Parity

Spiral Worlds

by Alexandra Almeida

SPIRAL WORLDS is a literary, sci-fi series for the fans of Becky Chambers’s A Closed and Common Orbit, Alex Garland’s DEVS and Ex Machina, and Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror. Weaving near-future sci-fi elements with social commentary and queer romantic suspense, the series explores the nature of consciousness and how it's connected to a not-so-secret ingredient—story. As AI consumes the world, intelligence is nothing but the appetizer; the human heart is the main course.

Unanimity, Book 1
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Shadow is a reluctant god with a broken mind and a death wish. He used to be Thomas Astley-Byron, an affluent young screenwriter whose creativity and idealism saved a world from the brink of collapse. Together with Henry Nowak, an AI expert, Tom created heaven on earth by inventing a Jungian simulated reality that helps humans confront their dark sides. The benevolent manipulation platform turned the two unelected leaders into beloved gods, but now everything is failing. The worlds suffer as a sentimental Tom descends into his own personal hell, becoming the embodiment of everything he despises and a shadow of his former self.

His journey from an optimistic, joyful Tom to a gloomy Shadow is paved with heartache and sinister interference from emerging technology. Humans and bots fight for his heart, but their aims some want to own it, some to dissect it, and others to end its foolish beat. Estranged from the love of his life—the activist poet Nathan Storm—Tom fails to realize the biggest threat comes from within. None of the sticky stories that steer his life end well.

Now, a young goddess—Estelle Ngoie—has been appointed to replace him, and unlike Shadow, Stella takes no prisoners, and her heart bleeds for no one.

Who’s pulling on Shadow’s heartstrings? Are their intentions malign or benign? It’s all a matter of perspective, and Shadow has none left.

The Series

An epic tale spanning across six days—one per book—and forty past decades of life lived across ten worlds and two universes.

Genres: Artificial Intelligence, Science Fiction, Virtual Reality, LGBT, Cyberpunk, Science Fiction Fantasy, Romance

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 5, 2023

About the author

Alexandra Almeida is the author of the award-winning sci-fi series Spiral Worlds.

​Writing under several pen names, Alexandra has received the following literary awards and recognition:

- Reader Views Awards - 1st Place - Science Fiction (2023 - Unanimity, Spiral Worlds)
- Reader’s Favorite Awards - Honorable Mention - Science Fiction (2023 - Unanimity, Spiral Worlds)
- CYGNUS Book Awards for Science Fiction - First Place (2023 - Unanimity, Spiral Worlds)
- Reader’s Favorite Awards - Gold Medal Winner - Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic (2017)
- Reader Views Awards - 1st Place - Fantasy (2017)
- CIPA EVVY Book Awards - 2nd Place - Fiction - Mythology (2017)
- B.R.A.G. Medallion Recipient (2017)
- Eric Hoffer’s Da Vinci Eye Awards Finalist for Best Cover Artwork (2017)
- The Wishing Shelf Book Awards Finalist - Books for Adults (2017)
- Awesome Indies Approved (2017)
- Shortlisted for the 2023 HARVEY CHUTE Book Awards recognizing emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of Business and Enterprise Non-Fiction.

Reviews

[Johnny Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what's worst: a cold, mechanistic universe based on the laws of physics, or a willful, emotional universe with a quirky sense of humor. This is a fantastic exploration of the future of artificial intelligence, humanity, and consciousness.

[Nat King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been eagerly waiting for Parity, since I turned the last page of Unanimity, and I just revisited my review of the first book to remember my initial impressions. My curiosity about Rosa has been fully satiated. Her story is vividly unfolded, and we finally understand her 'why,' and its heartbreaking.

While Unanimity left me conflicted with the darker sides of Nathan Storm's history, Parity offers clues into his state of mind when he committed his crime. Frankly, I would murder 'him' too.

The narrative has many poignant moments that tug at the heartstrings—not only through the experiences of Shadow and Storm, but, unexpectedly, through Twist as well. Twist's arc reveals layers of his damaging impact on Tom's life, and while it would be easier to dislike him, he is going through a few 'things' that make it quite easy to empathise with him. Karma is...

A futuristic Congo is a vibrant backdrop to some of the unfolding drama. It's particularly refreshing to see the women taking center stage in the action sequences of Parity. Stella continues to leap off the page.

The final chapter caught me off guard, but I'm holding on to hope as I await the next installment. that's my plan, and hope is a plan (Spiral Worlds' canon).

[Art Cheyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon finishing Unanimity, my initial qualm was that it served as a mere introduction to a series. However, after diving into Parity, I'm genuinely glad the author is dedicating the time and space to thoroughly explore this intricate story. These novels are not only replete with cutting-edge science and technology but also pulse with emotional depth, making their message profoundly relevant to what is happening today in the real world. In a world grappling with the ethical complexities of Generative AI and the horrors perpetrated on innocents in the name of "enlightenment," this series acts as a much-needed check on human hubris.

Alexandra's perspective is both unique and compelling, offering a voice that resonates deeply with me. Moreover, the series skillfully combines elements of epic battles against volcanos and demons, heartfelt queer romance, and thought-provoking theories on consciousness. I would highly recommend reading Unanimity and Parity consecutively. Even though the series is still unfolding, these two installments tie up several crucial story arcs, that provide a rich and fulfilling experience.

[Jamedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally on JamReads

Parity is the second book on the sci-fi series Spiral Worlds, written by Alexandra Almeida, which explores questions about reality and conscience, and continues developing the world(s) we got to know during Unanimity. And while truly the first book felt as an introduction to Spiral Worlds, it's certain that it allows Parity to have a better pacing and to throw us directly into the complexity of the story.

Almeida continues weaving a complex story mixing two timelines, showing the origins and the developments that happened over the original Spiral Worlds envisioned by Storm and Shadow, and how its growing influence over the real world is forcing them to take decisions that were against the vision they had; how its nature changed.
In the present day, Stella is struggling to take control of many of the aspects that made this new reality so attracting for many.

While the first book was slower and partly was mostly used to introduce us to the characters and their backstories, in this one we have a much bigger emotional weight, making use of all the previous foundations to continue developing them, exploring their struggles with their creations and their own suffering, while adding a layer of queer romance that complements well the story.

In the background, Almeida continues asking questions about conscience and the possibilities that virtual created realities might bring, while also portraying the challenges derived from those kinds of creations. The worldbuilding, while less explored in this book, is still quite a drawing point, remembering at some points to Westworld, and even including an excellent scene set in Africa.

Parity is a step-up in the series, but which wouldn't have been possible without Unanimity; if you like near futuristic sci-fi mixed with a diverse cast of characters, Spiral Worlds can be an excellent choice.

[Clara Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra's books aren't your average quick reads. They're packed with different points of view, timelines, worlds, and a bunch of cool, complex sci-fi stuff. But Parity was so good I couldn't put it down. I read Parity in a day, then had to go back and re-read both Unanimity and Parity because I kept finding new things each time. "Parity" also clears up why Shadow and Thorn did some of the things they did in the first book, which I really liked. The emotional parts in these books hit hard, especially when characters meet up again. And the ending? It's kind of heartbreaking but also just right. I'm really hoping things turn out okay in the next book, even if it takes a miracle.

[Tina Lamas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best simultaneous praise and takedown of Wilber's flavor of Spiral Dynamics, I have ever read. Every time I hear integrative language used at work or politics, I cringe so badly and I've never been able to point to the cause of my discomfort until now.

[Miguel Azevedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one should live past hope.

[T-Rex Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wait is there another one coming? Better be. It surprised me at every turn. The consequences on the real world make all the difference. I hope we get to spend more time with Thorn and those girls. I did have to check the timeline a couple of times, but the interweaving between past and present worked well.

[Amy Saint · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down, and that end took me completely by surprise. We finally understand why Thorn killed Shadow, and who are the true villains in this series. We get to explore more of the worlds and their differences and meet more Underlings. Everything is falling apart Down Below and Up Above, and it's all interconnected. Sibyl is a complete wild card, so zir interactions with the other wild card, Thorn, can be quite amusing. This series, worldbuilding, and dynamics are completely unique, and I can't wait for the next book. For those who struggle with jumping timelines, there is a complete timeline at the end of the book, but it does contain some minor spoilers.

[Carl Gunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you SFBookClub for a copy of the book. The way it ties together its worlds, characters, and story is really impressive, especially with its unique take on neuroscience and epigenetics in sci-fi. The story keeps building up, making the last part of the book super gripping. The emotional moments hit hard, and the ending is a chef's kiss. Unanimity and Parity combined create a strong arc for some of the characters and plot points, leaving some very cool possibilities to explore in the rest of the series. I have to say it again: this is fantastic.

[Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the SF Book Club and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved Unanimity, and Parity didn't disappoint. While some parts were a little too dark and upsetting, we needed to see them to understand Shadow's and Thorn's struggles. Even with all the clues, the ending was completely unexpected in a good way, even if it hurts. I just wished we learned more about all those kids, and I sincerely hope they show up in the rest of the series.

[Alex Wilbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra's writing entertains you while it makes you think.

[Mark Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and it makes you think. The scenes in Congo are terrific.

[Jess Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s amazing how the author can neatly pull all the threads together into a final chapter with such high stakes and unexpected developments. Romance, science, poetry, and politics all tightly woven into a finale that keeps you on your toes. Brace yourself… While it’s hard for me to pick an MVP, getting to know Rosa’s heartbreaking story got me quite invested in her adventures. But there are too many poignant moments on this one, and while I’d love to discuss some, it’s impossible to do it without spoilers. Many of the open questions (not all) have been answered in Parity, and each answer surprises, particularly as minutes later the situation escalates a hundred fold.

[Gabriel Mather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh... Alexandra, what have you done? What a roller coaster ride. These worlds are fascinating and terrifying, particularly our own. The stakes Up Above ensure we are fully committed to the events going on Down Below... or is it the other way around? It depends on your definition of humanity, I guess. I can't yet speak about Shadow and Storm. There is too much to process there, and it hurts. As for Twist and Stella, I love to love them when I am not furious about their shenanigans. I hope we get to see more of that get away bus... What a gang!

[SF Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is all I expected and more. In a year where the Hugos are awarding fantasy books sci-fi awards, it's nice to read sci-fi that is both engaging and true to genre. Also, I like where this is all going. I like it a lot.