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Quantum Zero Sentinel
The FBI gets a tip about the sale of quantum computers to criminals and spies. Due to a freak accident, Maia Long is forced undercover to catch the culprits. Then she stumbles upon the cornerstone of a new technology. Disruptive changes are coming, threatening the US economy and national security. The first thing her instructor taught her in quantum physics was that everything they’ve taught you before was a lie. As she follows the clues, nobody turns out to be who she expects them to be, not even herself.
308 pages, Paperback
Published January 22, 2017
21 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Scott Rhine
39 books57 followersScott Rhine wanted to find a job that combined his love of reading with math problem solving, so he studied both short stories and computer languages. As a techno-gypsy, he worked on optimizing some of the fastest and largest supercomputers in the world. A couple of degrees, patents, and children later, at forty-eight, he still didn't know what he wanted to be when he grew up. When his third publication "Doors to Eternity" unexpectedly hit #16 on the Amazon epic fantasy list, he decided to retire from engineering in order to become a full-time author. Humor is a part of every story he writes because people are funny, even when they don't think so. In the real world, something always goes wrong and people have flaws. If you can't laugh at yourself, someone is probably doing it for you. Strong female characters also play a major role in his stories because he's married to a beautiful PhD who can edit, break boards, and use a chainsaw.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 12, 2024
It took me a while to read this Tech-SciFi novel.
Well, I think the author is really well versed in the world of computer technology and quantum computing. He is also talented in plotting. However, the novel failed to win me over.
First, the main character, Maia Long, is insufferable to me. She is the typical little girl who speaks all the weirdest languages, understands everything instantly, and is a computer genius.
Second, all the other characters around her, including her boss Peter, are too stereotypical.
Third: the character descriptions are focused on people or characters from other novels/movies:
She resembled Professor McGonagall from the Harry Potter movies.
Or
Peter reminded her of Russell Crowe in Gladiator...
And this distracted and bored me.
Forth: FBI's standard spin of assigning the main character to a delicate espionage operation without any training and without the girl ever having visited an FBI office as agent. It is not easy and accessible for anyone to infiltrate an organization and get information, even having high computing skills.
However, I will have another look at this author as his use of quantum technology (with deep competence) is interesting.
Well, I think the author is really well versed in the world of computer technology and quantum computing. He is also talented in plotting. However, the novel failed to win me over.
First, the main character, Maia Long, is insufferable to me. She is the typical little girl who speaks all the weirdest languages, understands everything instantly, and is a computer genius.
Second, all the other characters around her, including her boss Peter, are too stereotypical.
Third: the character descriptions are focused on people or characters from other novels/movies:
She resembled Professor McGonagall from the Harry Potter movies.
Or
Peter reminded her of Russell Crowe in Gladiator...
And this distracted and bored me.
Forth: FBI's standard spin of assigning the main character to a delicate espionage operation without any training and without the girl ever having visited an FBI office as agent. It is not easy and accessible for anyone to infiltrate an organization and get information, even having high computing skills.
However, I will have another look at this author as his use of quantum technology (with deep competence) is interesting.
December 14, 2016
The idea came when my Dad sent me a DNA test to help find the family tree for my deceased mother, who was adopted. My first four tests came back with errors, which happens in less than one percent of the population. I started to wonder if I was an alien or something. I added in my research on programming quantum computers, and Maia's story took shape. She's a talented female engineer who is self-conscious about a life-altering injury she received at age six.
I'm told the story flows well. It introduces her crime-fighting companions and sets up for the next book, "Decoherence." I plan to complete the trilogy with "The Ket Offensive."
I'm told the story flows well. It introduces her crime-fighting companions and sets up for the next book, "Decoherence." I plan to complete the trilogy with "The Ket Offensive."
