“Rest assured, you’re not dead. You’re very much alive and you’ve been playing Heaven for a long time. As a matter of fact, it’s been almost three full days, with nothing in between…” - Cuenca
When Aiden awakens groggily after three days immersed in his own privately concocted, drug-induced heaven, complete with all of the experimental pleasure and sexual gratification that he could cram into a 72-hour binge, he experiences an extreme euphoria, followed by the inevitable dread of knowing that nothing that life-changing could happen without consequences.
That’s when he learns that he is only the 13th person in the entire world that has managed to experience heaven for that long, and a ghostly vision named Cuenca invites him to Heaven Headquarters, or H2, to interview to become part of the “team”. But first, he has to field-test the product…known only as ‘Own Your Own Heaven’ in the development phase, and pass a rigorous set of debate questions from the team about heaven, the afterlife, religion and the meaning of life… but is any of it real?
Substance H is a powerhouse debut conceptual Science Fiction fiction novel, with distinct flavors of Philip K. Dick’s alternate reality, black humor, and dystopian tropes. In an immersive world where reality blurs and the boundaries of pleasure and consciousness are pushed to their limits, readers will find themselves questioning everything they thought they knew about the human experience.
“This novel isn’t just an enjoyable read; it’s a transformative experience. With its unique blend of emotional depth and intellectual exploration, this book has all the makings of a sci-fi classic. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on a story that has the potential to change how you view the world—and yourself.” - Amazon Review
From start to finish, this book pulls you into a world that is both mesmerizing and deeply reflective. While there are moments where the narrative feels a bit scattered, these instances are overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of the author’s insights. The exploration of trauma, buried deep within the characters—and perhaps within us all—was profoundly moving. It made me pause and reflect on my own past in ways I hadn’t expected.
One of the most powerful elements of the book is the discussion of heaven, depicted not just as a place of perfection but also as a static existence, which contrasts sharply with the concept of freedom. This philosophical musing is woven into the story in a way that feels both natural and deeply thought-provoking, leaving you with much to contemplate long after you’ve turned the last page.
This novel isn’t just an enjoyable read; it’s a transformative experience. With its unique blend of emotional depth and intellectual exploration, this book has all the makings of a sci-fi classic. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on a story that has the potential to change how you view the world—and yourself. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a book that not only entertains but also enlightens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.