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This Never Happened
Cepik Small doesn’t belong here. Around Coney Island, he’s known as “Epic” but his life could not be less so. And no matter how hard he tries, he can’t shake the feeling that he was born in the wrong place, at the wrong time. The cocktail of drugs he takes daily doesn’t help and the face-blindness from which he suffers only adds to his feeling of isolation.
In his dreams, Epic lives in the countryside with the girl he loves. In his dreams, Epic is the cherished son of proud and ever-present parents. In his dreams, Epic is everything he was meant to be. But nobody ever lives their dreams, do they?
Just as he begins seeing a new and unorthodox therapist, Epic also meets the bold and blithe Abigail Ayr. And when a novel found on the subway begins to strangely mirror events in his own life, the mysteries of Epic Small’s dreams quickly and uncontrollably begin to unravel.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2019
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Tim Morris
7 books94 followersR. Tim Morris is a multi-genre author of 5 novels and a number of short stories.
His books range from Psychological Thrillers ("Molt"), to Literary ("The Inevitable Fall of Tommy Mueller"), to Speculative Fiction ("This Never Happened"), to Contemporary Humour ("To Be Honest"), to Dark Fantasy/Fairy Tale ("The Lost Memories of Oceans").
Morris has also edited and published an anthology of short fiction by indie authors ("More Time").
His work can also be found in Sans.Press, Fractured Mirror Publishing, Louisiana Literature, Roi Fainéant Press, Maudlin House, Cerasus Magazine, Owl Canyon Press, Full Mood Mag, Cardigan Press, and Adelaide Literary Magazine.
He lives and works in Vancouver, British Columbia.
His books range from Psychological Thrillers ("Molt"), to Literary ("The Inevitable Fall of Tommy Mueller"), to Speculative Fiction ("This Never Happened"), to Contemporary Humour ("To Be Honest"), to Dark Fantasy/Fairy Tale ("The Lost Memories of Oceans").
Morris has also edited and published an anthology of short fiction by indie authors ("More Time").
His work can also be found in Sans.Press, Fractured Mirror Publishing, Louisiana Literature, Roi Fainéant Press, Maudlin House, Cerasus Magazine, Owl Canyon Press, Full Mood Mag, Cardigan Press, and Adelaide Literary Magazine.
He lives and works in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 29, 2019
This is an amazing read, well thought out and well-written. I'm also a stickler for grammar, and I have to say that (barring the almost erratic use of commas, which comes across more quirky than anything else, adding to the wonderful strangeness of the book), the writer did a splendid job of editing, so that I found a negligible number of typos/errors in this book. Everybody who writes or reads self-published books knows how hard this is to achieve.
At first I was reading this book because of the beautiful language, which at times verges on stream of consciousness. It's raw, real, and sucks you into Epic's world, and at times you think you're right there next to him, feeling with and for him. But as the book progresses, you sense that something else is at stake, although you can't quite put your finger on it. The pace picks up, the plot unfolds taking you with it, and by now you're invested in Epic's life, and you can't put it down before you know how it plays out.
The end is cathartic. Reading the denouement, I was blown away by the literary device the author used there, which convinced me that the whole endeavour was carefully planned. I won't say more, but this book goes right up there on the favourites shelf next to some literary masterpieces.
At first I was reading this book because of the beautiful language, which at times verges on stream of consciousness. It's raw, real, and sucks you into Epic's world, and at times you think you're right there next to him, feeling with and for him. But as the book progresses, you sense that something else is at stake, although you can't quite put your finger on it. The pace picks up, the plot unfolds taking you with it, and by now you're invested in Epic's life, and you can't put it down before you know how it plays out.
The end is cathartic. Reading the denouement, I was blown away by the literary device the author used there, which convinced me that the whole endeavour was carefully planned. I won't say more, but this book goes right up there on the favourites shelf next to some literary masterpieces.
April 18, 2026
Wow. This book was a surprise for me. It’s not my normal genre, a book club pick, and I loved every minute of it. I picked up on a lot of the details that eventually strung together and loved it. I need an extended epilogue from the other side!!! Or another book!!
But seriously, this book kept me guessing what was really happening and questioning if anything was real. Highly recommend. Just go in blind!