March 6, 2017
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I can honestly say I've been a fan of Scott's books for years, but this new one is a twist into a new storyline that sucked me in from the first chapter. The main character is reminiscent of Rhine's main character from Jezebel's Ladder, a powerful female heroine who strives to do the best with what she has, which happen to be abilities even she doesn't know about or understand. The story also has technological advancements and deals with world-wide reaction to those advancements like the Jezebel series, but there the similarities stop and Rhine's creativity carries on, full tilt. It's another great start to a phenomenal new series.
As we follow Maia down the rabbit hole, she is forced to react to those attempting to capture her and her family. Like the incredibly smart woman she is, she plays her adversaries like pawns on a chessboard. However, smarts don't counteract naivety and a lack of experience. Nothing is as it seems, and as you follow Maia down this journey, you will certainly get caught up in her ride into corporate America, espionage, revenge, and even mythical gods. Each twist is exciting and adds another layer of complexity that you mind can't help but wonder about, enthusiastically. Be forewarned though, there is a lot of techno-talk. The story is great and one I highly recommend.
Fans of strong female characters, myths, and futuristic technologies will enjoy Quantum Zero Sentinel immensely. If you've read any of Scott Rhine's previous novels, this one is top tier with the best of them.
I can honestly say I've been a fan of Scott's books for years, but this new one is a twist into a new storyline that sucked me in from the first chapter. The main character is reminiscent of Rhine's main character from Jezebel's Ladder, a powerful female heroine who strives to do the best with what she has, which happen to be abilities even she doesn't know about or understand. The story also has technological advancements and deals with world-wide reaction to those advancements like the Jezebel series, but there the similarities stop and Rhine's creativity carries on, full tilt. It's another great start to a phenomenal new series.
As we follow Maia down the rabbit hole, she is forced to react to those attempting to capture her and her family. Like the incredibly smart woman she is, she plays her adversaries like pawns on a chessboard. However, smarts don't counteract naivety and a lack of experience. Nothing is as it seems, and as you follow Maia down this journey, you will certainly get caught up in her ride into corporate America, espionage, revenge, and even mythical gods. Each twist is exciting and adds another layer of complexity that you mind can't help but wonder about, enthusiastically. Be forewarned though, there is a lot of techno-talk. The story is great and one I highly recommend.
Fans of strong female characters, myths, and futuristic technologies will enjoy Quantum Zero Sentinel immensely. If you've read any of Scott Rhine's previous novels, this one is top tier with the best of them.
January 6, 2026
I enjoyed this book.
Great MC and other characters, interesting tech.
I thought the multi-level story was a bit ambitious...the author seemed to have too many balls in the air at times.
Abrupt ending, but I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Great MC and other characters, interesting tech.
I thought the multi-level story was a bit ambitious...the author seemed to have too many balls in the air at times.
Abrupt ending, but I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 21, 2017
‘Do you know Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle?’ Sure. “Observing something changes it.”
Scott Rhine has an inquisitive, scientifically honed mind that he opens to the reading public with a series of fascinating science fiction/fantasy books. He calls himself a ‘techno-gypsy, (working on optimizing some of the fastest and largest supercomputers in the world) yet now after meeting his goals of degrees and a family he turns to writing full time – and we are the ricer for it. One of the aspects of Scott’s work that makes it unique is his belief that ‘humor is a part of every story because people are funny, even when they don't think so. In the real world, something always goes wrong and people have flaws. If you can't laugh at yourself, someone is probably doing it for you.’
Recommendation: if you haven’t read THE K2 VIRUS, then put that book on the list of Scott Rhine novels to acquire. His ability to use his intensely scientific mind as a resource for facts while painting his fascinating novels populated with ultra-contemporary mannerisms and dialogue makes his books both unique and irresistible. About QUANTUM ZERO SENTINEL Scott has made the comment, ‘The idea came when my Dad sent me a DNA test to help find the family tree for my deceased mother, who was adopted. My first four tests came back with errors, which happens in less than one percent of the population. I started to wonder if I was an alien or something. I added in my research on programming quantum computers, and Maia's story took shape.’
