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Parallel Lies
The Resistance. A hybrid human. An escape to a parallel universe.
After escaping from the Pods into the dystopian remains of America, Diana Gutierrez-Adams finds herself on the run. She learns that her grandfather is the head of a resistance movement to counter a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government. Partnered with a hybrid human, she must engineer a jailbreak, counter an imposter-led propaganda campaign in the Metaverse, and jump to a parallel universe as military forces surround her.
Will they survive in this new world—a world that seems familiar until it doesn’t? Will they be safe from an even greater evil? How will they find their place in a society that offers security at a price?
If you like fast-paced thrillers in a dystopian setting, you’ll love Parallel Lies.
After escaping from the Pods into the dystopian remains of America, Diana Gutierrez-Adams finds herself on the run. She learns that her grandfather is the head of a resistance movement to counter a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government. Partnered with a hybrid human, she must engineer a jailbreak, counter an imposter-led propaganda campaign in the Metaverse, and jump to a parallel universe as military forces surround her.
Will they survive in this new world—a world that seems familiar until it doesn’t? Will they be safe from an even greater evil? How will they find their place in a society that offers security at a price?
If you like fast-paced thrillers in a dystopian setting, you’ll love Parallel Lies.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2023
7 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
John Calia
4 books222 followersA Brooklyn-born, recovering businessman, John Calia has been a naval officer, banker, entrepreneur and consultant. He began writing his blog “Who Will Lead?” in 2010 attracting more than 120,000 readers. The five-star rating of his first book – a business fable titled “The Reluctant CEO: Succeeding Without Losing Your Soul” – inspired him to keep writing. His fascination with artificial intelligence and its impact on society inspired him to write “The Awakening of Artemis and its sequel Parallel Lies. His most recent novel is Protopia--the journey of two women through the fractured landscape of America's cultural divide.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 29, 2023
Ok so I just finished "Parallel lies" by John Calia. It is a sequel to "The Awakening of Artemis". If you read Awakening of Armetis first you'll connect more to the characters relationships. It's just my opinion, it works as a standalone too.
This novel follows the story of Diana who is on the run from military and uncovers many secrets. The thing I loved the most was how fierce and intelligent the main female character is. I loved Apollo's character as well, he was scary but adorable. I grew quite attached to him.
The plot was well-paced. The stakes are high, action is crazy. If you want to read Sci-fi full of action and thrill, lies and secrets, this novel is for you.
This is my unbiased review. I would definitely recommend it to you if you are a sci-fi fan.
This novel follows the story of Diana who is on the run from military and uncovers many secrets. The thing I loved the most was how fierce and intelligent the main female character is. I loved Apollo's character as well, he was scary but adorable. I grew quite attached to him.
The plot was well-paced. The stakes are high, action is crazy. If you want to read Sci-fi full of action and thrill, lies and secrets, this novel is for you.
This is my unbiased review. I would definitely recommend it to you if you are a sci-fi fan.
October 18, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
Parallel Lies by John Calia is a fast paced, action packed sci-fi/ dystopian thriller and the sequel to The Awakening of Artemis. Although it works well as a standalone, I did feel like I was missing some context after a few chapters and that's when I discovered this was a sequel.
Fans of this genre will absolutely love this book/series. The storyline is engaging from start to finish. (Parallel universes, guns, politics, the metaverse, hybrid humans, robots, etc.)
It's mid 21st century, America is unrecognizable, and the government uses the metaverse over time to slowly gain control. There is a resistance building to push back, and a parallel universe is used and a key factor to travel back and forth to elude the government.
Buckle up for this engaging story. The characters will make you love them and send you on a roller coaster of emotions and anxiety.
Parallel Lies by John Calia is a fast paced, action packed sci-fi/ dystopian thriller and the sequel to The Awakening of Artemis. Although it works well as a standalone, I did feel like I was missing some context after a few chapters and that's when I discovered this was a sequel.
Fans of this genre will absolutely love this book/series. The storyline is engaging from start to finish. (Parallel universes, guns, politics, the metaverse, hybrid humans, robots, etc.)
It's mid 21st century, America is unrecognizable, and the government uses the metaverse over time to slowly gain control. There is a resistance building to push back, and a parallel universe is used and a key factor to travel back and forth to elude the government.
