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Reset: A psychological thriller exploring what you’d sacrifice in the pursuit of love

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Jane was twenty years old when the accident happened.

When she wakes from her coma, she is twenty-eight.

Now, she needs to play catch-up.

It doesn’t help that her dreams are plagued with a mysterious teen journeying towards a distant light, a palace of golden tears, and the promise of transcendent love.

Jane doesn’t have time to get distracted . . .

But when the mysterious teen shows up in real life,

Jane is determined to know why.

First published February 26, 2026

2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read

About the author

P.R. Castle

8 books7 followers
P.R. Castle is a thinker, perhaps an overthinker. Writing is her way to nut out the millions of thoughts and questions she has in her head. Therefore, much of her writing reflects her own journey, and what life has taught her about suffering, vulnerability, freedom and love.

Her ponderings have allowed her to author The Subjects Trilogy, a young adult science fiction, and The Rock, a fictionalised exploration of vulnerability.

P.R. Castle is passionate about creating stories with mystery, action and adventure, but also wants her novels to challenge readers to think about the deeper questions in life, and to mull over the choices they’ve made in their own lives.

She’d love to hear your ponderings too. Feel free to contact her (writetoprcastle@gmail.com).

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Sky.
111 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 31, 2025
Reset by P. R. Castle is a thoughtful, quietly unsettling read, but my experience with it was a little conflicted.

The premise itself is strong. Reset explores what it means to reclaim your life after a deeply impactful, life-altering event — and how tempting it can be to erase parts of yourself just to survive. That theme is handled well, especially in showing how “starting over” doesn’t automatically mean healing. I appreciated how the story leans into psychological recovery rather than dramatic spectacle.

However, my main issue was the female main character. She felt frustratingly too perfect — everything was handed to her, everything aligned for her — and yet she still managed to ruin it. That disconnect really affected my reading mood. Instead of feeling empathy, I found myself irritated, which made it harder to stay emotionally invested in her journey.

That said, the book still succeeds in what it wants to explore. The atmosphere is restrained and uneasy, and the idea of rediscovering yourself after a major rupture in life is handled with care. It’s not a fast or thrilling read, but a reflective one that asks uncomfortable questions about identity, choice, and emotional cost.

Overall, Reset is a good book conceptually, even if the main character didn’t fully work for me. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy introspective, slow-burn stories about rebuilding life after something breaks you — just be prepared to feel a bit frustrated along the way.
1 review
February 27, 2026
Review after receiving an advanced copy of the book.

I hadn’t read the synopsis of Reset before going into it. So, when I figured out what was happening, the premise had intrigued me immediately.

A woman waking up from a seven-year coma (and having to re-enter a life that has continued without her) is quite an interesting concept. Jane’s struggle to reintegrate into her life at twenty-eight (feeling behind in milestones, relationships, experiences) was shown in a way that felt very honest and raw.

The added layer of the “Blue Lady” and Jane’s *need* to make sense of what is happening to her deepens the mystery and adds another dimension to the narrative. I wasn’t sure of it at first, but it became something I thoroughly enjoyed reading about by the end of the book.

Although I believe the pacing in the first quarter of the novel could have been tightened slightly, it didn’t take away from my experience either. So, no complaints there.

I also really appreciated that the story was set in Australia. I don’t often read books set here, so recognising familiar places added an extra layer of enjoyment for me.

Overall, great read!!

Thank you so much for the advanced copy! I believe the author has so much potential, and I’m genuinely looking forward to reading more of their work in the future.
Profile Image for alfz♡ (aprilxsprings).
37 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
February 14, 2026
This book has so much potential if the main character was not annoying, if she actually listened to the people who cared about her instead of chasing something that didn't belong to her. The unique concept would have been very captivating if there weren't so many unnecessary chapters and so much drama.

I was really rooting for the main character to live her life happily after all those lost years but when her goal changed, I simply couldn't put up with her and her actions. The main plotline only starts in the second half of the book. I had no clue at all about the plot's direction. There was so much info dumping towards the end - I didn't like how the book was wrapped up. The writing was quite easy to follow but still not the best.

As for the characters in this book, I don't have much to say. Each character would have screentime for a few chapters and we wont see them again for the next few.
The only characters I liked were Caden, fmc's love interest and Karthick, fmc's friend.

Overall, this book has a very unique concept and could have better if it weren't for the flawed plot and weak characterization.

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

RATINGS:
plot: 1⭐
character: 2⭐
themes: 2⭐
writing style and structure: 3⭐
ending: 2⭐
Overall: 2⭐
Profile Image for Dani.
262 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy
February 7, 2026
A woman waking up after years in a coma, while everyone around her has moved on, was compelling. She feels left behind, having to relearn basic tasks like moving a limb, eating, and walking, struggles that were portrayed clearly.

A mother holding on to the past (who felt a bit controlling), friends who built their own lives and no longer knew where she fit, and the challenge of being mentally stuck in the past while her body aged, all of these were difficulties our FMC had to face. Navigating her new reality, while figuring out how to cope with everything that came with it, was no small task, and it was depicted very well. I can only imagine how hard this would be.

Then there were the parts I didn’t enjoy as much. Her strange dreams and her constant feeling of being connected to this mysterious person took up more and more space in her mind and in the story. While I was curious about the meaning behind it, the execution and reasoning didn’t fully convince me. There was potential, but it didn’t quite come together for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
February 10, 2026
It had been a long time since a book truly pulled me in, and this novel completely reignited my love of reading. From the very first pages, it was gripping, suspenseful, and impossible to put down—I constantly found myself wanting more. The premise alone hooked me immediately: the idea of lost time and a hero forced to piece together a life they no longer fully remember is both fascinating and emotionally compelling.

What truly elevates this story, though, is its characters. The relationships between the hero and their family, friends, and lover are richly developed and deeply believable. They don’t feel like fictional placeholders; they feel real, as though they could be people you know. I went in expecting a plot twist, but what unfolded genuinely surprised me, and I loved being caught completely off guard.

This is an easy five-star read for me. The pacing is fast, the story is intriguing from start to finish, and the characters leave a lasting impression. My only disappointment is wanting more while not seeing a clear path for a sequel—though I would absolutely welcome a prequel. This is the kind of book that reminds you why reading can be so rewarding.
131 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy
January 29, 2026
This novel allows you to experience what it would be like to wake up after being in a coma for over 7 1/2 years. Having to relearn basic skills like eating, walking and integrating back into society after that length of time. The culture shock and the changes that have occurred within your own family situation.

Jane Tran miraculously wakes up after being in a coma for almost eight years. She remembers being a university student and her last memory is walking to her car after finishing her shift at a grocery store. She was hit by a delivery truck in the parking lot. She needs to learn how to handle looking after herself and how to walk again. This will take months for Jane to do. During this time, her Dad doesn’t come to visit and it’s months before her sister is allowed to visit. There are reasons for this. At the end of the book, the reader gets an unexpected surprise and not a good one at that. If you like medical thrillers, then you’ll want to read this book.

I received an ARC and this review is my personal opinion.
94 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
February 22, 2026
This book has such an emotional concept with so much room for depth, grief, growth, and transformation. The themes of lost time, family change and second chances are genuinely compelling and there are moments where the emotional weight really comes through. The idea itself is strong and meaningful.

That said, the execution didn’t fully work for me as the pacing drags through endless denial scenes and slow rehab sequences, making the first half feel like a slog before any real plot momentum builds. Jane's internal monologues dominate, sidelining promising threads like the Palace of Lights mystery and secondary characters come across as flat archetypes without meaningful growth.

Overall, I can say that it might resonate strongly with you if you enjoy introspective, emotionally driven stories. For me, however, it didn’t quite deliver the impact I was hoping for. The concept is beautiful but the storytelling style and pacing made it a slower and less immersive read than I expected. It’s not a bad book, just not the right fit for my reading taste.

Rating:- 3.25/5
Profile Image for Christina.
495 reviews8 followers
December 11, 2025
Jane wakes from a Coma, 8 years after the accident. The first part of the book is devastating. You follow her "being thrown back" respective her friends and family. So she struggles to adapt. But slowly and with determination she gets back on track and even finds a great boyfriend and some great friends.

While in Coma she sees some glimpses of a blue lady and a palace and she starts looking for them. This is where I got angry with Jane.

There were some shady characters but still I didn't like what has become of her just because she wanted to find that lady ( I know how the heart aches if you yearn for something you can't have) but even then you remain rational and logical but she went completely mad and threw away great friendships and bonds because of that.

The ending was therefore not a happy end ( depends from which perspective you stand )

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Katie.
11 reviews
Review of advance copy
December 21, 2025
I only gave it 3 stars as I probably wouldn’t read it again just because of my personal preferred genre however if your someone who enjoys science fiction/experiments then you should definitely read this.

Even though it isn’t my cup of tea I cannot fault this book. The story was thought out in so much detail while still being easy to follow. The creativity required to come up with this kind of story is brilliant and I think the author did an amazing job. I did struggle a little in the middle that is wasn’t moving fast enough but that didn’t last of long and the ending was very well crafted and had a very solid conclusion.

This book had so many layers and emotions
Falling in love
Learning how to take back control of your life
Tragedy
Mystery

This book does talk of love, death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and other mental and medical conditions which some reader may find upsetting.
Profile Image for L.J. Kendall.
Author 6 books35 followers
March 7, 2026
'Reset' is a story with real humanity wrapped around some very big ideas. It works in multiple levels: a medical mystery; a slow burn romance; as science fiction; the dislocation of jumping back into your life with eight years missing; and more.

In parts it's a mystical thriller, a detective story, and a tale of human connection. We follow Jane as something ineffable contacts her mind, which awakens her from an eight year long coma. It's a real journey then as she battles to get her body functioning, while also trying to reconnect with the people in her life who have - from her perspective - suddenly changed.

It's a well-written story with believable and interesting characters. I found the ending particularly satisfying, with some big and intriguing ideas. If you're looking for a something new and original, that's hard to pigeon-hole, you'll find 'Reset' well worth your time.

(I was gifted a n Advance Reader Copy of the book, but also bought it afterwards!)
1 review
November 22, 2025
Jane wakes up from a coma of 7 and a half years to find that the life she had has now gone. Everything is different including family and friends, and she has to now carve a new life for herself. From the very first page P.R Castle weaves a suspenseful story of a young woman trying to find her place in the world, navigating the physical rehabilitation and emotional roller coaster she must deal worth.
Whilst in her coma, Jane glimpses a magical place and a ‘Blue Lady’ and this vague memory catapults her on a journey of self discovery, a yearning for love and acceptance, and a desire to understand a possible new level of consciousness.
This Amazon ARC book is a fast paced mystery with lots of twists and turns whilst exploring deep philosophical questions we often ask ourselves about the meaning of life.
Profile Image for Liz Brooks.
150 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy
February 19, 2026
I am grateful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was an interesting and entertaining read. It has a bit of a sci-fi twist that is not unexpected, but fun, and offers a creative explanation for some mysteries in the plot. I was pretty interested and hooked in the beginning. I do believe, in and of itself, it offers a great exploration of human resilience in the face of trauma just in the first half of the book. I may have preferred it without the twists, but do not think the extra spice added by the twists takes away from the book. I just also think it is a phenomenal story of humanity, strength, and triumph without the mysteries. But, now, as readers, we can appreciate both that side of it and the thrill of the mysteries!
Profile Image for Veronica.
93 reviews
Read
March 2, 2026
ARC REVIEW


I’m shook 😳✨

Imagine waking up eight years older than you remember, with your whole life to catch up on — that’s Jane’s reality. Add dreams of a mysterious teen, a palace of golden tears, and a love that feels bigger than this world… and you’ve got a story that’s equal parts mind-bending and heart-stirring. 💫

This isn’t your typical read — it’s speculative, spiritual, and metaphysical, with twists that will keep you questioning what’s real and what’s possible. Jane’s journey is about youth, maturity, and the magic of reconnecting with yourself… all while chasing the impossible. 🌌💖

If you love:
✨ mind-bending speculative fiction
💫 stories with spiritual & metaphysical layers
💔 heart, loss, and transcendence
🔮 twists you never see coming

Thanks @booksirens and @pr_castle_author for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.
Profile Image for Kate.
696 reviews18 followers
March 7, 2026
Reset by P.R. Castle is a book that will stay with you after you finish reading it. This book kept me turning pages to the very end. I did not care for the main character, Jane. She seemed ungrateful and self-centered even though she should have been grateful for being alive. She has determination to get back to her life, but she seems to alienate everyone because she is driven to find a mysterious lady that she encountered in a dream.

I felt that the plot and most of the characters were well developed. As I said, I had problems with the main character but when the reason for her behavior was revealed, it all made sense. I received an advance copy of this book, and I always review every book that I read. I enjoyed this book in a way because it was haunting and compelling. Enjoy.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 18, 2025
I really loved the main characters of the book and the initial premise of Jane waking up from a coma 8 years later without a clue what happened to her. I thought the characters were really relatable and it was refreshing to read about Asian Australians and just have more diversity in the characters of the plot than the usual books that I read. I also loved the romance aspect of it, definitely a fun addition! I thought the pacing of the book was really good and I couldn't wait to pick it up again as I was eager to find out what happened. I thought the sci-fi element could be developed a bit more but maybe the author is planning a sequel to delve deeper into that aspect, I certainly hope so! Overall a fun and enjoyable read, perfect for a cosy night in!
1 review
March 3, 2026
Jane's post-coma story is a nuanced exploration of lost years and yearning for something greater than ourselves. The slice of life drama blends neatly with its sci fi elements.

It also captures the culture and eccentricities of an Asian Australian family, something rarely seen in fiction. As an Asian Australian myself, I felt seen. Readers from immigrant Asian families in Western countries will probably recognise these dynamics, but you don't have to be Asian to enjoy the story.