For those of us fairly unsophisticated in quantum physics, survey the follow tidbits before reading this amazing book: ‘Quantum mechanics (quantum physics or quantum theory), including quantum field theory, is a branch of physics which is the fundamental theory of nature at small scales and low energies of atoms and subatomic particles.’ ‘Quantum computers use the power of atoms to perform memory and processing tasks.’ And even more pertinent is this bit form BBC: ‘Some scientists think we already understand what consciousness is, or that it is a mere illusion. But many others feel we have not grasped where consciousness comes from at all. The perennial puzzle of consciousness has even led some researchers to invoke quantum physics to explain it. That notion has always been met with skepticism, which is not surprising: it does not sound wise to explain one mystery with another. But such ideas are not obviously absurd, and neither are they arbitrary. For one thing, the mind seemed, to the great discomfort of physicists, to force its way into early quantum theory. What's more, quantum computers are predicted to be capable of accomplishing things ordinary computers cannot, which reminds us of how our brains can achieve things that are still beyond artificial intelligence. "Quantum consciousness" is widely derided as mystical woo, but it just will not go away.’
Not to overwhelm, but to aid in full enjoyment of this book – the story of Maia and her twin brothers Johann and Wolfgang and a sentinel encounter and its sequelae – the synopsis clarifies – ‘The FBI gets a tip about the sale of quantum computers to criminals and spies. Due to a freak accident, Maia Long is forced undercover to catch the culprits. Then she stumbles upon the cornerstone of a new technology. Disruptive changes are coming, threatening the US economy and national security. The first thing her instructor taught her in quantum physics was that everything they’ve taught you before was a lie. As she follows the clues, nobody turns out to be who she expects them to be, not even herself.’
Gilbert and Sullivan describe Scott’s talent in The Mikado – ‘Art and nature, thus allied go to make a pretty bride’ (the ‘bride’ in this case being his exhilarating novels. All parts of his brain marry to make these delectable tales. To be continued...
Scott Rhine has an inquisitive, scientifically honed mind that he opens to the reading public with a series of fascinating science fiction/fantasy books. He calls himself a ‘techno-gypsy, (working on optimizing some of the fastest and largest supercomputers in the world) yet now after meeting his goals of degrees and a family he turns to writing full time – and we are the ricer for it. One of the aspects of Scott’s work that makes it unique is his belief that ‘humor is a part of every story because people are funny, even when they don't think so. In the real world, something always goes wrong and people have flaws. If you can't laugh at yourself, someone is probably doing it for you.’
Recommendation: if you haven’t read THE K2 VIRUS, then put that book on the list of Scott Rhine novels to acquire. His ability to use his intensely scientific mind as a resource for facts while painting his fascinating novels populated with ultra-contemporary mannerisms and dialogue makes his books both unique and irresistible. About QUANTUM ZERO SENTINEL Scott has made the comment, ‘The idea came when my Dad sent me a DNA test to help find the family tree for my deceased mother, who was adopted. My first four tests came back with errors, which happens in less than one percent of the population. I started to wonder if I was an alien or something. I added in my research on programming quantum computers, and Maia's story took shape.’
For those of us fairly unsophisticated in quantum physics, survey the follow tidbits before reading this amazing book: ‘Quantum mechanics (quantum physics or quantum theory), including quantum field theory, is a branch of physics which is the fundamental theory of nature at small scales and low energies of atoms and subatomic particles.’ ‘Quantum computers use the power of atoms to perform memory and processing tasks.’ And even more pertinent is this bit form BBC: ‘Some scientists think we already understand what consciousness is, or that it is a mere illusion. But many others feel we have not grasped where consciousness comes from at all. The perennial puzzle of consciousness has even led some researchers to invoke quantum physics to explain it. That notion has always been met with skepticism, which is not surprising: it does not sound wise to explain one mystery with another. But such ideas are not obviously absurd, and neither are they arbitrary. For one thing, the mind seemed, to the great discomfort of physicists, to force its way into early quantum theory. What's more, quantum computers are predicted to be capable of accomplishing things ordinary computers cannot, which reminds us of how our brains can achieve things that are still beyond artificial intelligence. "Quantum consciousness" is widely derided as mystical woo, but it just will not go away.’
