I first came across Fragmented after seeing the author post about it online. The blurb immediately caught my attention, and the cover art by Böcklin sealed the deal. Between the title, the author’s name, and the eerie cover, I had a feeling this book would carry a certain Russian soul—and imagine my delight when I opened it to find a quote from Dostoevsky.

Andy Giles is drowning. His passion for teaching has faded into routine, and his marriage is crumbling under the weight of his wife’s suspected affair. So when a mysterious stranger invites him to Ralph’s—a private club that offers an escape from reality—Andy jumps at the chance to reinvent himself. Behind a mask, he becomes Hannya, throwing himself into reckless nights of hedonism. But what starts as a thrilling escape quickly turns sinister, forcing Andy to confront just how much of himself he’s willing to lose in pursuit of freedom.

I don’t know what it says about me, but I love a book where the protagonist slowly descends into madness. If you’re the same and enjoy that paired with a secret society backdrop, then this is the book for you. Andy’s transformation from a dull, disillusioned teacher into something far darker is both compelling and unsettling, pulling the reader into his unraveling psyche.

After reading a few other reviews, I have to disagree with the confusion surrounding Red’s character. There are key moments that make certain aspects of Red’s identity blaringly obvious in hindsight, and when the reveal happens, it all clicks into place. Another standout for me was the use of masks—both literally and metaphorically. The Hannya mask, in particular, was a perfect choice for Andy, tying into his character arc and the themes of the book beautifully. It made me wonder if all the masks held deeper meanings.

Overall, I really enjoyed Fragmented. It was an instant hit for me, but I do think it will appeal more to readers who enjoy literary depth over those looking for a straightforward thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and Hanabi Press for the early eARC—I’ll definitely be looking into Alex Mura’s other work.