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Quantum Incident
Prologue to the Quantum Series (1 Quantum Space, 2 Quantum Void and 3 Quantum Time)
A mind-bending journey from the ultra-small to the vast stage of the Milky Way. Download from Amazon today!
(Quantum Incident is also available at no charge from author website
2012. The long sought Higgs boson has been discovered at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva. Scientists rejoice in the confirmation of quantum theory, but a reporter attending the press conference believes they may be hiding something.
Nala Pasquier is a particle physicist at Fermi National Laboratory in Illinois. Building on the 2012 discovery, she has produced a working prototype with capabilities that are nothing less than astonishing.
If you liked the authenticity of The Martian, the page-turning pace of Da Vinci Code, and the inspirational world view of Arthur C. Clarke, you'll love the Quantum Series.
A mind-bending journey from the ultra-small to the vast stage of the Milky Way. Download from Amazon today!
(Quantum Incident is also available at no charge from author website
44 pages, ebook
First published June 11, 2017
743 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Phillips
44 books347 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 53 reviews
May 1, 2018
It's my book, so naturally I think it's good! (Luckily, many other people do too).
August 4, 2019
I came across Quantum series while browsing books on Kindle.
Quantum Incident is the prologue to the main series, which consists of Quantum Space, Quantum Void and Quantum Time.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy are two of my all time favorite genres. This book (and, hopefully, the series that follows it is no different) was such a breath of fresh air, existing somewhere at the border of these two genres, oscillating between two dimensions at will and still managing to keep itself tethered to the real dimension of believability. Yet, it does not seem to stretch the narrative thin to achieve its objective. (and that is where I was impressed by Phillips' writing) Instead, it relies on propelling the narrative at a speed so that, to the naked eye, its one complete motion seems to exist in all the three dimensions - Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Reality - simultaneously...without slightest tear in its fabric.
There is an unmistakable mastery evident in Phillips' writing which had brought out the science student in me back from the dormant and out amidst the wonders of known, nearly known and unknown of our world and the cosmos.
Look forward to reading and enjoying rest of the series.
Quantum Incident is the prologue to the main series, which consists of Quantum Space, Quantum Void and Quantum Time.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy are two of my all time favorite genres. This book (and, hopefully, the series that follows it is no different) was such a breath of fresh air, existing somewhere at the border of these two genres, oscillating between two dimensions at will and still managing to keep itself tethered to the real dimension of believability. Yet, it does not seem to stretch the narrative thin to achieve its objective. (and that is where I was impressed by Phillips' writing) Instead, it relies on propelling the narrative at a speed so that, to the naked eye, its one complete motion seems to exist in all the three dimensions - Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Reality - simultaneously...without slightest tear in its fabric.
There is an unmistakable mastery evident in Phillips' writing which had brought out the science student in me back from the dormant and out amidst the wonders of known, nearly known and unknown of our world and the cosmos.
Look forward to reading and enjoying rest of the series.
April 2, 2022
A collection of fragments rather than a single story
This is an odd book. It’s hard science, modern-day, sci-fi. It takes place in exotic locations such as the Large Hadron Collider, Livermore Labs and the Fermi National Accelerator Lab, as well as a rural small town worried about a potential alien invasion. It features a smart and capable science investigator and troubleshooter reporting to the President of the USA. With all those ingredients, you would think you were in for an exciting ride, but somehow the book never quite gets off the ground. It’s about 12000 words, which is short for a novel, but plenty big enough to fit in a good story with a bit of care. Instead, what we get in this book is three, seemingly unrelated, short stories.
The first short story involves a reporter being shown round the Large Hadron Collider by a young scientist who wants to leak a secret. We get some “gosh wow” about the scale of the place and the equipment, then the dangerous secret turns out to be a blip on a graph.
The second short story has a bit more meat to it, and involves science troubleshooter Danie Rice investigating strange lights in the sky in Tonopah, Nevada. We follow the investigation process as he works out the cause and reassures the locals.
The third story is even shorter and features some people in a lab playing with cameras and lightbulbs trying to make sense of the revelation from the first story.
I understand that this is just some kind of prequel for the later books in the series, but I was disappointed that it didn’t have a story of its own. I have read plenty of free prequels, and most of them at least try to engage the reader with something more than this. If I am being harsh, I’d guess that the stories in this book are just some of the author’s backstory notes which have been edited a bit and bundled together. Because of this, I still have no real idea what to expect of the books in the main series so I’d have to say that this free prequel has not done its job.
