The Perfect Run Review

The Perfect Run by Maxime J. Durand

"This is my world. And in my world, I cheat."

Some books are meant to be devoured, not dissected—and The Perfect Run is one of them. If you’ve ever wished for a blend of video game mechanics, superhero mayhem, and chaotic humor wrapped in a sci-fi-action package, then this book delivers all that and more.

I picked it up looking for a light, entertaining read—something to enjoy without being weighed down by heavy philosophical dilemmas or dense world-building. Instead, I found myself grinning through entire chapters, laughing at absurd situations, and rooting for a protagonist who fully embraces the insanity of his world.

At the center of it all is Ryan “Quicksave” Romano, a man whose life operates on video game logic. Whenever he dies, he respawns at his last save point, giving him infinite chances to perfect his choices, rerun his day, and manipulate reality like a speedrunner aiming for a world record. The result? A protagonist who is equal parts chaotic strategist and lovable rogue, unafraid to throw himself into the most ridiculous scenarios because he knows he can always rewind and try again.

"If you do something stupid and survive, you’ll have a great story to tell. If you die, I’ll make sure you don’t do it again."

Durand’s world is a vibrant, dystopian city where superpowers, mad scientists, and corrupt corporations collide. Imagine a setting where every street corner might hold a crime lord, a superhero, or a secret lab filled with death traps. The tone is reminiscent of The Boys, but with more irreverence, less existential dread, and a hero who is actually having fun with his powers.

And while the book leans heavily into humor and high-energy action, there’s a surprising undercurrent of loneliness beneath Quicksave’s antics. His ability to reset the day means he remembers everything, but no one remembers him. He’s essentially trapped in a world where he is both omnipotent and completely isolated—always a step ahead, but always alone.

"The worst thing about being the only person who remembers? You can never really tell someone how much they mean to you."

Yet, for all the existential weight that could bring, The Perfect Run never loses its momentum. There’s always another heist, another explosion, another ridiculous plan that somehow works out (or doesn’t, but that’s what respawning is for). Whether it’s navigating super-powered showdowns or outsmarting villains with 4D chess-level schemes, Quicksave keeps the pace fast, the dialogue sharp, and the plot twists coming.

In the end, The Perfect Run is exactly what it promises to be—a fast, funny, and cleverly crafted story that reads like a love letter to gamers, action junkies, and anyone who enjoys a protagonist who refuses to take life too seriously (even when he’s dying every few pages). It’s a joyride that reminds you that sometimes, the best part of the adventure is getting to do it all over again.