Waking up in a strange house, with no memory of how or why he is there, Stuart Milton finds his life has changed beyond recognition. His pregnant wife is missing, but his only living relative, his brother, is incapable of substantiating his claim. Lost in a world of confusion that is spiralling out of his control, Stuart finds temporary salvation in a psychiatrist assigned to his case. Meanwhile, … Meanwhile, peculiar events across the world lead a team of Oxford scientists to develop top secret technology that will change the future of humanity. Betrayed by double agents, the race to control this technology endangers the lives of all involved, which unwittingly includes Stuart and his psychiatrist. This enthralling journey takes Stuart to the edge of sanity, culminating in an unparalleled climax of kidnapping, betrayal and murder.
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**Spoiler alert**
This was an interesting so-fi novel about lives in a parallel universe. When Stuart Milton awakens disoriented and in an unfamiliar place, no one believes him when he talks about his job at the zoo, or his married life with Lauren. His brother, Dave, doesn’t support what Stu is saying.
Other strange events with people disappearing are scattered throughout the book. My biggest concern with the story is that these seemed a bit out of place. They are explained later in the novel, but they are confusing when you first read them.
As the story progresses, more and more information is provided about experimentation and DNA regeneration. It comes to light that there is a device called The Harmoniser which is being used to experiment with people and rearrange their DNA to constantly regenerate and cause you to never age. When Stu re-enters the machine, he returns to his life with his wife Lauren.
This is one of those books that captures your attention since the very first chapters, the mystery behind the whole story is really good; the suspense and the whole parallel universe theme, are what truly makes this book so interesting.
Stuart Milton suddenly wakes up in a strange place, the only thing he knows…or think he knows is that he is married and his wife, Lauren is pregnant, but in a place where nothing makes sense to him, where people he trust are suddenly not accountable for, he needs to discover what is going on but is he willing to truly unravel the truth behind the world he is living? An intriguing read and a different kind of sci-fi.
I must start out with this is the first book I have read from this author, much less science fiction. I was a bit confused at first and did not understand what I was reading. I went back to the beginning and re read the first chapter then continued. Finally able to connect with the story line and the many little stories in one. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride I was taken on and was so glad to find Stuart had made his way back to Lauren.
When stew Milton wakes up thinking he has a hangover only to look around and see he is in a strange home, it gets even stranger when his brother Dave calls it says he’ll be right over for tea here according to Dave still single but stews memories involve Lauren who just told him she was pregnant. Not to mention when Dave investigates he finds out that after taking a woman home from the bar Stu disappeared. After stew insist on going to the home he shared with Lauren does he find out strangers live in this home and he passes out. He is unconscious for two weeks then given a psychiatrist Kathy Carson and him and Carson grow closer it will go on a journey helped along by the people who know what really happened to stew.Dave gets kidnapped because they think he’s Stu The story was so original and so good if you like science fiction I highly recommend this it is so exciting you’re not going to want to put it ndown. I highly recommend this book!
Unparalleled by D.S Smith is a novel containing nonstop action, plot twists and intrigue which drew me in from the very beginning. Full of mystery and uncertanty which unravels as you read drawing you even closer to the main character and his predicament. I couldn’t put this book down as I was just so eager to learn what happened next. A very well written book in my opinion with a great plot and convincing characters, especially Stuart Milton. Recommended
Unparalleled by D.S. Smith
I wrote this review based on a copy that the author sent me.
Stuart Milton, an ordinary 41 year old male, woke like every other morning – in bed, in his own house, usually at the side of his wife…only this particular morning he didn’t and he wasn’t. The morning in question he woke with a slight hangover unable to recall the adventures of the previous evening. The last thing he could recall was the two of them celebrating the announcement of his wife being pregnant at last as they had been trying for a while…but where was Lauren now? And what was he doing in a strangers bed ?!
When his younger brother Dave arrives and attempts to reassure him of his identity, this only confuses and scares Stuart more… he was Stuart but yet not Stuart. This wasn’t his house or his furniture, even the clothes hanging in the wardrobe that fit him impeccably where not his usual clothes. Dave, also in a state of confusion informs him repeatedly that he was in his own house, with his own belongings, heck, he wasn’t even married apparently! The bewilderment and stress all become too much for Stuart and he loses consciousness only to spend the following two weeks in a coma. He eventually wakes in a hospital bed more adamant to solve this dilemma. His case is handed to a Dr. Carson to investigate why Stuart is displaying episodes of amnesia with delusion.
Coinciding with Stuart’s issues, weird events occur around the world near the Iraqi- Kuwait border, a light aircraft crashes but the strange thing is the appearance of seven naked people on the horizon behind where the jet had hit the ground. A second event of a vessel, the Oceanic Supplier on its routine delivery run to an oil rig when it sails directly into a large column of water that seems to be rising up from the sea. The Captain immediately transmits an SOS and the coastguard responds quickly. On first inspection it appears no survivors but after several hours elapse some survivors are rescued, but again all are naked.
