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Quantum #5
Quantum Chaos
Everyone knows that Chitzas are masters of spatial compression, routinely exploring distant places across the Milky Way in their wedge-shaped scout ships. But rumors abound of even greater accomplishments. Some say these intrepid explorers have reached beyond the galaxy. When a distress signal is received from deep space, making sense of the emergency becomes a personal matter for Daniel Rice. His wife is onboard that ship. Has it been destroyed? No one knows, but searching for survivors won’t be Daniel’s only problem. The distress signal comes from a region so remote that light itself has not had time to reach our eyes. The Chitzas may have ventured beyond the cosmic horizon. Compelled to seek the truth, Daniel must follow the Chitzas’ path across vast reaches of space to a mysterious planet in an unusual galaxy. What he learns will take him even further from home—to a place ruled by chaos. Join the adventure, as the fifth book in the Quantum Series embarks on a fantastic voyage of discovery across the breadth of our universe.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2023
353 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Phillips
53 books342 followersDouglas Phillips is the best-selling author of the Ascending Carbon Series, the Quantum Series, and more. The books are page-turning adventures that imagine scientific discovery as the path toward a positive future for humanity. Each story draws the reader deeper into mysteries that require intellect, not bullets, to resolve.
Doug has science degrees in Geomorphology and Meteorology, has designed and written predictive computer models, reads physics books for fun and peers into deep space through the eyepiece of his backyard telescope. He lives in Seattle, travels the world with his wife, hikes with his two sons, and becomes a child all over again with his grandchildren.
"I love science fiction, especially stories that begin with real science then ask, what if? I've studied a wide range of science throughout my life. Now, I'm turning that experience into the stories I've always wanted to read."
http://douglasphillipsbooks.com/
Doug has science degrees in Geomorphology and Meteorology, has designed and written predictive computer models, reads physics books for fun and peers into deep space through the eyepiece of his backyard telescope. He lives in Seattle, travels the world with his wife, hikes with his two sons, and becomes a child all over again with his grandchildren.
"I love science fiction, especially stories that begin with real science then ask, what if? I've studied a wide range of science throughout my life. Now, I'm turning that experience into the stories I've always wanted to read."
http://douglasphillipsbooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 24, 2023
Another really enjoyable read...
This author makes quantum physics, mathematical equations and theoretical science so much fun that if he taught, I would never quit going to school. So few novels can explore such a vast multi verse while keeping the threads of love, friendships and camaraderie intact. While trying to fulfill a personal need to understand the universe, but only to the exclusion of God, perhaps the point that God is outside of time, has been missed. If God has seen your life, or your planet, universe or galaxy's life from beginning to end, that doesn't mean your choices were predestined, but they were known. This book continues the amazing adventures of Nala and Daniel that are so intense I always buy each new book the day it is released. I can give an author no higher praise. Please read this entire series, but be prepared, each is so intriguing and intense you won't want to put it down(except to study the science and look up a few terms). Loved it!
This author makes quantum physics, mathematical equations and theoretical science so much fun that if he taught, I would never quit going to school. So few novels can explore such a vast multi verse while keeping the threads of love, friendships and camaraderie intact. While trying to fulfill a personal need to understand the universe, but only to the exclusion of God, perhaps the point that God is outside of time, has been missed. If God has seen your life, or your planet, universe or galaxy's life from beginning to end, that doesn't mean your choices were predestined, but they were known. This book continues the amazing adventures of Nala and Daniel that are so intense I always buy each new book the day it is released. I can give an author no higher praise. Please read this entire series, but be prepared, each is so intriguing and intense you won't want to put it down(except to study the science and look up a few terms). Loved it!
August 12, 2023
In this fifth book in his Quantum series, Douglas Phillips weaves very hard science, adventure, romance, ethics, and even more science into a page turner. And if that isn’t enough to get you excited, he makes a race of brave, adventuresome, and lovable hedgehog like creatures into central characters.
It has been over two years since the last Quantum book and, judging by the complex scientific topics addressed in this one, Phillips has spent the bulk of his time reading scientific tomes about the creation and nature of the universe. Building on this new knowledge, Phillips has his two protagonists, Daniel and Nala, set out with their new friends, the Chitzas, to explore what exists at the cosmic horizon, the end of known space 46 billion light-years away.
Phillips somehow makes a graduate level course on Quantum physics and cosmology entertaining. While many parts of this story seem like they are verging into the area of fantasy rather than science fiction, in the afterward Phillips goes through the theories involved, including references to the books and authors he based the story upon.