This is an odd book. It’s hard science, modern-day, sci-fi. It takes place in exotic locations such as the Large Hadron Collider, Livermore Labs and the Fermi National Accelerator Lab, as well as a rural small town worried about a potential alien invasion. It features a smart and capable science investigator and troubleshooter reporting to the President of the USA. With all those ingredients, you would think you were in for an exciting ride, but somehow the book never quite gets off the ground. It’s about 12000 words, which is short for a novel, but plenty big enough to fit in a good story with a bit of care. Instead, what we get in this book is three, seemingly unrelated, short stories.
The first short story involves a reporter being shown round the Large Hadron Collider by a young scientist who wants to leak a secret. We get some “gosh wow” about the scale of the place and the equipment, then the dangerous secret turns out to be a blip on a graph.
The second short story has a bit more meat to it, and involves science troubleshooter Danie Rice investigating strange lights in the sky in Tonopah, Nevada. We follow the investigation process as he works out the cause and reassures the locals.
The third story is even shorter and features some people in a lab playing with cameras and lightbulbs trying to make sense of the revelation from the first story.
I understand that this is just some kind of prequel for the later books in the series, but I was disappointed that it didn’t have a story of its own. I have read plenty of free prequels, and most of them at least try to engage the reader with something more than this. If I am being harsh, I’d guess that the stories in this book are just some of the author’s backstory notes which have been edited a bit and bundled together. Because of this, I still have no real idea what to expect of the books in the main series so I’d have to say that this free prequel has not done its job.
August 22, 2019
Reviewing the preview instead of the whole series...
Loved the whole bunch. Some parts made me groan, and we're not talking about Nobel winning material, but each book is good reading.
The best part of each book is the afterword where the author goes into the science of the book and modern understanding of the meaning of that science.
Loved the whole bunch. Some parts made me groan, and we're not talking about Nobel winning material, but each book is good reading.
The best part of each book is the afterword where the author goes into the science of the book and modern understanding of the meaning of that science.
February 20, 2023
Tempting Teasers.
This author certainly knows how to pique interest in his stories with these three great extracts from his Quantum series.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
This author certainly knows how to pique interest in his stories with these three great extracts from his Quantum series.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
February 13, 2021
I thought this was a fun introduction to the Quantum Series. You meet the main characters and get a taste for all the adventure the series offers. The series puts you on the edge of your seat and is non stop action. If your curious about the Quantum Series and this wonderful author, I highly recommend it!
February 28, 2026
I received this book for free.
This book had a lot of good scientific details and was well-written. I do think that this book was too short to extrapolate on some of the details though, particularly during the hadron collider chapters. I did understand some of the science there, but the book would have greatly benefited from explaining more of the details. It also seemed like there wasn’t much of a point to those two chapters. I was excited to learn about the data somewhat proving string theory, but there wasn’t much there for those chapters.
On the opposite spectrum, I really liked the chapters regarding the “UFOs” and lights. I love how Dr. Daniel Rice was able to track these source of this down and how there was simple math, which was explained, that assisted him in narrowing down the path the lights were projected along. I also like how he explained the science to different people tailored to how they would understand it, or in the case of the characters, wiliness to understand it. I was also on bored with his enthusiasm for the job he does: “They actually pay me to do this.”
The character development was nice, especially the chapters with Dr. Daniel Rice, but the reporter perspective from Cecily Johansson was nice to read as well, especially the conflicting feelings of reporting on a good story and maintaining ethics. I also agreed with Mathieu regarding the bureaucratic red tape and how if it isn’t a military or state secret, but a scientific discovery, then of course it should quickly become public knowledge.
I do understand that this was a prequel which serves as a short prologue, but I think more work could have been done to make it longer and have it made more sense (like in the case of the hadron colliders). I think that there is a lot of good facts blended throughout this fictional work and there is good character development, and I see the potential in the writing, I just think that the presentation was lacking, mostly because of the length. I do look forward to reading the actual first book though.
This book had a lot of good scientific details and was well-written. I do think that this book was too short to extrapolate on some of the details though, particularly during the hadron collider chapters. I did understand some of the science there, but the book would have greatly benefited from explaining more of the details. It also seemed like there wasn’t much of a point to those two chapters. I was excited to learn about the data somewhat proving string theory, but there wasn’t much there for those chapters.
On the opposite spectrum, I really liked the chapters regarding the “UFOs” and lights. I love how Dr. Daniel Rice was able to track these source of this down and how there was simple math, which was explained, that assisted him in narrowing down the path the lights were projected along. I also like how he explained the science to different people tailored to how they would understand it, or in the case of the characters, wiliness to understand it. I was also on bored with his enthusiasm for the job he does: “They actually pay me to do this.”
