The Pendulum Effect: In a world on the brink, love, lust and power collide—will resilience save humanity or destroy it?

by J.C.P. Thomas

In a world teetering on the edge of transformation, an underground organisation rises to impose their vision of balance on society—at a cost that could obliterate humanity. The majority of the population remains blissfully unaware of the coming storm, but for three families, the chaos is about to hit home.

Ellie’s relationship seems a driven A&E consultant and women's rights advocate married to Ben, an electrician, raising their daughter, Lucy. But beneath the surface, Ben harbors a dark secret that could shatter their family as the world crumbles around them. Can they protect Lucy from the chaos unraveling in their lives?

Laura and Marty’s marriage is strained under the weight of unspoken dreams. Laura, once ambitious, feels invisible after years of prioritizing her career and their two children, Charlie and Sophie. But with an uprising targeting women across the globe, she must rediscover her strength to protect Sophie and hold onto her family’s fragile happiness.

Jack, a possessive wealthy alpha male property investor and Sally a fearless journalist, the envy of everyone around them, have built a life fueled by passion and adventure. But when Sally’s independent spirit collides with Jack’s desires, she faces an impossible chase her dreams or hold onto the love of her life in a world spiraling into upheaval.

As the fight for control and survival intensifies, these families will be pushed to their limits. Love, loyalty, and resilience will be tested in ways they never imagined. Will they rise together—or fall apart in the face of an uncertain future?

Spanning generations, this gripping novel takes readers into a future transformed. Observing the growth of their children and grandchildren navigating a dystopian world struggling to restore balance and save humanity, the question can love and resilience endure in the face of irreversible change?

Gripping, spicy, heart-wrenching, and thought-provoking, The Pendulum Effect is a story of human connection in the shadow of global catastrophe.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2025

About the author

JCP Thomas is a UK based author, who writes from her home in Scotland.

She writes books that hare hard to put into a genre. They are kind of dark romances, but not really, dark, erotic, deep plots, suspense, thrillers.

They tend to be not just morally grey, more like morally black that are very, very spicy, but have a depth of story. Often with dominant alpha men and strong female leads.  She tackles dark topics with a sprinkling of humour to lighten the ride.

She enjoys the challenge of raising controversial and difficult topics in a way that she hopes makes people think rather than turns them off. 

Her books are story first with deep plots and spice added on top. You can expect crude and explicit language and these are adult books only, that feature a range of sexual abuse and violence that may be upsetting or triggering. 

When she's not writing, she's either chilling with her teens and cockapoo, reading other spicy books, working out or trying to work out the world. 

Anyone works it out please let her know. 

Reviews

[Domenique · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

I really liked this book, it was something new to me. I loved the storyline. The spice was well written, I really enjoyed that! I found the couples very interesting and i was invested in their storyline and the friendships between them. I didn’t see a lot of things coming and that made me enjoy the book even more!

[Emma Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, bloody brilliant 👏👩‍🍳 💋

She has done it again. This one is well written. It has multiple POV'S but is super easy to follow with current/in the future timeline.
This whole story had me thinking, what are men's rights now, is it ok for a bloke to buy a woman a drink without being told to bugger off because that said woman is too independent. It got me thinking of high-powered jobs/promotions and at work and at what cost to your family/life does that take away from you.
I can't wait to read more books by JCP Thomas.

[Erica Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review for the Pendulum Effect
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a different kind of read for me and I really enjoyed it. I found it eye opening and scary to think something like this could happen in today’s society. The Pendulum Effect has multiple POV's and goes between the present day and the future. The story follows 3 relationships each with their own struggles with gender dynamics and the struggle for control between men and women. The characters face emotional situations and the story shows the struggle for power within relationships. I also loved the friendships between the characters in this book. The spice scenes are well-written and enjoyable. Please check your trigger warnings before starting this book as it touches on sensitive subjects.

[Holly Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Another 5⭐️ read from JCP Thomas! This has multiple POVs and timelines but is super easy to follow. The story line and the way it’s written was chefs kiss! Cannot recommend this book enough I can’t wait to see what more she has to come! As always check the trigger warnings.

[Emma Sommerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what can I say about this book. It follows three couples. It has multiple pov and a secret society is beginning to take shape that could change life as they know it. It goes from present day to future but is so easy to follow. I had to put it down a few times as it was quite scary to think these things could happen. You get to know all the characters in depth and the plot of the story was amazing. Please check trigger warnings. The smut was perfect and smutty in all the right places. Loved it.

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

Recieved an ARC from the Author and this is my honest review- The Pendelum Effect is a story spanning a period of time from present day to showing a possible future for our generation where 3 families tell the story from each of their POVs, highlighting how masculinity has declined since women were given more rights & equality & how if men were to take a rise against women what life could be like moving forward - please read JCP Thomas' Trigger Warnings before jumping head first into this book- there is a lot of situations that arise throughout that definitely isn't for the faint of heart

There was many a time I wasn't going to complete this book because of the emotions it sprung up in me especially when reading some of the girls POVs & what the outcome of degraded masculinity can result in. The men from the Pendelum Effect tell an interesting story which does make you sympathise with their treatment but the outcome of this has been set up incorrectly & pushed in the wrong direction to result in anything other than complete chaos & outright hatred - I have always believed that communication is key for any healthy relationship (not just intimate relationships)

JCP Thomas you have taken me on a journey of understanding how gender equality can effect our lives if handled incorrectly, my emotions have been in battle with each other throughout the events this book showcases, the twists & turns were not what I was expecting & sometimes took me aback while continuing to make me feel multiple emotions

Would recommend this book for people interested in Dystopian Worlds, but again, please read the TW before reading xxxx

[Kristen Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc read: From multiple points of views this transports you into a world where men and women fight for control over one another.

