Blog Archives
Everything From Nothing
Everything From Nothing, by S.E. Elwell, tackles one of the most profound mysteries of existence: why does anything exist at all, rather than nothing? This thought-provoking book delves into the origins and purpose of the universe, offering a compelling theory that revolves around the interaction between infinite potential and absolute nothingness. Through this lens, the author explores the natural laws that gave rise to our reality, emphasizing the vital role that order plays in maintaining the structure of the cosmos.
The concept of infinite potential is presented as a boundless source of possibilities, yet Elwell argues that without a framework of order—embodied in the laws of physics—this potential would lead to chaos rather than the structured universe we observe. The book deftly explains how these laws prevent disorder, enabling the universe to evolve in a meaningful way. Consciousness, another key theme, is portrayed as an essential aspect of this grand cosmic unfolding. Elwell suggests that life’s challenges—suffering and competition, for instance—are not only necessary but fundamental to the growth of consciousness. These forces drive evolution and adaptation, shaping the complexity and self-awareness found in living beings.
What makes this work truly engaging is its deep dive into the continued evolution of consciousness, which the author describes as an ongoing and dynamic process. Far from static, the journey of consciousness is portrayed as a path toward ever-greater complexity, with no clear end in sight. Reading this book was an eye-opening experience. It introduced me to new concepts, from the evolution of awareness in living organisms to the possibility of higher dimensions influencing our existence. Elwell’s exploration of the infinite source behind the universe opened my mind to endless possibilities.
The philosophical reflections on the nature of awareness and its origins offer a rich intellectual landscape for those curious about the deeper mysteries of existence. That said, I feel the book’s dense philosophical and scientific discussions may feel somewhat overwhelming to readers unfamiliar with these topics. Some of the theories could be difficult to grasp for those without a strong background or interest in philosophy and science. Despite this, it’s refreshing to hear a fresh perspective on the origins of the universe.
For readers with a passion for these subjects, Everything From Nothing offers a fascinating and educational journey. Elwell’s work is an ambitious and enlightening exploration of existence, perfect for readers who enjoy reflecting on the big questions about life, the universe, and everything in between.
Pages: 86 | ISBN : 978-1399918442
Journey of Seven Circles
Journey of Seven Circles by Russell Pike tells the story of Kryn, a soul warden who has devoted his life to the wellbeing of others. Whether serving as a medic on the battlefield or pursuing scholarly endeavors in times of peace, Kryn is steadfast in his commitment to his path. However, like everyone around him, he knows better than to delve into magic—something believed to corrupt those who dare explore it. But when he crosses that dangerous line in a desperate bid to save lives, he discovers there may be no turning back from the power he has uncovered, nor from the consequences it brings.
The novel masterfully weaves together Kryn’s present-day struggles with his magical task and flashbacks that reveal the decisions and circumstances that shaped him. This dual narrative structure adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, allowing readers to gradually piece together his story while contrasting the two very different stages of his life. The transitions between past and present are seamless, and Pike’s ability to balance these two timelines keeps the narrative engaging and full of suspense. The world-building is equally compelling, rich with mystery and depth that enhances the overall experience without ever overshadowing the main plot. What stood out to me was the completeness of the story. Nothing felt lacking or rushed. Kryn is a deeply compelling narrator, guiding the reader through moments of high-stakes action and quieter, more introspective problem-solving. Pike excels in creating tension and conflict but also allows space for reflection and strategy, which gives the story a satisfying balance. The pacing never falters, and the mix of action and contemplation enriches the plot, adding layers of complexity without dragging down the narrative.
For fans of fantasy and magic, Journey of Seven Circles is a must-read. Russell Pike has crafted a well-written, captivating story, with Kryn at its heart—a character who is both relatable and intriguing. I eagerly anticipate what Pike will offer in his future works, and I would highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking an immersive fantasy experience filled with adventure, mystery, and a touch of magic.
Pages: 485 | ASIN : B0D77Y92WJ
Does the End Justify the Means?
The Conflagration follows a man faced with the task of saving the universe from an adversary who realizes things are more complex than anticipated. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Book of Job from the Bible – The MC, Milo Sapphire, knows he’s the principal in a contest between Deity and Deity’s Adversary. I thought it would be really cool for Milo to take the ultimate risk and see how far he can push supposedly “all powerful” forces. After all, he’s got nothing to lose, right?
Discovering the actual limitations of omnipotence opens up many interesting areas to explore in subsequent books.
How has character development for Milo Saphire changed for you through the series?
