Review by NetMassimo -- Worldlines by Adam Guest

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 01 Jul 2020, 03:51

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Worldlines by Adam Guest is based on the idea that a potentially infinite number of parallel universes exist. In one universe, Gary Jackson is a student who almost gets hit by a lorry and goes on with his life getting romantically involved with Michelle. In another universe, Gary gets hit by a lorry suffering serious physical and psychological consequences, but after some years he turns his life around and gets romantically involved with Sinead. Things seem to finally get well for this version of Gary when he has an incredibly vivid dream in which he's at a party with Michelle and kills her.

The concept of different realities existing side by side can be found already in some ancient philosophical and mythological works. More recently, parallel universes forming what's called a multiverse have become a classic theme in science fiction. With the development of quantum physics, the Many Worlds Interpretation became a hypothesis backed up by scientific concepts, though no one has been able to verify it experimentally. Those are complex concepts, luckily the basics can be explained in simple terms, so you don't have to worry about not having a Ph.D. in physics to understand them.

Adam Guest used the idea of parallel universes to tell the alternative stories of two versions of Gary Jackson after a divergence that follows what for one of them is an accident in which he gets hit by a lorry. After a few years, the lives of those two young men have become very different, but they don't remain separated. The author used the real concept of lucid dreams, in which a person is aware he/she is dreaming and can even take control of those dreams. The author added the fictional idea that lucid dreams can allow people to extend their conscience to a parallel universe.

On those premises, Adam Guest developed a thought-provoking story that shows how an event can change a person's life while imagining that alternate realities can get intertwined. The novel's start is quite slow because the author created a sort of baseline for the storylines he developed, then the pace accelerates and a lot of things happen with many twists.

This is the kind of novel that needs the reader's attention because following the stories of the different versions of Gary Jackson can be complicated. There's a point in which the author started labeling the chapters to help the reader understand in which universe it's set.

In my opinion, the novel has two little flaws. The first flaw is in the beginning, when Adam Guest adds a lot of information about Gary Jackson, his family, and his friends. In this case, I felt that some information might have been added later. The second flaw is in some events that are similar in different realities, so they become a bit repetitive. In particular, that happens with the meetings with professor Leyton Buzzard, the expert in quantum physics.

I think that the novel's merits outweigh its flaws. The recount of the consequences of Gary Jackson's actions was in my opinion the most intriguing element of this novel. Adam Guest skillfully exploited the divergence between two versions of the protagonist showing the differences that emerged. After the first chapters, it becomes easy to recognize Gary's version by his behavior and mood.

The novel contains some profanities and some mildly erotic situations. There are a few grammar and punctuation errors, but they had no real impact on my enjoyment. I found this novel brilliant, so my rating is 4 out of 4 stars. There's a lot of food for thought in Worldlines concerning the influence of events on a person's life and the importance of a person's reaction to those events. If you're interested in this kind of speculative fiction, I strongly recommend reading it.

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Worldlines
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Kanda_theGreat · Post by **Kanda_theGreat** » 02 Jul 2020, 12:56

I'm currently reading this book and honestly, I'm really enjoyed the possibilities of infinite worldlines.
Great review!

Nerea · Post by **Nerea** » 02 Jul 2020, 14:54

I agree. Attention is needed when reading the book, otherwise, it would be difficult to get the concept clearly. I liked how the author illustrated the many world stuffs using the law of physics and other scientific theory. I enjoyed reading the book as well. That was an incredible review.

Elvis Best · Post by **Elvis Best** » 02 Jul 2020, 15:17

I find the concept of parallel universes very intriguing. I wonder if it didn't get confusing to read different time lines in the book. Great review!

jenny delacruz · Post by **jenny delacruz** » 03 Jul 2020, 01:08

I really love the idea of multiple universes and this books really intrigues me. Such a comprehensive review, makes me even more interested and eager to read this book.

Mutai Marshal · Post by **Mutai Marshal** » 03 Jul 2020, 01:42

I honestly love to see how people think and express their opinions. Parallel universe? Am going to check this out.
Great review

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 03 Jul 2020, 01:50

Kanda_theGreat wrote: ↑02 Jul 2020, 12:56 I'm currently reading this book and honestly, I'm really enjoyed the possibilities of infinite worldlines.
Great review!

It's a really intriguing possibility! Thank you for your appreciation!

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 03 Jul 2020, 01:51

Nerea wrote: ↑02 Jul 2020, 14:54 I agree. Attention is needed when reading the book, otherwise, it would be difficult to get the concept clearly. I liked how the author illustrated the many world stuffs using the law of physics and other scientific theory. I enjoyed reading the book as well. That was an incredible review.

Yes, the author cleverly constructed the novel. Thank you for your appreciation!

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 03 Jul 2020, 01:52

Elvis Best wrote: ↑02 Jul 2020, 15:17 I find the concept of parallel universes very intriguing. I wonder if it didn't get confusing to read different time lines in the book. Great review!

The writing helps, but you need to pay attention. Thank you for your appreciation!

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 03 Jul 2020, 01:53

jennydelacruz wrote: ↑03 Jul 2020, 01:08 I really love the idea of multiple universes and this books really intrigues me. Such a comprehensive review, makes me even more interested and eager to read this book.

It's a mind-boggling idea. Thank you for your appreciation!