Sally loves Jack unconditionally and will do anything for him. She wants nothing more than to please him and let him dominate her.

Ellie and Ben, they live a sexless marriage. Ellie is a headstrong female and doesn't give into Ben's sexual desires, leaving him depressed in their relationship. Ellie claming she's too tired from work to give him the thing he wants most.

Laura and Marty also live a sexless relationship. Though Marty tries for intimacy in new ways (buying escorts and interactive porn).

What they all have in common is the MILF, Men's International Liberal Front. A movement that is trying to take back what they believe they lost. Control.

This book was a truly amazing read, showing you an outcome of possibilities and how everyone reacted to them. The heartbreak, the anger, and the happiness you felt for certain characters were so strong it felt like you knew the character personally.

[Annette Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book, I have to say..., you must read TIGGER WARNINGS, if you are faint of heart, you will not like this book.
I found this book to be worth reading and found the plot in this novel true to life issues, it will make you think about how to help or end such violence and cruelty in this world. It's a dark and well writing of a twisted desire in life, which is always breathing upon life. I found this book, haunting and would tell people to go out to buy it and read it, then remember we are not alone in such darkness, soon or later this happens to a lot of people.
I feel this author has touched on a reality that needs to be told and shown to the world so maybe some of the triggers in this book will not always be placed in a person's life, body, and reality.
I loved this book, and when I get money, I will buy it, I got to read this book as an ARC Reader, and I loved it.

[Emily Key · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for me! I am lost for words… this book had me laughing, crying, sweating , and so many times I had to take a break just to gather my own thoughts, this author touches on some very interesting subjects which had me at war in my own mind! How they presented both sides of the argument made me second guess everything , this book is definitely not for the faint hearted to say the least and I would definitely check the trigger warnings. The character development in this book was staggering and my heart broke time and time again for Laura. If you want to read a thought provoking, dark , dystopian book… this is the book for you! Incredible .

[JenzBookCorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read now of JCP Thomas

The writing was amazing so much detail and depth has gone into this story

This follows three separate couples, all friends and you read each of their povs. With lots of detail

Check triggers as always as there is some dark scenes

This really makes you think and wonder, I did a few times stop to think about things in this book.

Things like Men’s rights, equality, how careers can take away from family life/ time it really does make you think
What the world could be like

There was so much I wasn’t expecting and didn’t see coming. I felt all the emotions reading this book and really felt for some of the characters

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book like this before!

From 3 different families points of view it was written exceptionally! Easy to understand whos POV, and it was and a great story line. With all the twists and turns it keeps you on edge but also keeps you reading as you need to know what happens! Also the spice in this, well written 👌🏻

This book will go through all range of emotions so just be aware! I went through Happy, Sad, Anger, but also makes you Analyse and really think about things and also bits I could relate to as well.

I can't wait to read more of this Author's books as I'm super impressed either their writing!

[Abs mcg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book not knowing what to expect but I was sold as soon as I had read the note from JCP Thomas at the start of the book😆
This book really had me putting my thinking cap on in all of the best ways. I LOVED the characters, the spice, the plot, the futuristic setting…I tried to put myself in a mindset of ‘what would happen if this was all real life’ and it changed my viewing on the book whilst reading.
All in all I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more of the authors books in the future!
JCP Thomas- you killed it, honestly.

[Becci Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what have I just read ? Firstly CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS !! This book definitely takes you in a journey. It’s is multiple pov and spans over many years. It really made me think about gender equality and not just from a female pov but also from the males pov. Whilst reading it it was one of those books that could have gone either way. I wasn’t sure if I’d love or hate it. But one again JCP Thomas has hit the nail on the head. I laughed I cried I shouted. I was definitely speechless at certain points.

[nicolasarahh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC and I am leaving my honest opinions and spoiler free review. I Absolutely loved this book. It’s like nothing I’ve ever read before but was so captivating the whole way through. It is a little political and that’s not something I would usually enjoy but this book is written so well that I enjoyed every bit of it. I was so intrigued to what way it was going to end and the author didn’t disappoint as I really loved how it ended as well. Make sure to check any trigger warnings beforehand, as some parts maybe difficult for some people to read. Well deserved 5 stars

[samantha1311 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely well deserved five stars!!! Fantastic book
It’s told from multiple pov’s and in multiple timelines but it’s really easy to follow
It had twists and turns I didn’t see coming
I could not put it down
Please do check your TW’s before reading
You really get to know the characters and are invested in their stories
I felt so many emotions reading this
Excellent writing x

[Gemma Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be one of the first to read Jcp Thomas second book and it's just as brilliant as the first I didn't see the twist in it coming at all and if you yourself have not read this then you Defo need to it's thought provoking and pulls you in straight away xxx

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg...this book absolutely blew my mind, men's rights, have woman gone too far.....can men get any control back....do they then go to far...I could not put this book down! 1000% recommend 👌

[Kelly Phillipson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So… what I can I say about this book.

