The theme of reality versus perception is central to Lucid Lies, and Babu weaves it seamlessly throughout the narrative. As Shruti’s world unravels, so does the reader’s understanding of what is happening
Shyam Babu’s debut novel, Lucid Lies, is a fast-paced psychological thriller that explores the blurred lines between reality and illusion, dreams and nightmares. In this captivating narrative, Babu takes readers on an unforgettable journey into the mind of Shruti, a woman whose seemingly perfect life in Bangalore spirals into a nightmarish descent as her dreams begin to bleed into her waking life. What follows is a suspenseful and mind-bending experience that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
The story begins with Shruti’s move to Bangalore, hoping for a fresh start.
However, her life takes an unsettling turn when she begins experiencing vivid, lifelike dreams that feel too real to be simply figments of her imagination. These dreams are not just random visions but eerie fragments that start manifesting in her real life. Objects from her dreams appear around her, and the line between what’s real and what’s imagined begins to blur. As Shruti’s perception of reality begins to shatter, she must race against time to uncover the truth before her dreams consume her completely.
Babu excels in his portrayal of psychological depth. Shruti’s internal struggle is vividly brought to life as she grapples with her sanity, desperately trying to make sense of the bizarre events unfolding around her. The book delves deep into the fragility of the human mind, exploring how illusions, fears, and buried truths can shape and distort reality. Through Shruti’s journey, the reader is forced to question what is truly real, making the novel both intellectually stimulating and emotionally gripping.
The theme of reality versus perception is central to Lucid Lies, and Babu weaves it seamlessly throughout the narrative. As Shruti’s world unravels, so does the reader’s understanding of what is happening. Each twist and turn in the story forces us to reconsider what we thought we knew about the characters and events. The mystery that lies at the heart of the novel unfolds slowly but steadily, keeping readers hooked as they try to piece together the puzzle. The tension mounts with each chapter, and Babu’s writing is sharp and precise, ensuring that readers are never able to predict what happens next.
One of the novel’s most impressive aspects is its ability to keep readers guessing. Lucid Lies is filled with unpredictable twists that leave the reader questioning everything they’ve learned so far. Just when you think you have figured it out, another shocking revelation changes everything, keeping the suspense high throughout the book. The story moves at a rapid pace, and Babu’s sharp prose ensures that there’s never a dull moment. Every chapter adds to the mounting mystery, pulling readers deeper into Shruti’s nightmare.
Babu’s background in computer science and IT lends itself well to the novel’s intricate plotting and attention to detail. The structure of the story is complex but never convoluted, with each layer of mystery carefully peeled back to reveal something more intriguing. The novel’s unpredictability mirrors the nature of trickster movies and mind-bending thrillers that Babu admires, making it an exciting and immersive read for fans of the genre.
Lucid Lies has already achieved remarkable success, becoming a #1 bestseller on Amazon India. This early success speaks to the book’s strong narrative and widespread appeal. The novel has resonated with readers for its ability to challenge perception, offering a refreshing take on psychological thrillers. Geetika Saigal, Founder of Beeja House, praised the book’s storytelling, noting how it “grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go.” This praise is well-deserved, as Lucid Lies delivers an exhilarating ride that will keep readers thinking long after they’ve turned the final page.
Lucid Lies is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a suspenseful, thought-provoking thriller. Shyam Babu has crafted a masterful debut that challenges the boundaries of reality and perception, offering a narrative filled with shocking twists, psychological depth, and a mystery that will leave readers captivated until the very end. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Lucid Lies is the perfect choice. Lucid Lies is available for purchase in paperback and ebook on Amazon.