But seriously, this book kept me guessing what was really happening and questioning if anything was real. Highly recommend. Just go in blind!
May 31, 2024
Cepik Small is the protagonist in “This Never Happened,” and he lives in Coney Island. He goes by the nickname “Epic” but there is nothing extraordinary about his life. He works at Brooklyn Whites, a laundry and linen supply company and he has always felt like an outsider, like he was born in the wrong place at the wrong time. It doesn’t help that while growing up, his mother would always tell him that he was “born ten thousand years too late to understand.” Constantly in a state of confusion and trying to find his place in the world, he is under the care of a therapist and taking copious amounts of prescription drugs. When not dreaming about a fantasy life, he tends to daydream and zone out. His life begins to change when he gets a new therapist and Abigail Ayr, a highly unusual girl, unexpectantly walks into his life. It is only after Epic finds a novel on the subway, which strangely mirrors events in his own life, that the truth behind his dreams and identity crisis becomes clear.
In “This Never Happened,” R. Tim Morris gives us an introspective view of Epic’s life by having most of the action take place in his mind. By using the unusual but refreshing 2nd person point of view, you become absorbed into the action, making it feel like someone is narrating your life. On top of everything that Epic has to deal with, he also suffers from prosopagnosia, so he can’t recall faces and his way of remembering people is to watch for behaviors or ticks that will help his memory. He is so unsure of himself and always questioning his actions, feelings, and life in general, so he lives by the mantra: Identity is not reality. The people closest to him, his co-worker Armand Bester and Abigail Ayr try to help him cope with the curveballs that life sends him but even they have ulterior motives.
I was drawn to this story due to it being a speculative fiction novel with hints of an unreliable narrator and was curious to find out what was really going on in Epic’s life. The first sentence automatically hooked me in:
I shouldn’t be here.
because it sets the general sense of confusion that Epic is experiencing and foreshadows the reality of his life. I related to his outsider mentality and sympathized with him when he regains consciousness after being knocked out and is immediately missing the “white light of unconsciousness.”
Part speculative fiction, part literary fiction, this excellent novel has elements of science fiction and is mostly character driven. The language is beautifully descriptive:
The breeze from the fan behind you catches the stark white tips of her hair, and they tease the space above her like a cat might test a bowl of sour milk with its tongue.
It plunges the reader into its complex and disorienting clutches and doesn’t let go until the final shocking chapter when the narration changes to 1st person point of view and the pieces finally come together for a satisfying ending.
Overall, “This Never Happened” is a truly unique novel that explores the themes of identity, family, death, and redemption. Some of the best books leave you pondering what you just read for days to come, and this one is no exception. The plot twists, character development, and philosophical reflections make it a must read. It is recommended for readers who enjoy character driven literary fiction, with some mystery and science fiction to keep it interesting.
At first, it’s just a ripple. Like a clear, flimsy screen blowing in the wind. Or like the surface of a nearly-still pond. But upon staring for only seconds at the anomaly, you see it more as a shadowy shimmer, stitched into nothing but the air.
In “This Never Happened,” R. Tim Morris gives us an introspective view of Epic’s life by having most of the action take place in his mind. By using the unusual but refreshing 2nd person point of view, you become absorbed into the action, making it feel like someone is narrating your life. On top of everything that Epic has to deal with, he also suffers from prosopagnosia, so he can’t recall faces and his way of remembering people is to watch for behaviors or ticks that will help his memory. He is so unsure of himself and always questioning his actions, feelings, and life in general, so he lives by the mantra: Identity is not reality. The people closest to him, his co-worker Armand Bester and Abigail Ayr try to help him cope with the curveballs that life sends him but even they have ulterior motives.
I was drawn to this story due to it being a speculative fiction novel with hints of an unreliable narrator and was curious to find out what was really going on in Epic’s life. The first sentence automatically hooked me in:
I shouldn’t be here.
because it sets the general sense of confusion that Epic is experiencing and foreshadows the reality of his life. I related to his outsider mentality and sympathized with him when he regains consciousness after being knocked out and is immediately missing the “white light of unconsciousness.”
Part speculative fiction, part literary fiction, this excellent novel has elements of science fiction and is mostly character driven. The language is beautifully descriptive:
The breeze from the fan behind you catches the stark white tips of her hair, and they tease the space above her like a cat might test a bowl of sour milk with its tongue.