For those of you who are not into science, there are more than enough subplots in this book to keep you entertained. In addition to the already mentioned, and constantly entertaining, Chitzas, there is an evil dictator, a search for lost comrades, lots of aliens, edge-of-your-seat danger, a group of revolutionaries, kidnappings, and so much more. For those of you into science, there are enough theories, facts, and hypotheses to keep your gray matter churning long after you turn the final page.
It has been over two years since the last Quantum book and, judging by the complex scientific topics addressed in this one, Phillips has spent the bulk of his time reading scientific tomes about the creation and nature of the universe. Building on this new knowledge, Phillips has his two protagonists, Daniel and Nala, set out with their new friends, the Chitzas, to explore what exists at the cosmic horizon, the end of known space 46 billion light-years away.
Phillips somehow makes a graduate level course on Quantum physics and cosmology entertaining. While many parts of this story seem like they are verging into the area of fantasy rather than science fiction, in the afterward Phillips goes through the theories involved, including references to the books and authors he based the story upon.
For those of you who are not into science, there are more than enough subplots in this book to keep you entertained. In addition to the already mentioned, and constantly entertaining, Chitzas, there is an evil dictator, a search for lost comrades, lots of aliens, edge-of-your-seat danger, a group of revolutionaries, kidnappings, and so much more. For those of you into science, there are enough theories, facts, and hypotheses to keep your gray matter churning long after you turn the final page.
July 23, 2023
fun read for a sci-fi
quantum chaos is a fun read, especially if read in one sitting. touches upon complex physics but tries to explain it in a fun manner before heading towards sci fi genre.
quantum chaos is a fun read, especially if read in one sitting. touches upon complex physics but tries to explain it in a fun manner before heading towards sci fi genre.
October 24, 2025
Solid ending to a 5 part series. Another entertaining blend of science and science fiction.
August 9, 2023
mind infinitely blown!
A fantastic story that covered so many topics and such vast distances my head is still spinning. Daniel and Nala traveled so far into deep space, beyond the “cosmic horizon” - the edge of how far we can see - to the very edge of of the universe itself, and even further, to gain insight of the very small - the quantum nature of reality. This one was a real thinker, but there was a good amount of don’t-know-what’s-gonna-happen-next action, too.
As usual, Mr Phillips followed up with an explanation of some of the topics and what was real, or fact-based, and what was his own imagination or speculation.
Fun and cerebral all at once, a great addition to the Quantum series.
A fantastic story that covered so many topics and such vast distances my head is still spinning. Daniel and Nala traveled so far into deep space, beyond the “cosmic horizon” - the edge of how far we can see - to the very edge of of the universe itself, and even further, to gain insight of the very small - the quantum nature of reality. This one was a real thinker, but there was a good amount of don’t-know-what’s-gonna-happen-next action, too.
As usual, Mr Phillips followed up with an explanation of some of the topics and what was real, or fact-based, and what was his own imagination or speculation.
Fun and cerebral all at once, a great addition to the Quantum series.
July 22, 2023
Whoa
So I am just amazed; I loved this book, the science is just outstanding and I'm a 70 year old. All through it i had to stop and question, " is this fiction or factual? " Each step along the way it gets more exciting, more surprising, and always " what's going to happen next? " Just a fantastic story.
So I am just amazed; I loved this book, the science is just outstanding and I'm a 70 year old. All through it i had to stop and question, " is this fiction or factual? " Each step along the way it gets more exciting, more surprising, and always " what's going to happen next? " Just a fantastic story.
August 12, 2023
interesting Science
But a middle-school adventure plot line. Shallow characters. I understand it’s only make-believe, but I expected a more adult story. Sorry. I had hoped for a more memorable finale.
But a middle-school adventure plot line. Shallow characters. I understand it’s only make-believe, but I expected a more adult story. Sorry. I had hoped for a more memorable finale.
October 24, 2023
This fifth Quantum series novel is fast paced and takes recurring characters Daniel and Nala to the literal ends of our universe and into the multiverse beyond in the company of a crew of hedgehog like aliens called Chitzas, who like to work and play hard.
The ideas in Phillips Quantum series books, especially this fifth one are grandiose. I sometimes wonder if Phillips might be an alien sent to Earth to plant ideas and guide us to science we should be investigating, like compressing space to travel vast distances quickly? [lol]
I really love how Phillips ties up loose ends in his books and adds an afterward to his books, where he explains some of the ideas and science that he builds his stories from. I wish more authors would do this.
The main complaint I have with Phillips writing is that his characters lack depth and his stories are too superficial. The stories and characters lacked emotional depth and complexity in earlier books and that follows through in this book. I felt like I was reading a comic book.
I also take issue with the idea that 3ft tall hedgehog like creatures (Chitzas) have the right body structure to develop a technological society (same issues with Vernor Vinge and his dog race, for example) or what evolutionary forces on a planet would result in an 18ft tall race (Litian-nolos) of scientific geniuses. Phillips himself doesn't explain this inconsistency in the conversations with the Surveyors, who tell Daniel/Nala that vast majority of races are humanoid in form.
