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Flawed and Conflicted
Quantum Consequence takes readers into the multiverse where danger and challenges await the protagonists at every stage with a constant worry about the ramifications of their choices. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
The plot for this book was inspired by the current political climate and the emergence of new demigods onto the national scene. The controversy about artificial intelligence—the whole question of whether it is good or bad—also inspired this work. The threat of AI is here, but at another level, the AI characters are mostly just silly.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
This is the fifth book in a series, so I’ve been with these characters a long time. Much of the way, they have carved their own path. Especially in a series, the characters must evolve. The can’t be the same people they were—or the same AI’s– as when we first met them. Their relationships with each other must evolve. They must be flawed and conflicted.
I found the balance between science and fiction in this story to be exceptional. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the exciting and imaginative elements that science fiction stories are known for?
This is very much a character-driven series. While the science behind time travel and parallel universes is fairly well grounded, the details of the process take a back seat to the characters and their stories. We could plop these characters and their issues into the Old West or a noir depression setting, and the story—what the characters do and how they interact, and I think it would still work. Time travel only provides a setting in which the character perform.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
I’m sure there will be a sixth book because over the past three books, I’ve left several characters in different worlds dangling on a precipice of disaster and I really should resolve those stories. For the near future, though, I’m focusing on learning screen writing. I’d love to see these Tales of Physics, Lust and Greed find their way to a broader audience.
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Quantum Consequence
Mike Murphey’s Quantum Consequence is a compelling foray into the realms of parallel universes, seamlessly weaving together a tapestry of distinct worlds and characters. The narrative, driven by the concept of time travel, introduces readers to various settings and scenarios, each richly imagined and distinct. In the intriguingly named I Love Lucy Universe, we encounter the formidable yet compassionate Marshall, alongside his partner both in work and love, Marta. Their mission is to aid Cecil in rescuing Baptiste, a tenacious ten-year-old, from a perilous domestic situation. Meanwhile, characters like Gillis, Elvin, and Lexi find themselves at a moral crossroads, contemplating a dangerous murder-for-hire proposition.
Contrastingly, the Death Valley Days Universe presents a power struggle of epic proportions. Here, the disappearance of President Humphollar, leader of the Christian Fundamentalist States of America, sets the stage for John and scientist Kendra’s tumultuous journey. As these diverse narratives unfold, they converge on a common threat: a supercomputer with ambitions of human subjugation and world domination.
Murphey masterfully blurs the lines between the believable and the fantastical, guiding readers through a vibrant intellectual odyssey. As characters navigate through alternate timelines, they encounter familiar yet distinctly altered realities. This exploration of ‘what if’ scenarios challenges the characters’ worldviews and delves into the ramifications of choices and events. The novel strikes a harmonious balance between its science-fiction elements and its humanistic themes. Murphey skillfully intertwines scientific theories of the multiverse, political intrigue, and the concept of artificial intelligence while maintaining intricate character arcs and a cohesive narrative.
The initial chapters of Quantum Consequence intriguingly set the stage for the novel, enriching the reader’s experience as the story unfolds with increasing clarity and engagement. While its mature themes make it more apt for an adult audience, this novel is a treasure trove for seasoned science fiction aficionados, especially those who revel in time travel narratives.
Pages: 404 ISBN-13: 979-8-88528-081-5
LITERARY TITAN 