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Quantum #1-3

The Quantum Series #1-3

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Daniel Rice is a government science investigator whose specialty is solving seemingly intractable problems through scientific inquiry. But Daniel's intellectual strength is sorely tested by the bizarre realities he finds in the quantum world. Extra dimensions of space trap the unwary, probability replaces cause and effect, and time isn't what anyone imagined. The other side of the mirror is a place full of dangers, but it's also somewhere a dedicated scientist can uncover secrets that connect humans with something greater.

1163 pages, ebook

First published February 19, 2019

206 people are currently reading
100 people want to read

About the author

Douglas Phillips

51 books339 followers
Douglas 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/

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5 stars
198 (57%)
4 stars
107 (30%)
3 stars
32 (9%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for L. Greg.
2 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It is accurate to quantum physics and particle physics up to the author's imaginative departures and the SCIENCE goes a lot deeper than you might think. The characters are balanced and intelligent and the stories imaginative. What would YOU do if you weree trapped in the fourth dimension?

Three stories set in the near future where government science investigator Daniel Rice is sent to find out why astronauts returning from the ISS in a Soyuz capsule have suddenly disappeared. The search leads to Fermilab in Illinois and to another dimension... where can the three men be? Along the way, he meets and works with two intelligent women who help bring his investigation along. The two other books in the series explore more about quantum events and alien encounters, all intelligently written with plenty of action and peril for the characters.
Profile Image for Don Dunham.
335 reviews24 followers
April 22, 2025
what a surprise. If I had to shelf this one I would put it up with, the Martian, contact, seven eaves.
I got this one free on audible and it turned out to be an excellent
Hard SciFi trilogy.
Profile Image for Kristine.
3,373 reviews50 followers
May 19, 2023
As a whole I enjoyed this trilogy.

Book 1 - 4 stars
A great first book in this new and interesting trilogy.

This was one of the types of stories that we have come to expect from Mr. Phillips where the reader not only gets an interesting mystery in the storyline but also gets to learn new and interesting facts in a way that doesn't feel like it's just constant info dumps. Definitely a lot of important information in a normally difficult subject matter. The book made it so that I also felt like I was learning important information in the quantum universe yet the information also came out along with a very interesting story arc.

I love books that can teach you things while still having a fun and action packed story line. The world building is parceled out a little bit at a time and the character development of the MC's took a little while to get us to where we needed to go, but when we got there, things really began to take off.

I'm looking forward to getting to know Daniel Rice, Marie and Nala a little better in the books to come.

Book 2 - 4.25 Stars 🌟

I think this 2nd book is my favorite book in this trilogy. While the first book introduced us to the main characters of Dr. Daniel Rice, Marie, Nala and the other players in the Quantum Physics world, this book takes things a step farther as Nala and Thomas are involved in a devastating accident/explosion and find themselves trapped in a 4th dimensional pocket.

On another separate mission, Marie finds herself chosen by Zin not only go on the mission to initiate first contact on another world, but to also be the human that gets a belt of alien technology to "better help humans understand certain technologies" - at least that is the reason that is given. Now, she is not so sure.

This book is jam packed with drama, intrigue, suspense and action packed from the beginning until the end. Yep, definitely my favorite.

Book 3 - 3 stars
While I really enjoyed this trilogy as a whole, this last book was somewhat of a disappointment. Not only did the writing style feel different, the pacing of the entire book just felt....off. The storyline didn't feel as solid as we had come to expect and don't get me started with Daniel's behavior. It was just.....well, to me it was very disappointing.

Without going into spoilers, this book is very Daniel centric and we only see very small snippets of Nala and Marie. There is a tiny bit of Zin, but this is all Daniel's book. Of course, from the title, you know that the focus of this book is on quantum time and that's where things begin to get quite a bit squirrelly. Honestly, the plot was so way out there that it kept pulling me out of the story. There is a suspension of the believability factor and then there is just going off the reservation.

Yes, there is action, but it is with brand new characters that I neither knew nor wanted to know. There was an entire new group of characters that were introduced in this book but there wasn't the deep character introduction and development that we have come to expect. Then, Daniels behavior in the future was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. Yes, he is a grown man and can do whatever he wants, but then don't try to feed me the baloney that his actions didn't have consequences. The reaction from the character that was the one affected by his actions was completely unbelievable and the opposite of what we would have expected from her based on past behaviors.

