The Quantum Solution

Evan Ryder #4

by Eric Van Lustbader

Evan Ryder is back, and in deadly peril, in The Quantum Solution, the fourth heart-stopping installment of this enthralling series by master thriller writer and New York Times bestselling author Eric Van Lustbader.

Evan Ryder is an extraordinary intelligence field agent now working for the security arm of Parachute, a private company and the world’s leader in the application of quantum technology. In the past, Ryder has done lethal battle in the modern global wars of power politics, extremist ideology, corrosive disinformation, and outrageous greed. But now she finds herself in a battle arena whose dangers, while less obvious, are greater than anything the world has seen before – the present and future war of weaponized quantum technology.

When an elite Russian scientist and the American Secretary of Defense die, at the same time half a world apart, of inexplicable sudden catastrophic brain damage, the world’s intelligence services realize that the quantum war has truly begun. Ryder and her long-time partner, Ben Butler, will risk their lives to discover who the true combatants are, and who are the good guys and the bad.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Action, Mystery

384 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 2023

About the author

Eric Van Lustbader was born and raised in Greenwich Village. He is the author of more than twenty-five best-selling novels, including The Ninja, in which he introduced Nicholas Linnear, one of modern fiction's most beloved and enduring heroes. The Ninja was sold to 20th CenturyFox, to be made into a major motion picture. His novels have been translated into over twenty languages.

Mr. Lustbader is a graduate of Columbia College, with a degree in Sociology. Before turning to writing full time, he enjoyed highly successful careers in the New York City public school system, where he holds licenses in both elementary and early childhood education, and in the music business, where he worked for Elektra Records and CBS Records, among other companies.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/ericva...

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evan Ryder is back in The Quantum Solution by Eric Van Lustbader. This series has had its ups and downs but this one is by far the best. I am not sure if I will read anymore in this series though because I'm a little irritated on the characters. There is some really good stuff in here but I find the story not really my cup of tea. Still I am glad to have read it and I still wonder how it will go, Thanks to Forge Books , Macmillan and Edelweiss for supplying me with this advance copy.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Evan Ryder works for Parachute, a private company with tentacles in many defense businesses, the latest being the application of quantum technology (which I still do not understand!). While playing golf, the Secretary of Defense of the US is stricken and dies, followed by similar deaths to other members of his foursome as well as a Russian scientist. Ryder, teaming with partner Ben Butler as well as former Russian agent and head of an anti-Russian network Lyudmila Shokova as well as a few others, embarks on a journey to determine who is behind the attacks. Beginning in Istanbul and moving to the U.S., Russia and points in between, and incorporating the background of current events involving the Russian Federation along with the rapidly advancing technology of modern warfare, Ryder faces several combatants in search of who is killing these people and why.

This is the 4th book by Van Lustbader featuring Evan Ryder, the 3rd that I have read, and I have come to the conclusion that the plots are all way too complicated for me. It took a long while for me to figure out what was going on and who was who. There are lots of characters, and I struggled at times to keep them all straight. And while the protagonist in many thrillers seems to be indestructible, Evan is over the top. Her injuries in conflicts would stop anyone else including Jack Reacher or Mitch Rider or John Wells or Peter Ash or anyone else! While I generally enjoy Van Lustbader’s books, this one left me cold. And I am sure there will be another book in the series in the future as Evan discovers something about her past. Thanks to Forge Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Espionage / Thriller / Political
*Rating* 3.5

*Thoughts*

The Quantum Solution is the fourth installment in author Eric Van Lustbader's Evan Ryder's series. Evan Ryder is now working for the security arm of Parachute, a private company and the world’s leader in the application of quantum technology, Marsden Tribe. In the past, Ryder has done lethal battle in the modern global wars of power politics, extremist ideology, corrosive disinformation, and outrageous greed. But now she finds herself in a battle arena whose dangers, while less obvious, are greater than anything the world has seen before – the present and future war of weaponized quantum technology.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eric Van Lustbader has been one of my favorite authors since I read his earliest books. The 3rd book of this series was not great. This 4th book was even more tedious and I gave up on it about a third of the way through it. But I am not giving ip on Mr. Van Lustbader! All his other books have been great and he remains one of my favorite authors! I just will not read — nor attempt to read — any future books in this series.

[Keshav Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric Van Lustbader's "The Quantum Solution", the fourth in the Evan Ryder series is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between science and spirituality. Known for his thrilling and action-packed novels, Lustbader takes a departure from his usual style to delve into the realm of quantum physics and its potential implications on human consciousness.