Buckle up for this engaging story. The characters will make you love them and send you on a roller coaster of emotions and anxiety.
November 8, 2023
Release November 7
PARALLEL LIES is both exciting and enlightening: exciting because the plot is non-stop adventurous and suspenseful, constantly pitting various of the characters in situations ranging from weird to outright dangerous, and enlightening as it interweaves Quantum Physics, Multiverses, Near-Future Science Fiction in a Dystopian setting. So while you're intent on the story, your brain is also subtly expanding, and your imagination is pondering "What If?"
PARALLEL LIES [Release November 7, 2023] is a sequel to THE AWAKENING OF ARTEMIS [Release September 2021].
PARALLEL LIES is both exciting and enlightening: exciting because the plot is non-stop adventurous and suspenseful, constantly pitting various of the characters in situations ranging from weird to outright dangerous, and enlightening as it interweaves Quantum Physics, Multiverses, Near-Future Science Fiction in a Dystopian setting. So while you're intent on the story, your brain is also subtly expanding, and your imagination is pondering "What If?"
PARALLEL LIES [Release November 7, 2023] is a sequel to THE AWAKENING OF ARTEMIS [Release September 2021].
November 8, 2023
If you’re looking for a fast-paced action packed
Sci-fi dystopian novel then this is it. I would suggest reading the first book to get better context but this one was a good read. I loved how the multiple plot lines were tied in together too, I’d definitely give this author another read.
Sci-fi dystopian novel then this is it. I would suggest reading the first book to get better context but this one was a good read. I loved how the multiple plot lines were tied in together too, I’d definitely give this author another read.
September 18, 2023
Parallel Lies delivers on its promise to give an action-packed, sci-fi adventure.
The pros:
- Very sci-fi (traveling in multiverses, metaverse, etc.)
- Action-packed
- Well-paced
- Expositions placed at the correct moments to amp up the thrill
- Interesting and distinguishable characters with clear motivations
- Multiple plot lines that are interwoven so well (conspiracy theories about UFOs, terminator-type of protagonist, climate change, etc.)
The cons:
- I feel like I'm missing some context. I only knew later on that this is a sequel. It's not detrimental to the plot but sometimes it makes me feel disconnected with the protagonists.
- I found myself asking a lot of times "Why?" Why did this character do this out of nowhere, why some dialogues felt off, why some of the plot points felt too mechanical... and it all made sense in the end. It was an excellent ending, but it didn't really make me feel better about all the times I wondered why during the reading experience.
Recommendation
If you're looking for an action-packed read that lets you immerse into a dystopian America where the government uses the metaverse to control the populace, and where a brewing resistance and parallel universe travel connects it all, then this would be a good book. I haven't read the first book of the series yet, but I suspect that it would be better to read that first to fill in some context and enhance your reading experience.
Read my full review in my blog
The pros:
- Very sci-fi (traveling in multiverses, metaverse, etc.)
- Action-packed
- Well-paced
- Expositions placed at the correct moments to amp up the thrill
- Interesting and distinguishable characters with clear motivations
- Multiple plot lines that are interwoven so well (conspiracy theories about UFOs, terminator-type of protagonist, climate change, etc.)
The cons:
- I feel like I'm missing some context. I only knew later on that this is a sequel. It's not detrimental to the plot but sometimes it makes me feel disconnected with the protagonists.
- I found myself asking a lot of times "Why?" Why did this character do this out of nowhere, why some dialogues felt off, why some of the plot points felt too mechanical... and it all made sense in the end. It was an excellent ending, but it didn't really make me feel better about all the times I wondered why during the reading experience.
Recommendation
If you're looking for an action-packed read that lets you immerse into a dystopian America where the government uses the metaverse to control the populace, and where a brewing resistance and parallel universe travel connects it all, then this would be a good book. I haven't read the first book of the series yet, but I suspect that it would be better to read that first to fill in some context and enhance your reading experience.
Read my full review in my blog
November 10, 2023
"Parallel Lies" by John Calia offers readers a journey into a dystopian future, where America, once a symbol of freedom, has transformed into an unrecognizable landscape. In this sequel to "The Awakening of Artemis," the narrative thrusts us into the mid-21st century, where Diana, our resilient protagonist, is on the run from a formidable military force led by individuals entrenched in powerful positions.