But the best thing about this book was I didn't know what would happen... Jane has visions of a blue lady which she is drawn to throughout the book and this sci-fi mystery had me guessing all the way to its final twist.

An easy and compelling read, great for a weekend in.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 10, 2026
PR Castle is masterful in her construction of her plot.
Suspense and tension are skilfully and slowly realised thus leaving the reader never quite sure where she is leading us. When she finally reaches her climax it is unexpected.
For me it is a 3 although I would have liked to give it a 3.5.
The lead up and slow development of her plot contributed to throwing the reader of the scent but I would have liked a little more editing of the pace. I am also not a romance fan so the this aspect of the novel was not of great interest to me although it was again something of a distraction from where the plot would finally take the reader.
871 reviews12 followers
March 1, 2026
This is much different from what I usually read but I was interested in reading about Jane’s experience recovering from that long of a coma. The story starts with her struggles, after actively deciding to return to her family. She saw ‘the other side’. She was shocked when she woke up and finally believing what happened to her and her heartbreak when she accepted the truth and realized her losses. Things get a little complicated and confusing for her as she recovers. It was very interesting and made me think a lot.
54 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2026
This was a story that took me out of my element. Jane coming out of an 8 year coma and trying to adjust to her new life was very real to life. I have had a few medical realities and new normals that I was not ready to accept but the twist of the story blew me away. The struggle of Jane and those around her made an emotional tug on you with all that reality brings. This was a great story.

This was a free ARC read that I reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for Gloria.
99 reviews
Review of advance copy
February 11, 2026
I loved reading this! This book was a page turner! This book kept me at the edge of my seat! This book kept me up way past my bedtime! This book kept me guessing what was going to happen. Towards the end I picked up my reading speed so I could finally find out what happens. The ending left me feeling a little sad, but it was a great ending.
Profile Image for Toni Umar.
544 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 26, 2026
Another great read from this talented author, Reset tells the story of Jane, a young woman who was involved in an accident when she was twenty years old. Her injuries result in Jane being in a coma and hospitalised for many years. When Jane awakes she is 28 years old and faces months of rehab to walk and try to live a normal life.

The novel shares the challenges Jane experiences as she try’s for a ‘pre coma’ life. So much has changed though, her friends have moved on and some are married with children, her little sister has married, her Dad has been diagnosed with a neurological disease. Jane is very overwhelmed with her current world. She finds happiness in her dreams, or in that space between dreams and waking up, and Jane becomes obsessed with finding out if this enjoyable place can be accessed for all the time.

This book is a page turner, the chapters are short and sharp, and most end with a surprise. I just wanted to keep reading. Everything mentioned in the earlier chapters all comes together in the last third of the book. The answer to why Jane wants to escape to her memories of pleasure comes as a surprise, and I found my self feeling un settled as I read on. The ending will have you wanting to go back and read the novel again to look for clues. Thanks for the ARC copy from the author, a fabulous book that I predict will be very popular.
8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 22, 2026
I rated this a 3 but mainly because it just wasn't my type of book. If I was into this genre I would probably give it a 4. It intrigued me and I read it to the end. The end was certainly surprising.
6 reviews
December 14, 2025
Definitely not the type of book I’d usually pickup, and it wasn’t really a page turner. It wasn’t bad, I just didn’t like the characters. There were definitely interesting plots though.
Profile Image for Laurie Robertson.
926 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
A very unusual novel. It certainly kept me engaged, though I did guess what had occurred to cause the issue before the reveal. Well recommended.
Profile Image for Tien.
2,284 reviews80 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 10, 2026
Reset hooked me right from the premise alone—waking up after 7.5 years in a coma is such a wild, fascinating setup, and P.R. Castle absolutely leans into the emotional and psychological weight of that idea. What I loved most is that it’s not all sunshine and second chances for Jane. Instead, the story digs into the very real fallout of losing nearly eight years of your life: the people who’ve moved on, the moments she never got to live, and the version of herself she now has to rediscover. That grounded, human element gave the book so much heart.

There is a thriller thread woven through the story, and while it takes its sweet time to gather momentum, the final quarter really kicks things up a notch. The tension finally snaps into place, and the pace becomes genuinely gripping. I’ll admit, after that build-up, the ending left me a little deflated—it didn’t quite land with the punch I was hoping for—but the journey getting there was still engaging and full of emotional depth.

Overall, Reset blends introspection with intrigue in a way that kept me turning pages. Even with a few pacing bumps, it’s a thought‑provoking and uplifting read about resilience, identity, and what it means to start over when life hands you a second chance.

My thanks to the author for ecopy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
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