It plunges the reader into its complex and disorienting clutches and doesn’t let go until the final shocking chapter when the narration changes to 1st person point of view and the pieces finally come together for a satisfying ending.
Overall, “This Never Happened” is a truly unique novel that explores the themes of identity, family, death, and redemption. Some of the best books leave you pondering what you just read for days to come, and this one is no exception. The plot twists, character development, and philosophical reflections make it a must read. It is recommended for readers who enjoy character driven literary fiction, with some mystery and science fiction to keep it interesting.
At first, it’s just a ripple. Like a clear, flimsy screen blowing in the wind. Or like the surface of a nearly-still pond. But upon staring for only seconds at the anomaly, you see it more as a shadowy shimmer, stitched into nothing but the air.
April 21, 2022
“This Never Happened” is a psychological speculative fiction novel written by R. Tim Morris about a young misfit New Yorker named Cepik Small. In addition to more mundane life difficulties (a poor relationship with his father, an ex-love, a mundane job, few friends), Cepik has prosopagnosia (face blindness) and therefore must memorize someone’s appearance quirks (like the way they wear their clothes) or risk not recognizing them, even if he has known them for years. Cepik is on a cocktail of drugs to help him stay focused on reality, which is difficult for him because he feels that he, literally, doesn’t belong in this world. His analyst has an emergency forcing Cepik to engage with a new therapist. The new “doctor” uses questionable methods and thus begins Cepik’s adventures; these include meeting Abi, a young woman with issues of her own who is mysteriously drawn to him.
Mr. Morris wrote his novel in the second person, which he pulls this off quite well; initially, it is a little confusing, but this is done on purpose and sorts itself out as the story moves along. There are some colorful side characters; a popular coworker/friend who can’t help but try to get Cepik to “improve” his social station; a whacky analyst who seems more concerned about his own mental health than Cepik’s; and Abi, the love interest, whose father works in a Coney Island “freak” show.
Mr. Morris writes well. The story develops in such a way as to keep you guessing until the end; it also keeps you hopeful that Cepik will land on his feet. This is a cerebral read but there is action and some pretty dry (and not so dry) humor as well. If you are looking for a story of a misfit finding his very unique place in the world, this novel, with a bit of sadness, humor, and grace, will fit the bill.
--T. C. Schueler, author of “22 Dutch Road”
Mr. Morris wrote his novel in the second person, which he pulls this off quite well; initially, it is a little confusing, but this is done on purpose and sorts itself out as the story moves along. There are some colorful side characters; a popular coworker/friend who can’t help but try to get Cepik to “improve” his social station; a whacky analyst who seems more concerned about his own mental health than Cepik’s; and Abi, the love interest, whose father works in a Coney Island “freak” show.
Mr. Morris writes well. The story develops in such a way as to keep you guessing until the end; it also keeps you hopeful that Cepik will land on his feet. This is a cerebral read but there is action and some pretty dry (and not so dry) humor as well. If you are looking for a story of a misfit finding his very unique place in the world, this novel, with a bit of sadness, humor, and grace, will fit the bill.
--T. C. Schueler, author of “22 Dutch Road”
May 9, 2025
An unusual one this, which is what drew me to it. It's very rare to find an example of a non-choose your own adventure or role playing book presented in the second person.
I won't lie, it was difficult going at first, and I nearly gave up halfway through the second chapter. The POV and the narrative create a sort-of disconnect, but I'm glad I stuck with it as it becomes one of the books greatest features. I must say for an oft-used POV technique it's well executed with no slips from what I could tell.
I'm not one for spoilers or long-winded synopsis passing as a review, but I will say it all pays off in the end, and the choice of such an unusual POV becomes evident.
Anyone looking for something fresh and different should check this one out.
I won't lie, it was difficult going at first, and I nearly gave up halfway through the second chapter. The POV and the narrative create a sort-of disconnect, but I'm glad I stuck with it as it becomes one of the books greatest features. I must say for an oft-used POV technique it's well executed with no slips from what I could tell.
I'm not one for spoilers or long-winded synopsis passing as a review, but I will say it all pays off in the end, and the choice of such an unusual POV becomes evident.
Anyone looking for something fresh and different should check this one out.
