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Reset
In a world where turning fifty means becoming twenty-five again, one man's second chance is his family's ultimate betrayal.
Tom and Elena Miller built a beautiful life over nearly three decades of marriage. But as Tom approaches his fiftieth birthday, the crushing weight of his middle-aged responsibilities and a desperate desire for freedom drive a wedge between him and the people he loves most. He doesn't just want a break; he wants a second chance at his twenties.
In a society defined by "The Reset"—a global anomaly where anyone turning fifty wakes up in their original, twenty-five-year-old body—Tom’s desire becomes a devastating reality. He chooses to undergo his Reset and leaves his forty-eight-year-old wife behind to live in a downtown bachelor pad, assuming he can just return to her when she finally Resets eighteen months later.
But his selfish "intermission" shatters his family. While Elena struggles to rebuild her life and identity without him, his oldest son, Jack, is driven into the arms of a radicalized movement determined to end the "Immortal Class" by any means necessary.
As Tom navigates the lonely, surreal reality of his new youth, he is about to discover that reversing the clock on his body might mean permanently running out of time to save his family.
To help support those fighting Multiple Sclerosis, a portion of all proceeds from this novel will go to MS research
Tom and Elena Miller built a beautiful life over nearly three decades of marriage. But as Tom approaches his fiftieth birthday, the crushing weight of his middle-aged responsibilities and a desperate desire for freedom drive a wedge between him and the people he loves most. He doesn't just want a break; he wants a second chance at his twenties.
In a society defined by "The Reset"—a global anomaly where anyone turning fifty wakes up in their original, twenty-five-year-old body—Tom’s desire becomes a devastating reality. He chooses to undergo his Reset and leaves his forty-eight-year-old wife behind to live in a downtown bachelor pad, assuming he can just return to her when she finally Resets eighteen months later.
But his selfish "intermission" shatters his family. While Elena struggles to rebuild her life and identity without him, his oldest son, Jack, is driven into the arms of a radicalized movement determined to end the "Immortal Class" by any means necessary.
As Tom navigates the lonely, surreal reality of his new youth, he is about to discover that reversing the clock on his body might mean permanently running out of time to save his family.
To help support those fighting Multiple Sclerosis, a portion of all proceeds from this novel will go to MS research
- GenresMystery
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2026
About the author
Kevin Charles
1 book17 followersBefore writing Reset, Kevin spent his career as an accountant and a successful options trader before retiring six years ago. Reset is his debut novel. The core concept lived within his mind for over a decade. Because Multiple Sclerosis has impacted his family, a portion of all proceeds from the novel goes directly to MS research. When he isn’t developing the world of Reset and the 'Immortal Class,' Kevin is a dedicated golfer and competitive racquet sports player currently residing in southeastern North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 1, 2026
This is a novel set sometime in the future, where Americans have the opportunity to “reset” their 50-year old bodies on their birthday….returning them back to the age of 25. The central characters are Tom and Elena, a happily married couple with three young adult children. Shortly after Tom awakens to his new, young body, he announces to his 48-year old wife that he wants to move out and “sow wild oats.” Their oldest son, Jack, ultimately joins the “Generational Equity” movement, which battles against the fact that the new young “resets” are hoarding the wealth, housing, and jobs…as opportunities for the real 20-somethings become almost nonexistent. Before the story ends, revolution is in the air; and, it turns out that being young again is not the “bowl of cherries” that many imagined it to be.
I was initially drawn to this book, as the title reminded me of Ken Grimwood’s classic novel, Replay; which won the 1988 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. Unfortunately, “Reset” doesn’t even come close to its similar namesake. Instead, along with a highly predictable plot with no real surprises, none of the characters were particularly likeable. For that matter, while newly-25 year old Tom was willing to toss aside his family so that he could experience an array of young sexual partners, Elena (his wife of nearly 30-years) passively accepted his selfish and boorish behavior. Worse yet, was the near-psychopathic preacher, who twisted the words of the Scriptures to justify a violent revolution. Although the novel has received stellar reviews, I would categorize it a true “snoozer.”
I was initially drawn to this book, as the title reminded me of Ken Grimwood’s classic novel, Replay; which won the 1988 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. Unfortunately, “Reset” doesn’t even come close to its similar namesake. Instead, along with a highly predictable plot with no real surprises, none of the characters were particularly likeable. For that matter, while newly-25 year old Tom was willing to toss aside his family so that he could experience an array of young sexual partners, Elena (his wife of nearly 30-years) passively accepted his selfish and boorish behavior. Worse yet, was the near-psychopathic preacher, who twisted the words of the Scriptures to justify a violent revolution. Although the novel has received stellar reviews, I would categorize it a true “snoozer.”
October 7, 2026
Thank you to BookBrowse and Kevin Charles for sending me this book for an unbiased reivew. I just missed the publication date of September 16, 2026.
How do you think you would react if at midnight on your fiftieth birthday you could revert back to age 25? Would you do it? Or would you bypass that chance? A lot to think about! What about your spouse - when do they reach 50 and do they want to reset? Or will you look like their child - you are 25 and them at 47? What about your children? Do you now look like their sibling? Psychologically what is happening to everyone in your immediate family?
That is what The Millers - Tom and Elena - and their 3 adult children are going through. Tom reset. Now what? Elena is only 48 yrs old and her life has been her family. None of the children are happy with their Dad's decisions.
And the moral conflicts of thousands of people doing this each year as they reach 50 is straining the world population. No one is retiring - therefore, like Tom's children, those coming out of college have no where to go, no jobs are available. So a conflicting group - the Generational Equity - are working to stop anyone from doing a second reset. Yes, the first 25 years have rushed by and people are now ready to reset a second time - all the while not knowing what that second reset will do to them.
This book moved right along and held my interest all the way through. I was never quite sure what was gonna happen next and the ending came with a number of twists that I had not expected. This is a debut self published book with a new story line twist that really needs to hit mainstream - it is that good.
How do you think you would react if at midnight on your fiftieth birthday you could revert back to age 25? Would you do it? Or would you bypass that chance? A lot to think about! What about your spouse - when do they reach 50 and do they want to reset? Or will you look like their child - you are 25 and them at 47? What about your children? Do you now look like their sibling? Psychologically what is happening to everyone in your immediate family?
That is what The Millers - Tom and Elena - and their 3 adult children are going through. Tom reset. Now what? Elena is only 48 yrs old and her life has been her family. None of the children are happy with their Dad's decisions.
And the moral conflicts of thousands of people doing this each year as they reach 50 is straining the world population. No one is retiring - therefore, like Tom's children, those coming out of college have no where to go, no jobs are available. So a conflicting group - the Generational Equity - are working to stop anyone from doing a second reset. Yes, the first 25 years have rushed by and people are now ready to reset a second time - all the while not knowing what that second reset will do to them.
This book moved right along and held my interest all the way through. I was never quite sure what was gonna happen next and the ending came with a number of twists that I had not expected. This is a debut self published book with a new story line twist that really needs to hit mainstream - it is that good.
October 29, 2026
Whoa! What an amazing experience I've just had with this piece of speculative and dystopian storytelling! The idea is fascinating—at the age of fifty, people suddenly get the opportunity to restart their lives with new bodies that make them twenty-five again. I was right away interested! In fact, no additional explanation was necessary!