Quantum Chaos is a 3.5 star book but I'll round up to 4 stars for the big ideas brought forward.
The ideas in Phillips Quantum series books, especially this fifth one are grandiose. I sometimes wonder if Phillips might be an alien sent to Earth to plant ideas and guide us to science we should be investigating, like compressing space to travel vast distances quickly? [lol]
I really love how Phillips ties up loose ends in his books and adds an afterward to his books, where he explains some of the ideas and science that he builds his stories from. I wish more authors would do this.
The main complaint I have with Phillips writing is that his characters lack depth and his stories are too superficial. The stories and characters lacked emotional depth and complexity in earlier books and that follows through in this book. I felt like I was reading a comic book.
I also take issue with the idea that 3ft tall hedgehog like creatures (Chitzas) have the right body structure to develop a technological society (same issues with Vernor Vinge and his dog race, for example) or what evolutionary forces on a planet would result in an 18ft tall race (Litian-nolos) of scientific geniuses. Phillips himself doesn't explain this inconsistency in the conversations with the Surveyors, who tell Daniel/Nala that vast majority of races are humanoid in form.
Quantum Chaos is a 3.5 star book but I'll round up to 4 stars for the big ideas brought forward.
August 28, 2023
I read the complete Quantum series and I must say that the concepts presented there left me baffled: Moving through the 4th physical dimension to travel ridiculously vast distances on the 3rd dimension... using a second time dimension to go into the future... going all the way to the end of the universe... Astonishing!
Mr. Phillips is a great storyteller, especially when explaining science to a regular Joe like myself. Characters were developed throughout the five books, one can really relate to and cheer for them. The world building is also worth mentioning, it's impossible to see a 4th dimension, however, the author does a great job describing the places and the movement within them.
When reading this series, I felt the same mind expansion I felt when I read The Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin and Hail Mary by Andy Weir. The concepts presented in these books are amazing, to say the least. And the possibility that maybe someday in the future all these ideas can be a reality, is exciting.
It would be a crime not to recommend these books.
Read them, and like me, you'll wish the series continue.
Mr. Phillips is a great storyteller, especially when explaining science to a regular Joe like myself. Characters were developed throughout the five books, one can really relate to and cheer for them. The world building is also worth mentioning, it's impossible to see a 4th dimension, however, the author does a great job describing the places and the movement within them.
When reading this series, I felt the same mind expansion I felt when I read The Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin and Hail Mary by Andy Weir. The concepts presented in these books are amazing, to say the least. And the possibility that maybe someday in the future all these ideas can be a reality, is exciting.
It would be a crime not to recommend these books.
Read them, and like me, you'll wish the series continue.
November 16, 2023
The best and I love it!
The best in the series so far. I am familiar with most of the Science in this book (and the series) were based on so I greatly appreciated how these were weaved this way. For example, randomness and seeds (and seeds of seeds for that matter). There is nothing truly random, be it "by design" or "natural". And what comes before "creation"? Yes, it's either "out of nothing" or "eternity". We cannot avoid these. We just haven't reached that far yet.
The best in the series so far. I am familiar with most of the Science in this book (and the series) were based on so I greatly appreciated how these were weaved this way. For example, randomness and seeds (and seeds of seeds for that matter). There is nothing truly random, be it "by design" or "natural". And what comes before "creation"? Yes, it's either "out of nothing" or "eternity". We cannot avoid these. We just haven't reached that far yet.
January 14, 2024
Not as good as the first 4 books in the series and I do hope that this is the end of the story. It's been a great ride but I don't know what the author can do in a 6th book that would keep it fresh. Quantum Chaos is written well and Douglas Phillips definitely knows his science but I think the characters have run their course. I would be content with the end of book 5 being a wrap for the very entertaining series.
December 13, 2025
A great ending from a great series
Be careful the quantum series is highly addictive. I started book one and didn’t stop until book five a month later. Fascinating science, things to consider that I never would’ve dreamed of, and what fun!
Douglas Phillips is a great author, rights, very well, tells a great story, educational, and fun to read. Isn’t that the definition of a great read?
Be careful the quantum series is highly addictive. I started book one and didn’t stop until book five a month later. Fascinating science, things to consider that I never would’ve dreamed of, and what fun!
Douglas Phillips is a great author, rights, very well, tells a great story, educational, and fun to read. Isn’t that the definition of a great read?
October 2, 2023
Ok, this was one of the better ones in the series, but I still miss so much world building and character development - everything is so shallow.