May 24, 2017
Morris’ first novel with Endever is a moody, atmospheric work of what is generally termed ‘speculative fiction’ these days; also called ‘literary science fiction’, it’s basically sci-fi for people who say they don’t read sci-fi. ‘This Never Happened’ is certainly not genre fare, although it has its roots firmly in noir pulp fiction; Morris is less concerned with the usual genre trappings of mainstream sci-fi/fantasy — there are no aliens or ray guns here — and more concerned with the human condition, and the effect that extraordinary circumstances can have upon ordinary people just struggling to get by.
Morris begins with possibly the most relateable premise in fiction: the question, “Why am I here?” Specifically, Cepik ‘Epic’ Small is haunted by the nagging feeling that he was born at the wrong time, in the wrong place. It’ s a simple but effective way to launch into the story, and it drives the narrative all the way through: a golden thread linking the myriad, often bizarre, experiences that befall Epic, and the eccentric cast of characters surrounding him. The book never lets go of this theme, using elements of science fiction to throw light on what is a very common facet of the human condition.
Self-doubt and self-questioning is what sets humans apart from the animals. We have the luxury (perhaps more so in developed countries) of pondering our existence and exploring our place in the universe, and the questions we ask ourselves can have positive and negative outcomes; sometimes they lead to religion, sometimes to love, sometimes to drugs, sometimes to extreme experiences, and sometimes into depression.
Morris communicates Epic’s depression with delicacy and skill; the prevailing tone of the novel is one of melancholy, reflected in the very fabric of his version of New York and the awkward interactions Epic has with the people around him. The impact of Epic’s depression is deepened by the second-person narrative viewpoint, with the reader constantly being reminded that ‘you’ are suffering, ‘you’ don’t belong, and ‘you’ aren’t sure what ‘your’ purpose in the world is.
This is not to say that ‘This Never Happened’ is a depressing read. Far from it. Morris has a streak of wicked humour in him, and his observations and similes are often laugh-out-loud funny. He revels in the bizarre and off-kilter, often pitching the reader into an instensely uncomfortable situation and twisting the screws like a literary Larry David to see how far he can go until something snaps.
The light and the dark play off each other, weaving together in a gradually emerging tapestry that unveils the story behind Epic’s life and the reason for his sense of not-belonging. Once the big reveal arrives there is something of a jarring change of tone, as if we are being catapaulted, along with Epic, into another story — but it’s entirely possible this is Morris’ intention. He certainly doesn’t want the reader to feel comfortable, constantly twisting the narrative and lobbing in seemingly portentious coincidences that turn out to be red herrings alongside the real portentious coincidences, and this can end up as frustrating. It’s probably best to strap in for the ride at the beginning, and accept whatever twists and turns Morris decides to take, because the overall journey is definitely worth the price of entry. There are plenty of “I-never-saw-that-coming” moments, and a final scene that begs more or less instant re-reading from the beginning.
How much you enjoy Morris’ writing will depend on your expectations, so allow me to set them: expect a slow-burner of a novel, crammed with detail, set in a lovingly-rendered noir version of New York City, with tight characterisation and and kick in the tail. See it through, even in the quiet stretches, and you will be rewarded.
For fans of: Philip K Dick, Douglas Adams, anything noir-flavoured, and crispy bacon.
Morris begins with possibly the most relateable premise in fiction: the question, “Why am I here?” Specifically, Cepik ‘Epic’ Small is haunted by the nagging feeling that he was born at the wrong time, in the wrong place. It’ s a simple but effective way to launch into the story, and it drives the narrative all the way through: a golden thread linking the myriad, often bizarre, experiences that befall Epic, and the eccentric cast of characters surrounding him. The book never lets go of this theme, using elements of science fiction to throw light on what is a very common facet of the human condition.
Self-doubt and self-questioning is what sets humans apart from the animals. We have the luxury (perhaps more so in developed countries) of pondering our existence and exploring our place in the universe, and the questions we ask ourselves can have positive and negative outcomes; sometimes they lead to religion, sometimes to love, sometimes to drugs, sometimes to extreme experiences, and sometimes into depression.