The character development was nice, especially the chapters with Dr. Daniel Rice, but the reporter perspective from Cecily Johansson was nice to read as well, especially the conflicting feelings of reporting on a good story and maintaining ethics. I also agreed with Mathieu regarding the bureaucratic red tape and how if it isn’t a military or state secret, but a scientific discovery, then of course it should quickly become public knowledge.
I do understand that this was a prequel which serves as a short prologue, but I think more work could have been done to make it longer and have it made more sense (like in the case of the hadron colliders). I think that there is a lot of good facts blended throughout this fictional work and there is good character development, and I see the potential in the writing, I just think that the presentation was lacking, mostly because of the length. I do look forward to reading the actual first book though.
January 21, 2020
When the Higgs Boson was discovered at CERN, the Hadron sub-atomic particle accelerator/collider in Switzerland, many thought it opened a world of possibilities with respect to the likelihood of multi-dimensional existence and presented the probability of studies that would eventually elucidate the truth of quantum physics and the fundamental structure of space-time.
The author, Douglas Phillips, uses his imagination to weave a tale based on suspected properties of space-time described in the mathematics of quantum physics and creates a series of novels, The Quantum Series, each of which is based on the manipulation of space-time. Quantum Incident is the first of these books, providing a short introduction to the series.
Starting with a dramatization of the discovery of the Higgs Boson, observation of data representing a “string” is introduced. The proof of the existence of “strings” sets up experiments exploring the manipulation of space and time through higher dimensions upon which the series is based. The first of these is being accomplished in the story at the Fermi National Accelerator in Illinois. It involves sending a camera into other dimensions to record images of space in an alternative existence.
Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel Rice is otherwise occupied investigating the occurrence of weird aerial lights appearing daily in the skies of northern Nevada. The lights, believed to be reasonably close to the observation location are found to be anything but…and so begins The Quantum Series with a brief introduction of the concept of quantum dimensions and introduction to the series’ main characters, Dr. Daniel Rice and Fermi Laboratory researcher, Nala Pasquier.
While Quantum Incident is a quick, interesting read, it is not a novel, but rather an introduction of the basis for the stories in the later books of the series.
The author, Douglas Phillips, uses his imagination to weave a tale based on suspected properties of space-time described in the mathematics of quantum physics and creates a series of novels, The Quantum Series, each of which is based on the manipulation of space-time. Quantum Incident is the first of these books, providing a short introduction to the series.
Starting with a dramatization of the discovery of the Higgs Boson, observation of data representing a “string” is introduced. The proof of the existence of “strings” sets up experiments exploring the manipulation of space and time through higher dimensions upon which the series is based. The first of these is being accomplished in the story at the Fermi National Accelerator in Illinois. It involves sending a camera into other dimensions to record images of space in an alternative existence.
Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel Rice is otherwise occupied investigating the occurrence of weird aerial lights appearing daily in the skies of northern Nevada. The lights, believed to be reasonably close to the observation location are found to be anything but…and so begins The Quantum Series with a brief introduction of the concept of quantum dimensions and introduction to the series’ main characters, Dr. Daniel Rice and Fermi Laboratory researcher, Nala Pasquier.
While Quantum Incident is a quick, interesting read, it is not a novel, but rather an introduction of the basis for the stories in the later books of the series.
August 12, 2018
I had already read the two Quantum Books by Douglas Phillips (and am anxiously awaiting the third in the series) when I learned that he had this free "mini-book" available. Quantum Incident introduces us to some of the characters, locations, facilities, and physics that the Quantum series is based upon.
I loved this little read - fast action with a teaser about string theory, a great physics "puzzle", and wonderful characters. Daniel Rice is my hero - a man who loves science and, more importantly, loves to share his love of science with ANYONE who is interested, from Nobel prize winners, to politicians, to his waitress at the dinner.
Since I had already read the two books that come after this "introductory book", I had no problem following the topics, the people, the settings, and the science. I believe that someone reading this book first will also be able to follow the action but may find it leaving as many questions as answers as to what the Quantum series is all about. Therefore, while this book is a fun, quick read, do not judge the Quantum series books by this one and read Quantum Space immediately after reading this short story!
I loved this little read - fast action with a teaser about string theory, a great physics "puzzle", and wonderful characters. Daniel Rice is my hero - a man who loves science and, more importantly, loves to share his love of science with ANYONE who is interested, from Nobel prize winners, to politicians, to his waitress at the dinner.
