The Persistence of Memory: Déjà Vu by Karen Janowsky

Any story centered around missing memories provides endless fodder for exploration and wonder, as is proven all too well in The Persistence of Memory Book 1: Déjà Vu by Karen Janowsky. When two attractive, mysterious and “forgetful” protagonists collide, sparks are sure to follow, and here, Daniel Hecht and Nina Asher are those two unstoppable forces.

Romance and mystery fuse in this supernatural thriller that is perfectly timed for the tastes of today’s readers, but also touches on classic themes in multiple genres. The fast-paced scenes of adventure and discovery are balanced with the expository and personal explorations of the time period – along with anecdotal scenes from the characters’ murky past.

The title of this series, The Persistence of Memory, is a bold choice, but while the prose does not reach the realm of literary fiction, there are flashes of brilliance in the writing. Janowsky pays attention to small details, which are so important to a romance – clever details of physical contact that say so much, or the heavy weight of glances across a room. It is this beauty in the prose that carries the book, even with a riveting story and unique take on the superhero genre.

The main issue with the book may be the cover, which leans too far to romance and not enough to fantasy. That criticism aside, Janowsky has delivered a delicately penned and impactful start to what should be a fascinating series.