Incorrect

by Steven Marks

272 pages, Hardcover

Published June 28, 2026

About the author

My readers are always welcome to email me at whatifnovels@gmail.com whether it's to discuss plot points, or to yell at me because the story took an unexpected turn, or whatever... feel free! You can also join my email list at stevenmarksbooks.com!

When I was eight, I wrote my first book — eighty‑seven pages, one paragraph, and a sci‑fi story called The Bird of Time. I handed it to my mother, hoping she’d read it. She didn’t even open it. She just said, “Nobody is ever going to read what you write.”

I threw the book away. I didn’t throw away the writing.

My mother struggled with addiction, and I was too young to understand that her words weren’t really about me. But they stuck. For decades, I wrote in secret — twenty‑plus novels that lived in drawers and folders because I was afraid she might be right.

When I turned sixty, I realized something simple and brutal: the only way she’d be right is if I never tried. So I started publishing. And readers found me. And they asked for more.

Maybe she was wrong. Maybe this is the story I was supposed to write all along.

Reviews

[Paul Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. Incorrect is a gripping and thought-provoking psychological read that pulled me in from the very first page. Gene’s struggles felt raw and painfully real, and the way technology was woven into the story made it feel both modern and unsettling. Steven Marks created a story that is emotional, intelligent, and hard to put down.

[Mary Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. This book surprised me in the best way. The writing is sharp, the pacing is steady, and the psychological tension keeps building as the story unfolds. Gene is a deeply human character, and his journey felt authentic and emotional.

[Jim Breyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. This book pulled me in quickly and kept my attention throughout. The psychological elements were strong, and the story felt both intense and relatable.

[Charlotte Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. This book pulled me in quickly and kept my attention throughout. The psychological elements were strong, and the story felt both intense and relatable.

[Amanda Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. This was a unique and compelling novel with a fresh premise. The author does an excellent job balancing suspense with emotional storytelling

[Athena Donalds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. Incorrect is one of those books that stays in your mind long after finishing it. The themes of desperation, hope, and human connection were handled beautifully.

[Mary Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. I really enjoyed how layered this story was. It explores loneliness, survival, and modern dependence on technology in a meaningful way.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. Steven Marks delivers a fascinating story that blends psychological depth with social commentary. The concept of a chatbot knowing someone better than they know themselves was incredibly intriguing.

[Anayah Navarrete Castellanos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the arc copy. It was really good. I can't wait to see what other people will say.