Since I had already read the two books that come after this "introductory book", I had no problem following the topics, the people, the settings, and the science. I believe that someone reading this book first will also be able to follow the action but may find it leaving as many questions as answers as to what the Quantum series is all about. Therefore, while this book is a fun, quick read, do not judge the Quantum series books by this one and read Quantum Space immediately after reading this short story!
January 26, 2024
This is a prelude to the series and a hard sci-fi story or rather stories as there are three of them packed into this short volume. There is enough to generate interest for the main series but it still took me 4 years to start the main course so somehow this booklet also missed its calling.
3.5 stars for me based on my recent reading.
I am some distance into the main volumes and would state that the first book which I'm on the verge of completing is pretty good and this short story should not be used as a measure for the main story.
The story clears a lot of fundamental scientific queries as you read along.
The novella starts off with a celebration at CERN, at the large Hadron Collider in Geneva on celebration of the Higgs Boson discovery with a press correspondent suspecting that there is more to the story. The follow-up story uses scientific methods to explain aerial lights and a UFO.
Worth a read.
3.5 stars for me based on my recent reading.
I am some distance into the main volumes and would state that the first book which I'm on the verge of completing is pretty good and this short story should not be used as a measure for the main story.
The story clears a lot of fundamental scientific queries as you read along.
The novella starts off with a celebration at CERN, at the large Hadron Collider in Geneva on celebration of the Higgs Boson discovery with a press correspondent suspecting that there is more to the story. The follow-up story uses scientific methods to explain aerial lights and a UFO.
Worth a read.
January 24, 2021
Author Douglas Phillips brings us the opening chapter to his Quantum series with Incident. As the story opens we meet Professor Daniel Rice who is the President's science advisor. During a party he takes the woman whom he is dancing with to the local observatory and they look at a constellation. Then he is dispatched to the Nevada desert where he is tasked with finding out why three bright colored lights appear each morning. And at the end of this novella we meet Professor Nala Pasquier who finds a door way into alternate universes. This is a great short scientific read and I highly recommend it to all science fiction fans. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
July 21, 2019
Unfortunately I did not see this prelude to the Quantum Series, prior to reading the trilogy. Nonetheless it was the perfect intro to the Series: smart, consistent with the followers; relatable characters. Seemingly plausible science was totally relatable and anything but tedious, although as in the series, I did have to pay attention, as the Mechanics could definitely be overwhelming! A great story, great intro that totally drew me it. Operatic Hard science all the way! My new Favorite author...thanks so much Douglas for time well spent
October 4, 2017
Short, but intriguing teaser into the world of science fiction that could easily be science fact. In Geneva, scientists may have found the Higgs boson and a peak into quantum theory. A reporter, Cecily Johansson, has a feeling something else is going on besides the discovery and it may be a scientific discovery like no other. The author adds a chapter for the book this short work is a prologue to and intrigues readers. I found this short prelude interesting and well written.
June 4, 2025
As a prequel, it creates a lot of interest and at the same time ensures that it is not leaving the plot wide open, and importantly keeps you engaged enough to speculate.
What I like is that the author kept things simple scientifically while handling hard science , for everyone to understand but also ensured that it was detailed enough to be scientifically correct or at least in the realm of speculative fiction.
I have already picked up subsequent parts and am looking forward to them.
What I like is that the author kept things simple scientifically while handling hard science , for everyone to understand but also ensured that it was detailed enough to be scientifically correct or at least in the realm of speculative fiction.
I have already picked up subsequent parts and am looking forward to them.
October 13, 2018
Intriguing!
I enjoy science fiction and am looking forward to reading this series. Good writing, good characters and the author seems to be able to tell a pretty good story too. The science part of " science fiction" seems like it's going to play the bigger part rather than the fiction and that's what I'm looking forward to the most.
I enjoy science fiction and am looking forward to reading this series. Good writing, good characters and the author seems to be able to tell a pretty good story too. The science part of " science fiction" seems like it's going to play the bigger part rather than the fiction and that's what I'm looking forward to the most.
February 15, 2020
This one is just a short introduction of the first book of the series, Quantum Space. It’s really just a few chapters and, if you like it, you will need to go buy the first book. Luckily, I got this one and the first book free during a Kindle promotion. My recommendation – skip this and go right to the real book.
March 18, 2024
Hard Science Fiction!
The best science fiction is hard science fiction. It has to have good science in it. And then it has to extrapolate from what is known to what it may be. This is one of the very best of the hard science fiction books. I've read recently. This series is fantastic.
The best science fiction is hard science fiction. It has to have good science in it. And then it has to extrapolate from what is known to what it may be. This is one of the very best of the hard science fiction books. I've read recently. This series is fantastic.