Morris communicates Epic’s depression with delicacy and skill; the prevailing tone of the novel is one of melancholy, reflected in the very fabric of his version of New York and the awkward interactions Epic has with the people around him. The impact of Epic’s depression is deepened by the second-person narrative viewpoint, with the reader constantly being reminded that ‘you’ are suffering, ‘you’ don’t belong, and ‘you’ aren’t sure what ‘your’ purpose in the world is.
This is not to say that ‘This Never Happened’ is a depressing read. Far from it. Morris has a streak of wicked humour in him, and his observations and similes are often laugh-out-loud funny. He revels in the bizarre and off-kilter, often pitching the reader into an instensely uncomfortable situation and twisting the screws like a literary Larry David to see how far he can go until something snaps.
The light and the dark play off each other, weaving together in a gradually emerging tapestry that unveils the story behind Epic’s life and the reason for his sense of not-belonging. Once the big reveal arrives there is something of a jarring change of tone, as if we are being catapaulted, along with Epic, into another story — but it’s entirely possible this is Morris’ intention. He certainly doesn’t want the reader to feel comfortable, constantly twisting the narrative and lobbing in seemingly portentious coincidences that turn out to be red herrings alongside the real portentious coincidences, and this can end up as frustrating. It’s probably best to strap in for the ride at the beginning, and accept whatever twists and turns Morris decides to take, because the overall journey is definitely worth the price of entry. There are plenty of “I-never-saw-that-coming” moments, and a final scene that begs more or less instant re-reading from the beginning.
How much you enjoy Morris’ writing will depend on your expectations, so allow me to set them: expect a slow-burner of a novel, crammed with detail, set in a lovingly-rendered noir version of New York City, with tight characterisation and and kick in the tail. See it through, even in the quiet stretches, and you will be rewarded.
For fans of: Philip K Dick, Douglas Adams, anything noir-flavoured, and crispy bacon.
May 8, 2020
I really enjoyed the way that this book putts along in its small story plot, set in a big city setting, with several interesting side characters to offer amusement and insight. However, with about 65 pages to go, Morris turns the plot and narrative on its head, and it is wonderful! By the end of the book, readers who can keep up with the material (although I don't think it is too difficult) will be left asking many questions about their own identity, and what their own reality actually is. More voracious readers may be left with enough justification for a second read-through. I am unsure if I will return for one, but I would not rule it out.
Honestly, I mostly just have a few technical critiques for this one. Everything else was fantastic. I'm not particularly fond of the font, and there's a conspicuous amount of empty space left unused at the bottom of each page. I also wasn't entirely on-board with the with the varying chapter length. Although there are plenty of scene breaks to pause at, I remember some chapters being as long as 35ish pages, while others were as short as 5. In regards to the "plot twist", I don't think readers will see it coming. However, upon more reflection, there are plenty of breadcrumbs left along the way for the realization. As I mentioned before, this could be incentive for a second read.
Character wise, Cepik got on my nerves. At times I found him insufferable, but by the end of the book I understood why. The book is written in 2nd person, which for me was a real change of pace. This surely worked as an advantage for the book though. I really felt like I was there, and I was able to easier connect my own life experiences with those of Cepik.
I did notice a few loose ends left unanswered. I don't really understand why Cepik continues to be friends with Barton and Reilly after they burn down his father's shoe shop. I'm willing to accept that this event creates the downward spiral for Cepik and his father, but I also think it's inexplicable that there is no mention of a civil suit, or an insurance reprieve for the family. There are also a few obscure references to WW2 (Nazis/the Third Reich/Hitler). Unlike some of the other breadcrumbs left along the way to justify the "plot twist", these ones seemed out of place, or as if they could have been capitalized on further if the book was 20 pages longer or so. It would seem possible that some of the research and technology for the "plot twist" was developed by them, but this possibility isn't elaborated upon, at least to my understanding.
Overall, it's a compelling read. The title's structure offers offers a great change of pace, and its payoff is satisfying to read and ponder upon. I'm interested to see where Morris could go with his career, and would certainly be interested in other titles in the future.
Honestly, I mostly just have a few technical critiques for this one. Everything else was fantastic. I'm not particularly fond of the font, and there's a conspicuous amount of empty space left unused at the bottom of each page. I also wasn't entirely on-board with the with the varying chapter length. Although there are plenty of scene breaks to pause at, I remember some chapters being as long as 35ish pages, while others were as short as 5. In regards to the "plot twist", I don't think readers will see it coming. However, upon more reflection, there are plenty of breadcrumbs left along the way for the realization. As I mentioned before, this could be incentive for a second read.
