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An Elegant Symmetry

MD Hanley Author Interview

Quantum Mind follows a brother and sister who encounter a being on a mission to Earth from over 5,000 years ago who is trying to reconnect Earth to other sentient planets. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I’m fascinated by anything involving science, especially quantum physics, and also ancient Irish folklore and myth. I learned about the Warrior Queen Boudicca, and I thought she was an extremely interesting character to use in this story. I also couldn’t tell this story without including some of the incredible stone monuments, like Newgrange or Stonehenge, which exist in Ireland and England. It still amazes me these various stone monuments were built almost 5000 years ago.

The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?

I really enjoyed this part of writing Quantum Mind. The Quantum science behind this is incredibly complicated, but I really wanted the reader to be able to follow the story and not get lost in the math or complexity of the science. All the fantastic properties and abilities of quantum science are really amazing and were a tremendous amount of fun to include in this story.

What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight the characters’ development?

In quantum physics there is an elegant symmetry found throughout many of the different aspects of the quantum particle relationships. I wanted to bring this symmetry to many of the characters’ relationships by being twins, which can share many similar traits but can also be exact opposites. Quantum particles also have an important characteristic of the direction the particle is spinning. Being left handed, I thought it would be a great way to incorporate having different things happen when you hold a quantum stone in your left hand versus your right hand. A simple ‘shout out’ to all the lefties out there!

Where does the next book in the series take the characters?

The next book, called Quantum Entanglement, will take place on Ghia in a race to save the Quantum Guild from the destruction and enslavement by the alien Egrans. While the others are fighting the Egrans, Brian’s 10 year old son, Malcolm, discovers he controls a quantum ability to create unlimited copies of himself. Being in two places at the same time might be the key Ghia has been searching for to restore the Quantum Guild. Is Malcolm’s new ability enough to fight off the Egrans and restore the Quantum Guild? Is this the only power Malcolm has, or did he unlock an ability that could potentially destroy the whole universe?

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What if the Earth is a sentient living being? Kat and her twin brother Pat, meet Alder who came to the Earth, with others from his distant planet, over 5000 years ago. Their ancient mission was to help planet Earth reconnect to a group of sentient planets quantumly connected around the universe. Kat and Pat discover that they and others they meet have special “quantum abilities” by using the colorful stones Alder has with him. Discovering they can manipulate the “quantum properties” from the world around them, the twins agree to help these original settlers complete their mission. Their exciting journey takes them to the ancient stone monuments in Ireland and England to create a connection, all the while other ancient settlers are actively trying to stop them. Does Alder complete his sacred mission?

Quantum Mind

In Quantum Mind, by M.D. Hanley, readers are taken on a gripping science fiction journey with twins Kat and Pat as they encounter the mysterious Alder. Asserting that Earth is not just a passive planet but a sentient being, Alder offers compelling evidence to back his claim. As the twins discover their quantum abilities, resembling superpowers, they become entangled in Alder’s mission, driven by the potent colored stones he holds. Their adventure takes them across England and Ireland, revealing that Alder is part of a broader network of cosmic mystics. Some are his allies, while others stand opposed. The twins’ involvement becomes paramount for Earth’s very survival.

Though the second in a series, newcomers to Hanley’s world will swiftly acclimate. The prologue quickly lays the groundwork, and Alder’s insightful dialogues further bridge any gaps.

Quantum Mind pays homage to concepts treasured by fans of the Star Trek universe – from sentient planets to humanoid guardians for these celestial bodies. While the book may tread on familiar terrain, this doesn’t diminish its charm. The twins, Kat and Pat, are engaging leads, and Alder’s intricate connection to Earth offers layers of emotional depth.

The unfolding narrative steadily amplifies the urgency of their quest. Remarkably, the Earth transforms from a backdrop to an emotive entity with desires and imperatives as compelling as its human protagonists. Hanley personifies the planet, deserving commendation for this nuanced portrayal. Dive into Quantum Mind for an enthralling read that blurs the lines between the cosmic and the personal.

Pages: 383 | ASIN : B09QRX7376

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