December 31, 2025
This series is Hugo bound!
This series IMHO will endure the test of time like other great sci-fi before it. The imagination wrapped around real science absorbs the attention of the reader. I felt actual loss for the characters as the series ended. I had made friends I could count on and want to share in the new adventures I know they’re having without me.
This series IMHO will endure the test of time like other great sci-fi before it. The imagination wrapped around real science absorbs the attention of the reader. I felt actual loss for the characters as the series ended. I had made friends I could count on and want to share in the new adventures I know they’re having without me.
September 3, 2017
Interesting
It's a prequel to quantum space. I don't know that it was needed but it was well written. It leaves questions still about the interdimensional wedge craft.
It worked for me because I'd already read the next book.
It's a prequel to quantum space. I don't know that it was needed but it was well written. It leaves questions still about the interdimensional wedge craft.
It worked for me because I'd already read the next book.
September 20, 2017
Hoax. Do not buy
I would have put zero of possible. I order so many books of all genre... But this the biggest head ever. I don't want to ever order another book from Kendal's choices. I hope I Hera see this and let the buyer be ware!!!
I would have put zero of possible. I order so many books of all genre... But this the biggest head ever. I don't want to ever order another book from Kendal's choices. I hope I Hera see this and let the buyer be ware!!!
March 1, 2018
This book is a shame. They sell a minor content of the book without informing that it is only a part of the book. Amazon should prohibit this type of behavior and / or clearly indicate that it´s only a part of a book
July 22, 2018
I read this as a standalone to get a feel for the larger series. And frankly, it was disappointing. Most of the stuff went way above my head. Small portions here and there made me want to read the rest. But if the science is just as complicated in the main book, then I probably won't enjoy it.
July 31, 2018
Wow! Jaw dropping shorts and teasers!
It's been a while since I've read hard science scifi and this one is the best I've read in almost a decade! Is it even possible to read everything at the same time?
Defiinitely picking up the whole series!
It's been a while since I've read hard science scifi and this one is the best I've read in almost a decade! Is it even possible to read everything at the same time?
Defiinitely picking up the whole series!
March 6, 2019
Prologue to series
Always enjoy science fiction that tells a story as it explains itself. The author has always done a great job of teaching while he tells a story.
Stop reading the reviews and read the story! Ml
Always enjoy science fiction that tells a story as it explains itself. The author has always done a great job of teaching while he tells a story.
Stop reading the reviews and read the story! Ml
April 21, 2019
Just great novella. Go for it. It's free.
Vädret i Sverige och världen. 14 dagars väderprognos, väderkartor, varningar, pollenprognoser och skidväder.
Vädret i Sverige och världen. 14 dagars väderprognos, väderkartor, varningar, pollenprognoser och skidväder
Vädret i Sverige och världen. 14 dagars väderprognos, väderkartor, varningar, pollenprognoser och skidväder.
Vädret i Sverige och världen. 14 dagars väderprognos, väderkartor, varningar, pollenprognoser och skidväder
August 7, 2019
Good beginning
Unfortunately I didn't realize this was a short prologue, I had thought it was a full novel. Other than that I found it to be engaging and fun. It hints at the full story line which is excellent hard science fiction.
Unfortunately I didn't realize this was a short prologue, I had thought it was a full novel. Other than that I found it to be engaging and fun. It hints at the full story line which is excellent hard science fiction.
August 26, 2019
Lovely! This freebie on Kindle made me to order the whole series. As said by many others, the authors builds on existing scientific discoveries. This short story is an introduction to the triology and the characters and their involvement with science was a big turn on for me. 4 stars.
January 1, 2020
Good hard science fiction for thinkers
No cliches in the sci-fi. Intellectual suspense, believable characters, though a minor side plot is weak . This is a prologue. I plan to read the novel.
No cliches in the sci-fi. Intellectual suspense, believable characters, though a minor side plot is weak . This is a prologue. I plan to read the novel.
September 8, 2020
Interesting and fun introduction to the Quantum series. This short mystery gives a good feel for the kind of content and problem solving character. I loved the characters and the use of scientific reasoning in the solution to the plot. Recommended.
August 13, 2021
Good introduction to the series
Ken this short book, we are introduced to the major ideas and characters in the series. While this book isn't required to appreciate the series, it does a good job as an introduction, which is, of course, what it is supposed to do.
Ken this short book, we are introduced to the major ideas and characters in the series. While this book isn't required to appreciate the series, it does a good job as an introduction, which is, of course, what it is supposed to do.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews