The Hotel Coma by B. Zamanian tells the story of a bold and unsettling experiment that promises rest in its most extreme form. Set in a near-future world burdened by mental exhaustion, it begins with Mr. Armstrong, a wealthy and enigmatic figure, proposing a luxury retreat where participants can undergo an induced sleep or controlled coma as a way to escape daily pressures. With a mix of legal maneuvering, scientific ambition, and quiet desperation, the project becomes a reality. Volunteers are chosen from all walks of life: a factory worker, a social media influencer, a priest, a nurse, and more. Each character arrives with personal reasons for stepping away from their life, and as they enter the sterile but strangely peaceful space known as The Silence Hotel, the line between escape and healing begins to blur. What starts as a sleep trial turns into a much deeper exploration of memory, identity, and whether rest can truly offer redemption. As the days pass, secrets come to light, and connections, both past and present, emerge in unexpected ways.

I was intrigued by the title, The Hotel Coma, and wondered what it could be about. I wasn’t disappointed. Reading B. Zamanian’s book felt like slipping into a dream and then waking up with more questions than answers. I was drawn in by the idea of people choosing to disappear quietly, and I appreciated how the story focused on their internal lives just as much as the science behind the project. Each character felt believable and layered, especially Noah and Tina. I found myself connecting with Noah’s journey of being a priest who constantly listens to the pain and struggles of others, which must be exhausting, and it made sense that he’d seek a moment of silence for himself. His story stayed with me. I also liked that The Hotel Coma doesn’t wrap everything up neatly. Some characters wake up, others don’t. Relationships are unresolved. The book leaves you asking thoughtful, even uncomfortable, questions: What are we really escaping from when we try to rest? What happens if we come back unchanged—or worse, unchanged but still aware? I found that open-ended feeling interesting and realistic. Life doesn’t always offer closure; this story mirrors that without being cynical. The writing has a calm, observant tone, and while the pace is gentle, it kept my attention. The Hotel Coma is quiet but powerful, making me think about rest, identity, and silence in ways I didn’t expect. It’s the kind of story that lingers.

The Hotel Coma by Babak Zamanian is a speculative short story that follows twelve participants, including Tina, Noah, Lexie, Paul, Hector, Nora, and Tony, who undergo an experimental sleep trial using a compound called Hybernex, overseen by Mr. Armstrong and Professor Newman. Each is placed in a facility called The Silence Hotel, where they enter a controlled hibernation-like state for up to ten days. As some participants awaken early due to receiving placebos, relationships and hidden connections emerge. When one suffers a medical emergency, another stays behind, rattling someone close to them. Meanwhile, others awaken, face medical evaluations, and deal with the aftermath of the procedure, and unexplained health issues among some participants. Professor Newman closely monitors developments, attempting to manage the project's fallout amid rising complications and unanswered questions.

The Hotel Coma: A Story Between Sleep and Silence by Babak Zamanian offers a unique premise that effectively blends science and a carefully paced deep dive into the human experience in an extraordinary setting. The writing is simple and straightforward. Zamanian is fluid in the technical explanations, such as the use of Hybernex and Biostatic Flotation Beds, which makes what could have otherwise been complicated accessible to all readers. The story’s structure and subtle shifts in perspective allow the characters, who they are, and their motivations, as well as those running the experiment and facility, to develop organically. Zamanian’s style invites readers to think about identity and isolation within the context of the story, without overt exposition, with believable responses and the inevitable failures and impact. Overall, this is a thoughtful and well-executed narrative that stays focused on its singular concept. Recommended.

What if you were offered thousands of dollars for something as simple as a good, long sleep? While that might sound like a dream come true, the reality could be far more complex. The Hotel Coma by Babak Zamanian is the intriguing story of a wealthy businessman named Mr. Armstrong, who has devised a plan to induce a controlled coma. This procedure allows individuals to sleep away their stress and life problems, ultimately feeling reborn. In exchange for participating in this groundbreaking experiment, Mr. Armstrong promises participants not only a hefty cash reward but also life insurance just in case things don't go as planned. It's an offer too tantalizing to resist for those yearning for a fresh start. Each participant has their own motives for joining the experiment. But what is the true intention behind this idea? Will the participants' expectations be fulfilled? This captivating story takes you to a new level of suspense.

The Hotel Coma explores themes such as human desires and insatiable wants, greed and selfishness, power and money, passion and love, science and faith, motivation, and the essence of life. Babak Zamanian delves into the complexities of human existence, highlighting our many needs while emphasising the beauty of simplicity, such as resting, spending meaningful moments with friends and family, practicing self-love, and letting go of the past to embrace the future. I appreciate how each character embodies the challenges of society, from seeking validation through social media to the pressure of not disappointing loved ones. The story shows the bravery it takes to embrace one’s true self, navigate family dynamics, and pursue power and wealth. The detailed descriptions of scientific concepts made the narrative vivid. The twists in the storyline were captivating, and the imagery and creativity were exceptional. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an engaging read.