So, nope. This one was not for me. I only gave it a 3 star rating because the first two books in the trilogy had earned some credit with me. If I was reading this as a stand alone, I would have gone down to a 2 star rating.
Profile Image for BookishDramas.
814 reviews27 followers
March 19, 2025
The trilogy offers a captivating blend of scientific intrigue and adventure, appealing to readers who enjoy thought-provoking science fiction grounded in real scientific principles.

I’ve always had a fascination for hard science fiction. Ever since my early teens, I’ve been fascinated by the works of Carl Sagan, Asimov, and Clarke—reading about SETI, Voyager(s), Pioneer and watching Cosmos sparked a lifelong curiosity about space and the unknown. So, when I came across The Quantum Series, it felt like a natural fit. I had read the individual books earlier but this three volumes in one just needed me to have another go.

The three volumes are Quantum Space, Quantum Entanglement and Quantum Time and this review briefly delves into all three.

The first book dives straight into quantum mechanics, first contact, and futuristic technology. Douglas does a great job making the science engaging and understandable, though not oversimplified, even when the ideas get pretty wild. The story stumbles occasionally in places, the pacing isn’t always steady, and the characters feel a bit underdeveloped. There are moments where the author's approach feels a little naïve, but it never takes away from the scientific intrigue that kept me hooked. While it’s not perfect, the sheer depth of the science makes it a worthwhile read.

In the second volume, is where things start to click. The characters feel more fleshed out, their development unfolding naturally alongside the expanding story. The science is still heavy, and at times, the explanations can feel intimidating, but Douglas has a way of making it all seem sensible as you go along. The pacing is much smoother, and the story flows better, keeping the thrill alive even when dealing with complex quantum concepts. For someone who loves hard sci-fi, this book felt like stepping into a geek’s paradise, full of fascinating ideas and exciting discoveries.

The final book takes things to another level, diving deeper into time travel, paradoxes and the moral dilemmas that come with altering reality. Dr. Nathaniel Hartley and his team are now facing the consequences of their past actions, trying to stop a catastrophic time loop that could unravel everything. The blend of science, philosophy, and high-stakes adventure makes for an exhilarating read. While the dense scientific principles might be a bit much for casual readers, anyone who loves thought-provoking sci-fi will find a lot to appreciate here. Phillips expands the universe in fascinating ways, making this a strong and satisfying conclusion.

The trilogy takes its time to build momentum, but the journey is well worth it. While the first book has some pacing and character development issues, the series quickly finds its rhythm, evolving into a compelling mix of hard science and engaging storytelling. Douglas Phillips does a great job weaving real, mind-bending quantum mechanics into an adventure that keeps you thinking while keeping you hooked. If you love hard sci-fi with a strong scientific backbone, The Quantum Series is definitely worth diving into.

The story has been further continued with Volume 4 and 5 which are books for discussion another day.
97 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2023
Really enjoyed the first 3 books of this series! Well worth reading and YES to the perennial GR question - you need to read the books in order.

The story moved along at a good pace across the three books and made logical sense. I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the quantum world as we think it exists based on our current knowledge.

In terms of critique, the characters were shallowly developed. A bit more complexity would have helped my rating go up to perhaps 4.5 stars.

Having "beta" readers review the 3rd book (at least) as mentioned in the author's afterword sounds like an excellent idea for other author's to copy. I also like the author's explanations at the end of each book.

I do have to take issue with the idea of something coming from nothing as put forth in the 3rd book. Our universe didn't magically appear out of nothing. Nothing comes from nothing, for magicians or for the quantum world. Instead, more likely, it was a pimple in the multiverse that exploded outwards for unknown reasons There could be an infinite number of similar universes created similarly and I believe that they will all have the exact same laws and construction that we have as they will all be built out of the same exact particles.

Big Bang, Quantum space or whatever, my big unanswered question is what created the elementary particles, forces and their laws of interaction that the universe depends on for organization and existence? No one discusses this anywhere that I can find! Basic particles and laws of interaction WOULD NOT be magically created from a Big Bang type explosion any more than a fully operational city with working infrastructure would be created in the aftermath of a nuclear bomb explosion.
361 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2024
Good base ideas with too much waved away & included the wrong details for me to like it.
Think its targeted at people new to scify, which I can appreciate with extra star, but not enjoy myself.
Got it for free with audible plus, will not continue with 4&5.