However the presentation of scientific ideas is really good, and are interesting to read for those who are interested in cosmology, multiverse and other theories.
However the presentation of scientific ideas is really good, and are interesting to read for those who are interested in cosmology, multiverse and other theories.
October 3, 2023
quantum set on its ear
Really enjoyed getting to think about what might or might not be random. After the ship that Nala was traveling on with the Chitza’s goes missing Daniel must find a way to save her and get answers to how this had happened. It was a wonderful adventure and entertaining.
Really enjoyed getting to think about what might or might not be random. After the ship that Nala was traveling on with the Chitza’s goes missing Daniel must find a way to save her and get answers to how this had happened. It was a wonderful adventure and entertaining.
October 3, 2023
This is a well told story with lots of quantum physics in it. As such it provides a lot of room for new ideas and stretching your brain. Ideas about cosmology and quantum physics can really do that. This certainly provides interesting speculation about what came before the big bang. If you like to think about such things, this is for you.
June 24, 2023
If you like space, interesting characters and twists, this book (and series) is a must read. Based on hard science (which many of us haven't heard of), Mr. Phillips takes his well developed characters (and the wonderful Chitza race) beyond the final frontier. A wonderful well crafted read!
September 13, 2023
Very interesting story and cool characters. Expanding on the the thought that we are not alone out here and space is not necessarily infinite. A very thought-provoking, higher order thought exercise with colorful characters and adventure at every turn.
Read
October 30, 2023Excellent series
Very well written with great story lines and intriguing concepts. Enjoyed it the entire series also the scientific review at the end of each book. Highly recommended!
Very well written with great story lines and intriguing concepts. Enjoyed it the entire series also the scientific review at the end of each book. Highly recommended!
November 16, 2023
Great Series
Great series looking forward to more. I know this can't be the end of the Quantum Worlc. This has so much potential to get farther and deeper into a storyline that has immense possibilities.
Great series looking forward to more. I know this can't be the end of the Quantum Worlc. This has so much potential to get farther and deeper into a storyline that has immense possibilities.
December 12, 2023
Great Read
Interesting storyline intermixed with real and projected science/mathematics all wrapped up in a great writing style
Loved it!
Now I'm just adding words to satisfy the requirement for 20 words.
Interesting storyline intermixed with real and projected science/mathematics all wrapped up in a great writing style
Loved it!
Now I'm just adding words to satisfy the requirement for 20 words.
January 20, 2024
What a treat
This whole series has been amazing and love this mans writing. It really keeps you intrigued and has caused me to miss many hours of sleep, but like they say you can sleep when
Your dead.
Bravo Douglas Phillips Bravo!
This whole series has been amazing and love this mans writing. It really keeps you intrigued and has caused me to miss many hours of sleep, but like they say you can sleep when
Your dead.
Bravo Douglas Phillips Bravo!
August 13, 2024
Another good read by Douglas Phillips
A well-written addition to the quantum series. The universe that Adam's postulates is truly interesting. The story is a page turner that is exciting and fun.
A well-written addition to the quantum series. The universe that Adam's postulates is truly interesting. The story is a page turner that is exciting and fun.
October 4, 2024
Great potential Movie
I have read all of D. Phillips books and this is, in my opinion, his best....Lots of science facts tied in with science fiction. If done correctly with all the characters, this could be a great movie or mini series....
I have read all of D. Phillips books and this is, in my opinion, his best....Lots of science facts tied in with science fiction. If done correctly with all the characters, this could be a great movie or mini series....
July 5, 2025
A bit of multiverse
I liked the story and the book kept me interested. I was a little bit less pleased with the science explanations in the afterword, it seems to indicate the multiverse was both accepted and testable, neither if which is true as of yet
I liked the story and the book kept me interested. I was a little bit less pleased with the science explanations in the afterword, it seems to indicate the multiverse was both accepted and testable, neither if which is true as of yet
July 31, 2023
I love big audacious original concepts. This book has them.
August 24, 2023
I love the scientific explanation after each book! Great job!
October 6, 2023
Kudos
Another good book. Thought-provoking. Ultimately left me glad to be in my own skin, in my own home, on my own planet.
Another good book. Thought-provoking. Ultimately left me glad to be in my own skin, in my own home, on my own planet.
October 10, 2023
wonderful read
Very proactive thoughts on the universe with a most enjoyable group of explorers. Nala and the others made a great team.
Very proactive thoughts on the universe with a most enjoyable group of explorers. Nala and the others made a great team.
November 7, 2023
You’d think I’d be over the whole ~lost in a new dimension of space~ bit by now but I ate this book UP
December 1, 2023
Fantastisk berättelse om en resa som man har svårt att förstå, intressant och lärorik. En av de bästa på läng
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews