Unparalleled

I feel bad writing a negative review of this book. I actually wasn't going to, but then I felt a duty to to prevent another poor souls, such as myself, being misled by the overwhelming positive reviews of this book.The premise is not particularly unique and is quite obvious, but that doesn't mean this couldn't have been a thrilling sci-fi thriller. Sadly, for me I found to be anything but that. It felt deeply pedestrian and dull, to the point that I started skimming paragraphs because it was just frivolous text. There was a lot that didn't add anything to the story, and the stuff that did just didn't 'pop'.I think this might be the writing. There certainly were a number of typos in it, as well as odd/incorrect formatting. I thought that dialogue from seperate characters should be on different lines? The sentences also were all kind of bland and oddly rigid. Just an odd example that struck me throughout, everytime two characters speak they always use the person's name. I don't know anyone who speaks like this.Anyways, I'm not going to carry on being negative, I think I've made my point. Based on what I read prior to buying this ( review wise) I thought I was in for a top quality sci-fi novel, but what I got was a mediocre novel.To be fair, I certainly couldn't write a book half as good as this, but then this author hasn't a written a book half as good as most of the other books by established authors in the genre

I picked this book up because of the vast number of rave reviews. I don't read SciFi (well at least not since my teens which were a long time ago!) but was relieved to find that the SciFi elements are not StarTrek or StarWars, but scientific imagination. I believe that the idea of parallel universes isn't original (and I recall a series called Sliders), but this tale is first and foremost a cracking thriller and the science is exceptionally well explained to the point of realism. By the way, I should know since I am a Physicist in my real life.The story opens with Stuart Milton waking up in a house he doesn't recognise. And it soon transpires that it's a life he doesn't recognise. Initially his psychiatrist, Catherine, tries to deal with his mental health issue, but as puzzle pieces fall into place, she begins to believe him. They meet in Oxford where a scientific unit are trying to tap into the phenomenon for the benefit of mankind. As you'd expect from a thriller, there's another group who has less than honourable intentions.The excitement builds with Stuart hoping to return to his universe and the bad guys closing in. And it wraps up with a dramatic climax that left me breathless. It reminded me of a blockbuster like Independence Day or Minority Report and I can see this being made into a film.Throughout the book, I kept finding holes in the plot, but later discovered the author explained them. If this was intentional, it was a clever ploy, leaving me very impressed with both the construction of the narrative and the explained science.My only real criticism was of the antagonists, Lin Lee and Bruce. I found their chapters longer than I would have liked and mainly because I didn't warm to them as characters. I guess you could say they were a little too 2 dimensional.However overall, I was a gripping and mind warping read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers (rather than SciFi) - although you probably need to enjoy the science too. Definitely five black daggers... daggers... daggers (ad infinitum) from me.

Fabulous read.I saw this book won the discovered novel award and thought I’d give it a go. I wasn’t sure what to expect but this really did take me on a journey. I found the action sequences fast paced and well described to the point I almost felt like I was watching a film.The characters were all interesting from Stuart to Catherine and of course Terry, the heavy security/gourmet chef. The science and theories were slightly above my understanding but wasn’t a bore reading it and did make sense.I’m now left wanting more and I hope there will be. I encourage anyone who reads this review to pick this book up and give it a go, you will not be disappointed.Wonderfully entertaining.

A truly great read where the main character Stuart wakes up to find himself in a world where nothing seems to make any sense. His pregnant wife is nowhere to be seen and his brother David is completely baffled by his behaviour. A gripping sci-fi read from start to finish that takes in murder, kidnapping & parallel universes. I thoroughly recommend this book.

Sorry to say I really did not enjoy this book. I wanted to, but really struggled the reason why is because it's not a original idea. I have read so many books that basically tells the same story. I've recently read a book before this one where they done the same thing but by using a watch instead of a machine and both books relates to cancer and 2nd chances. The most disappointing aspect of this book is the characterization. The charactors are all one dimensional . There is no depth and felt no connection what so ever. I didn't care if they made it or die. The book was boring and predictable. Also their are so many typos throughout the book. The author needs to use his imagination and come up with new ideas. I read a lot of books and one thing I find difficult these days is that authors lack imagination and basically repeat stories with a slight change.

Great story, skimmed over a few of the science bits but disappointing to come across several incorrect words. Almost like the book was spellchecked but not actually proof read.

The concept was good and the action moved along at a good pace but the typos and missing words were a distraction and kind of spoiled it.

I heard about this novel - and preordered it to read on my summer holiday. Actually the first modern novel I’d read in many years, and loved it! After reading the opening parts of the story I couldn’t put the book down so as to find out what the hell was going on with Stuart.. Got ‘sucked in’ to the storyline - and felt like a new series of Black Mirror was unfolding before my eyes. A well thought-out story of near-future intrigue, can’t wait for the sequel :-)