The story is told from a number of different points of view, such as Tom Miller, his wife Elena, their son Jack, their neighbor Walt, and Pastor Arthur Caldwell. As the synopsis states, Tom chooses the Reset and hopes to lead a life of freedom without taking into account the consequences. On the other hand, Elena has to delay her own Reset for 18 months, which means that she has to remain behind while Tom moves out. Both their son and the younger generation are opposed to the Reset, on the grounds that the immortal generation is taking over job opportunities.
Basically, Tom starts this adventure from a selfish point of view and doesn't think about how his decisions affect the people he loves in the long term. He is concerned only with short-term benefits and is eager to have a good time in order to make up for the years he had spent at work. But during the journey, he did take important steps towards self-discovery and allowed Elena to do the same. In an unexpected way, each of them changed personally, and by the end of their individual journeys they managed to get back together, feeling grateful for the disorder the Reset had caused. The text is thought-provoking all through.
The way this idea—one that closely matches today's reality—has been handled really sparked a lively discussion with my mother, who lives abroad. We examined in detail how believable this story seems, especially since AI is gradually taking over more and more jobs all around the world. It would be easy to see this book being an ideal selection for a buddy read or for a book club meeting, since it encourages numerous thought-provoking conversations and reflections.
I was fortunate enough to get the #gifted audiobook for this review and really enjoyed the narrator's voice and the way he delivered it. William Hahn gave a captivating and enthusiastic performance, carefully adjusting his voice for each character and making it easy to keep up with what was happening. His voice is so soothing that he could easily be used to read out my daily reminders; it's a voice that would be suitable for listening to as you're falling asleep.
It's a fast-moving and suspenseful book that raises a compelling question: What would you do if you had the chance to start life again? It's aimed at readers who enjoy speculative dystopian fiction that focuses on human relationships. The novel deals with themes including identity, self-discovery, familial love and loyalty, choices and their consequences—basically the butterfly effect. Although it looks at the concept of second chances, it also examines generational inequality, social power, faith, extremism, and human nature. There's something in this book to appeal to all sorts of readers, and it will keep coming back to you for days on end. It is very thought-provoking, and I'm sure it will remain in my mind free of charge for a long time! If you've enjoyed books by John Marrs or Blake Crouch, then this one is definitely one for you.
This book was written to benefit a good cause, and I loved the acknowledgments! I encourage you to read this book, as it is like anything I've ever read before.
Thank you, LoveBookTours and Kevin Charles, for the gifted ALC copy. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
The story is told from a number of different points of view, such as Tom Miller, his wife Elena, their son Jack, their neighbor Walt, and Pastor Arthur Caldwell. As the synopsis states, Tom chooses the Reset and hopes to lead a life of freedom without taking into account the consequences. On the other hand, Elena has to delay her own Reset for 18 months, which means that she has to remain behind while Tom moves out. Both their son and the younger generation are opposed to the Reset, on the grounds that the immortal generation is taking over job opportunities.
Basically, Tom starts this adventure from a selfish point of view and doesn't think about how his decisions affect the people he loves in the long term. He is concerned only with short-term benefits and is eager to have a good time in order to make up for the years he had spent at work. But during the journey, he did take important steps towards self-discovery and allowed Elena to do the same. In an unexpected way, each of them changed personally, and by the end of their individual journeys they managed to get back together, feeling grateful for the disorder the Reset had caused. The text is thought-provoking all through.
The way this idea—one that closely matches today's reality—has been handled really sparked a lively discussion with my mother, who lives abroad. We examined in detail how believable this story seems, especially since AI is gradually taking over more and more jobs all around the world. It would be easy to see this book being an ideal selection for a buddy read or for a book club meeting, since it encourages numerous thought-provoking conversations and reflections.
I was fortunate enough to get the #gifted audiobook for this review and really enjoyed the narrator's voice and the way he delivered it. William Hahn gave a captivating and enthusiastic performance, carefully adjusting his voice for each character and making it easy to keep up with what was happening. His voice is so soothing that he could easily be used to read out my daily reminders; it's a voice that would be suitable for listening to as you're falling asleep.
It's a fast-moving and suspenseful book that raises a compelling question: What would you do if you had the chance to start life again? It's aimed at readers who enjoy speculative dystopian fiction that focuses on human relationships. The novel deals with themes including identity, self-discovery, familial love and loyalty, choices and their consequences—basically the butterfly effect. Although it looks at the concept of second chances, it also examines generational inequality, social power, faith, extremism, and human nature. There's something in this book to appeal to all sorts of readers, and it will keep coming back to you for days on end. It is very thought-provoking, and I'm sure it will remain in my mind free of charge for a long time! If you've enjoyed books by John Marrs or Blake Crouch, then this one is definitely one for you.
This book was written to benefit a good cause, and I loved the acknowledgments! I encourage you to read this book, as it is like anything I've ever read before.
Thank you, LoveBookTours and Kevin Charles, for the gifted ALC copy. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
August 5, 2026
This was a great dystopian read - one that really raised thought-provoking questions (and I love the group discussion prompts at the end!) about what life and age means to you, and how your decisions can affect not only yourself, but those around you. Reset raised the interesting situation of what if life "reset" at age 50, and you reverted back to your 25 year old self - a fascinating, unique take on what it means to be immortal.
I must admit, I didn't warm to the novel at the start, primarily because I was not team Tom (poor Elena!) and he rubbed me up the wrong way. Despite this, I kept reading, and I was so glad I did because it was an absolutely fascinating read! The characters all had great growth, and there were occasional interludes prompting us to question certain aspects of the Reset endemic e.g. how religion and politics would react, how it would affect relationships (would you stick with your partner if they/you Reset before them?), how would it affect how you lived your life etc. For me, a sign of a good dystopian read is one that raises lots of questions and this definitely delivered! I can certainly imagine this one as a classroom read of the future along the veins of Lord of the flies - just for the sheer variety of themes and societal issues it touches on.
Interestingly, as a woman in her 30s with health conditions, and two young 'uns, whose natural state is constantly *severely tired*...strangely, however, what this book made me end up reflecting on was not -what would I do in this situation - but what am I doing with my life currently? Will I look back in my 50s and be proud of what I'd achieved? I did find it hard to relate to the Resets as I was far from "raring to go" at 25, but it did make me feel more motivated to get more out of life NOW- I won't be able to Reset, what I have now, is my only shot. And I'm sure I'll be more exhausted at 50 then I am currently so I better go on with it! Is it weird that a dystopian book was a motivational read for me? I don't know what that says about me, but it certainly made for an interesting read!
I did find at times my attention drifted, and for this I leant more towards a 4 star than a 5star but for the ideas/concepts raised, it is a book I will happily recommend over and over!
I must admit, I didn't warm to the novel at the start, primarily because I was not team Tom (poor Elena!) and he rubbed me up the wrong way. Despite this, I kept reading, and I was so glad I did because it was an absolutely fascinating read! The characters all had great growth, and there were occasional interludes prompting us to question certain aspects of the Reset endemic e.g. how religion and politics would react, how it would affect relationships (would you stick with your partner if they/you Reset before them?), how would it affect how you lived your life etc. For me, a sign of a good dystopian read is one that raises lots of questions and this definitely delivered! I can certainly imagine this one as a classroom read of the future along the veins of Lord of the flies - just for the sheer variety of themes and societal issues it touches on.
