a medical doctor. I've had a lifelong love affair with science and have always been an avid reader of science fiction. As a scientist, I have always been drawn to the accuracy of hard science fiction and its considered, realistic extrapolation of current trends. As a doctor working in mental health, I am drawn to diversity, complex characters, and flawed protagonists. Above all, I am curious about exploring the impact of extraordinary circumstances on the mental state of ordinary people.
I live with my family in sunny Australia.
I write adult psychological hard science fiction.
In broad terms, psychological fiction is often strongly character-driven, propelled by a depiction of the characters’ inner world, mental state and even mental health. Characters are frequently flawed, or have inner conflicts which can drive a story, impacting upon the plot.
Psychological science fiction offers an infinite palette of unique and often surreal settings which challenge protagonists in interesting ways. It not only posits powerful “what if?” questions around technological, social or political trends, it allows characters to be placed in quite unusual settings, such as the surreal situations which can arise from time travel. This genre explores how those bizarre situations might impact on the psyche of the characters and ultimately explores the question of what it means to be human.
Hard science fiction is characterised by its devotion to scientific accuracy, logic and cause and effect. While many hard science fiction stories avail themselves of the odd “scientific MacGuffin” to enable certain technologies (like time travel), they strive for attention to technical detail and integrity around the laws of physics.
I trained as a scientist before becoming a medical doctor. I've had a lifelong love affair with science and have always been an avid reader of science fiction. As a scientist, I have always been drawn to the accuracy of hard science fiction and its considered, realistic extrapolation of current trends. As a doctor working in mental health, I am drawn to diversity, complex characters, and flawed protagonists. Above all, I am curious about exploring the impact of extraordinary circumstances on the mental state of ordinary people.
I live with my family in sunny Australia.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
June 2, 2024
“Subverted” by Chris Cosmain is a masterfully crafted novel that intertwines four compelling romances from different eras, each facing unique and seemingly insurmountable challenges. This narrative explores the depth of human emotions and delves into the mysterious connections that transcend time and space.
The characters—Sreetha in 1967 Goa, Rebecca in 1973 England, Jessica in 1996 Brisbane, and Alistair in 2044—are richly drawn. Each grapples with personal and societal obstacles that make their love stories deeply relatable and profoundly moving. The way their lives intertwine through strange dreams and inexplicable incidents adds a layer of intrigue and suspense, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages.
What sets “Subverted” apart is its seamless blending of romance, mystery, and speculative fiction. The revelation of connections between the protagonists’ stories is both surprising and satisfying, leading to extraordinary interpretations that challenge the nature of reality itself.
"Subverted" showcases the timeless strength of love and the complex interconnections within our lives. It’s a beautifully written, thought-provoking journey that captivates from beginning to end. This book is highly recommended for readers who appreciate multifaceted narratives and profound emotional depth.
The characters—Sreetha in 1967 Goa, Rebecca in 1973 England, Jessica in 1996 Brisbane, and Alistair in 2044—are richly drawn. Each grapples with personal and societal obstacles that make their love stories deeply relatable and profoundly moving. The way their lives intertwine through strange dreams and inexplicable incidents adds a layer of intrigue and suspense, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages.
What sets “Subverted” apart is its seamless blending of romance, mystery, and speculative fiction. The revelation of connections between the protagonists’ stories is both surprising and satisfying, leading to extraordinary interpretations that challenge the nature of reality itself.
"Subverted" showcases the timeless strength of love and the complex interconnections within our lives. It’s a beautifully written, thought-provoking journey that captivates from beginning to end. This book is highly recommended for readers who appreciate multifaceted narratives and profound emotional depth.
Displaying 1 of 1 review