Milo struggles with the exercise of power throughout the series. Just because he can, does that mean he should? Just because his friends and allies want him to exercise that power, is it still the right thing to do? What are his absolutes? Can they be changed? If the situation is desperate enough; does the end then justify the means? Can absolutes be prioritized? Is there a rank order? What is the extent of his “noblesse oblige” to the people who will be affected by his actions, both good and bad? And how does that fit into the life he lives as the leader of the Tribes with their “kill or be killed” societal structures?
He’s already walked away from everything once because he didn’t like who he became to survive and thrive. What would it take for him to do it again?
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
In creating the milieu and the zeitgeist of the series, I ask myself, “what does everyone ‘know’ about a topic? What’s ‘common knowledge’?” It’s a big, complicated universe out there; lots of people doing lots of things. What’s the minimum amount of information needed to advance the plot? Will the inclusion of the story element advance the action? Is it an interesting enough thread to include and maybe just let dangle in the breeze of the plot rushing by? I love the reaction of “Hey wait, what was that? Oh never mind, the next bit’s already happening.”
I want my readers to have enough structure to recognize they’re on the roller coaster climbing to the top right before that first big drop. But not so much description of the blurry landscape flashing by that they get pulled out of the experience of the 90 degree corkscrew turn.
And who knows, something peripheral to today’s story, that dangling thread getting whipped in the breeze, may come into greater focus down the road. There’s definitely more than one roller coaster rattling around in my brain.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book is “The Promise of the Inang”. It should see the light of day in the latter half of 2025.
Author Links: Amazon | Book Review
Milo Sapphire was once an itinerant starship captain.
Now he’s the CEO of Interstellar Products.
And the First of the Tribes.
And the Chosen of the Most High. (he really loves this one)
He’s supposed to be working on saving the Universe against the Adversary, just not sure how.
And there’re a few complications (because, why not?).
The Emperor of the Mercantile Empire is missing.
The Privy Council is installing an Interim Emperor, because that always works.
The STM network, the most advanced communication system ever devised, is broken.
Something is extinguishing stars where STM nodes are located. (That’s why it’s broken.)
The Imperial Senate is clamoring for someone to do something about the stars going dark. Or, at least, have someone to blame.
The leader of the Senate is just a hardworking elected representative of his planet, trying to take advantage of the crisis.
Oh, and a Princess of Tyrol has been abducted.
Hang on, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride!
The Monarchs
In a world where large-eyed, psychic children are tested in laboratories each Sunday, life is far from fun. Amidst the ruins of democracy and bombed-out cities, Samuel Helen embarks on a journey to a magical sanctuary, accompanied by a playful girl with unconventional pacifist tendencies. His quest is not only to save the girl he loves from a comatose state but also to escape the relentless rebels on his trail. Mark Sabbas’ The Monarchs is a mesmerizing tale set in a chaotic yet magical and spiritual futuristic dystopia.
The book offers an intense emotional and mental journey unlike any other. Samuel’s reflections and dreams seamlessly blend with reality in a mind-bending narrative that keeps readers guessing from start to finish. The Monarchs is filled with brilliant surprises and compelling clues. Just when Samuel’s troubles seem to be over, unexpected attacks keep readers on edge, fearing for the protagonist’s life. The villains are ruthless, willing to go to any lengths to achieve their goals. One of the book’s standout features is its impeccable world-building. From rich stories of past destructions to a deadly rebellious group and dystopian tyrants experimenting on children, Sabbas creates a vivid and immersive universe. The narrative smoothly integrates themes of black magic, the third eye, telekinesis, telepathy, love, empathy, friendship, enmity, and energetic healing. Fans of psychic and spiritual themes will find much to enjoy in this novel.
As an admirer of artistic novels, I appreciated the author’s ability to describe mesmerizing scenes and weave therapeutic words. The Monarchs offers a thrilling adventure that excellently blends magic, danger, and love. This addictive, masterfully crafted world should not end with one story. I eagerly await its sequels, as Mark Sabbas has given readers a taste of a treat they didn’t know they needed.
Pages: 460 | ASIN : B0CTHRFGKB
The Conflagration (The War Against Infinity Book 4)
Milo Sapphire has ascended to remarkable heights. As the CEO of Interstellar Products and Chosen of the Most High, among other impressive titles, he enjoys a life of privilege and prestige. However, this exalted position comes with its own set of dramas and responsibilities. Milo faces the daunting task of saving the universe from the Adversary, a challenge as formidable as it sounds. The path forward is unclear, compounded by a series of pressing issues: the malfunctioning STM network, the mysterious disappearance of the Emperor of the Mercantile Empire, and the relentless frustrations of dealing with the Privy Council. Milo must draw on all his resources to navigate this complex web of problems.
