In a sprawling multiverse where consciousness travels between bodies across worlds, rival societies become entangled in political intrigue, assassination plots, and power struggles that threaten the fragile balance of countless realities. Themes of identity, belonging, and the nature of self are explored as characters navigate shifting allegiances and the profound consequences of their actions across the Many Worlds.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a sprawling multiverse, the novel follows the intersecting lives of interdimensional travelers and the societies they inhabit, focusing on political intrigue, identity, and the consequences of consciousness transfer between worlds. The story centers on the aftermath of a failed training mission, which entangles two rival societies—Burel Hird and Tala Beinir—in a web of blame, assassination plots, and internal power struggles. Characters traverse universes by transferring their consciousness into alternate bodies, known as proxies, each with its own history and relationships. The narrative is constructed by five authors writing collaboratively as Darkly Lem, and the book is positioned as the first entry in a larger series, with a structure that weaves together multiple perspectives, societies, and plotlines across thousands of worlds, often accompanied by a character list to help readers track the extensive cast and settings.

Readers appreciated the depth and creativity of the worldbuilding, noting the vivid depiction of diverse universes with distinct physical laws, cultures, and political systems. The exploration of philosophical and psychological themes—such as the nature of identity, the ethics of body-hopping, and the impact of societal belonging—was frequently highlighted. Many found the political intrigue, conspiracies, and complex factional dynamics engaging, with some comparing the narrative’s scope to works like The Expanse and The West Wing. The collaborative writing was often described as surprisingly cohesive, with alternating points of view and dialogue-driven storytelling that allowed for both intimate character moments and large-scale multiversal stakes. Several reviewers also praised the inclusion of a character list and the book’s ability to balance action, contemplation, and humor.

Common criticisms included the book’s complexity and density, which some found overwhelming or confusing, especially in the early chapters. The large cast of characters, frequent shifts in perspective, and the mechanics of consciousness transfer led to difficulties in tracking who was who, particularly when characters inhabited different bodies across universes. Some readers felt the pacing was slow or uneven, with foundational worldbuilding and multiple plot threads sometimes detracting from narrative momentum. A few noted that certain characters or plotlines felt underdeveloped or unresolved by the end of the volume, and that the writing style could at times feel neutral or detached, making it harder to connect emotionally with the story. The book’s function as a series opener, with many threads left hanging, was also cited as a drawback for those seeking more immediate resolution.

The novel is the product of a five-author collaboration, with the group writing under a single pseudonym and drawing on their varied backgrounds in speculative fiction. It is intended as the first installment in a series called The Formation Saga, and its structure is designed to lay the groundwork for future volumes rather than provide a self-contained narrative. The book has received a moderate number of reader ratings and reviews, with an average rating just under 4 out of 5. Several reviewers noted that the book is best suited for readers willing to invest attention and effort in following its intricate plot and worldbuilding, and that a recap in future volumes would be helpful. The publisher is Blackstone Publishing, and the book is scheduled for release in March 2025.