Interestingly, as a woman in her 30s with health conditions, and two young 'uns, whose natural state is constantly *severely tired*...strangely, however, what this book made me end up reflecting on was not -what would I do in this situation - but what am I doing with my life currently? Will I look back in my 50s and be proud of what I'd achieved? I did find it hard to relate to the Resets as I was far from "raring to go" at 25, but it did make me feel more motivated to get more out of life NOW- I won't be able to Reset, what I have now, is my only shot. And I'm sure I'll be more exhausted at 50 then I am currently so I better go on with it! Is it weird that a dystopian book was a motivational read for me? I don't know what that says about me, but it certainly made for an interesting read!
I did find at times my attention drifted, and for this I leant more towards a 4 star than a 5star but for the ideas/concepts raised, it is a book I will happily recommend over and over!
October 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this book - what a fascinating concept. If I was to ask you, when you turn 50, if you could return to your 25 year-old body, would you? Your automatic response would probably be yes. However, it’s only when you think about the follow-on consequences that you might start to question whether you would.
What would it mean for your children if they can’t get on the housing ladder? Or make a solid career? What would it mean for the population if it kept growing but aging slowed? That immediate yes you answered? I think you’d start to question it.
This was a brilliant book with a lot of varying opinions and thoughts on the Reset. As someone who would have reached their Reset, I felt drawn to the anger and frustrations of the younger generation. Jack’s frustrations but naivety with his involvement with Generation Equity made him a fascinating character, especially when compared with his father, Tom.
I felt torn with Tom, on one hand I understand why he might want a bit of a break from his ordinary life when he Reset. However, if my partner behaved how he did and decided he wanted to try life without me? That’s a firm no from me and I liked how Elena took time to find herself without Tom.
This was such an interesting concept and one I would definitely recommend to anyone if you enjoy dystopian fiction.
What would it mean for your children if they can’t get on the housing ladder? Or make a solid career? What would it mean for the population if it kept growing but aging slowed? That immediate yes you answered? I think you’d start to question it.
This was a brilliant book with a lot of varying opinions and thoughts on the Reset. As someone who would have reached their Reset, I felt drawn to the anger and frustrations of the younger generation. Jack’s frustrations but naivety with his involvement with Generation Equity made him a fascinating character, especially when compared with his father, Tom.
I felt torn with Tom, on one hand I understand why he might want a bit of a break from his ordinary life when he Reset. However, if my partner behaved how he did and decided he wanted to try life without me? That’s a firm no from me and I liked how Elena took time to find herself without Tom.
This was such an interesting concept and one I would definitely recommend to anyone if you enjoy dystopian fiction.
October 4, 2026
A fascinating dystopian novel positing the ability when you can choose to reset your age at fifty back to twenty-five. But be careful what you wish for.
Tom Miller, a successful attorney, father of three, awakes on his fiftieth birthday to be twenty five. This “change” called the “Reset” first happened about twenty-three years prior to Tom’s change. While Tom is giddy about recapturing his youth, this leaves his wife, Elena, whose change won’t happen for eighteen months, having to live alone while he “sows his wild oats.” Tim’s children have done different views on their father should do, especially the oldest, Jack, who like many younger people feel those who Reset are taking opportunities away from them. Meanwhile Pastor Randall Wilkes views the Reset differently - the devil’s work - building an empire to bring it down. But more importantly what will happen at the Second Reset?
The novel posits great questions in the story about aging and life’s purpose. Tom and Elena are a great couple - deeply in love after thirty years, great parents but turn apart by Tom’s decision to move out to be young again - and how does that turn out? Then there’s Elena betrayed by Tom’s idiot phase, what’s she supposed to do? I loved how these two worked it out. The characters of Jack. Julia and Randall add depth to the story as these three view the Reset vastly different than Tom and Elena - which is great for the novel’s tension. The book’s ending really surprising and satisfying.
I gave this book five stars for the author’s choice of such a clever premise about aging and recapturing youth may not be all it’s cracked up to be; for developing characters that are real and relatable - not always easy; and because it was a really good read.
My thanks to BookBrowse and the author, Kevin Charles, for granting me access to this fine book.
Tom Miller, a successful attorney, father of three, awakes on his fiftieth birthday to be twenty five. This “change” called the “Reset” first happened about twenty-three years prior to Tom’s change. While Tom is giddy about recapturing his youth, this leaves his wife, Elena, whose change won’t happen for eighteen months, having to live alone while he “sows his wild oats.” Tim’s children have done different views on their father should do, especially the oldest, Jack, who like many younger people feel those who Reset are taking opportunities away from them. Meanwhile Pastor Randall Wilkes views the Reset differently - the devil’s work - building an empire to bring it down. But more importantly what will happen at the Second Reset?
The novel posits great questions in the story about aging and life’s purpose. Tom and Elena are a great couple - deeply in love after thirty years, great parents but turn apart by Tom’s decision to move out to be young again - and how does that turn out? Then there’s Elena betrayed by Tom’s idiot phase, what’s she supposed to do? I loved how these two worked it out. The characters of Jack. Julia and Randall add depth to the story as these three view the Reset vastly different than Tom and Elena - which is great for the novel’s tension. The book’s ending really surprising and satisfying.
I gave this book five stars for the author’s choice of such a clever premise about aging and recapturing youth may not be all it’s cracked up to be; for developing characters that are real and relatable - not always easy; and because it was a really good read.
My thanks to BookBrowse and the author, Kevin Charles, for granting me access to this fine book.
October 30, 2026
I was sent a copy of this book for review.
This was an intense story that revolves around the sudden planetary change whereby turning 50 reverts you back to 25-years-old and any illness, limb loss, body modifications, etc that had happened in the last 25 years are reversed. Society has dubbed it “The Reset” and it is having real world consequences for the world as older generations are refusing to retire/aren’t dying out causing a severe drain on resources and the younger generations are not getting the opportunity to advance in careers, get a job or find their own homes. This has led to dissent and resentment between colleagues, communities and even within families.
Tom and Elena Miller and their children are experiencing all the fallout possibilities at once. Tom is refusing to step down from his position in his law firm leaving his son Jack, troubled by his lack of prospects of advancement which he graduates from college. Tom also wants to live an independent life for 18 months between his “Reset” and his wife Elena’s “Reset”, leaving her abandoned and second guessing her life choices and Tom discovering that what he had within his family unit may be better than getting a do over to sow some wild oats. As Tom and Elena each face the possibility of a divorce in their future, Jack finds himself brought into a church backed anti-Reset Group who are hell bent on stopping future resets and righting the status quo in any way they can, even by military force if necessary.
This story was an interesting mix of thriller as the religious group gets closer to obtaining political power and how their actions effect the characters’ lives as we follow their story as well as an emotionally philosophical look at how the possibility of living our lives over can change how we see ourselves, our choices and the people who surround us. It also had a tense plot of the unknown as the anniversary of the original Reset approached and no one knew what was going to happen next. It definitely gave me food for thought and made me think what I would do if I was faced with that possibility.
This was an intense story that revolves around the sudden planetary change whereby turning 50 reverts you back to 25-years-old and any illness, limb loss, body modifications, etc that had happened in the last 25 years are reversed. Society has dubbed it “The Reset” and it is having real world consequences for the world as older generations are refusing to retire/aren’t dying out causing a severe drain on resources and the younger generations are not getting the opportunity to advance in careers, get a job or find their own homes. This has led to dissent and resentment between colleagues, communities and even within families.
