If you’ve watched or read any fiction recently, there’s a big chance that the multiverse plays into the story in some way or another. It’s a plot point that’s been here for years but has gained more attention in recent media.
The idea that we live in only one version of reality is both exciting and terrifying. It makes for some of the most mind-melting plots in fiction.
Books about the Multiverse
Below are a few fiction books that deal with parallel universes, many worlds, and the very fabric of the cosmos.
1. Anathem by Neal Stephenson
Fraa Erasmas’ entire life has existed within the Concent of Saunt Edhar, where he delves into science, philosophy, and mathematics. However, a catastrophic threat forces him outside and into the company of other intellectuals. With them, he must solve a dangerous mystery that will determine the fate of his world.
2. Anxiety is the Dizzyness of Freedom by Ted Chiang
A novella published in Ted Chiang’s 2019 collection, Exhalation: Stories, this story takes place in a future where technology has discovered and can create parallel realities.
Nat sells “parallel reality” access devices. Dana is a psychologist who treats people overwhelmed by this technology. Both are on the opposite sides of a confidence game, which leads to questions about identity, choice, and the nature of reality.
3. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Jason Dessen wakes up to a world he doesn’t know. In this world, life has taken him on a journey far different from what he remembers.
To get back home, he must embark on a journey that reaches further than humanity has ever reached. In pursuit, however, is a foe that will stop at nothing to take all that Jason holds dear.
4. Transition by Iain M. Banks
A shadowy organization called The Concern possesses the ability to travel between different realities and alternate universes. Their agents, called Transitionaries, flit between worlds and influence events that could prove beneficial for that world.
They embroil themselves in the ethical and moral challenges of infiltrating an unsuspecting world on the brink of chaos. But do these worlds need such a guiding light, or are they better off alone?
5. Quarantine by Greg Egan
The stars have vanished, hidden behind an impenetrable shield known as the Bubble for mysterious reasons. Inside the Bubble, humanity has developed various technologies that can manipulate quantum realities and create parallel universes.
Nick Stavrianos, a private eye, is hired to investigate a mysterious woman named Laura. Armed with a skull full of neural mods, he delves into the case—only to find a secret that could change the nature of reality.
6. Extinction Game by Gary Gibson
Jerry Beche is the last man alive on Earth—well, his Earth. Rescued by the Authority, he is trained and placed in a team of specialists. Each member is a survivor of their alternate Earth, now tasked to retrieve weapons and data from dying worlds.
But who are his new masters and why are they collecting weapons? And are his new companions worth trusting or do they have their nefarious agenda?
7. Interworld by Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves
Joey Harker’s just your average kid who just happens to learn a very big secret: his world is only one of countless alternate Earths—and all of them are at war. To keep the balance, he must team up with his alternate selves to stop the forces of magic and science from taking over Earth in all its versions.
8. Einstein’s Bridge by John Cramer
While doing high-energy physics experiments, humanity unwittingly announces itself to the universe. A powerful intelligence, Tunnel Maker, reaches out, warning about the Hive Mind—a less benevolent and predatory species bent on invading Earth.
To prevent Earth’s destruction, two scientists are sent back in time to manipulate events that would have led to humanity’s premature broadcast in the first place.
9. Doors of Eden by Adrien Tchaikovsky
A ragtag group of scientists discover the existence of portals that lead to alternate earths. But these cracks are widening and various realities are beginning to bleed into one another. As the doors begin crashing in, all these worlds must work together to save existence itself.
10. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Nora Seed tries to end her life only to find herself in a vast library where the shelves seem to go on forever. Each book explores parallel realities where versions of her make different choices and walk different paths.
Faced with the possibility of living her best life, Nora must search within herself and decide which life will give her the most contentment.
Multiverse Books
As a species, we have a strong desire to know the unknown. It’s why we explore the world and more.
While we’re still far from plumbing the depths of the ocean or the mysteries of space, our overactive imaginations just can’t help but think of what’s beyond them. Scientists, philosophers, and other thinkers now begin to scrutinize reality, existence, and the boundless possibilities of the universe itself.
The books above are simply a manifestation of this. They are vehicles that help you embark on mind-bending journeys that transcend time, space, and your imagination.
What other books about the multiverse do you recommend? Share them in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