The story unfolds with Diana accompanied by her friend Gabrielle and Nick, her super-smart grandfather. Apollo, a hybrid human, adds depth with an enigmatic personality that oscillates between freaky-scary and undeniably adorable. The emotional connection to Apollo's substantial character arc becomes a focal point, evoking a genuine emotional connection
The political landscape revolves around the perilous implications of advanced technology. The narrative interweaves multiple plotlines, from conspiracy theories about UFOs to the looming specter of climate change, offering a rich and multifaceted storyline.
The strengths lie in the well-paced narrative, distinguishable characters, and the chilling exploration of technology's influence on freedom. However, since I had not read the previous book in the series, there was an occasional disconnect from the lack of context I may have needed to full engage. There were moments when I questioned particular character motivations and found certain dialogues and plot points mechanical. However, it still worked as a decent stand-alone and had a satisfying ending.
In conclusion, while I would most likely recommend reading "The Awakening of Artemis" first, "Parallel Lies" is still great for those seeking a thought-provoking and action-packed exploration of a dystopian America.
The story unfolds with Diana accompanied by her friend Gabrielle and Nick, her super-smart grandfather. Apollo, a hybrid human, adds depth with an enigmatic personality that oscillates between freaky-scary and undeniably adorable. The emotional connection to Apollo's substantial character arc becomes a focal point, evoking a genuine emotional connection
The political landscape revolves around the perilous implications of advanced technology. The narrative interweaves multiple plotlines, from conspiracy theories about UFOs to the looming specter of climate change, offering a rich and multifaceted storyline.
The strengths lie in the well-paced narrative, distinguishable characters, and the chilling exploration of technology's influence on freedom. However, since I had not read the previous book in the series, there was an occasional disconnect from the lack of context I may have needed to full engage. There were moments when I questioned particular character motivations and found certain dialogues and plot points mechanical. However, it still worked as a decent stand-alone and had a satisfying ending.
In conclusion, while I would most likely recommend reading "The Awakening of Artemis" first, "Parallel Lies" is still great for those seeking a thought-provoking and action-packed exploration of a dystopian America.
November 12, 2023
“𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡. 𝙒𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮, 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. “𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 ‘𝙘𝙤𝙙𝙚.’”
I FINALLY FINISHED THIS BOOK. It was a sequel to the first book but unfortunately I didn’t know that it was a sequel so I haven’t read the first one, maybe I will read it later to have a better picture of this book.
This book was a sci-fi slash dystopian young adult that was set in the 2040s, it had a lots of futuristic technologies (metaverse, hybrid human, and many other things) and science that were mentioned, so while reading this I may learned some physics theories.
This book is about Diana and her crew that were on a run from the government because her grandfather was the leader of the resistance. There were a lot of secrets to discover and lots of kidnapping. The premises was very promising.
The plot was pretty slow at the middle of the book for me because of the repetition that happened (the kidnapping thing), and suddenly it was VERY GOOD when it was almost at the end of the book, the culmination of the plot happened in the end.
I absolutely love the action scenes, there were a lot of it.
For the characters, I don’t know why but I like the side characters more such as Nick (he is my favorite), Apollo, and Elizabeth because I feel like their character was explored more in this book, maybe because I haven’t read the first book but Diana appearance in this book was not memorable to me. But I like it better when it was written in Diana’s POV.
AND I REALLY NEED MORE APOLLO AND DIANA SCENES BECAUSE THEIR RELATIONSHIP AS THE PROTECTOR AND THE PROTECTED WASN’T REALLY SEEN. I just need more. 😭
If you’re looking for something new and futuristic, this book will be suitable for you.
I FINALLY FINISHED THIS BOOK. It was a sequel to the first book but unfortunately I didn’t know that it was a sequel so I haven’t read the first one, maybe I will read it later to have a better picture of this book.
This book was a sci-fi slash dystopian young adult that was set in the 2040s, it had a lots of futuristic technologies (metaverse, hybrid human, and many other things) and science that were mentioned, so while reading this I may learned some physics theories.
