Official Review: The Futility of Vengeance by Adam Guest
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Re: Official Review: The Futility of Vengeance by Adam Guest
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A standout strength of the review lies in the clear appreciation for narrative coherence. Despite the complex “Many Worlds” concept, the reviewer commends the author for maintaining continuity across timelines—a crucial point for potential readers wary of confusion in multiverse fiction. The emotional engagement, especially the empathetic response to Sinead’s repeated grief, is also handled thoughtfully.
While the review praises the novel's coherence across timelines, it briefly mentions the repetition of certain scenes without delving into their impact on the narrative's pacing and emotional resonance. For instance, the scene where Sinead learns of her mother's death is depicted multiple times, each in different timelines. Although this repetition underscores the multiverse concept, it may lead to emotional fatigue for readers, as the repeated grief can diminish its poignancy. A more in-depth analysis of how these recurring scenes affect the story's rhythm and the reader's engagement would provide a more balanced critique.
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One Gary has been convicted and imprisoned, stewing in resentment and growing obsessed with lucid dreaming as a means to cross into other realities. Another walks free, but his life is far from peaceful—hounded by media, haunted by guilt, and ostracized by those who believe he escaped justice. Both versions grapple with vengeance in uniquely psychological ways, blurring the line between dream and reality.
Guest masterfully uses the concept of parallel world lines to highlight how a single decision can reshape a life. The characters are well-differentiated—even the various "Garys" feel like distinct individuals with unique motives and internal conflicts. The lucid dreaming element adds a cerebral layer, offering both a philosophical and metaphysical lens through which revenge and justice are examined.
However, the complexity of the multiple timelines can become a bit overwhelming, especially if the reader hasn't read World lines first. This sequel assumes familiarity with the original and wastes little time recapping prior events, which may make it harder for new readers to fully engage.
Still, The Futility of Vengeance is a smart, thought-provoking thriller that blends speculative science with deep emotional stakes. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy mind-bending plots, ethical quandaries, and stories where the lines between reality and possibility are constantly shifting.
I really highly recommended for fans of multiverse fiction and psychological thrillers but be sure to start with World lines first.
Bridget Mukusa