Tom and Elena Miller and their children are experiencing all the fallout possibilities at once. Tom is refusing to step down from his position in his law firm leaving his son Jack, troubled by his lack of prospects of advancement which he graduates from college. Tom also wants to live an independent life for 18 months between his “Reset” and his wife Elena’s “Reset”, leaving her abandoned and second guessing her life choices and Tom discovering that what he had within his family unit may be better than getting a do over to sow some wild oats. As Tom and Elena each face the possibility of a divorce in their future, Jack finds himself brought into a church backed anti-Reset Group who are hell bent on stopping future resets and righting the status quo in any way they can, even by military force if necessary.
This story was an interesting mix of thriller as the religious group gets closer to obtaining political power and how their actions effect the characters’ lives as we follow their story as well as an emotionally philosophical look at how the possibility of living our lives over can change how we see ourselves, our choices and the people who surround us. It also had a tense plot of the unknown as the anniversary of the original Reset approached and no one knew what was going to happen next. It definitely gave me food for thought and made me think what I would do if I was faced with that possibility.
September 17, 2026
Wow! What an absolutely incredibly fascinating and thought provoking book. The fact that this is the authors DEBUT novel is just absolutely incredible. I really cannot wait to see what Kevin is going to come up with next.
The premise is such a unique and fascinating concept that it will definitely stay with you for a very long time. It is extremely well written with characters that have been well built, realistic and are ones that you will either root for or hate, I was shouting at a certain character. I am not a MASSIVE fan of dystopian books but I thoroughly loved it so if you are not typically a dystopian reader please do not let that put you off!
I was constantly bringing it up to my partner who is a non reader and even he wants to read it which says a lot! It is also the perfect book for a book club and Kevin also includes some brilliant book club questions to discuss at the back. I would thoroughly recommend this book to absolutely anyone and everyone!! I have never come across such a fascinating, intriguing and thought provoking book like this one!! I cannot wait to read Kevin's next book which hopefully he is writing now!
This book definitely gets a 5/5 from me. Thank you Kevin Charles for an absolutely MIND BLOWING and UNFORGETTABLE read!
Would you reset if you could?
The premise is such a unique and fascinating concept that it will definitely stay with you for a very long time. It is extremely well written with characters that have been well built, realistic and are ones that you will either root for or hate, I was shouting at a certain character. I am not a MASSIVE fan of dystopian books but I thoroughly loved it so if you are not typically a dystopian reader please do not let that put you off!
I was constantly bringing it up to my partner who is a non reader and even he wants to read it which says a lot! It is also the perfect book for a book club and Kevin also includes some brilliant book club questions to discuss at the back. I would thoroughly recommend this book to absolutely anyone and everyone!! I have never come across such a fascinating, intriguing and thought provoking book like this one!! I cannot wait to read Kevin's next book which hopefully he is writing now!
This book definitely gets a 5/5 from me. Thank you Kevin Charles for an absolutely MIND BLOWING and UNFORGETTABLE read!
Would you reset if you could?
September 25, 2026
"ɪғ ᴍʏ sᴏɴ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ᴊᴏɪɴ ᴍᴇ ʜᴇʀᴇ, ᴍᴀɢɢɪᴇ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ, ᴛʜᴇ ǫᴜɪᴇᴛ, ᴛᴇʀʀɪғʏɪɴɢ ᴄʟᴀʀɪᴛʏ sᴇᴛᴛʟɪɴɢ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ʜᴇʀ ɴᴇᴡ ᴍɪɴᴅ. ɪ'ʟʟ ᴊᴏɪɴ ʜɪᴍ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ"
Starting from the prologue, the first moment when I got goosebumps from how captivated I immediately was, as Kevin's brilliant mind transferred me completely into the pages of this story. I knew, that I'm going to love this book. What a fascinating concept this is! Instead of turning fifty they wake up im their twenty-five year old body. It sounds like a dream isn't it? Something that sounds too good to be true and I couldn't wait to find out more about it.
I teared up a few times, these reset stories were heartbreaking to read and the aftermath both on their loved ones and the ones who have reset touched me deeply. The last chapter made me cry.
I highly recommend reading this beautiful novel to everyone, I loved every second of this thought-provoking journey. ♡
Starting from the prologue, the first moment when I got goosebumps from how captivated I immediately was, as Kevin's brilliant mind transferred me completely into the pages of this story. I knew, that I'm going to love this book. What a fascinating concept this is! Instead of turning fifty they wake up im their twenty-five year old body. It sounds like a dream isn't it? Something that sounds too good to be true and I couldn't wait to find out more about it.
I teared up a few times, these reset stories were heartbreaking to read and the aftermath both on their loved ones and the ones who have reset touched me deeply. The last chapter made me cry.
I highly recommend reading this beautiful novel to everyone, I loved every second of this thought-provoking journey. ♡
September 25, 2026
A very interesting first novel. The concept was intriguing, completely different from anything I had read before. Some of the characters were a little wooden or one dimensional, but aside from that, I thought the book was fantastic. I look forward to the author's next effort.
September 16, 2026
This book sounded so interesting that my non reading husband actually choose to read and review it with me 💗
This book interested me as it covers a miracle I had not yet seen attempted in either book or movie.
For the main part this book is set in America and when the miracle first happens there is differing stories from across the country one great one bad and you later learn of one that is heart breaking.
The story then continues 23 years later when they have named this miracle “The Reset” and centres around Tom Miller and his family as they prepare for him to “Reset”
Tom takes his family Elena (wife) Jack, Conner and Taylor (children) down a selfish path that leads to many things unfolding all the way through the book non of which were to Toms plan but effect each family member differently.
This story has many twists and turns bringing in topics and characters of all kinds and explains all of these well there is a few surprises along the way that make you think wow but when you logic it out just go to greater explain the reset and all its facets.
My quote of the book is actually a proverb I’d never heard.
"The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head."
This book interested me as it covers a miracle I had not yet seen attempted in either book or movie.
For the main part this book is set in America and when the miracle first happens there is differing stories from across the country one great one bad and you later learn of one that is heart breaking.
The story then continues 23 years later when they have named this miracle “The Reset” and centres around Tom Miller and his family as they prepare for him to “Reset”
Tom takes his family Elena (wife) Jack, Conner and Taylor (children) down a selfish path that leads to many things unfolding all the way through the book non of which were to Toms plan but effect each family member differently.
This story has many twists and turns bringing in topics and characters of all kinds and explains all of these well there is a few surprises along the way that make you think wow but when you logic it out just go to greater explain the reset and all its facets.
My quote of the book is actually a proverb I’d never heard.
"The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head."
October 17, 2026
A Fascinating, Thought-Provoking Story About Second Chances and Their Consequences
What if turning fifty meant waking up in the body of your twenty-five-year-old self? Would you embrace the opportunity to start over, or would you discover that some things in life simply cannot be reset?
Kevin Charles delivers a fascinating and imaginative debut novel that explores the consequences of eternal youth, the complexities of marriage, and the emotional cost of second chances.
When Tom Miller approaches his fiftieth birthday, he sees the Reset as an opportunity to reclaim his freedom and escape the responsibilities of marriage and family. But his decision to pursue a younger, carefree life devastates his wife, Elena, and fractures the family they have spent decades building. As their personal struggles unfold, society itself is becoming increasingly divided between those enjoying renewed youth and younger generations fighting for their own futures.
What makes this story particularly compelling is how Charles takes an extraordinary concept and makes it deeply personal. The emotional struggles, difficult choices, and complicated family relationships give the story a powerful human element. Elena's situation is especially heartbreaking, raising important questions about loyalty, commitment, and what it truly means to share a lifetime with someone.