Stuart undergoes hypnosis sessions to assist his diagnosis but his story remains unchanged. He visits one of his best friends, Adam, who he hopes will help him with his reasoning but once again Adam is Adam but yet not the Adam that Stuart knows. After undergoing several sessions even Dr. Carson has doubts as to Stuart being delusional and after a meeting with a Dr. Humphries and his colleagues, the situation becomes clearer – stranger but clearer. The disappearances and reappearances are happening worldwide but after an evening out with both Dr. Carson and Dave, his brother is mysteriously abducted and from that moment becomes embroiled in a life and death situation, a manhunt against time.
My overall thoughts on this book : An enthralling read, I enjoyed how the situation was full on from the very beginning with the problem being dangled like a carrot as to why Stuart felt the way he did. He even begins to doubt his own sanity considering the idea that he had supposedly slipped through a wormhole into an alternate universe. All he wants is to shed the burden of responsibility knowing a normal life is no longer possible even if he tries to keep all this to himself.
I give Unparalleled 4 out of 5 stars.
One night, Stuart Milton goes to bed to sleep with his wife, excited by the confirmation of her pregnancy. The next day he wakes up naked in a bed that is not his, in a house he does not know and to a life in which Lauren does not exist and where no one ever knew her. On the other side of the planet, a plane crashes into a desert area and, amid the chaos, seven people appear totally naked with no idea of how they got there. And in the middle of the ocean, a ship wrecks after encountering a column of water that sprouts out from the surface without anyone being able to decipher what is happening.
Wormholes, parallel universes, “resonant harmonization” machines, secret scientific experiments, Chinese terrorists, action, confusion, betrayal, and the double promise of returning home for Stuart and a potential cure for all diseases of humankind; all these things await the reader in the pages of this novel, which effectively mixes typical elements of science fiction, action and international espionage. The characters are simple, sufficient and efficient, and the objective is very clear from the beginning. Without resorting to complicated language or useless elements, the plot unfolds chronologically around Stuart’s struggle to convince others that his reality does not correspond to what is happening, and the consequent need to recover his original life.
When I began to read Unparalleled —whose plot turns, ironically, around a parallel reality— I had my doubts: it begins with one of those typical cliches that every writer is advised to always avoid. Of course, all rules have their exception, and the beginning of this book is not only justified, but it is, in fact, the logical and vital event that sets the action in motion as soon as the narrative begins. I consider this to be a good novel, recommended to that reader who is a little more interested in getting some action and espionage than “hard” Science Fiction.
I really liked this book. The story is so gripping and the plot advances quite quickly creating so much suspense. I loved the plot and the characters made it such an entertaining read; the detail put into every aspect of the story makes them so identifiable and likeable. The writer is very talented and the use of multiple narrators is a great way to get the reader further invested. I can’t wait to see what else we get from D.S. Smith.
This is such an engrossing book, from the first few pages I was hooked. A great story line and very well written. I loved the characters and found them interesting, in parts humorous, and well established. The plot is strong and fast paced and you easily get caught up in the story. I hope to read more books from D.S. Smith in the future.
I really enjoyed this book and would have loved to read it in one sitting. It started perfectly with a really gripping first chapter and just got better as I rush to find out where the story was going from there. Well written and so suspenseful. I will definitely be looking out for more books from D.S. Smith.
I’m not usually a science fiction fan but made exception with this book after reading the prologue and getting hooked. The book is incredibly well written it makes it easy to get drawn into the story. The story itself is well thought out and the development of the plot is captivating. I really enjoyed all the twists and I’m so pleased I read this book. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for more from D.S. Smith and was amazed, based on the quality of the writing and story telling, that this is his first book.
Interesting right from the start. It begins with mystery and maintains a strong pace throughout the story. Full of action and keeps you turning the pages as the protagonist attempts to solve the mystery of the life he remembers and the life he has with the help of a psychologist.
I enjoyed the authors descriptive writing; the quality of the details made this story outstanding! This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it certainly won’t be the last. I recommend this book to anyone who reads sci-fi/mystery/suspense, you won’t be disappointed.
Evocative novel that quickly feels like a screenplay. Strong plot, the pace was brisk fiercely feeling the pain of the protagonist. Lost, unknowing the recent events of the past hours or days. Chills through the reader’s spine, the writing isn’t scary the situation, the plot embraces readers to feel for Stuart Milton as if they were characters in the book themselves. Stuart is suffering through mental blocks that are wickedly scary as the author scatters purpose, intent, reason and suffering through the multi-narrated book. Each chapter is told from a different perspective. Imagine being loved and having family dinners and then poof, no one to stand up for you when the psychiatry profession deems you harmful to yourself and others. To truly know how striped your life can be, the worry, clinging to the desire, hope and prayer that the disappearance of his pregnant wife does not turn into a a crime of passion. A mystery novel intended for enjoyment, intended to please fans of D.S. Smith for me unsurpassed congratulations for the story catapults you into a world of creative strategic form.
This is another great sci-fi thriller, I’m on a bit of a roll with good reads right now and loving it. This is the first D.S. Smith book I’ve read, full of unexpected twists and turns and lots of action as well. It’s as intriguing as it is well-written and I didn’t want to put it down, which resulted in me sleeping in, twice. Even if you are not a fan of this genre I reckon you will still enjoy this read. A great job by D.S Smith on his first novel, and I’m eagerly waiting to see what he has in store next.