The Conflagration, the fourth book in Rob Bartlett’s The War Against Infinity series, is a compelling science fiction novel enriched with elements of humor reminiscent of Discworld and the farcical charm found in Futurama. Bartlett’s narrative is accessible, making it easy for new readers to dive into the story even if they haven’t read the previous books. The universe Bartlett crafts is vast and intricately detailed, yet his relaxed writing style effectively balances the grandeur of the unfolding events. Milo Sapphire emerges as a delightful protagonist. He finds himself simultaneously over his head and astonishingly resourceful, surprising even his most formidable foes. His attempts to extricate himself from a variety of predicaments are among the novel’s most engaging aspects. Despite the high stakes, including the looming threat of the Adversary, the tone remains light and humorous, ensuring the story never becomes overly grim. This blend of epic stakes and comedic relief makes this book a refreshing space opera with a lighter touch, perfect for those seeking an entertaining and adventurous read.
The Conflagration stands out as an engaging addition to Rob Bartlett’s The War Against Infinity series. With its well-balanced mix of high-stakes drama and lighthearted humor, it captivates both new readers and series veterans alike. Milo Sapphire’s resourcefulness and wit in the face of cosmic challenges make for a compelling and enjoyable journey through a vividly imagined universe.
Pages: 591 | ASIN : B0D36F9QDZ
Helipads in Heaven
Helipads in Heaven introduces us to “Goose” or Dillon, an idiosyncratic writer who unexpectedly wins a contest granting her the opportunity to travel back in time. As a highly acclaimed author with a complex history, Goose confronts her past and explores its impact on her present through an engaging and reflective adventure that balances levity with emotional depth.
Shanti Hershenson demonstrates notable skill, crafting a concise yet fully realized narrative that deftly establishes characters, events, and their significance without feeling rushed or disjointed. The protagonist, Goose, along with her husband David and Dr. Moreno, the scientist facilitating her time travel, are compellingly drawn and contribute to a richly woven plot replete with twists, thrilling escapades, and moments of genuine emotion.
The short time spent with the characters intensifies the emotional connection, leaving some readers possibly yearning for more. This element of transience enhances the book’s impact, emphasizing the theme that the trials we endure fundamentally shape our identities.
Helipads in Heaven is not only an enjoyable read but also invites reflection on how personal adversities influence who we become. Hershenson’s work is commendable, and her potential future contributions to literature are highly anticipated. Readers looking for a thoughtfully paced and introspective journey will find much to appreciate in this novel.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0C97X49B6
PROJECT ÜBERMENSCH
Project Übermensch is a thrilling foray into science fiction that intertwines historical events with the supernatural. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel begins with a botched military experiment at the US Navy Yard in Philadelphia, purportedly based on Einstein’s Unified Field Theory. The failed test not only bends reality but also disastrously affects the crew of the USS Eldridge—leaving the protagonist, Peter Smithwick, with unnatural abilities and a curse of delayed aging. Author Lonnie Busch uses this gripping premise to launch into a tale that spans decades, exploring themes of identity, the ethics of scientific experimentation, and the quest for personal redemption.
Busch’s writing is sharp and engaging, blending detailed historical context with rich, imaginative storytelling. The narrative is paced like a carefully tuned symphony, with moments of quiet introspection contrasted against bursts of intense action that push the plot forward. However, while the prose is often compelling, it occasionally gets bogged down by technical descriptions and a multitude of characters that can be challenging to keep track of. I think this complexity enriches the plot but might not appeal to everyone.
The philosophical underpinnings stand out as one of the book’s most compelling features. Busch ambitiously explores the moral implications of playing God and the ensuing existential crises. The protagonist’s battle with his ‘gifts’ and his pursuit of a normal life are rendered with poignant clarity, offering readers a deep exploration of what it means to be human. While these deep philosophical inquiries are ambitious and may sometimes seem to stretch beyond easy grasp, they add a rich layer of complexity to the narrative.
Project Übermensch is an ambitious mystery novel that offers plenty of enjoyment, especially for enthusiasts of science fiction and historical narratives who dare to ask ‘what if?’ The fusion of factual historical events with science fiction elements creates a reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and entertaining. Readers who savor complex narratives with a mix of action, science fiction, and philosophical inquiry will find this book a gratifying read.
Pages: 356 | ASIN : B0CYRRJLH6
