First published 1987
Lew Nichols works as an administrative assistant to the mayor of New York City as the twentieth century draws to its close. His specialty lies in stochastic prediction, using mathematical models to forecast probable outcomes. When Martin Carvajal enters his life, everything changes. Under Carvajal's guidance, Nichols discovers he can develop abilities far beyond statistical analysis. He begins to see the future itself, not as probability but as fixed destiny. The visions show him what must happen, what cannot be altered or avoided. Nichols struggles with this terrible gift as he watches events unfold exactly as foreseen. He faces the crushing weight of knowing outcomes while being powerless to change them. The story explores whether knowledge of an ineluctable future becomes a blessing or a curse, and what it means to live when choice itself becomes an illusion.
Genres: science-fiction, literary-fiction, fantasy, thriller
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fate-vs-free-will, precognition
Setting: New York City
Period: 20th Century
240 pages · Paperback · Grand Central Pub