Not to overwhelm, but to aid in full enjoyment of this book – the story of Maia and her twin brothers Johann and Wolfgang and a sentinel encounter and its sequelae – the synopsis clarifies – ‘The FBI gets a tip about the sale of quantum computers to criminals and spies. Due to a freak accident, Maia Long is forced undercover to catch the culprits. Then she stumbles upon the cornerstone of a new technology. Disruptive changes are coming, threatening the US economy and national security. The first thing her instructor taught her in quantum physics was that everything they’ve taught you before was a lie. As she follows the clues, nobody turns out to be who she expects them to be, not even herself.’
Gilbert and Sullivan describe Scott’s talent in The Mikado – ‘Art and nature, thus allied go to make a pretty bride’ (the ‘bride’ in this case being his exhilarating novels. All parts of his brain marry to make these delectable tales. To be continued...
January 27, 2017
Scott is such an excellent crafter of strong, interesting, female characters and Maia Long is no exception. I found myself cheering her on from our first encounter with her in the mom mobile, and my enthusiasm for her grew as the tale took its incredible twists and turns.
Quantum Zero Sentinel is a fast paced sci-fi thriller with a healthy dose of technology and mythology. In addition to Maia, this world is fleshed out with relateable as well as iconic characters. I fell in love and in hate respectively, as intended and can't wait for more. Take a few nights and treat yourself to an exciting tale of tech, lies, loves, and sci-fi!
Quantum Zero Sentinel is a fast paced sci-fi thriller with a healthy dose of technology and mythology. In addition to Maia, this world is fleshed out with relateable as well as iconic characters. I fell in love and in hate respectively, as intended and can't wait for more. Take a few nights and treat yourself to an exciting tale of tech, lies, loves, and sci-fi!
January 26, 2017
Holy Batman! This book was almost too fast for me. I mean literally - a few times I had to just stop and breathe. It scores very highly on badass points, because seriously, Maia is superb. I'm not really sure how much of the rest of the characters are hanging around or turning into other people or things, and to be honest nothing that happens in a follow-on novel would surprise me in the least. But, wow. A head rush of a read and no mistake, I almost feel as if I need to go straight back to the beginning and read it paragraph by paragraph more carefully, because there's so much to soak up.
May 25, 2025
Good book with interesting universe
This was a good book set in an interesting universe. The characters are detailed and get to enjoy a bit of action and adventure while getting through the story being told. I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I am glad this is a series as these characters and universe deserve more time to shine.
This was a good book set in an interesting universe. The characters are detailed and get to enjoy a bit of action and adventure while getting through the story being told. I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I am glad this is a series as these characters and universe deserve more time to shine.
January 31, 2017
This is a fast-paced, action-packed story and I'd hate rated it higher were it not for three things: the science was so far over my head that I could not tell if it was remotely believable or not, the book stopped abruptly, leaving a cliffhanger ending, and I found the heroine repellent and inhuman.
Be that as it may, for those who read for plot over character and don't hold to the traditional demand that a novel stand alone, it's likely to be well received. There is enough hi-tech gadgetry to satisfy the greediest sci-fi fan, the action never stops and the good guys always win. I'd have liked to see a little more dramatic tension in that regard, but it's a smoothly consistent read and I'm sure this series will attract a large following.
Be that as it may, for those who read for plot over character and don't hold to the traditional demand that a novel stand alone, it's likely to be well received. There is enough hi-tech gadgetry to satisfy the greediest sci-fi fan, the action never stops and the good guys always win. I'd have liked to see a little more dramatic tension in that regard, but it's a smoothly consistent read and I'm sure this series will attract a large following.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews