Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. This week, I’m sharing my review of the novel adaptation of Sliders by Brad Linaweaver.

Sliders: The Novel was published in 1996 by Berkley and is 234 pages long.

The Plot
Sliders: The Novel is an engaging companion to the 1990s science fiction TV series Sliders, which introduces us to Quinn Mallory, a brilliant young physics student who invents a device that allows him to “slide” to parallel Earths. But, as you’d probably guess, things don’t go according to plan. Along with his motley crew, Quinn finds himself stuck on one of these earths when the device malfunctions.

Characters
Quinn Mallory
Quinn Mallory is the idealistic yet awkward inventor at the centre of the plot. His curiosity and ingenuity drive the plot, but his self-doubt and guilt over stranding the group make him an extremely relatable protagonist.

Wade Wells
Wad brings heart to the team. She’s resourceful, determined, and doesn’t shy away from calling the others out when needed. She is given much more depth in the book. She’s not just the moral compass but also a source of quiet strength when others falter.

Professor Maximilian Arturo
Professor Arturo is the quintessential gruff but lovable mentor. His dry humour and scepticism provide a juxtaposition to Quinn’s youthful optimism.Along with Wade, Arturo also often serves as the book’s moral compass, and his unwavering intellect is crucial to the group’s survival.

Rembrandt “Crying Man” Brown
Rembrandt is the group’s reluctant participant, providing much of the novel’s comic relief. However, Linaweaver also explores his adjustment to the surreal circumstances, adding layers to his character.

Writing Style
I’ll admit, going into this book, I had my reservations. Sometimes, TV show or film novel adaptations can be terrible (I’m lookin’ at you, Grease) and full of bits of nonsensical plot or actions a character would never do.

Sliders was one of the shows my family gathered to watch each week, and it holds a special nostalgic place in my heart. So, feeling a little trepidation, I started this book with high hopes, which were fulfilled for the most part.

Linaweaver’s writing is straightforward and pulls you right into the story. He translates the episodic nature of the TV show into novel form with great effect, and his descriptions of the characters and the three parallel Earths they visit bring the story to life wonderfully.

Speaking of the characters, I was glad to find that they remained faithful to their TV counterparts, especially in terms of their dialogue and personalities, and each of their internal monologues provides new layers to them, making their struggles and triumphs more compelling, adding depth to the overall story.

With all that said, there were moments where I felt the pacing was a bit off — certain chapters dragged a bit, while others rushed through exciting plot points without giving them the space they deserved. Still, those are minor complaints in the grand scheme of things, and it only detracted from the story a little.

Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the novel succeeds in its ability to tell the story of how the Sliders got off on their journey, and it is a good story, but I do think it is of its time. Actually, I think it’s ripe for a reboot. I wonder where the characters are today.

So, whether you’re a longtime fan of Sliders or someone looking for their next sci-fi adventure, this novel will surely entertain. Now I’m curious — what parallel universe would you want to visit if you had the choice? Leave a comment and let me know!

I am giving Sliders a 6/10

Have you read Sliders? What did you think?

Thank you, as ever, for stopping by to read my review!

Until next time,

George

© 2025 GLT

Categories: Book Reviews, Reading

Tags: 90s, book review, novelisation, Novelization, review, science fiction, Sliders, tv