I found the broader implications of the Reset equally fascinating. How would society function if people could continually reclaim their youth? What would happen to careers, retirement, relationships, and future generations? The author explores these possibilities while weaving together family drama, social conflict, and suspense.
At its heart, Reset is about far more than reversing the aging process. It's about appreciating what we have, understanding the consequences of our choices, and recognizing that a younger body doesn't necessarily mean a fresh start.
An imaginative, emotionally layered, and thought-provoking novel that leaves readers contemplating one intriguing question: If you could turn back the clock, would you really want to?
A compelling read for fans of speculative fiction, family drama, and stories that challenge the way we think about life, love, and second chances.
What if turning fifty meant waking up in the body of your twenty-five-year-old self? Would you embrace the opportunity to start over, or would you discover that some things in life simply cannot be reset?
Kevin Charles delivers a fascinating and imaginative debut novel that explores the consequences of eternal youth, the complexities of marriage, and the emotional cost of second chances.
When Tom Miller approaches his fiftieth birthday, he sees the Reset as an opportunity to reclaim his freedom and escape the responsibilities of marriage and family. But his decision to pursue a younger, carefree life devastates his wife, Elena, and fractures the family they have spent decades building. As their personal struggles unfold, society itself is becoming increasingly divided between those enjoying renewed youth and younger generations fighting for their own futures.
What makes this story particularly compelling is how Charles takes an extraordinary concept and makes it deeply personal. The emotional struggles, difficult choices, and complicated family relationships give the story a powerful human element. Elena's situation is especially heartbreaking, raising important questions about loyalty, commitment, and what it truly means to share a lifetime with someone.
I found the broader implications of the Reset equally fascinating. How would society function if people could continually reclaim their youth? What would happen to careers, retirement, relationships, and future generations? The author explores these possibilities while weaving together family drama, social conflict, and suspense.
At its heart, Reset is about far more than reversing the aging process. It's about appreciating what we have, understanding the consequences of our choices, and recognizing that a younger body doesn't necessarily mean a fresh start.
An imaginative, emotionally layered, and thought-provoking novel that leaves readers contemplating one intriguing question: If you could turn back the clock, would you really want to?
A compelling read for fans of speculative fiction, family drama, and stories that challenge the way we think about life, love, and second chances.
October 25, 2026
What a brilliant concept for a book!
I absolutely loved the whole idea of this one, however, there were definitely some areas that made me so, so mad!
So, the premise is that if you fall asleep on the eve of your 50th birthday, you "reset" back to how you were when you were 25 years old.
Now this is where the whole moral dilemma starts to eat away at you and the more you read, the more this had me thinking.
We mainly follow Tom and Elena - a married couple who have been together for almost 30 years. They have had a wonderful life and a beautiful family, three growing children all ready to fly the nest.
When Tom's reset arrives, he chooses to head out to discover himself and be free for the 18 months before Elena joins him when her birthday reset arrives.
We see how this decision affects each member of the family and alongside this, we also follow multiple different scenarios through friends, colleagues and others who have experienced the reset with many differing results.
Well, Tom! I could not believe his attitude at the beginning and if I'm honest, I really would not have reacted the way Elena did and I would not have accepted the outcome either.
I can't say too much, but this side of the story really got to me!
However, this was actually such a great story to follow and it really did showcase so many different aspects of life, society and belief that helped us to really explore this phenomenon and think about how I would react in this same situation.
This was so well written and I was completely hooked from start to finish - even when I was fuming at Tom!
I loved the whole exploration and of course the dilemmas that we saw as well as the follow on from this about what would happen when the resets got back to being 50 again.
Totally mind bending but such a great read that I think will stay with me for quite some time!
The audio production of this was great and I think that the narrator did such a good job portraying the different characters.
So easy to become immersed and sit for hours.
I absolutely loved the whole idea of this one, however, there were definitely some areas that made me so, so mad!
So, the premise is that if you fall asleep on the eve of your 50th birthday, you "reset" back to how you were when you were 25 years old.
Now this is where the whole moral dilemma starts to eat away at you and the more you read, the more this had me thinking.
We mainly follow Tom and Elena - a married couple who have been together for almost 30 years. They have had a wonderful life and a beautiful family, three growing children all ready to fly the nest.
When Tom's reset arrives, he chooses to head out to discover himself and be free for the 18 months before Elena joins him when her birthday reset arrives.
We see how this decision affects each member of the family and alongside this, we also follow multiple different scenarios through friends, colleagues and others who have experienced the reset with many differing results.
Well, Tom! I could not believe his attitude at the beginning and if I'm honest, I really would not have reacted the way Elena did and I would not have accepted the outcome either.
I can't say too much, but this side of the story really got to me!
However, this was actually such a great story to follow and it really did showcase so many different aspects of life, society and belief that helped us to really explore this phenomenon and think about how I would react in this same situation.
This was so well written and I was completely hooked from start to finish - even when I was fuming at Tom!
I loved the whole exploration and of course the dilemmas that we saw as well as the follow on from this about what would happen when the resets got back to being 50 again.
Totally mind bending but such a great read that I think will stay with me for quite some time!
The audio production of this was great and I think that the narrator did such a good job portraying the different characters.
So easy to become immersed and sit for hours.
September 27, 2026
What would you do if turning fifty meant becoming twenty-five again?
That simple question sits at the heart of Reset, and it makes for a fascinating and thought-provoking piece of speculative fiction.
Through the lives of Tom Miller, his wife Elena, and their grown children Jack, Connor and Taylor, this story explores a world transformed by a biological anomaly known as the Reset. As Tom approaches his fiftieth birthday, he faces a life-changing decision: embrace the Reset and return physically to twenty-five while retaining all fifty years of memories and experience, or continue ageing naturally.
What initially seems like an incredible opportunity quickly reveals far-reaching consequences. Across society, younger generations struggle to find jobs, housing, and opportunities as many Resets choose to remain in the workforce for another twenty-five years rather than retire. The resulting frustration and resentment create fertile ground for radical ideologies and an extremist movement to take hold.
I thought this was exceptionally well written. More than anything, it is a novel that asks questions. Ethical questions. Moral questions. Family questions. It constantly encourages the reader to consider what they would do if faced with the same choices and whether the benefits of the Reset truly outweigh the costs.
The exploration of religious extremism and fanaticism was particularly compelling. The novel shows how easily vulnerable or disillusioned people can be manipulated, swept up by charismatic leaders, and drawn into causes that promise answers to complex problems.
I also enjoyed that these big societal themes were explored through the Miller family. Viewing the consequences of the Reset through their personal experiences gave the story emotional weight while still showing the wider global impact.
Alongside the larger social questions, some of my favourite themes examined were those of self-discovery, the burden of our decisions, and the cost of redemption. Throughout the novel, characters are forced to confront who they are, who they want to become, and whether past choices can ever truly be escaped. I particularly enjoyed how the story examined the ripple effects of decisions, not just on the individual making them, but on the people around them as well.
This is a book packed with interesting ideas, compelling themes, and plenty to think about. Intelligent, engaging, and full of discussion-worthy questions, Reset is a novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
That simple question sits at the heart of Reset, and it makes for a fascinating and thought-provoking piece of speculative fiction.
