Review by Charlyt -- Worldlines by Adam Guest

[Charlyn Tuzon]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Worldlines" by Adam Guest.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Having multiple Worldlines is a complex theory wherein many branches of possibilities could stem from a single event. An individual may exist in a different Worldline without knowing about its other self. At the same time, this same person may have a different job, relationship, or physical capability from its other self. This is the concept that the science-fiction novel Worldlines: A Many Worlds Novel, written by Adam Guest, explores.

Gary Jackson is a university science student who had a near death experience a few years ago. He was crossing the street in front of an incoming lorry when his pen dropped on the road, causing him to stop and pick it up before nearly getting run over. However, Professor Buzzard, his physics professor, would argue that another Gary Jackson, from another Worldline, did die. Fast forward to Gary's bestfriend, Sinead, birthday party, his girlfriend, Michelle, and him are about to get dessert from the buffet table when Gary suddenly acts as if he is being possessed by another person. This incident will serve as another significant point wherein multiple possible outcomes are being played out in different Worldlines.

The narrative is written in the first-person perspective of Gary which, I think, makes it easier to understand. The story explores a total of four Worldlines which the author labels as Blue, Black, Red, and Green Lines. It is written at the start of the chapter which Line the next few chapters the story will be coming from. I found this to be helpful as it can be confusing switching from one Worldline to another. The plot itself is very interesting, and what I like is that it sets its focus on only one significant incident and its consequences which makes the story seem fast-paced. The theory of Worldlines can also seem complicated but the book gives an explanation that is comprehensive and easy to grasp even when having science-related dialogues.

Since the story explores different Worldlines, some incidents or descriptions are the same for all the Lines. Because of this, the author would sometimes reiterate a whole paragraph or more, word for word, in different Worldlines. I found it amusing at first, but after the third repeat, I wished that it was written a bit differently or was, at least, shortened somehow. The story also pushes its plot convenience wherein certain characters, that are convenient to keep the plot afloat, seem readily available. However, I think the nicely written storyline makes up for this.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The well-written narrative made the story flow smoothly even when alternating in-between Worldlines. The book also seemed professionally edited since I didn't find any errors. I didn't find a hard enough reason to deduct a star. The book did contain curse words but no sexual scenes. I would recommend this to those who like science-fiction novels, especially those that explore the possibilities of having multiple worlds, but not to readers who do not want to read about science-related stories.

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Worldlines
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[Sanju Lali]

An individual existing in many different Worldlines without knowing about its other self in the different worlds looks quite interesting to me. Thanks for your insightful review.

[Mariana Figueira]

I agree, this is a fantastic book. Thank you for the great review

[ANSHIKA NAVIN]

Sounds like an interesting plot. Will surely read it. Thanks for the great review.