Coding Peter

Many Worlds, One Life #2

by Olga Werby, Christopher Werby

Knowing that the world is a simulation doesn’t diminish the will to live. Even when the body is made from ones and zeros, the soul doesn’t feel any less real. In Coding Peter, the sequel to Suddenly, Paris, we learn more about the aliens who have altered the lives of the Vorov family. The URTs are a small band of scientists—the only survivors of a world simulation that no longer exists—who seek only to settle down quietly and unobtrusively in a new home. But contact with humans has led to accidents, misunderstandings, and deaths. A hundred years later, only a few of the alien refugees survive. Now Julie Orlov’s brother, ten-year-old Peter, is asked to take on the soul of a dying alien—for the good of his family, his alien ancestors, and the Earth itself. In doing so he will become more—but also, maybe less—than himself. It’s a lot to ask of a young boy, especially when the exact consequences to Peter are unknown, even by the aliens themselves. What Peter decides will change the fate of two civilizations—and maybe more…

410 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2016

Reviews

[Marina Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a worthy follow up to the first book in the series, Suddenly Paris. I loved Suddenly Paris because it demonstrated a novel approach to the established genre. Then, I read many other books by Olga Werby and really appreciated her ability to keep things fresh - no following a formula here! She keeps you on your toes. Yet, when I returned to Many Worlds's second offering, it was great to see that it seamlessly weaved itself into Suddenly Paris and took off from there. Read and enjoy!

[Liquid Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't, I suggest reading Suddenly, Paris as it is book one of the Many Words, One Life set. Readers would be missing some important back-story by just jumping into this release. I haven't a clue if this will be an ongoing collection past 'Coding Peter' as it ties up a great deal and moves into the future.

Where I enjoyed 'Suddenly, Paris' - the concept more than the lovey-dovey bits - 'Coding Peter' takes on a great deal more about the URTs and The Others. For this reason, I found myself plowing through the read. I'm not giving away anything that cannot be gleaned from the book description here - the URTs are the last survivors of an alien race; a simulated world of binary that no longer exists.

The Vorovs are smack in the middle of this sequel. Julie (Jo) takes a huge step out of the spotlight and Peter, her young brother, stars in this installment. You will get a much better back-story of the URTs. Admittedly, I had to re-read a few passages due to the non-gender URTs vs. their gender-specific human forms. It can get a little confusing.

The use of color and sound plays into our limited understanding of the spectrum of nature and our ability with human senses. The Others are an interesting twist. This does read like a full story and the future vignettes pull loose ends tightly closed.

So, good story with pretty solid editing. The cover could use some love. Author provided ARC. It is currently free with KU

[Cheryl Montgomery-Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I truly loved this sequel to "Suddenly Paris". It is a richly textured story about extra terrestrials visiting our world - and how they cope with it.