Through the lives of Tom Miller, his wife Elena, and their grown children Jack, Connor and Taylor, this story explores a world transformed by a biological anomaly known as the Reset. As Tom approaches his fiftieth birthday, he faces a life-changing decision: embrace the Reset and return physically to twenty-five while retaining all fifty years of memories and experience, or continue ageing naturally.
What initially seems like an incredible opportunity quickly reveals far-reaching consequences. Across society, younger generations struggle to find jobs, housing, and opportunities as many Resets choose to remain in the workforce for another twenty-five years rather than retire. The resulting frustration and resentment create fertile ground for radical ideologies and an extremist movement to take hold.
I thought this was exceptionally well written. More than anything, it is a novel that asks questions. Ethical questions. Moral questions. Family questions. It constantly encourages the reader to consider what they would do if faced with the same choices and whether the benefits of the Reset truly outweigh the costs.
The exploration of religious extremism and fanaticism was particularly compelling. The novel shows how easily vulnerable or disillusioned people can be manipulated, swept up by charismatic leaders, and drawn into causes that promise answers to complex problems.
I also enjoyed that these big societal themes were explored through the Miller family. Viewing the consequences of the Reset through their personal experiences gave the story emotional weight while still showing the wider global impact.
Alongside the larger social questions, some of my favourite themes examined were those of self-discovery, the burden of our decisions, and the cost of redemption. Throughout the novel, characters are forced to confront who they are, who they want to become, and whether past choices can ever truly be escaped. I particularly enjoyed how the story examined the ripple effects of decisions, not just on the individual making them, but on the people around them as well.
This is a book packed with interesting ideas, compelling themes, and plenty to think about. Intelligent, engaging, and full of discussion-worthy questions, Reset is a novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
October 11, 2026
If you are looking for a great read that will raise many thought-provoking questions about what life and age means to you, let me recommend "Reset" Kevin Charles' debut novel. Clever premise. . . what if you can choose to reset your age at 50, back to 25. Let me warn you, be careful what you wish for as this novel presents great questions about aging and life's purpose.
Tom and Elena Miller are married for 30 years, great parents to three children, but pull apart after Tom awakes on this 50th birthday Reset to 25. Tom is giddy to recapture his youth and sow "his wild oats". He leaves his wife, who will not be 50 for another 18 months to explore a new younger life. The children have different views of what their father should do, especially the eldest son, Jack. He, like many other children, feels Reset is taking opportunities away from the younger generation. He becomes entangled with a group headed by Pastor Randall Wilkes who desires to build an empire to bring it down and stop the dreaded Second Reset.
This is a very clever premise, one that raises many challenging questions about life and how our decisions can affect not only you but the world around you. I admit I was surprised with its ending, I expected it to be bleak and not satisfying, life is not always easy. Since finishing to this book I can't help thinking, would I want to go back? And I must admit that some days I do while others I don't. Each choice comes with its concerns.
My kudos to Book Browse and its author, Kevin Charles for sending me a copy of this book. I look forward to the online discussion.
Tom and Elena Miller are married for 30 years, great parents to three children, but pull apart after Tom awakes on this 50th birthday Reset to 25. Tom is giddy to recapture his youth and sow "his wild oats". He leaves his wife, who will not be 50 for another 18 months to explore a new younger life. The children have different views of what their father should do, especially the eldest son, Jack. He, like many other children, feels Reset is taking opportunities away from the younger generation. He becomes entangled with a group headed by Pastor Randall Wilkes who desires to build an empire to bring it down and stop the dreaded Second Reset.
This is a very clever premise, one that raises many challenging questions about life and how our decisions can affect not only you but the world around you. I admit I was surprised with its ending, I expected it to be bleak and not satisfying, life is not always easy. Since finishing to this book I can't help thinking, would I want to go back? And I must admit that some days I do while others I don't. Each choice comes with its concerns.
My kudos to Book Browse and its author, Kevin Charles for sending me a copy of this book. I look forward to the online discussion.
October 4, 2026
Okay, this book hooked me FAST. 👀
The premise alone is so incredibly unique: when you turn 50, you undergo “The Reset” and wake up in your original 25-year-old body. Sounds amazing, right? Sign me up! 😂 Except… what happens to your life, your relationships, your family, your career, and basically your entire sense of self when you suddenly look 25 again?
I absolutely loved how this story starts with the prologue showing the very first Reset 23 years earlier. It immediately pulled me in and had me wanting to know how this strange new reality came to shape society.
And honestly, this book is giving me SO much to think about. It explores everything from religious/extremist groups and generational divides to the economy, vanity, relationships, identity, and the consequences of essentially being given a second chance at youth. What I really love is that even though the concept is totally sci-fi, the *problems* that come with it feel surprisingly real.
Because sure, getting your 25-year-old body back at 50 sounds pretty incredible… but human nature is going to human nature. 😅 And that’s probably one of my favorite parts of this book so far. I love when a story takes a wild “what if?” concept and then digs into the psychology of how actual people might react to it.
The Reset might give people their youth back, but it definitely doesn’t erase the consequences of being human. 🙃
The premise alone is so incredibly unique: when you turn 50, you undergo “The Reset” and wake up in your original 25-year-old body. Sounds amazing, right? Sign me up! 😂 Except… what happens to your life, your relationships, your family, your career, and basically your entire sense of self when you suddenly look 25 again?
I absolutely loved how this story starts with the prologue showing the very first Reset 23 years earlier. It immediately pulled me in and had me wanting to know how this strange new reality came to shape society.
And honestly, this book is giving me SO much to think about. It explores everything from religious/extremist groups and generational divides to the economy, vanity, relationships, identity, and the consequences of essentially being given a second chance at youth. What I really love is that even though the concept is totally sci-fi, the *problems* that come with it feel surprisingly real.
Because sure, getting your 25-year-old body back at 50 sounds pretty incredible… but human nature is going to human nature. 😅 And that’s probably one of my favorite parts of this book so far. I love when a story takes a wild “what if?” concept and then digs into the psychology of how actual people might react to it.
The Reset might give people their youth back, but it definitely doesn’t erase the consequences of being human. 🙃
October 12, 2026
This is a debut novel which is actually better than one might expect of a debut. I guess it is science fiction, but it reads more like a mystery, since it is set in the near term in America--mostly Atlanta, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. The reset refers to the opportunity for 50 year olds to "reset" to 25 years old on their 50th birthdays.
Without getting into the specifics, what is interesting about the book is the author has really thought about how such a reset would upset our society, and he primarily uses one family's experiences--Tom and Elena's family--to illustrate the problems. I was surprised that I was drawn into the story, and I didn't see where their lives were going when Tom reset at 50, but Elena had nearly two years to wait for her reset. And their children reacted differently to what was happening with their parents.
The character that didn't ring true was the preacher who interpreted the scriptures to lead a violent revolution. I could accept the "reset" concept, but I didn't buy the revolution concept. I did, however, like the twist at the end when the adults who had reset initially at 50 reached 50 a second time.
Without getting into the specifics, what is interesting about the book is the author has really thought about how such a reset would upset our society, and he primarily uses one family's experiences--Tom and Elena's family--to illustrate the problems. I was surprised that I was drawn into the story, and I didn't see where their lives were going when Tom reset at 50, but Elena had nearly two years to wait for her reset. And their children reacted differently to what was happening with their parents.
The character that didn't ring true was the preacher who interpreted the scriptures to lead a violent revolution. I could accept the "reset" concept, but I didn't buy the revolution concept. I did, however, like the twist at the end when the adults who had reset initially at 50 reached 50 a second time.