Character wise, Cepik got on my nerves. At times I found him insufferable, but by the end of the book I understood why. The book is written in 2nd person, which for me was a real change of pace. This surely worked as an advantage for the book though. I really felt like I was there, and I was able to easier connect my own life experiences with those of Cepik.
I did notice a few loose ends left unanswered. I don't really understand why Cepik continues to be friends with Barton and Reilly after they burn down his father's shoe shop. I'm willing to accept that this event creates the downward spiral for Cepik and his father, but I also think it's inexplicable that there is no mention of a civil suit, or an insurance reprieve for the family. There are also a few obscure references to WW2 (Nazis/the Third Reich/Hitler). Unlike some of the other breadcrumbs left along the way to justify the "plot twist", these ones seemed out of place, or as if they could have been capitalized on further if the book was 20 pages longer or so. It would seem possible that some of the research and technology for the "plot twist" was developed by them, but this possibility isn't elaborated upon, at least to my understanding.
Overall, it's a compelling read. The title's structure offers offers a great change of pace, and its payoff is satisfying to read and ponder upon. I'm interested to see where Morris could go with his career, and would certainly be interested in other titles in the future.
May 7, 2017
My favorite kind of book is one that I open to find myself falling into another world...and This Never Happened is definitely a portal into the thick of a story. The second-person narrative is one that I haven't often seen used in a novel-format, but it only added to the feeling of being in the middle of the action. I felt as if I was experiencing the main character's life in a more immediate way...and Epic leads an intensely unique life.
From the start, I was intrigued by Epic and rooting for him, even when he makes questionable decisions. He's trying to get his footing in a world that seems to continue trembling beneath his feet. He's trying to figure out who he is and where he belongs...and with every added complication, I felt the weight of his confusion and desire to find contentment. There are so many elements at play here: Epic's prosopagnosia, the compelling city-setting, memorable characters, an old book that somehow creepily reflects Epic's life, prospects of ghosts, the stretched borders of science...R. Tim Morris weaves all of this into a plot that kept me wondering what would happen next and characters for which I wished happily-ever-afters. He created this novel with such deftly-handled details and complex characters that it all became a breathing, believable world to me.
Beneath the surface of his unusual days in virtual reality, sideshow acts, unconventional counseling sessions, an UnDiner, and his own dreams...Epic is trying to a place to belong...and love to call his own. And that's a journey, I think, that we can all recognize. With all of his issues, Epic's underlying search for home unexpectedly endeared him to me.
This novel will spur you into considering the meaning of identity and the cost of living (or not living) out your dreams. It will remind you of the importance of your truest relationships. It'll surprise you with its ending and leave you wanting to know more...it may also (just to warn you ;) ) cause you to crave a few slices of bacon in an UnDiner of your own.
Open this book and fall into a new story. You'll be glad that you did.
From the start, I was intrigued by Epic and rooting for him, even when he makes questionable decisions. He's trying to get his footing in a world that seems to continue trembling beneath his feet. He's trying to figure out who he is and where he belongs...and with every added complication, I felt the weight of his confusion and desire to find contentment. There are so many elements at play here: Epic's prosopagnosia, the compelling city-setting, memorable characters, an old book that somehow creepily reflects Epic's life, prospects of ghosts, the stretched borders of science...R. Tim Morris weaves all of this into a plot that kept me wondering what would happen next and characters for which I wished happily-ever-afters. He created this novel with such deftly-handled details and complex characters that it all became a breathing, believable world to me.
Beneath the surface of his unusual days in virtual reality, sideshow acts, unconventional counseling sessions, an UnDiner, and his own dreams...Epic is trying to a place to belong...and love to call his own. And that's a journey, I think, that we can all recognize. With all of his issues, Epic's underlying search for home unexpectedly endeared him to me.
This novel will spur you into considering the meaning of identity and the cost of living (or not living) out your dreams. It will remind you of the importance of your truest relationships. It'll surprise you with its ending and leave you wanting to know more...it may also (just to warn you ;) ) cause you to crave a few slices of bacon in an UnDiner of your own.
