The Walls of the Universe

by Paul Melko

Book Overview

John Rayburn thought all of his problems were the mundane ones of an Ohio farm boy in his last year in high school. Then his doppelganger appeared, tempted him with a device that let him travel across worlds, and stole his life from him. John soon finds himself caroming through universes, unable to return home--the device is broken. John settles in a new universe to unravel its secrets and fix it. Meanwhile, his doppelganger tries to exploit the commercial...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0765319977
• ISBN13: 9780765319975
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Length: 383 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

terrific, gripping

Couldn't put it down. Had to get this book after reading the short story. I wasn't disappointed at all - enough surprises and easter eggs to keep me going, for sure. The author's flat writing style maybe doesn't serve the action sequences all that well, but hey, it's the idea that's the main thing. Wonder where it's going to go from here - as any reader of multiverse stories or comics knows, these tales, while automatically compelling, can also be infinitely aggravating, as literally anything can happen, and resolution can be hard to come by in such an environment...

A gripping adventure

John Rayburn leads a mundane life in a rural world until his doppelganger appears and gives him a device that lets him travel across worlds and replaces him in his dull life so he can journey the stars. When the device breaks, he's unable to return home - and must live in a new universe as he tries to repair the device and return home. A gripping adventure evolves, perfect for science fiction collections.

Clear your schedule

Like so many others who have read this book I found it almost impossible to put down. Walls of the Universe is fast paced, well written and very entertaining. And very much worth your money, this the best novel about parallel universes I have read in Years.

Vastly entertaining, addictively readable.

I, also read the review on I09, pre-ordered, an devoured this book upon receiving it in the mail. No easy feat, considering my love for reading, a stack of books waiting, and working ridiculous hours. I made time to finish this one, reading at lunch time, whenever. It is that kind of book. I generally don't read science fiction, but love time travel stories (i.e. 'Time on my hands'-Peter DeLacorte). I highly recommend this book!