This book is about Diana and her crew that were on a run from the government because her grandfather was the leader of the resistance. There were a lot of secrets to discover and lots of kidnapping. The premises was very promising.
The plot was pretty slow at the middle of the book for me because of the repetition that happened (the kidnapping thing), and suddenly it was VERY GOOD when it was almost at the end of the book, the culmination of the plot happened in the end.
I absolutely love the action scenes, there were a lot of it.
For the characters, I don’t know why but I like the side characters more such as Nick (he is my favorite), Apollo, and Elizabeth because I feel like their character was explored more in this book, maybe because I haven’t read the first book but Diana appearance in this book was not memorable to me. But I like it better when it was written in Diana’s POV.
AND I REALLY NEED MORE APOLLO AND DIANA SCENES BECAUSE THEIR RELATIONSHIP AS THE PROTECTOR AND THE PROTECTED WASN’T REALLY SEEN. I just need more. 😭
If you’re looking for something new and futuristic, this book will be suitable for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
Parallel Lies is the sequel to The Awakening of Artemis. Diana is back. It’s the middle of the 21st century, and America is unrecognizable as a land of freedom. Diana’s on the run from military forces led by dangerous people in powerful positions.
Diana and her friend Gabrielle are relatable. Nick (the super smart, super cool grandfather of Diana) is full of grit, and I cheered him on. But my favorite character is Apollo. He’s an enigmatic hybrid human that’s sometimes freaky-scary and sometimes adorable. I felt sorry for him and grew quite attached. Apollo has the biggest character arc, too. He captured my emotions.
The political ramifications in Diana’s world circle around advanced technology, and the technological concepts apply to our own world, too, and perhaps will exist in our near future. If advancing technology falls into the wrong hands, our freedom is in jeopardy. This is the most chilling aspect of Calia’s book.
The story held my interest from the first line to the very end. The stakes are high, the action crazy-fun (think explosions, gun fire, and portals), and the characters are easy to love (or despise, because there are frightening villains, too).
If you liked The Man in the High Castle or Brave New World, you will love Parallel Lies. It works as a standalone, but the story and the characters’ relationships are richer if you read The Awakening of Artemis first.
Diana and her friend Gabrielle are relatable. Nick (the super smart, super cool grandfather of Diana) is full of grit, and I cheered him on. But my favorite character is Apollo. He’s an enigmatic hybrid human that’s sometimes freaky-scary and sometimes adorable. I felt sorry for him and grew quite attached. Apollo has the biggest character arc, too. He captured my emotions.
The political ramifications in Diana’s world circle around advanced technology, and the technological concepts apply to our own world, too, and perhaps will exist in our near future. If advancing technology falls into the wrong hands, our freedom is in jeopardy. This is the most chilling aspect of Calia’s book.
The story held my interest from the first line to the very end. The stakes are high, the action crazy-fun (think explosions, gun fire, and portals), and the characters are easy to love (or despise, because there are frightening villains, too).
If you liked The Man in the High Castle or Brave New World, you will love Parallel Lies. It works as a standalone, but the story and the characters’ relationships are richer if you read The Awakening of Artemis first.
November 2, 2023
I won the book, "Parallel Lies," by John Calia in a Goodreads giveaway. I read the reviews and decided that I would buy the first book and read it first, which is "The Awakening of Artemis." I left a review for that book as well. I had never heard of John Calia before these books, and I must say, I'm impressed.
"Parallel Lies" is a science fiction book that delves into a multiverse theory. This is a futuristic dystopian world. It's got politics, soldiers, action-packed scenes, and a fast pace. Calia gave each of the characters a distinct personality. You grow to care for some and hate others. You have masterfully interwoven plotlines. For those who know of the TV show "Fringe," it touched on many of the same ideas. These two books should be made into a movie. Calia even interjects quite a bit of philosophy, especially where the human mind is concerned.
I recommend anyone to read this that likes dystopian world settings, science fiction, politics, military action, and books full of action scenes. You will not be disappointed.