September 18, 2026
Reset was such a unique and thought-provoking read! It had me wondering, what would I do?
I don’t normally reach for a lot of sci-fi, but the idea of turning 50 and getting a Reset that gives you your 25 year old body back immediately caught my attention.
Tom and Elena have spent years building their life together, but when Tom gets his Reset, he starts seeing it as a chance to start over and live the life he thinks he missed. The problem is, starting over comes with consequences, and watching everything unfold had me invested.
I loved that this wasn’t just about getting a younger body. It dives into relationships, family, money, careers, and what a world with an “Immortal Class” would actually look like. There were definitely moments that made me stop and think, What would I do if I had this choice?
Kevin Charles created such an interesting concept, and I loved seeing how it affected the characters and the world around them. It was emotional, intriguing, and definitely different from what I normally read!
I don’t normally reach for a lot of sci-fi, but the idea of turning 50 and getting a Reset that gives you your 25 year old body back immediately caught my attention.
Tom and Elena have spent years building their life together, but when Tom gets his Reset, he starts seeing it as a chance to start over and live the life he thinks he missed. The problem is, starting over comes with consequences, and watching everything unfold had me invested.
I loved that this wasn’t just about getting a younger body. It dives into relationships, family, money, careers, and what a world with an “Immortal Class” would actually look like. There were definitely moments that made me stop and think, What would I do if I had this choice?
Kevin Charles created such an interesting concept, and I loved seeing how it affected the characters and the world around them. It was emotional, intriguing, and definitely different from what I normally read!
September 25, 2026
4.5 stars
I was so lucky to receive this physical version of this book from the author and LoveBookTours and I really enjoyed it. I loved the unique concept that encouraged personal reflection on the limitations of time and how we use it. I felt lots of different emotions following the characters and hearing their choices and it was very thought provoking to realise alongside them how one person’s decisions affect a host of other people without that even being an element of the decision making at the time.
The writing style is great with a nice flow and pacing that kept me immersed and wanting to keep reading. I liked the book club questions at the end to promote further discussions about if this were a reality and how you might feel about the choices you see being made by the characters. I particularly enjoyed the generational considerations as I feel that this might be overlooked if we had the option to reset. Overall a brilliant story but I’m glad it is only fictional…for now anyway!
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
I was so lucky to receive this physical version of this book from the author and LoveBookTours and I really enjoyed it. I loved the unique concept that encouraged personal reflection on the limitations of time and how we use it. I felt lots of different emotions following the characters and hearing their choices and it was very thought provoking to realise alongside them how one person’s decisions affect a host of other people without that even being an element of the decision making at the time.
The writing style is great with a nice flow and pacing that kept me immersed and wanting to keep reading. I liked the book club questions at the end to promote further discussions about if this were a reality and how you might feel about the choices you see being made by the characters. I particularly enjoyed the generational considerations as I feel that this might be overlooked if we had the option to reset. Overall a brilliant story but I’m glad it is only fictional…for now anyway!
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
Review of advance copy
4.5
This was a great dystopian/ sci-fi read.
People start resetting to 25 on their 50th birthday. I thought this was such an interesting unique idea and it was so thought provoking.
The book centres around Tom , his wife Elena and their family. Tom is older than his wife and when he resets he decides to move out to a bachelor pad to relive his youth rather than stay with his older wife.
Tom was not a character that you could warm too and initially came across as so selfish. However as time continues you see that a reset to 25 isn't always as great as you would imagine.
As the reset phenomenon continues it causes problems - resets keep their jobs and the youth have less opportunities, there is obviously a drain on resources.
I thought this was a scary prospect that relates to today's society with people living longer and there being less jobs for the young.
The situation intensifies as it approaches the time that the original resets approach 50 again with some counties banning the reset and setting certain rules.
There are protests about the reset and a huge amount of unrest comes about.
The drama and emotion was built up really well by the author and you see both sides of the story.
I thought this was a really well written book, that kept me engaged in the story line and I really enjoyed it.
This was a great dystopian/ sci-fi read.
People start resetting to 25 on their 50th birthday. I thought this was such an interesting unique idea and it was so thought provoking.
The book centres around Tom , his wife Elena and their family. Tom is older than his wife and when he resets he decides to move out to a bachelor pad to relive his youth rather than stay with his older wife.
Tom was not a character that you could warm too and initially came across as so selfish. However as time continues you see that a reset to 25 isn't always as great as you would imagine.
As the reset phenomenon continues it causes problems - resets keep their jobs and the youth have less opportunities, there is obviously a drain on resources.
I thought this was a scary prospect that relates to today's society with people living longer and there being less jobs for the young.
The situation intensifies as it approaches the time that the original resets approach 50 again with some counties banning the reset and setting certain rules.
There are protests about the reset and a huge amount of unrest comes about.
The drama and emotion was built up really well by the author and you see both sides of the story.
I thought this was a really well written book, that kept me engaged in the story line and I really enjoyed it.
September 22, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This was a slow read. The plot idea was interesting, the choice to reverse back time “ Reset” and be young again and how it was handled by different people and the consequences of it.
You get all kinds of minds and crazy ideologies in this book, how something like that can radicalize religion and the economy and social norms and affect families positively and negatively - it was an interesting speculation into it.
However, I struggled a bit because the book does not have a central character whose story pulled me forward to keep turning pages. It gives a collection of characters and their reaction to reset, often making it difficult to emotionally attach to the central narrative and carry out as a continuous story.
I wished there were lesser explanation between the dramatic moments and internal monologues of certain characters which didn’t create a compelling story forward which could have been more interesting to read as a story.
This was a slow read. The plot idea was interesting, the choice to reverse back time “ Reset” and be young again and how it was handled by different people and the consequences of it.
You get all kinds of minds and crazy ideologies in this book, how something like that can radicalize religion and the economy and social norms and affect families positively and negatively - it was an interesting speculation into it.
However, I struggled a bit because the book does not have a central character whose story pulled me forward to keep turning pages. It gives a collection of characters and their reaction to reset, often making it difficult to emotionally attach to the central narrative and carry out as a continuous story.
I wished there were lesser explanation between the dramatic moments and internal monologues of certain characters which didn’t create a compelling story forward which could have been more interesting to read as a story.
September 19, 2026
The book includes nice short chapters to keep you easily engaged. It's a good concept for the story and I really enjoyed it.
I was divided as to whether I would want to go through a reset at first from a health perspective, yes it would be nice to be fit and healthy again but would I want to carry on working? I want to be able to travel and experience things while I can so maybe it would be good to experience it but would I want to relive my twenties?
Leading up to Elena's reset I was hooked especially the night before with jack and then the ending. I was in tears!
I also like the book club discussion questions at the end. I was already thinking about a lot of the things mentioned but it made me think even more.
I was divided as to whether I would want to go through a reset at first from a health perspective, yes it would be nice to be fit and healthy again but would I want to carry on working? I want to be able to travel and experience things while I can so maybe it would be good to experience it but would I want to relive my twenties?
Leading up to Elena's reset I was hooked especially the night before with jack and then the ending. I was in tears!
I also like the book club discussion questions at the end. I was already thinking about a lot of the things mentioned but it made me think even more.
Review of advance copy
I've really been enjoying my dystopian style reads recently, and Reset is another great one!
The premise is unique, and i was hooked from the beginning. For a debut, Kevin's writing style is one i really enjoyed.
