Review of Quantum Terra

[Elavarasi Charles]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Quantum Terra" by Kirk Marty.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Kirk Marty’s Quantum Terra, a soft science fiction novel, delves into the understanding of human consciousness and its effects when combined globally—effects that are strong enough to alter reality beyond comprehension.

Nick Shuman, an attorney based in San Pablito, takes up a case from the alluring Fatima Carruthers, who wants him to help her foreclose on 60 acres of land owned by ‘The Society of Metaphysical Acolytes,’ who are overdue on their loan for the land. Fatima herself is from ‘The Foundation for the Study of Electromagnetic Energy,’ an institute that branched off from ‘The Society’ over a dispute. What appears to be a normal property foreclosure lawsuit takes Nick on a ride of revelations when he unknowingly takes the reins of the case. The search for truth reveals that his deep infatuation with Fatima is far more complex than a mere crush. Just as he begins to learn the secrets behind the altered reality, which nearly drives him insane when none of his colleagues seem to realize, he is charged with first-degree murder. His own life plunges into danger soon after. What do The Society and The Foundation really do in the name of research? What about this mystery land is so special that it had them at each other’s throats? And how’s Nick to solve this conundrum and get back to his baseline reality?

The author draws the inspiration for this legal thriller from the concepts of Anil Seth, a neuroscientist who researches the mystery of consciousness. Kirk reveals, through his philosophy-heavy novel, a possible reason behind the riddle of our physical being, the quantum entanglement of consciousness, the multi-dimensional existence of souls, and the signs we largely ignore of several coinciding global phenomena. The physics concepts he explores, though elaborate, are overshadowed by the deep exploration of human psychology, which governs our consciousness and, in turn, shapes our reality. It did sometimes feel like I was reading a nonfiction rather than a thriller novel. However, it is clear that the author made immense efforts to make it informational and engaging. Being a lawyer himself, he writes with authority about court proceedings and their longstanding questionable flaws. Also, the character ensemble he brought to life is enjoyable and relatable, each adding depth to the story. I loved that none of the characters felt shallow, and Nick’s office ‘family’ felt both comforting and empowering. Amazingly, the author conveys all of this entirely through Nick’s first-person perspective.

There is no question that the editing is flawless. I didn’t find even a typo in the entire book. My only suggestion is the pacing, which felt a bit slow for a thriller. Nick’s educational sessions, although eye-opening and necessary, were loosely connected to the story and disconnected me occasionally from the emotional core of the plot. It felt as if I was reading two different books simultaneously. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying every last portion. Considering these remarks, I give this thoughtfully challenging thriller 4 out of 5. The book contains frequent use of profanity. So, I caution readers to be mindful before giving a copy to children.

A hardcore fan of sci-fi will have a great time with this book. Especially if you follow Seth and his theories about consciousness, or if you like court drama and are eager to explore it with a unique blend of equal parts romance and mind-boggling philosophies, then grab Quantum Terra. I am sure you won’t regret it.

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Quantum Terra
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[Vicki Cerniglia]

Thanks for the comprehensive review. I'm not a huge fan of unnecessary philosophical discussion in a sci-fi novel, so I won't be reading this. I enjoyed your review, though.

[Priya Murugesan]

A very interesting review! I thought of picking up this book. But the slow pacing makes me unsure about it. Thanks for your well-written review!

[NetMassimo]

A thriller story that uses alternate realities is intriguing, and I'm most certainly a hardcore science fiction fan. Romance is not my thing, but the blend of science and philosophy can be very stimulating, and there's also a court drama. Thank you for your great review!