"Parallel Lies" is a science fiction book that delves into a multiverse theory. This is a futuristic dystopian world. It's got politics, soldiers, action-packed scenes, and a fast pace. Calia gave each of the characters a distinct personality. You grow to care for some and hate others. You have masterfully interwoven plotlines. For those who know of the TV show "Fringe," it touched on many of the same ideas. These two books should be made into a movie. Calia even interjects quite a bit of philosophy, especially where the human mind is concerned.
I recommend anyone to read this that likes dystopian world settings, science fiction, politics, military action, and books full of action scenes. You will not be disappointed.
November 7, 2023
A Sci-fi thrill ride, buckle up!
Parallel Lies is a deep Sci-fi with its own metaverse storyline and there is so much to love throughout this story! It has fast paced action but it keeps everything well balanced so the story doesn't feel rushed.
This book is the sequel to The Awakening of Artemis, I have not read that book yet, that being said Parallel Lies has plenty of groundwork built in to the depth of the story so I felt that I was keeping up with the cast of characters just fine. The main character Diana is on the run from bad people in high places, so she uses her wit and strength to keeping one step ahead including traveling through multiverses and those scenes are my favorite! Apollo is my favorite second character, he really brings a lot to Diana's story while at the same time having his own arc!
The background and world building in this novel is nothing less than extraordinary! The entire set up of the dystopia American government is genius!
If you love Sci-fi or metaverse style writing, do yourself a favor and pick up Parallel Lies!
Parallel Lies is a deep Sci-fi with its own metaverse storyline and there is so much to love throughout this story! It has fast paced action but it keeps everything well balanced so the story doesn't feel rushed.
This book is the sequel to The Awakening of Artemis, I have not read that book yet, that being said Parallel Lies has plenty of groundwork built in to the depth of the story so I felt that I was keeping up with the cast of characters just fine. The main character Diana is on the run from bad people in high places, so she uses her wit and strength to keeping one step ahead including traveling through multiverses and those scenes are my favorite! Apollo is my favorite second character, he really brings a lot to Diana's story while at the same time having his own arc!
The background and world building in this novel is nothing less than extraordinary! The entire set up of the dystopia American government is genius!
If you love Sci-fi or metaverse style writing, do yourself a favor and pick up Parallel Lies!
November 7, 2023
Review (spoiler free):
This was really different from the books I’ve read before and I definitely hadn’t thought that there could be 3d printed body parts! Apollo was really one of a kind hybrid and a brilliantly written character. His and Diana’s relationship was also very well developed, I loved their adventures and action packed scenes. All the characters were written remarkably as well, Nick and Elizabeth and Gabrielle. Diana was strong, powerful and fiercely clever. And everyone knows I have a thing for strong female characters! The plot line was was rather complex and creative too, with little twists here and there. I really appreciate the author’s simple and understandable writing style specially for science fiction book. There was so much new information in this book, mind boggling at times but so intriguing! The aliens and the hybrids and the electronic gizmos. The concept of a dystopian America was pretty well executed too. Overall this was a great read.
This was really different from the books I’ve read before and I definitely hadn’t thought that there could be 3d printed body parts! Apollo was really one of a kind hybrid and a brilliantly written character. His and Diana’s relationship was also very well developed, I loved their adventures and action packed scenes. All the characters were written remarkably as well, Nick and Elizabeth and Gabrielle. Diana was strong, powerful and fiercely clever. And everyone knows I have a thing for strong female characters! The plot line was was rather complex and creative too, with little twists here and there. I really appreciate the author’s simple and understandable writing style specially for science fiction book. There was so much new information in this book, mind boggling at times but so intriguing! The aliens and the hybrids and the electronic gizmos. The concept of a dystopian America was pretty well executed too. Overall this was a great read.
November 4, 2023
Exciting
4 Star Rating
As always,
Check Your Triggers 😊
Parallel Lies" is an exhilarating sequel to "The Awakening of Artemis," blending action, sci-fi, and adventure. The story revolves around Diana Gutierrez-Adams, who finds herself on the run from the military, stumbling upon long-concealed family secrets tied to a resistance movement. With a well-paced narrative, high-stakes situations, and an ensemble of captivating characters, the novel effortlessly builds tension and intrigue. Expect an engrossing journey featuring multiverse travel, government-controlled metaverses, tantalizing UFO conspiracy theories, a formidable protagonist, and a backdrop of climate change. Offering a thrilling exploration of a dystopian America, "Parallel Lies" is a must-read for those seeking a tale intertwined with metaverse control and the allure of parallel universes.