The story follows a brilliant physicist, who becomes embroiled in a world-altering discovery. When his research uncovers a hidden realm known as the "quantum solution," he finds himself caught in a race against time to prevent this knowledge from falling into the wrong hands. With the help of a mysterious group of individuals known as the "Quantum Guardians," he must navigate a treacherous landscape of power struggles and personal dilemmas. But unbeknownst to him, a group of powerful individuals has managed to weaponize this technology over time & space in the form of “time crystals”.

Things take an ugly turn when an elite Russian scientist and the American Secretary of Defense die, at about the same time half a world apart, of unexplainable catastrophic brain damage. Their postmortem reveals small explosions within their brain leading to their death. The protagonist, Evan Ryder, an extraordinary intelligence field agent now working for the security arm of Parachute, a private company and the world’s leader in the application of quantum technology is assigned to investigate this death.

In one of such meetings in Istanbul, Turkey with a longtime associate and a former Russian agent Lyudmila Shokova, an assassination attempt is made on the latter by a twin-lady assassin. Ryder and her long-time partner, Ben Butler, alongside Lyudmila, will have to risk their lives to discover who the assailants are, racing against the doomsday scenario of a possible all-out war between America and Russia.

Their adversary, known only as the “Major” is a link between the FSB, SVR, and espionage war with the US. Also embedded in this plot is Evan’s sister Bobby Ryder, who was assumed dead many years back, but had defected to the Russian Federation and now working for the FSB, under the alias of Kata Hemakova.

Lustbader's writing style is engaging and fast-paced, making it difficult to put the book down. While "The Quantum Solution" is an engaging and thought-provoking novel, it does have a few minor flaws. At times, the plot feels overly intricate, with numerous subplots and characters that can be challenging to keep track of. Additionally, the pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the middle sections of the book.

Overall, an entertaining thriller and an intellectually stimulating novel that will leave readers pondering the mysteries of the universe and the future of the application of quantum technology to mankind. Wonder, how this series will evolve and if ever, Evan and Bobby will ever come face to face in this war of espionage.

[Wayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it to page 119 and decided I had read enough of this interesting and difficult novel. Eric Van Lustbader appears to love lengthy descriptions of a variety of things....and they appear on most every page of his newest novel. From Washington D.C. to Istanbul, Turkey to the Rostov Region of the Russian Federation to Langley, VA Van Lustbader spreads his tale dealing with 'quantum computing'. "Three things to keep in mind when it comes to quantum computing. One: It is an entirely unexplored universe. Two: The race to build the fastest, largest, most powerful quantum computer has already been won. Three: In this new universe we humans are nothing more than mole rats, all blind and unknowing. (Pause) If number three seems to contradict number two then you have grasped the essential nature of the quantum universe."
And so it goes, chapter after chapter of a subject I am sure few of us have any acquaintance with. Although there are some exciting situations in this novel, it is laden with strange, and often confusing language.
Perhaps, if I actually understood the theory of quantum, I would better understand what was happening, other than knowing at least 3 folks heads exploded!
The introduction to Part II of this novel explains further this theory..."Time crystals are a new phase of matter. Imagine a cube that becomes a hexagon, then reverts back to a cube. Now imagine a group of them. Though this cycling continues, the cubes or hexagons don't lose any energy. Try to imagine that."
And so it goes.
I much prefer reading exciting stories that deal with things I can imagine. THE QUANTUM SOLUTION certinly is not one of those.

[wally · Rating 3 out of 5]

finished 21st august 2023 good read three stars i liked it kindle library loaner first from lustbader evan ryder book 4...three before this one...could be why it was difficult to follow initially...the premise of the story sounds good right quantum thingies murder...and we have the various groups in both russia and the usa trying to come to terms with it all none of them cooperating like whose side are you on...and the quantum thingy is never really explained and good thing...reader only knows it happens. might be best to start at the beginning and work your way forward...although i've read many series and have not followed the path mapped out. still, good read. entertaining.

[Ricki · Rating 1 out of 5]

The fourth in the Evan Ryder series and my last. I had a hard time focusing on the first three and could barely make a dent in this one. Two highly placed government officials one in the US, the other in Russia are killed by a brain injury-seemed like a sound wave of some kind.

Evan meanwhile is in Istanbul meeting with an old friend in a spa and there is an attempt to assasinate them with ether.