Starting with a bang, the main character describes a bad dream – finding himself naked, confused, feeling sick and what’s worse, encountering very large teeth up close and personal. When he wakes up things don’t make much sense either. He doesn’t know where he is or where his pregnant wife is and a whole lot more besides. An immediately engaging entry into the main character’s life where the reader hits the ground running! DS Smith writes in that in-the-moment way so readers are seeing the world through the eyes of the cast and are equally as disoriented. This book is an unusual and quirky combination of thriller and sci-fi, with truly compelling story-telling that builds tension expertly.
This story has it all, from kidnapping, murder, mystery and intrigue, to parallel realities, the tension of questioning sanity, MI6, secretive quantum physics research and the spontaneous appearance and disappearance of people! It’s told through different characters in alternating chapters, which was tantalising to me as the reader, with a fair few nail-biting parts. Great stuff – recommended!
Stuart Milton is just a normal guy who one day wakes up in a life that he his convinced is not his own. He knows his pregnant wife is missing, despite everyone telling him that she doesn’t exist. Suspected to be suffering from some kind of mental trauma he starts visiting psychiatrist Dr Carson. Under treatment, Dr. Carson can’t find any sort of deception in Stuart’s story, so what does that mean? And where is his wife?
Unparalleled is a great piece of Sci-Fi that not only explores parallel universes, but also the ultimate nightmare that your life is not your own. The narrative flows really well, taking on the viewpoint of a number of different characters and the plot takes twists and turns I didn’t expect. Really enjoyed it.
Evocative novel that quickly feels like a screenplay.
Strong plot, the pace was brisk fiercely feeling the pain of the protagonist. Lost, unknowing the recent events of the past hours or days. Chills through the reader’s spine, the writing isn’t scary the situation, the plot embraces readers to feel for Stuart Milton as if they were characters in the book themselves.
Stuart is suffering through mental blocks that are wickedly scary as the author scatters purpose, intent, reason and suffering through the multi-narrated book. Each chapter is told from a different perspective.
Imagine being loved and having family dinners and then poof, no one to stand up for you when the psychiatry profession deems you harmful to yourself and others. To truly know how striped your life can be, the worry, clinging to the desire, hope and prayer that the disappearance of his pregnant wife does not turn into a a crime of passion.
A mystery novel intended for enjoyment, intended to please fans of D.S. Smith for me unsurpassed congratulations for the story catapults you into a world of creative strategic form.
This was such a fun and enthralling read! I literally could not put it down. I had to know what was going on! Was Stuart just a case of delusions and amnesia or was there something more going on!? Alongside the story of poor Stuart, who seems to wake up in a different version of his life, there are strange and unexplained events all around the world. Poor Stuart has no clue what is going on. I can only imagine how disorienting it would feel to be completely convinced of your reality only to see that there is no way to substantiate it. I think it would not take me long to completely lose my mind in this situation! As the author introduces unexplained incidents around the world and scientists interesting in Stuart’s case, we know something more is at hand. We soon come to learn of a revolutionary technology and a better understanding of how Stuart ended up in his predicament. I love how this plays out. This is a creative plot and storyline that I could definitely see as a movie or basis for a tv series.
I absolutely could not and did not want to put this book down. I was intrigued from the get-go and Smith does not disappoint with his ending. This is a highly entertaining take on parallel worlds. I love the combination of sci-fi technology alongside actual human emotions and relationships. You don’t have to be a fan of sci-fi to enjoy this book!
This is a pretty neat take on parallel worlds and our role in them. Smith starts strong and hooks us in a way we don’t see with many new authors. Smith’s hunger for a good story paid off, and the plot by far outshines many ideas we see from new authors. This is my first time reading this author, and it appears to be his first book. My only gripe is that though the writing is good, but it does feel like a first novel and the style could be cleaned up a bit.
Now this novel starts off with an attention-grabbing prologue, one that really thrusts us into the first chapter. We start with Stuart (our main character) being thrown right into his adventure full of twists and turns and out of his own timeline frantic about his place, Lauren, and just as confused as his brother. I felt right alongside Stuart as he tried figuring his place out, telling his story in a world where no one believes him, and scrambling to survive and stay ahead of those with more clout than him. This book is definitely worth the read, I’d recommend it to anyone. I look forward to seeing Smith hone his craft and put out more great stories.
‘Unparalleled’ by D.S. Smith is a great sci-fi thriller that is full of unexpected plot twists, well-developed characters, and action. It follows protagonist Stuart Milton, who wakes up one morning in the wrong house and his pregnant wife Lauren is missing, whom those close to him insist never existed. Stuart is just one of a number of people who awake in a world similar to their own, but not the same. Have these people all just lost their minds, or is there something much bigger at play? Something that could put the lives of Stuart and many others at risk. Get ready for astonishing new technology, shady conspiracy, plenty of betrayals, and a man who will stop at nothing to get his wife back. A real page-turner that kept me guessing right up to the very end.