Minor spoilers / what I liked:


Major spoilers:

For how a similar story can be done well with assuming reader is NOT new to scify, see 14 & The Fold by Peter Cline, Bobiverse by Dennis E Taylor. They hit SOME of the same 'story feels' IMO & much, MUCH better execution.
8 reviews
September 8, 2025
I went in expecting sci-fi thriller. What I got was Physics for Dummies: Extended Edition. Three books later, I feel like I should’ve earned college credit.

The pacing? Imagine running a marathon where every mile someone stops you to explain Schrödinger’s cat in excruciating detail—again. The story could have been two books, tops. Instead, it’s bloated with lectures that make Dan Brown’s monologues look like haiku.

By the time the “thrills” showed up, I was too busy checking how many pages were left to care. Characters? Forgettable. Stakes? Buried under chalk dust. Fun? Apparently lost in a parallel timeline.

If you want to be bludgeoned with science until you forget there’s supposed to be a plot, congratulations—you’ve found your series. If you want entertainment, try literally anything else.
14 reviews
March 3, 2021
Paradox Redux

I also found it paradoxical that this final book was more readable for me, even though it required more suspension of disbelief. The disbelief I have trouble suspending is, I can only adhere to the multiverse view of multiple possible timelines. Without this, (for me) a fundamental principle is violated. Post hoc ergo proctor hoc. The effect cannot preceded the cause. There are certain conditions that define causes. One of them is, a cause must come before. (The Daniel who went back in time, could not have seen that Jacquelyn disappear from the room they where locked in. Another Daniel could have seen it. One who was on the new timeline created immediately from a cause in the past. Daniel could have thought of it and executed it, but he could not have seen it in his own future. It was just too convenient for Daniel, for Jacquelyn to disappear. It was not at all convenient for me, the reader. And this problem surfaced a few other times as well). These similar paradoxes can only be resolved by events in that past causing future events in that timeline, or in an immediately created new timeline, if caused by a time traveler. Best thing, is not to go there. But if you do, don’t step off the path.
Profile Image for Paul Van buren.
67 reviews
January 9, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It is a return to my favorite genre of books, hard-core science fiction where the story is anchored in real science which gets expanded by the authors imagination.

I enjoyed the character development and they shall exist in my mind for some time. The author did a good job causing me to think about these people during my non-reading moments of the day.

My only complaint is the overly descriptive personal moments between some characters. The story would have been just as good without these moments and it prevents me from passing the series on to my reading teens. This is a personal note as I am sure most people enjoyed these moments.
Profile Image for Atul.
27 reviews6 followers
August 17, 2022
Brilliant.
One word review of the entire series.

Scintillating, Sumptuous science fiction anchored firmly in Quantum Mechanics. Engaging story. Optimistic future world. Great characters that you feel for.

A truly, thoroughly enjoyable read (rather listen). I breezed through all the 3 books in a matter of days.

The third book "Quantum time" is a marvellously crafted time travel story that keeps you guessing. But at the same time it is firmly grounded in logic.

Please do read the books or better listen to the audiobooks. All three available on audible for a price of 1 credit. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
45 reviews
June 23, 2024
I am so pleased that I decided to buy, and listening to these books! I tend to steer clear of series, but being the space cadet that I am, I was curious. I love finding new and exciting science fiction. Douglas Phillips, you certainly have a a God given gift, keep writing, I felt like I was witnessing history. I have no doubt that you love what you write about. Space travel, but not just any kind. I need to educate myself on Quantum physics. I am fascinated by the possibility of leaving our universe, even though it might be a one way trip!
Profile Image for Peter Tihanyi.
1 review
March 12, 2020
Fantastic series of novels, I loved them all. Thoroughly scientific, factual, with a sprinkle of fiction. The writing style of Douglas Phillips is splendid and I love the characters in the series. It's rare for me to find such a gem. Looking forward for sequels or a new story line! Maybe with more jelly fish. :)

Make sure you read the short story Quantum Incident first, as a little primer for the series. It's not entirely necessary to do so, but you won't regret it.
45 reviews
February 20, 2022
Quantum Fantastic Fun!

Applications of quantum physics wind up warping minds, entangling alien super computers, creating an environmental catastrophe near Austin, Texas and Chicago Illinois. Then while trying to avoid Global Thermonuclear War, terrorists and time travel paradoxes run rampant. Fun as watching someone else trying to get their monkeys back into the barrel with out getting bitten. Have FUN!
Profile Image for Eugene Tellier.
17 reviews
July 2, 2025
I found the books very enjoyable. I especially liked the afterward that discussed which elements were based on science as we know it currently, which were working theories, and which were artistic license. I did find some of the elements of book 3 drawing some painful potential parallels with our current societal challenges (July 2025), a few years after the book's release.

I would also like to reiterate the author's fondness for Carl Sagan and his entertaining ability to share science.
9 reviews
April 15, 2020
Great time related read

Good read if interested in fictional application of modern physics revelations explained for non physicists to develope D. Phillips novels. Good charter d development makes his stories reliable and entertaining. For example Richard Henry DANA’s character development is better. George Kimmel
13 reviews
December 28, 2021
It's 5am...

... and I have to be at work in three hours. I've been a fan of Douglas Phillips for several years, but this might be his best work. The characters are engaging, the story moves with a constant, page-flipping place, and the concepts explored will have you thinking on ways most novels can't.

Buy it. Read it. Love it.
67 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2020
Best yet

Continually impressed by the level of creativity and scientific accuracy in these books. I enjoyed this series the most. Let’s see more of these characters in the future! Don’t even need time travel to get there. Just prodding of the author.
Profile Image for Keysman Keith Cannon.
158 reviews
September 21, 2020
Three books that play with time, past, present, and future-

All of which develop paradoxical circumstances. A single character follows the path as needed...forming bonds that can fix problems, or create them! This trilogy is well worth reading! I loved it!
78 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2020
Based on real science

A good story with current scientific knowledge woven into the plot.
Quantum space and time are the background for this story.
Besides a good yarn there is an a fair amount of knowledge that can be gained from this story.
3 reviews
January 30, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this series of books! The writing style of Douglas Phillips was to combine the science of physics together with the a fictional story line that held my fascination from the first pages to the very end . I'm so happy I stumbles across them!

2 reviews
April 25, 2021
A real mind melt

I love how the author explained some truly mind bending science! The adventures were fun and absolutely unique. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey and will most likely be scratching my head and pondering the concepts for 400 years into the future
1 review1 follower
August 10, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. More like a true science fiction set, although after the first volume it shifted more to more of an enjoyable fantasy. Nonetheless, provocative, stimulating, and highly entertaining. An exceptionally "good read". Bravo!
25 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2023
Perfect! A genius author. I couldn't put the trilogy down? Finished all three in 1 and a halfdays.

Great idea of the 3 stories with same characters in each! Well written that captures the reader ready for the next one.
37 reviews
August 9, 2023
Tremendous writing

Loved the science loved Learning the new thoughts behind space/time. Also learned something about critical density. But.....seriously why so many f words? It was gratuitous at best. If you don't like an incredible amount of foul language, don't read the series.
Profile Image for B Gillette.
2 reviews
January 21, 2021
Fun read.

A fun read. Enough science to make it interesting with great characters. Do not miss the author's afterwords for each book !!
3 reviews
January 23, 2021
Totaly enjoyable, oh my head hurts.


This for myself, is a great read, the mix of science, and imagination really works. This will take your thoughts to a whole new level.
Profile Image for Barbara.
70 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2021
4 stars for the first 2 books

However only 2 stars for Quantum Time. It just really got too weird. Not much science involved, mostly fantasy, sorry
Profile Image for Gautam Talagery.
5 reviews
August 22, 2021
Logical evolution in dimensions.. Space and Time

Lots of interesting concepts.. Evenly paced with the pace picking up in the second half of each book. Well recommended!!
4 reviews
February 7, 2023
Great story

A little technical but time traveling always is? I read the 4th book by mistake so it was nice to read the back story.
Profile Image for Ipsita Gochhayat.
86 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2024
Revolves around the idea that you can move through space by elevating to a different dimension. An okay read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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