It was distinctly hard to concentrate on this book and decided it wasn't worth my time (see review by Steve on May 3rd- who describes it in full)

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, thank you for the opportunity to find a new author to read. I won this book from Goodreads. Before reading this book I read the first 3 of this series. They are all great. If I could rate this book a 3.5 I would. The story is great. Interesting on how it mirrors much of what is happening in our world today in politics as well as espionage. My thoughts are just how much pain and injuries one person can sustain and keep on going. A lot of gruesome violence. However, I did enjoy this book.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lustbader's "The Quantum Solution" spins a tale about murder via qubits over time & space in the form of "time crystals". Evan Ryder is tasked with following a trail that destroys various assassins. She is pursuing this for a close friend & the owner of Parachute her new boss. She has "James Bond-like" healing powers as she gets beat-up constantly while eventually besting all comers. Woven into the tale is Russia's war with Ukrainian & the erratic behavior of the Russian government. The storyline wanders at times & is long-winded at other times.

[Drew Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 4th novel in the Evan Ryder series was thrilling.

Evan Ryder works for the security arm of Parachute, a private company which is the world's leader in the application of quantum technology. She is now in a battle in a present and future war of weaponized quantum technology. Evan and her longtime partner, Ben Butler, must risk their lives to figure out who the true combatants are and race against the doomsday scenario of a war between the United States and Russia.

[Dave Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first time reading this Author. I think they’re going for a Nelson Demille / Ludlum vibe but the overly elaborate writing kept taking me out of the story and even laughing out loud a few times at some of the sentences and names of the fictional government agencies.

I stuck with it for the well paced plot (albeit far fetched) and action sequences, but can’t say I’d try another.

[Jackie]

Came across this at the library and decided to give it a try. I have sometimes really liked this author. Couldn't even get into this one. Didn't like the writing, or the characters or even the "quantum" focus of the plot. Just not.

Totally didn't even finish the first couple chapters. Not for me.

[See · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just as good all the previous Evan Ryder books. The author still spends too much time with descriptions of rooms or dark alleys like he is getting paid by the word instead of the story which is very capable in doing.

[Brian Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is sort of reminiscent of some of the ludlum books-standard espionage thrillers. I didn't like as well as the Nicholas Linnear series, which I throughly enjoyed many years ago. The protagonist, Evan Ryder, improbably survives many combat encounters.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one much less than Evan Ryder #2 and #3 -- a nd I expected this one to be even better, but I think Evan and Ben have run out of steam for me. I wish An Binh had a bigger role.

Especially interesting in here was the depiction of like in the Federation and the insane 'Sovereign'

[Joe O'Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good; Continuing character: Evan Ryder; when key people in both Russia and the US are dying from mysterious circumstances, agents on both sides attempt to determine how it ties to quantum physics and who is to blame; enough of this series…

[Frank Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another throughly enjoyable Evan Ryder adventure. I especially enjoyed the fictional characterization of the current Russian government and the development of Evan’s personal life. Left me anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now I remember why……

Mom always said if I don’t have anything good to say then don’t say anything at all…..just too fake and I don’t get the point of the overall story and its point.

[Philip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps I should have read a preceding novel to better understand the characters and their relationships and motivations.
The premise of a quantum weapon interested me but was poorly explored and dull.

[Carol Hunsicker · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not get through the first 40 pages and gave up. Too many names and not really any interest.

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great new book by Eric Van Lustbader! Action packed and extremely enjoyable. Once you start reading it you won't want to stop.

[lee arnstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story about tracking down the "havana syndrome" source betwen the u.s. and russia.
gets a little to complex, but otherwise ok.

[Mayre · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible....it was impossible to follow the storyline..I didn't even get past 100 pages

[Steve Lundh]

Book #4 in this 5 book series and this one was strong. Good build up going in the last book.

[Bob T · Rating 2 out of 5]

There may be a good story here, but it is obscured by unnecessarily myriad characters, excessive metaphors, and multiple plot twists.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I would have given this a higher rating had I read the previous books in the series. The last 50 pages were just all over the place and left me underwhelmed.

[Rej · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I did not finish this book. There was a lot of blah, blah, blah and after page 100, I quit.

[Bashie Wainhaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad

[Matthew Chua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves a six or seven star review. It had the best kind of character development, action sequences, detailed scene constructions, and realistic scientific tangents.