4 Star Rating
As always,
Check Your Triggers 😊
Parallel Lies" is an exhilarating sequel to "The Awakening of Artemis," blending action, sci-fi, and adventure. The story revolves around Diana Gutierrez-Adams, who finds herself on the run from the military, stumbling upon long-concealed family secrets tied to a resistance movement. With a well-paced narrative, high-stakes situations, and an ensemble of captivating characters, the novel effortlessly builds tension and intrigue. Expect an engrossing journey featuring multiverse travel, government-controlled metaverses, tantalizing UFO conspiracy theories, a formidable protagonist, and a backdrop of climate change. Offering a thrilling exploration of a dystopian America, "Parallel Lies" is a must-read for those seeking a tale intertwined with metaverse control and the allure of parallel universes.
November 10, 2023
I'm absolutely thrilled with Parallel Lies by John Calia. This book is a knockout! It's not just any science fiction; it's a mix of dystopian elements, thrilling suspense, and a bit of romance. That mix had me hooked.
Parallel Lies introduces us to Madeleine Ross, a woman with a complex past who's created a new identity for herself. Her life seems to be ok, especially with her job at a small-town insurance company, until she falls in love with Dan. The chemistry between these two? Oh, it's electric! But as they grow closer, Madeleine's past starts to catch up with her, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride!
John Calia masterfully wrote this sci-fi suspense. Madeleine's journey is so gripping... It's a story about choices, love, and the shadows of former lives. The characters are incredibly well-drawn, with layers and complexities. I couldn't put it down.
Parallel Lies introduces us to Madeleine Ross, a woman with a complex past who's created a new identity for herself. Her life seems to be ok, especially with her job at a small-town insurance company, until she falls in love with Dan. The chemistry between these two? Oh, it's electric! But as they grow closer, Madeleine's past starts to catch up with her, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride!
John Calia masterfully wrote this sci-fi suspense. Madeleine's journey is so gripping... It's a story about choices, love, and the shadows of former lives. The characters are incredibly well-drawn, with layers and complexities. I couldn't put it down.
October 14, 2023
ARC Review
Parallel Lies by John Calia is a dystopian thriller.
If you are looking for a story filled with suspense, and action in a dystopian setting then you need to read this. Fans of this genre will love this book. The plot is engaging with the advanced technology, political consequences, and whatever is left of the old humanity. Some of the characters were quite relatable and others were unique. Diana and Gabrielle reminded me of everyday people. Nick was like a "crazy" scientist, and Apollo was a hybrid human. There were moments when it felt like I was reading about the current political issues and others that it was fiction.
It's a very enjoyable book that I would recommend to dystopian fans. I will rate it with 4 stars.
Parallel Lies by John Calia is a dystopian thriller.
If you are looking for a story filled with suspense, and action in a dystopian setting then you need to read this. Fans of this genre will love this book. The plot is engaging with the advanced technology, political consequences, and whatever is left of the old humanity. Some of the characters were quite relatable and others were unique. Diana and Gabrielle reminded me of everyday people. Nick was like a "crazy" scientist, and Apollo was a hybrid human. There were moments when it felt like I was reading about the current political issues and others that it was fiction.
It's a very enjoyable book that I would recommend to dystopian fans. I will rate it with 4 stars.
November 9, 2023
It is a dance of strategy and survival. Diana's alliance with a being who is both human and something more adds a layer of depth to the plot. Their quest for freedom is besieged by the Metaverse's fabricated realities and the looming threat of capture. As they seek refuge in an alternate dimension, the sense of familiarity is quickly eroded by the alien nature of this new world.
The book is a skillful blend of action and science fiction, questioning the very essence of truth and liberty in a society where security comes with strings attached. "Parallel Lies" is ideal for readers who crave thrillers with a technological edge and a profound commentary on the price of safety.
The book is a skillful blend of action and science fiction, questioning the very essence of truth and liberty in a society where security comes with strings attached. "Parallel Lies" is ideal for readers who crave thrillers with a technological edge and a profound commentary on the price of safety.
