Harmony

by Ayden Lockwood

In their fight against the unyielding forces of nature, the inhabitants of Shield Island strive to maintain harmony in a world of stunning beauty and staggering destruction.

In the second installment of Parallel Planes, discover the curious and stunning world of divergence X0000BCE001 where the timeline branch occurred prior to written history and diverged into a world free of predation and violence.

In the present day of the breathtaking alternate universe, the peaceful timeline persists under the shadow of dire and perpetual peril as nature's beauty and natural disasters collide, and a stunning island civilization faces a relentless barrage of natural threats. Drawing strength from their tight-knit community and unwavering resilience, the island inhabitants must band together to survive.

This captivating tale of endurance highlights the delicate balance between humanity and nature, inviting readers into a world where survival hinges on unity and respect for the environment. Perfect for fans of character-driven stories and tales of triumph against adversity, this feel-good book is a celebration of the spirit of community in the face of overwhelming odds.

Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2024

About the author

From the moment Ayden could string sentences together, storytelling became second nature—spinning wild mysteries and daring adventures for anyone who would listen. What began as childhood fun evolved into a powerful tool for self-expression through high school and college, eventually shaping a career rooted in communication and creativity.

Ayden’s writing is driven by a deep curiosity about the human experience and a hopeful vision of what the world could be. Whether exploring themes of friendship, courage, justice, or the unknown, Ayden invites readers to imagine, reflect, and feel.

Today, Ayden continues to craft stories that blend thought experiments, anthropology, and emotional insight. A proud South Florida native, Ayden finds inspiration in the splendor of the ocean, the magic of film and theater, and the joy of lifelong learning. When not writing or spending time with family, you’ll likely find Ayden volunteering, camping under the stars, or cheering on a hockey game.

Reviews

[Richard Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second Parallel describes a world where predation does not exist, and “nature red in tooth and claw” does not apply. Instead, the author imagines a world where humans and non-human animals alike cooperate in surviving the vagaries of nature when at its most destructive: monsoons, volcanoes, drought, etc. This immersive world (Shield Island) is depicted by the author with an immersive, world-building skill. The reader is transported to a place where the normal rules of natural selection are turned upside down. This is an excellent read for fans of speculative fiction depicting an alternate world where human greed and violence are suspended in favor of collective responsibility, extended not only to themselves, but to all living things.

[Maria Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hooked on Lockwood and cannot stop reading the book series! In the second installment of this entertaining series, Ayden Lockwood plunges readers back into the GRC investigation, but then shifts the focus to the lives of islanders living in an alternate reality that the GRC agents investigated. It’s easy to slip into the parallel world as the islanders face an onslaught of natural disasters threatening their idyllic island home in the Pacific. This sequel expands on the foundation laid in the first book, delving deeper into the characters' struggles and the challenges posed by worlds that grow increasingly more complicated.
While the stakes are high, there are moments of levity and humanity that shine through, balancing the intensity of the disasters. The author injects humor and warmth into the characters' interactions, reminding readers of the bonds that can flourish even in the direst of circumstances. However, the relentless pace may leave some readers breathless, and at times, the sheer number of disasters can feel overwhelming.
Overall, Harmony is an exciting continuation of the series, showcasing Lockwood’s talent for blending action with deep emotional resonance. Fans of the first book will find themselves captivated by the characters’ journeys and the ever-present optimism and creativity. This installment solidifies the series as a must-read for anyone who enjoys alternate reality science fiction and tales of survival, resilience, and the beauty of the human spirit.

[Barry White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harmony is a beautifully crafted story set in a culture deeply rooted in its relationship with nature. The inhabitants of this resilient island strive to maintain a delicate balance with their environment while enduring the brutal elements that threaten their survival. Ayden Lockwood masterfully portrays a community that not only conserves the natural world but also learns to thrive within it. The vivid descriptions of the island’s landscapes and the challenges faced by its people create an immersive reading experience. You can really feel the pulse of their connection to nature and the lengths they go to stay in tune with it. What stands out is the sense of camaraderie among the island inhabitants. Their shared experiences and knowledge contribute to a strong sense of community, showcasing the power of collaboration.

[BJ Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable story that went deeper into one of the plot lines introduced in book 1. I guess that's the theme, revealing a little more about the main plot and the side stories with each book. Anyway, it was a quick read. I finished it over a weekend. What I liked most were the relationships between the characters, the strong sense of community developed throughout, and the rich settings. Looking forward to the next book.

[Wildine Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Harmony is a captivating continuation of the Parallel Planes series, blending intricate world-building with deeply emotional storytelling. The twists and connections between the characters kept me hooked, making it impossible to put down—an absolutely thrilling sequel!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

was looking for and enjoyed how it improved on the previous entry. The characters were everything that I was looking for and was invested in what was going on and was hooked from the first page. I enjoyed the way Ayden Lockwood writes a strong story and was glad I read this.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.