Robert Royal Poff's Borderline begins with a hauntingly vivid scene that immediately plunges readers into a world of loneliness and internal conflict. The protagonist, Atari, trudges through the rain, his figure obscured by darkness and uncertainty, setting a mood of eerie isolation. The opening scene, described with striking detail, captures the essence of Atari’s emotional state: weighed down by abandonment and struggling to find clarity. This haunting visual of him wandering aimlessly mirrors his internal turmoil, establishing the tone for a journey filled with desperation and self-discovery.

Atari’s confrontation with his ex, Wakley, in the opening chapter reveals his deep-rooted fear of being alone. This interaction sets the emotional stakes of the novel. Wakley’s rejection feels not just like a breakup but a brutal shattering of Atari’s identity and sense of worth. The dialogue is raw, capturing the painful dynamics of a relationship unraveling, while Atari’s vulnerability is palpable. The portrayal of his desperation—his need to cling to something that’s already slipping away—immediately hooks readers, making us sympathize with his emotional turmoil.

Poff crafts a story that deftly blends elements of psychological drama with supernatural intrigue. The book’s central premise revolves around Atari’s discovery of an enigmatic pill that offers him a disturbing vision of the future. As he sees his ex, Wakley, in danger, the narrative shifts into a high-stakes race against time, where Atari attempts to change destiny itself. This blend of mental anguish and suspense builds tension as Atari wrestles with his responsibility to save not only Wakley but also himself and his friends.

The character development is one of the strongest aspects of Borderline. Atari, consumed by his heartbreak and guilt, is an imperfect protagonist whose decisions often stem from impulsivity. His vulnerability, coupled with his desperation to rewrite the future, makes his journey both painful and compelling to follow. The side characters—particularly Trigger, who serves as a confidant of sorts—add further depth, as they are drawn into Atari’s chaotic attempts to prevent the tragic future he foresees.

Poff’s plot structure effectively balances moments of introspection with fast-paced action, as Atari’s reality begins to spiral out of control. The story plays with the concept of fate and self-determination, constantly asking the question: What lengths would someone go to in order to alter the future?

Overall, Borderline masterfully weaves together a narrative of love, loss, and the terrifying implications of trying to change destiny. Robert Royal Poff’s sharp prose, well-drawn characters, and gripping premise make this novel a thought-provoking and emotional journey from beginning to end. Atari’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of human emotions and the dangers of dwelling in the past while fighting against the inevitable.

This is a very disturbing, intense, and horrific psychological horror novel, and I really enjoyed it. To be honest, after the first few pages, I began to think that it may be a DNF. There was a great deal of descriptive prose, almost to the point of being overdone, but it doesn't take long before you realize the author is setting you up beautifully with mood and atmosphere. Mr. Poff perfectly weaves this tale between mental illness and horror and, by the end, you don't know which is scarier. I read this in one day, the majority of which was read last night, when i couldn't put it down until it was done. Atari, the main protagonist, suffers from BPD, and the journey he and his friends are on may be too much for some readers. But, otherwise, this is a very strong piece of horror that I totally recommend.