“The Fold” by Peter Clines – Teleportation: Safest Form of Transit

The concept of teleportation is something that is still very much in the realm of science-fiction books and movies, but nevertheless it seems we cannot and never will stop yearning for it.

After all, who out there hasn't wished (perhaps during a bout of laziness) for the ability to instantly cross over great distances and be wherever they wanted?

Of course, there are plenty of theories out there as to why teleportation is possible/impossible and what it could and could not do us. In his book The Fold, Peter Clines essentially wonders what a space warp-type teleportation device would do not only to us, but the entire world.

The Fold begins by presenting the hero, Mike Erikson, a generally-unremarkable man with an average life in a small town in New England. As Mike soon discovers, enjoying an average life is something protagonists simply aren't allowed to do, and news from an old friend send him tumbling on a grandiose adventure.

Allegedly, DARPA scientists have managed to open a “fold”, a phenomenon which capable of shrinking space allowing a person to cross great distances with only a simple step. As the scientists out there are affirming it, teleportation technology is finally at hand and the fold is the safest method of transportation you'll find out there, as well as the most accommodating for lazy people.

Mike conducts his own investigations into the matter, and as he draws deeper and deeper into the processes that govern that “fold”, Mike begins to develop a very real fear: that of the world's end being on the brink of happening.

To Mike, now that the “fold” is discovered and being travelled through, there is only one possible conclusion: everything will be destroyed. Of course, there is always the possibility of him being wrong...

It has to be said that amidst all the science-fiction books dealing with space wars and deadly laser beams and whatnot, having one that takes place in our time on Earth feels rather refreshing.

Of course, there are some action scenes, with occasional swearing and a bit of fighting, but the bulk of the book is focused on a team of very talented scientists who are trying to understand something they can barely describe.

The story does have its share of suspense and twists, so there's plenty for you to get hooked on. This is the type of science-fiction that is more about the discussion of theories and ideas rather than anything else.

Indeed, Peter Clines brings his own intellectual capacity to the fore, sharing many of his thoughts and ideas about the multiverse theory, bridging alternate realities, what teleportation would imply and its potential consequences, and of course, where Man fits into all of those questions.

He handles the scientific aspects of his book very well and elaborates it all in layman's terms more often than not, meaning you won't need a head full of technical knowledge to know what's going on.

All in all, The Fold manages to be a standout sci-fi novel amongst its peers, telling a solid and interesting story grounded in scientific theories and very interesting ideas.

Anyone who enjoys slower science-fiction where the focus is placed on ideas rather than actions will have a blast reading The Fold.

---

Favorite quote: "Almost any concept or idea in the world can be expressed through comparison with a classic Warner Bros. cartoon."

---

Peter Clines Personal site Peter Clines is an American author who grew up in Cape Neddick, Maine where he found himself mainly inspired by cartoons, comics and Star Wars. Some of his better-known novels include 14, Ex-Heroes and Ex-Patriots.