Parallel Lives: The Paths Not Taken

by Kris Maze

When Harriet Last, a disillusioned insurance adjuster, steps into The Experience, she is skeptical of its promise to show her a better life. The prototype simulation feels out-of-place at the convention, but it’s also an opportunity to hide from her boss. Burnt out from the corporate grind, Harriet hastily signs the terms and conditions and enters a raffle for an all-expenses-paid vacation.

Inside, she relives her nostalgic memories with invasive, hyper-realistic accuracy. The unnerving emotional depth of her future lives raises suspicions about this machine’s true purpose. When the machine malfunctions, Harriet’s Experiences become anything but the vacation-like trial she expected.

She notices a man, a fleeting figure from her past, intertwined in each scene and she is she caught in someone else’s memories? When the man shares an ominous warning, Harriet must make a choice… or become trapped in this nightmarish glitch.

Genres: Science Fiction

312 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Kris Maze is speculative fiction author who plays with psychological intrigue, subtle humor, and topics infused with human heart. She writes novels, short stories and during the day, teaches Spanish. Whether set in post-apocalyptic bunkers or nostalgic simulations of the past, her work centers on resilient characters grappling with choices that shape their lives and the world.

With a background in education and language instruction, Kris has first-hand knowledge of the power of the written word and how it impacts the mind. She writes for the Writers in the Storm Blog and has been recognized in international writing competitions, including the NYC Midnight Short Story and Micro fiction challenges. Under the pen name Krissy Knoxx, she also writes darker fiction with gothic horror and psychological twists.

Kris is also the founder of a micro-publishing company focused on bringing thoughtful, genre-blending stories to readers looking for speculative fiction with heart. Her fiction often appeals to readers of all ages who enjoy introspective journeys, light suspense, and what-if questions about the future of humanity.

You can find her latest releases, beta reader opportunities, and behind-the-scenes peeks at her stories at krismaze.com.

And sometimes, as a recovering grammarian, she explores the great outdoors and ponders the wisdom of Bob Ross.

Reviews

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 2 out of 5]

😶Too confusing for me...


Harriet was uncomfortable in her clothes, stained by a coffee spilled moments earlier.

Uncomfortable, she often was, in the middle of the crowd waiting for her meeting to begin.

While wandering around, she found herself in front of a salesman's booth who offered her the chance to test a mysterious device...

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I stuck it out until about 60% of the way through the novel, then it became way too complicated and confusing for me.

I really liked the basic concept.
I didn't particularly connect with Harriet's character, but she remained interesting to follow.

I honestly would have really liked to enjoy the novel more.
I'm rather disappointed that I couldn't understand the last third of the book.
I thought about the rating for a long time, but I have to be honest.
Sorry.

A must read for fans of original novels.

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😶Trop confus pour moi...

Harriet était dans l’inconfort de ses vêtements tâchés par un café renversé quelques instants plus tôt.

Inconfortable, elle l’était souvent, au milieu de la foule dans l’attente du début de sa conférence.

En déambulant, elle se retrouva devant le stand d’un démarcheur qui lui proposa de tester un mystérieux appareil...

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J’ai tenu bon jusqu'à environ 60 % du roman, ensuite c’est devenu vraiment trop compliqué et confus pour moi.

J’ai pourtant bien aimé le concept de base.
Je n’ai pas spécialement accroché avec le personnage d’Harriet, mais elle est restée intéressante à suivre.

J’aurai sincèrement vraiment aimé apprécier davantage le roman.
Je suis plutôt déçue de ne pas avoir pu comprendre le dernier tiers du livre.
J’ai longtemps réfléchi à la note, mais je me dois d’être honnête.
Désolée.

A découvrir pour les amateurs de romans originaux.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall I loved this book. The two main characters were well-developed and the premise of traveling through memories to find lost connections is done so that I felt sucked into the story. The timelines are well done and true to their times (1970s through 1990s especially.) If you like books with all the twists and turns of time travel, check this one out!

I received a beta reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[SidneyMazemke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was very entertaining and kept me turning each page, I highly recommend.

[Peggy Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly captured from cover to cover..treat yourself with an entertaining read!

[Scott Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update: Finished the book. Yep, that 'experience' was invasive - yikes! thumbs up!

I'm about half way through the book and am really enjoying it. It's hard to imagine how invasive the 'experience' must be for the main character, and the tension that would cause. Excited to see how the story ends. Also, love the '70s and '80s nostalgia.