In Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory, Yaroslav Barsukov takes us on an evocative journey that explores the complexity of memory, truth, and conscience. Set in a world defined by a towering structure, political intrigue, and an undercurrent of myth, the novel follows Shea Ashcroft as he grapples with his past choices while striving to complete his exile task of overseeing a monumental defensive tower. The book offers an intense exploration of disinformation, redemption, and the human condition through a beautifully written blend of science fiction, fantasy, and noir.
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When lies become truths and
two kingdoms’ head to a bloody war,
a man is exiled for his conscienceRefusing the queen’s order to gas a crowd of protesters, Minister Shea Ashcroft is banished to the border to oversee construction of the biggest defensive tower in history. However, the use of advanced technology taken from refugees makes the tower volatile and dangerous, becoming a threat to local interests. Shea has no choice but to fight the local hierarchy to ensure the construction succeeds—and to reclaim his own life.
Surviving an assassination attempt, Shea confronts his inner demons, encounters an ancient legend, and discovers a portal to a dead world—all the while struggling to stay true to his own principles and maintain his sanity. Fighting memories and hallucinations, he starts to question everything…
Shea Ashcroft is the moral centre of the novel, an exiled Minister who must navigate the treacherous political world of Owenberg after defying the queen’s orders to gas a crowd of protesters. Shea’s arc is compelling, as it is not just about physical survival but also about the confrontation with his own failures and a desperate attempt at redemption. Shea’s relationship with his sister, told through vivid flashbacks, adds depth to his character, and his interactions with new characters in Owenberg reveals his vulnerability and determination.
Brielle, the head engineer on the doomed Tower project, brings to life the idea of ambition versus consequence. Brielle’s struggle to see the tower completed despite the numerous obstacles she faces and her own personal fears is mirrored by her encounters in a mysterious parallel world. The trials she faces there are a manifestation of her inner turmoil, an evocative metaphor for how she deals with her perceived failures.
Lena, a Drakiri refugee, provides insight into the cultural differences and the deep scars left by human exploitation of her people. The Drakiri are a displaced community, stripped of a home and facing persecution. Lena’s story paints a raw and poignant picture of the refugee experience – highlighting their struggles and resilience amidst the backdrop of political tension.
The central focus of Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory revolves around the Tower in Owenberg – a construction project shrouded in danger, secrets, and political tension. As Shea oversees the construction, he encounters hostility from Owenberg’s Duke, who views his interference as an unwanted challenge. The looming threat of war adds urgency to Shea’s mission, and the narrative blends personal stakes with broader political unrest.
The novel also introduces a mysterious parallel world, featuring a second tower shrouded in myth and legend. Brielle and Shea both experience this world, facing trials that reveal their deepest fears and motivations. The parallel world enriches the narrative with an almost mythical quality, touching on themes of redemption, legacy, and confronting one’s demons.
The novel’s romantic subplot is delicate yet charged with raw emotion, particularly between Shea and another character. This romance, set against the bleak backdrop of politics and myth, brings moments of tenderness and helps to humanise the characters as they grapple with monumental decisions.
Barsukov’s writing style is a remarkable blend of moody, fast-paced storytelling and vivid, poetic imagery. The atmosphere he creates is at times almost dystopian, with the dark, towering structures reflecting the weight of the challenges faced by the characters. The flashbacks add a dreamlike quality, blurring the boundaries between memory and reality. The parallel tower, in particular, is described in such intricate detail that readers are easily transported into its haunting beauty.
The juxtaposition of these dreamlike sequences against the stark political realities of Shea’s mission creates a narrative rhythm that is both disorienting and compelling. This serves to reinforce the fragile nature of memory and the conflict between reality and illusion.
A major theme of the book is the manipulation of truth through disinformation and propaganda. The novel reveals how easily a narrative can be used to justify atrocities, reflecting on the consequences of ignoring evil and blindly following authority. Shea’s journey is as much about battling the lies fed to him by those in power as it is about personal redemption.
The symbolism of the towers – reaching skyward but fundamentally flawed – evokes themes reminiscent of the Tower of Babel, exploring hubris, ambition, and the pursuit of power. The Drakiri refugee subplot touches on the plight of displaced communities, bringing a powerful commentary on immigration and how societies treat the “other.”
Another significant theme is the ambiguity of truth and memory – how much of what we remember is real, and how much is simply a narrative we’ve constructed to live with ourselves. This philosophical exploration permeates Shea’s journey as he tries to understand what is real, what is illusion, and what his place in this fractured world truly is.
Positives of Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory
- Rich, evocative world-building that feels alive and deeply immersive.
- Complex characters whose personal journeys intersect beautifully with broader political and mythological elements.
- Themes of memory, disinformation, and redemption are explored thoughtfully and with real depth.
- A unique blend of genres – fantasy, sci-fi, and noir – that gives the novel an original, unpredictable feel.
- The parallel world/tower offers an imaginative, almost allegorical layer that adds richness to the character arcs.
Negatives of Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory
- The abundance of perspectives and shifts between timelines can make the narrative occasionally disjointed.
- Some of the political elements could have used deeper exploration to better understand motivations of secondary characters like the Duke.
- The ambitious scope of the novel may make it challenging for readers looking for a straightforward, linear plot.
Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory by Yaroslav Barsukov is an ambitious, thought-provoking novel that blends the best of science fiction, fantasy, and philosophical exploration. With complex characters, a richly textured world, and poignant reflections on memory, truth, and redemption, Barsukov invites readers into an unforgettable journey. Though the novel’s structure and themes may challenge some readers, those who appreciate multi-layered storytelling will find it immensely rewarding.
If you are drawn to intricate plots, ambiguous truths, and character-driven narratives with a philosophical edge, this book is a must-read. It’s not just about building a tower – it’s about confronting the lies we tell ourselves, the legacy we leave behind, and the courage it takes to seek redemption in a fractured world.
I received Sleeping Worlds Have No Memrories by Yarslav Barsukov from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review
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Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory by Yaroslav Barsukov 📚 A Tower that blends Dreams, Fantasy and Sci-Fi 👀 | Uptown Oracle
In Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory, Yaroslav Barsukov takes us on an evocative journey that explores the complexity of memory, truth, and conscience. Set in a world defined by a towering structure, political intrigue, and an undercurrent of myth, the novel follows Shea Ashcroft as he grapples with his past choices while striving to complete his exile task of overseeing a monumental defensive tower. The book offers an intense exploration of disinformation, redemption, and the human condition through a beautifully written blend of science fiction, fantasy, and noir.
URL: https://amzn.to/3NQNf9m
Author: Yaroslav Barsukov
3.98