November 15, 2023
This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook.
Oh, it's a sequel. Well, I read it as stand alone. I don't think it made a difference.
Not really my style. There was more a commentary on our current politics (in America) than science fiction. I liked the thought provoking political parallels. But to some degree those questions seemed to be forced into the telling. They just did not seem to have sufficient backstory / lead up. I was missing a smooth storyline flow, so I did not find it to be a page turner and had to force myself to complete the reading. My overall impression is that it is Left Leaning criticism of today's politics.
Have a GoodReads.
Oh, it's a sequel. Well, I read it as stand alone. I don't think it made a difference.
Not really my style. There was more a commentary on our current politics (in America) than science fiction. I liked the thought provoking political parallels. But to some degree those questions seemed to be forced into the telling. They just did not seem to have sufficient backstory / lead up. I was missing a smooth storyline flow, so I did not find it to be a page turner and had to force myself to complete the reading. My overall impression is that it is Left Leaning criticism of today's politics.
Have a GoodReads.
November 10, 2023
Calia has a knack for writing a gripping narrative! This one was rich with human drama. His portrayal of Madeleine is fascinating — she's strong, vulnerable, determined, and haunted by her past! The story has twists that leave you breathless. What makes Parallel Lies stand out is its perfect blend of dystopian with the personal, human, relationships. It's a book that makes you ponder the thin line between right and wrong. Highly recommended!
November 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
High paced and full of action, Diana had me on the edge of my seat more than once while reading.
After waking up and trying to acclimate herself to her surroundings, Diana finds herself on the run from the military.
Parallel universe, politics, and action make up a huge part of this book. If you're looking for something in the sci-fi realm, this is definitely for you.
High paced and full of action, Diana had me on the edge of my seat more than once while reading.
After waking up and trying to acclimate herself to her surroundings, Diana finds herself on the run from the military.
Parallel universe, politics, and action make up a huge part of this book. If you're looking for something in the sci-fi realm, this is definitely for you.
January 7, 2024
I…. Yeah. I just don’t know.
It was good sci-fi. Fast paced story, good character development. There were many subplots, which made for great story telling but in the end were entirely superfluous to the main plot which wasn’t exactly revealed until the last 50 pages or so.
Confusing but a good read.
My thanks to the author and publisher for the giveaway!
It was good sci-fi. Fast paced story, good character development. There were many subplots, which made for great story telling but in the end were entirely superfluous to the main plot which wasn’t exactly revealed until the last 50 pages or so.
Confusing but a good read.
My thanks to the author and publisher for the giveaway!
May 5, 2024
I couldn't read this one past the second page. Whether publishing a book in print or as a Kindle, basic rules of writing and formatting still apply. All of the text was right justified and italicized. The story may be as good as other people said in their reviews; however, I'd only be able to read it and give a better review once John Calia does the required editing and formatting.
November 10, 2023
When I first started reading this book, I didn’t realize it was a sequel. Consequently, I was a bit confused first, as new characters were introduced in rapid succession with little to none background. I started to get the hang of it after a few chapters with different POVs, and after that this book was an enjoyable read.
Set in a grim dystopian future with parallel universes, this story is packed with action and thrilling twists. Short chapters made me want to read one more chapter, so I ended up devouring the novel quite fast.
Set in a grim dystopian future with parallel universes, this story is packed with action and thrilling twists. Short chapters made me want to read one more chapter, so I ended up devouring the novel quite fast.
November 16, 2023
My brain is still processing
Original storyline about parallel universes. It caused my brain to loop-the-loop and I'm not sure if it had landed yet.
If you want something to make you think, then dive in.
Re-read will be starting shortly.
Original storyline about parallel universes. It caused my brain to loop-the-loop and I'm not sure if it had landed yet.
If you want something to make you think, then dive in.
Re-read will be starting shortly.
April 14, 2025
this was a very interesting book. I enjoyed it but I'll have to reread it since my last review disappeared from here.
November 10, 2023
Very interesting concepts in this dystopian novel. It's a fast-paced scifi with interesting characters. Well-written and authentic. Five stars! For anyone who loves a story with action, heart, and a bit of mystery, Parallel Lies is a must-read.
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