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Beyond Belief: Jaw-Dropping Breakthroughs That Will Shatter Your View of the Mind and Reality

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Even if you think science isn’t for you, prepare to have your mind blown.

Beyond Belief is the first in a planned series of captivating books designed to fill you with wonder. Short enough to be easily read in one sitting—roughly 90 pages—these self-contained, non-technical volumes will explore breathtaking scientific discoveries and profound speculations. Concepts that you’ll be pondering long after you’ve read the last page.

Douglas E. Richards, a New York Times bestselling author and former biotechnology executive with a master’s in molecular biology, has been celebrated for his meticulously researched science fiction and uncanny knack for making complex science accessible. With the Beyond Belief series, Richards takes readers beyond his fiction for the first time, drawing on more than two decades of exploring big ideas and his experience writing popular-science articles for major outlets.

In many ways we’re trapped within a narrow filter—oblivious to massive, hidden truths operating just beyond our senses. So, what if our conventional understanding of life and consciousness is woefully incomplete? What if we’re beginning to make discoveries that could dramatically alter how we see the nature of the cosmos—and our own existence? What if emerging data is beginning to reveal a universe even wilder than science fiction?

Written in Richards’ signature page-turning style, with chapters brief enough to read during a long commercial break, Beyond Belief ventures into the fascinating territory where established science, emerging research, and informed speculation collide—where the impossible can start to look inevitable.

What is scientifically established? And what startling truths might be just beyond our reach?

You don’t need a scientific background to explore these questions. Just an open mind and a willingness to consider that reality may be far stranger, and far more wondrous, than you’ve ever imagined.

Because the more we discover about reality, the more extraordinary it becomes.

Beyond Belief is the first self-contained volume in a wide-ranging series. Future volumes will focus on such mind-bending subjects as immortality, artificial superintelligence, the hidden forces shaping human behavior, the science of happiness, higher dimensions, and so much more.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2026

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About the author

Douglas E. Richards

54 books1,769 followers
Write to Doug at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and visit the author's website to be notified of new releases.

Douglas E. Richards is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science-fiction thrillers that have sold more than three million copies (see list below). Richards has been celebrated for his gripping, thought-provoking works that blend cutting-edge scientific concepts with heart-pounding narratives.

Richards burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, WIRED, published in 2010. The novel garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenious combination of scientific speculation and thrilling storytelling. This success set the stage for a series of bestselling novels, each marked by meticulous research, riveting plots, and characters that resonate with readers.

Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives, Richards has become a go-to author for readers seeking an intellectually stimulating and adrenaline-fueled reading experience. His works delve deeply into the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific breakthroughs and the potential impact of technology on society.

A former Director of Biotechnology Licensing at Bristol Myers Squibb and a former biotechnology executive, Richards earned a BS in microbiology from the Ohio State University, a master's degree in genetic engineering from the University of Wisconsin--where he engineered mutant viruses now named after him--and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

The author has two grown children and lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and dog.

Richards loves hearing from readers, and always replies, so feel free to write to him at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and address him as "Doug". You can also Friend Richards on Facebook at Douglas E. Richards Author, or visit his website, where you can sign up to be notified of new releases.

SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS BY DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS

SERIES

WIRED (Wired 1)
AMPED (Wired 2)

MIND'S EYE (Nick Hall 1)
BRAINWEB (Nick Hall 2)
MIND WAR (Nick Hall 3)
UNLEASHED (Nick Hall 4)

SPLIT SECOND(Split Second 1)
TIME FRAME (Split Second 2)

THE ENIGMA CUBE (Alien Artifact 1)
A PIVOT IN TIME (Alien Artifact 2)

STANDALONE NOVELS

QUANTUM LENS
GAME CHANGER
INFINITY BORN
SEEKER
VERACITY
ORACLE
THE IMMORTALITY CODE
UNIDENTIFIED
PORTALS
THE CURE (To become KU eligible for the first time in 2023)
THE BREAKTHROUGH EFFECT

Kids Science Fiction Thrillers (9 and up, enjoyed by kids and adults alike)

TRAPPED (Prometheus Project 1)
CAPTURED (Prometheus Project 2)
STRANDED (Prometheus Project 3)

OUT OF THIS WORLD

DEVIL'S SWORD

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Douglas Richards.
Author 54 books1,769 followers
October 29, 2026
This isn't a review, just my way of (hopefully) alerting my followers that my first ever non-fiction book is now out!

Beyond Belief, a mind-blowing read filled with accurate science and wild speculation, is now available to buy for $2.99, or to read free through Kindle Unlimited. (With the paperback and audiobook to be out soon).

This volume is short enough to read in one sitting (about 90 pages), and is the first of a series that will explore breathtaking scientific discoveries and big ideas.
328 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2026
Fabulous Mind Stretching Book

I always have loved science, so this book is a gem to me! Some of the things that he shares here are things that I have experienced, and some are new to me. I've had quite a few extraordinary experiences in my life without taking any drugs. Some of them are mentioned in my newest book " The Book of My Life, I Wouldn't Believe It Either If I Hadn't Lived It."
I greatly enjoyed his book! I look forward to his next installment, as he takes us us further into the new scientific inquiries and ideas.
44 reviews
November 1, 2026
Outstanding

Doug is one of the top three sci-fi writers I've ever read and now I have no doubt that this short non-fiction series will be some of the best explanation of interesting and difficult scientific theories ever written.
454 reviews5 followers
November 3, 2026
Excellent

Are you still wondering why he is my favorite author? Read this and you'll have a good idea why... I've read all of his adult books and will continue as soon as he publishes the next in the series.🙂
Profile Image for Jason.
127 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2026
this was great

I love the way DER writes and am thrilled he’s writing about real science again. Thank you and wait for the rest of the volumes.
2 reviews
November 2, 2026
Amazing ideas. Great theories to unanswered (unanswerable) questions.

Short easy read well worth your time.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews