The Gap: A thought-provoking speculative thriller, set in a dystopian corporate nightmare.

by Steve Frogley

308 pages, Paperback

Published July 17, 2026

About the author

Steve is an English writer of contemporary fiction. He writes speculative thrillers with original themes.

His first novel, The Path of Good Response, was originally published in 2020. It will shortly be republished by Heptagon Books, along with a sequel, The Gap.

Reviews

[Fatguyreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gap is the sequel to The Path of Good Response and having read the latter previously, I had a good idea of what to expect, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. I'd say it would definitely be better to read the first book before starting this as you'll miss out on the background and story forming if not.

So, we're back in the murky, dark world of Schelldhardt, the largest corporation in the world, still absolutely hell bent on world domination, with The Friary institution opposing them.

This time we follow Lana, who's sister worked for Schelldhardt disappeared, but inexplicably disappeared. So Lana must do all she can to get to the bottom of her mysterious disaprance.

Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.

So all in all, an enjoyable dystopian thriller read full of twist after twist and turn after turn, with a storyline that's engaging and held my attention from start to finish.

With a varied cast of characters that each felt real and were believable, I read this in three sittings.

4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.

[Sara-Jane Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the gripping sequel to The Path of Good Response and it did not disappoint. Reading book one first, is definitely essential as it gives you the background on Schellhardt and we are reunited with Joe Massey.

I loved the concept of The Gap. It had a very Black Mirroresque vibe to it, a super rich company trying to conquer the world and creepy technology not to far from the realm of possibility that causes devastation and leaves you feeling a bit terrified of what’s to come in the future.

I really felt for Lana, she’s desperate to find her sister Grace and I loved that she turned to Joe for help. The stakes are high, time is running out and the enemy seem unstoppable.

This book was tense, thrilling and full of danger at every turn. It kept my attention throughout and threw in some twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. I really hope that there is going to be a third book. I don’t trust that ending and need to know what happens next.

Overall, I rate this 4⭐️

[Ryan Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gap is the sequel to The Path of Good Response which I recently read and reviewed (check my grid if you missed it) and it did not disappoint.

I get slightly nervous reading a sequel when I loved the first book as often, they don’t land the same. However, I had no reason to be nervous at all. The Gap is another gripping, entertaining, and terrifying read!

Following on from book 1, the largest company in the world, Schelldhardt have ramped up their efforts for world domination in ways I did not think possible!

The Gap is so well written, the plot is fascinating, intricate, exciting and horrifying with a great mix of characters!

Another highly thought-provoking speculative dystopian corporate thriller which I throughly enjoyed!

I would recommend this 2 book series to everyone!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a follow up to The Path of Good Response. The same company, some familiar characters but on the whole a new storyline following a different protagonist.

Like the previous book, it's a unique read. One that sucks you into this dystopian nightmare. I found that I needed to focus to fully follow the story. It's one that makes you think and really reels you in. I couldn't have predicted what turns the story was going to take.

A really interesting, original read.