A broken god, Shadow, must confront his dark past and navigate a complex world of gods and technology in a near-future sci-fi tale filled with social commentary, queer romance, and existential exploration. As AI consumes the world, the story delves into themes of consciousness, morality, and the consequences of creating a simulated reality.

Unanimity by Alexandra Almeida is a stunning debut novel and the captivating first installment in the Spiral Worlds sci-fi series. This richly crafted and multi-layered story weaves together elements of hard science fiction, philosophy, social commentary, and queer romance, creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience for readers.

The novel follows Thomas Astley-Byron (aka Shadow), a once idealistic screenwriter who, along with AI expert Henry Nowak, creates the Spiral Worlds - a Jungian simulated reality designed to help humans confront their dark sides and become their best selves. As the creators of this world, Tom and Henry become god-like figures. However, 40 years later, the Spiral Worlds are on the brink of collapse, and a now disillusioned and suicidal Shadow is resurrected to save the very world he has grown to despise.

One of the standout features of Unanimity is its intricate and imaginative worldbuilding. Almeida expertly constructs the multiple levels of the Spiral Worlds, each representing different values and aspects of the human psyche. The vivid descriptions and attention to detail bring these worlds to life, immersing readers in a reality that feels both fantastical and plausible.

The narrative structure is ambitious and well-executed, alternating between the present-day timeline, which spans a single day, and flashbacks that delve into the characters' pasts and the creation of the Spiral Worlds. While this non-linear approach may be initially challenging, Almeida skillfully weaves the various threads together, revealing critical information and deepening the reader's understanding of the characters and their motivations.

Speaking of characters, Unanimity boasts a diverse and morally ambiguous cast that adds depth and complexity to the story. From the broken and reluctant god Shadow to the ambitious and arrogant Stella, each character is multi-dimensional, with their own flaws, desires, and unique perspectives. The interactions between these characters are a highlight of the novel, filled with engaging dialogue, humor, and palpable tension.

The exploration of themes such as the consequences of advanced technology, the nature of consciousness, and the blurred lines between good and evil is another strength of Unanimity. Almeida poses thought-provoking questions about the potential risks and benefits of AI and virtual reality, inviting readers to consider the ethical implications of a world shaped by these technologies.

Moreover, the queer romantic elements are beautifully integrated into the story, with the relationship between Shadow and Storm serving as an emotional anchor amidst the chaos. Their love story is poignant and well-developed, adding an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

While the complex nature of the story and the numerous characters introduced can be overwhelming at times, Almeida's engaging writing style and the sheer originality of the concept keep readers invested. As the first book in a series, Unanimity does an excellent job of setting the stage for the larger story arc while still delivering a satisfying and thought-provoking reading experience on its own.

In conclusion, Unanimity is a must-read for fans of hard science fiction, offering a fresh and inventive take on the genre. With its intricate worldbuilding, compelling characters, and exploration of profound themes, Alexandra Almeida has crafted a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page. As the Spiral Worlds series continues, readers can look forward to unraveling more secrets, delving deeper into the characters' journeys, and grappling with the increasingly relevant questions posed by this remarkable novel.