First of all…. The spice level in this book is right up my alley!

It follows three couples, all friends and each have their own storyline, I really enjoyed diving into each of their stories whilst also being within their friendship groups, each storyline is very different but so gripping!
I couldn’t put the book down, everything that I expected to happen.. didn’t, and it had me gripped from the get go!

I would highly recommend this book, it’s for spice, it’s got three incredible storylines and twists and turns throughout!

I’m so glad I signed up for the ARC read on this!

[Chapters & Cappuccinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark dystopian thriller/dark romance. The pendulum effect has so much to offer, i literally ate this up. I was drawn in from first chapter.
I devoured this book and I fully immersed myself with dark academia music to set ambience.
There were times I wanted to scream, a couple of times choking on my coffee. Parts of the story broke my heart, made me cry, made me sad and angry but I couldn’t put it down and read at every given opportunity..
I felt a strong need to want to discuss some of the topics with my husband, seeking his opinions, and we had a few deep conversations, that opened my eyes slightly.
I was amazed at the way the way the author wrote from the male perspective, intense research must have been done to portray ‘man’ so well. It had me engaged and intrigued at how the story would develop.
I particularly enjoyed the multiple timelines, jumping forward and back between 2023 when the movement is first established, the numerous chapters at distinct points in time, to the final chapter set in 2203
The different POV’s throughout, captivated me and I was so invested in the individual character stories, and how their stories played out.
All the characters and their stories and lives were significant.
I loved that were a couple of twist thrown in that I didn’t see coming, which is unusual for me.
This is a well very written story, and some thought provoking themes. I highly recommended this book and I rated it 5 ⭐️ would make a great Movie

Please check the trigger warnings as there are dark themes in the book that not all readers will find tolerable.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pendulum Effect is a timely book by J.C.P. Thomas spanning from the worrying present day rise in misogyny and rolling back of equality for women to a future where what used to be called the "battle of the sexes" takes on a literal slant. In a world where many men seem to increasingly struggle with what masculinity and their role in life is and women "taking the blame" to the point where they even have to be wary of police officers as potential predators this is definitely a book for our,sad,times.

The book begins in the present day with 3 very different couples who are close friends. It explores the relationship of each couple as well as their interaction with each other and their often changing perspectives. With the rise of toxic masculinity and the worst of role models we follow the lives of not only the couples but the generations that follow them as a new social order becomes almost unrecognisable and slides into a horrific dystopia.

The Pendulum Effect is a thought-provoking book that pulls no punches and is very relevant in times like these when a serial predator can become the most powerful man on Earth and there are legions of disaffected and disillusioned men quine openly blaming women in general for their own personal sadness.

That said the book is never "preachy", there's a gripping, and worryingly believable, story-line, strong characterisation and more spice than the entire menu of your local Tandoori restaurant. Not least it's very well-written and as with J.C.P. Thomas's debut novel, "Three's A Crowd", in lesser hands the same story could well have been tacky and exploitative, not the compulsive and often cerebral read that it is.

By the very nature of the tale there are difficult subjects addressed, "consent", or the lack of, plays a big part and there are also quite a few quite brutal scenes so please if either of those is a trigger for you don't read this.

[J Myles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Beta read this book after reading JCP's first book. I was chuffed to be given the opportunity. It is quite different to 3's a Crowd, as it has multiple POV's and timelines, like anything with mixed timelines and characters it takes a while to get to grips with it, although she clearly laid it all out.

It is a book of our times, and the premise can be transferred to many modern situations, it tastefully explores what could come to pass when extreme behaviours are allowed to gain momentum.

I found her writing engaging and easy, her descriptions vivid and her character development fantastic. It gripped me and held me desperate to find out what would become of the characters.

It is heavy on the spice as was her other book, so check trigger warnings.

I would recommend this book.

[Gemz Booktok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I want to start with saying what analysis absolute amazing read!
I will forever recommend this to everyone. This book brought out all the feels and really had me thinking about life past present and future.
We are introduced to the characters and their lives i really felt like I was there and felt their emotions. I loved that we saw character growth throughout even when it didn't feel that way.
This book is written across multiple times lines with multiple povs but easy to read at all times!
Story line was just beautifully put together and written in a way that made this book stand out very plot driven.
Love lust injustice darkness all rolled into one.
I know this will certainly be on mind for a very long time.
Well done to this lovely author for writing yet another amazing read and thankyou for bring such sensitive subject matters to life.
Loved this!!!!!

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was hard for me to get into and read. And I almost dnf quite a few times during the start of the book. I ended up skim reading until about half way where it got slightly better.

[kellyjo walters · Rating 2 out of 5]

I DNF this book as I just can’t do books that go back and forth in time, it literally makes no sense on the story line .. the story waffles on