Open this book and fall into a new story. You'll be glad that you did.
July 1, 2021
Video version of the review is here: https://youtu.be/-ArUakhFAgo
This Never Happened by Ryan Tim Morris is a new adult speculative fiction novel. It has a touch of science fiction, but Ryan uses it in a grounded and today way. Don’t expect aliens or spacecrafts. It’s a cerebral story and a slow burn.
The plot centers around a character named Cepik who also goes by Epic. His life is depressing, and he is struggling. There are themes of mental health and questions about the meaning of life all over this book, but Ryan Tim Morris handles them by injecting moments of comedy and endearment.
Two things about this book will catch your attention.
First was the use of second person (“you”). I have never seen it this much. At first, I found it strange, but it grew on me as the novel progressed. The ending made the style choice make sense.
The second thing is the ending. The last few chapters bring this story together in an unpredictable but satisfying way. Ryan did a fantastic job planning and executing some stellar twists. With an ending this good it makes everything that came before it better.
Well done. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed my novel, Someone’s Story, as This Never Happened hits many of the same notes in different ways.
5 Stars
This Never Happened by Ryan Tim Morris is a new adult speculative fiction novel. It has a touch of science fiction, but Ryan uses it in a grounded and today way. Don’t expect aliens or spacecrafts. It’s a cerebral story and a slow burn.
The plot centers around a character named Cepik who also goes by Epic. His life is depressing, and he is struggling. There are themes of mental health and questions about the meaning of life all over this book, but Ryan Tim Morris handles them by injecting moments of comedy and endearment.
Two things about this book will catch your attention.
First was the use of second person (“you”). I have never seen it this much. At first, I found it strange, but it grew on me as the novel progressed. The ending made the style choice make sense.
The second thing is the ending. The last few chapters bring this story together in an unpredictable but satisfying way. Ryan did a fantastic job planning and executing some stellar twists. With an ending this good it makes everything that came before it better.
Well done. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed my novel, Someone’s Story, as This Never Happened hits many of the same notes in different ways.
5 Stars
September 24, 2019
What I Loved:
-The 2nd person writing WORKS for this story, serves a purpose, and is done well!
-The ending was amazing. I didn’t see it coming, I enjoyed every page.
-The parallels drawn between the book Epik is reading, the play he sees, and his life were great.
-This Book would be amazing to unravel with a book group. It’s a book with layers and twists that literary experts would have a blast unraveling.
Who Should Read This One:
-Readers who enjoy literary descriptive stories but want a little mystery and intrigue will love this one.
My Rating: 5 Stars. I loved this ending and plan to someday reread this just to enjoy unraveling more!
For Full Review: https://youtu.be/IBRycKr3SHY
-The 2nd person writing WORKS for this story, serves a purpose, and is done well!
-The ending was amazing. I didn’t see it coming, I enjoyed every page.
-The parallels drawn between the book Epik is reading, the play he sees, and his life were great.
-This Book would be amazing to unravel with a book group. It’s a book with layers and twists that literary experts would have a blast unraveling.
Who Should Read This One:
-Readers who enjoy literary descriptive stories but want a little mystery and intrigue will love this one.
My Rating: 5 Stars. I loved this ending and plan to someday reread this just to enjoy unraveling more!
For Full Review: https://youtu.be/IBRycKr3SHY
November 28, 2020
Great dialogue , interesting characters and fun story.
April 29, 2023
Not good at writing reviews, but I will say that I really enjoyed reading this book. The ending is even wrapped up in a satisfying way, which I imagine is a hard thing to pull off.
March 9, 2026
Brilliant! A simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting story as we follow Epic through a turbulent time in his life. Navigates loss, remorse, identity and other heavy themes with ease in an easily accessible story that I found myself completely absorbed in. Full of unexpected twists and turns, mirroring how life oftentimes is!
May 22, 2024
This new speculative fiction novel is a splendid read. It is mostly character driven with plot twists to keep you guessing and science fiction themes. I won't spoil the ending, judge for yourself.
My Review
My Review
July 21, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed, This Never Happened. Fun piece of speculative fiction that does a great job of balancing reality with plausibility with fantasy. Love the POV and found the protagonist an engaging and likable guy (but then again, how could you not!)
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