Character wise, I wasn't a fan of Tom at first, but he did grow on me and his character development was great. Especially the growing relationship between Tom and Elena, and their children.
The POV changes for each chapter did confuse me at first, especially as this is a third person. But other than that, I really enjoyed this!
This is definitely a thought provoking read, and honestly scary how this concept has all the possibilities of being reality.
The premise is unique, and i was hooked from the beginning. For a debut, Kevin's writing style is one i really enjoyed.
Character wise, I wasn't a fan of Tom at first, but he did grow on me and his character development was great. Especially the growing relationship between Tom and Elena, and their children.
The POV changes for each chapter did confuse me at first, especially as this is a third person. But other than that, I really enjoyed this!
This is definitely a thought provoking read, and honestly scary how this concept has all the possibilities of being reality.
September 16, 2026
I'm a narrator and this is likely to be the best book I've had the pleasure to voice this year.
The premise is high concept (think "snakes on a plane") and easy to grasp. And it would have been even easier to just let that nice idea slide away into mundane soap opera. But Kevin Charles kept the focus on the characters (such a key for narration!) and relentlessly kept exploiting the various reactions, consequences and impacts of this one event, while preserving the mystery of the eventual resolution to the very end. Where he CONTINUED to unfold new results of that one marvelous theme.
I had a total blast, and find myself hoping earnestly that there's going to be a sequel!
The premise is high concept (think "snakes on a plane") and easy to grasp. And it would have been even easier to just let that nice idea slide away into mundane soap opera. But Kevin Charles kept the focus on the characters (such a key for narration!) and relentlessly kept exploiting the various reactions, consequences and impacts of this one event, while preserving the mystery of the eventual resolution to the very end. Where he CONTINUED to unfold new results of that one marvelous theme.
I had a total blast, and find myself hoping earnestly that there's going to be a sequel!
September 21, 2026
What a premise! At age fifty, would you return to your twenty-five-year-old self? Tom Miller, the scoundrel, decides to leave his wife and reclaim the youth he believes he missed.
This book had me asking questions after I finished. Told through multi-POV, Reset explores aging, marriage, family, morality, and what immortality might cost. Tom and I were not friends at first, but the character growth kept pulling me in. Short chapters and thought-provoking interludes keep the pacing moving while expanding the story. The discussion questions were a great bonus. That emotional ending got me, and somehow this dystopian novel made me rethink how I’m living my own life.
This book had me asking questions after I finished. Told through multi-POV, Reset explores aging, marriage, family, morality, and what immortality might cost. Tom and I were not friends at first, but the character growth kept pulling me in. Short chapters and thought-provoking interludes keep the pacing moving while expanding the story. The discussion questions were a great bonus. That emotional ending got me, and somehow this dystopian novel made me rethink how I’m living my own life.
Review of advance copy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reset has exactly the kind of sci-fi premise I love: on your 50th birthday, your body resets to 25, but your brain, family, career and responsibilities remain.
What pushed this to five stars for me was how such a huge concept was rooted in one family's story. Kevin Charles explores the economics, morality and generational consequences of the Reset without ever becoming preachy, while showing how differently people might approach being given their youth again.
Some want adventure, travel or another shot at their twenties. Others want time with family or the chance to do things their ageing bodies no longer allow. Walt's story in particular was genuinely moving.
There were a few time jumps that felt slightly jarring, but it's a minor criticism of a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
Would I want to be 25 again? Absolutely not. Would I take my 25-year-old body back?
For the knees alone.
Five stars. A brilliant concept, a surprisingly emotional family drama, and easily one of my favourite sci-fi reads this year.
Reset has exactly the kind of sci-fi premise I love: on your 50th birthday, your body resets to 25, but your brain, family, career and responsibilities remain.
What pushed this to five stars for me was how such a huge concept was rooted in one family's story. Kevin Charles explores the economics, morality and generational consequences of the Reset without ever becoming preachy, while showing how differently people might approach being given their youth again.
Some want adventure, travel or another shot at their twenties. Others want time with family or the chance to do things their ageing bodies no longer allow. Walt's story in particular was genuinely moving.
There were a few time jumps that felt slightly jarring, but it's a minor criticism of a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
Would I want to be 25 again? Absolutely not. Would I take my 25-year-old body back?
For the knees alone.
Five stars. A brilliant concept, a surprisingly emotional family drama, and easily one of my favourite sci-fi reads this year.
October 13, 2026
If you’re looking for a book that gets everyone talking, Reset is an absolute must-read.
From chapter one, I was completely hooked. The characters feel genuinely real, and the author does a great job balancing a fast-moving plot with quieter, more thoughtful moments about choices, relationships, growth and resilience.
It brings up so many great questions about hard moral dilemmas and how people handle changing dynamics with the ones they love, making it a perfect pick as your next read or for a book club. Original, deeply satisfying, and completely memorable. I highly recommend it.
From chapter one, I was completely hooked. The characters feel genuinely real, and the author does a great job balancing a fast-moving plot with quieter, more thoughtful moments about choices, relationships, growth and resilience.
It brings up so many great questions about hard moral dilemmas and how people handle changing dynamics with the ones they love, making it a perfect pick as your next read or for a book club. Original, deeply satisfying, and completely memorable. I highly recommend it.
October 16, 2026
I appreciated the novel’s concise chapters and nuanced character development, which made Elana and Tom feel vividly realized. Its unconventional premise was equally compelling, offering both an engaging narrative and a thought-provoking intellectual exercise. The story felt carefully reasoned and thoughtfully constructed, particularly in its exploration of the far-reaching consequences of such a biological anomaly.
The premise also led me to consider the extraordinary depth of knowledge that professionals such as doctors, teachers and lawyers might accumulate under these circumstances. By reaching the age of fifty for the first time, they would already possess a remarkable wealth of knowledge and experience; by reaching it a second time, the scope of their expertise would be almost inconceivable. This was an absorbing and intellectually stimulating read, an especially strong choice for book clubs, as it invites seemingly endless discussion about identity, experience, and the possibilities and consequences of an extended life.
The premise also led me to consider the extraordinary depth of knowledge that professionals such as doctors, teachers and lawyers might accumulate under these circumstances. By reaching the age of fifty for the first time, they would already possess a remarkable wealth of knowledge and experience; by reaching it a second time, the scope of their expertise would be almost inconceivable. This was an absorbing and intellectually stimulating read, an especially strong choice for book clubs, as it invites seemingly endless discussion about identity, experience, and the possibilities and consequences of an extended life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest evaluation of its merits.
I was fascinated by the premise and sped through this title. I greatly enjoyed how it examined the story primarily through the lens of Tom and Elena (and their kids), but also gave us insights into how others might view this "reset" (the religious angle was interesting).
The only part I wasn't that much of a fan of was the multiple POV ending, but perhaps that was just me.
I was fascinated by the premise and sped through this title. I greatly enjoyed how it examined the story primarily through the lens of Tom and Elena (and their kids), but also gave us insights into how others might view this "reset" (the religious angle was interesting).
The only part I wasn't that much of a fan of was the multiple POV ending, but perhaps that was just me.
September 15, 2026
Reset was a really interesting book! The idea that you can choose to get your 25-year-old body back on your 50th birthday is crazy, although being about 8 months from my 50th birthday, I can see the appeal. No achy joints, can move faster, have a faster metabolism…who wouldn’t want that? However, there are definitely implications that are quite negative. It was a gripping page-turner that kept me reading way past my bedtime! Reset: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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