Predestination: The Future is History

by S.W. Cotton

Michael Crichton introduced us to the world of biotechnology and medical fiction. S. W. Cotton now invites us to join him on a forensic investigation into the nature of time. A tale of intrigue and scientific speculation ushers us into a mindscape of competing theories to explain the inexplicable.Dr. Syed Azad, Egyptologist, is presented with an ancient Egyptian tablet bearing a modern equation from quantum mechanics. He enlists the aid of his American colleague, Stanford physicists Jake Banner, to assist in the investigation. Dr. Linda Cooper, a molecular biologist, joins in the hunt, and together they embark on an incredible journey that challenges their worldview, forcing them to imagine alternative realities.As the trio of scientists uncover future developments in genetics, cosmology, and physics they come to a startling Past, present, and future may be inextricably interwoven in a matrix that defies conventional explanation. Have they stumbled upon an artifact from another reality, transported across interdimensional spacetime and captured in our present? One intriguing possibility after another confronts the scientists as they grapple with the startling implications of their find.Their investigation takes them into the underbelly of Egypt as they search for clues to untangle a deepening mystery. They encounter a nefarious character purporting to have additional artifacts that may shed light on their discovery. Should they take the risk or forego the opportunity to gain further knowledge? Deciding to pursue their investigation and face the consequences, they forge ahead; determined not to rest until they have found the ultimate answers, and discover the true nature of reality.Reviewed By Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers’ FavoriteReview 5 The Future is History by S. W. Cotton is a science fiction novel that questions our general perception of time. When Dr. Syed Azad, an Egyptologist, is presented with ancient Egyptian tablets that bear a modern equation of quantum mechanics, he calls Stanford physicist Jake Banner to help investigate the mysterious find. He in turn invites molecular biologist Linda Cooper, and the trio meets in Cairo. This team of scientists eventually finds out that the tablets indicate that our past, present, and future are interwoven in a matrix in such a way that it defies conventional explanation. A mysterious character claims to have more archaeological finds that could help them untangle the mystery and they have to decide whether to continue their investigation and make it public and, in so doing, challenge scientific norms.S.W. Cotton's The Future is History is a science fiction novel that is both intriguing and informative. Using a language that ordinary mortals can understand, the author effectively connects with his target audience. The concept of time is intimidating to many readers but it is to S. W. Cotton's credit that his novel does not confuse or alienate the general reader. The characters are also very likable, and not intimidating, which is how scientists normally relate to average human beings. And as he takes us into the underbelly of Egypt and we become entangled in the mystery of this discovery, The Future is History becomes one of those books that you want to finish as soon as you can. And in the end, you won't be disappointed.About the AuthorS. W. Cotton has completed extensive work integrating the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. His explorations into the nature of time have led him to consider the possibility that our naive notion of linear history is suspect. Taking various approaches from philosophy, physics, and cosmology he is currently developing an alternative view of reality that incorporates different aspects of spacetime, multidimensional analysis, and temporal causality.

Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2020

Reviews

[Rubert Wagner, · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a most unusual read. Having taught physics in Germany for several years before retiring, I found S. W. Cotton’s take on the many approaches toward a better understanding of time quite interesting. The notion that our entire universe (or multiverse) emanated from a primordial black hole, for instance, is intriguing and might explain many previously unexplained anomalies. The author introduces several approaches—both old and new—to explain the possible appearance of an ancient artifact bearing a modern equation from quantum theory.

The thought process of the main protagonist, physicist Jake Banner, is on full display as he grapples with the implications of the discovery. His mind entertains a wide range of philosophical, psychological, and romantic notions that seem to veer off on their own until he catches himself and refocuses his attention on matters at hand. They are interesting asides and give the reader a glimpse into the mental machinations of a scientist as he pursues his investigation.

Jake develops a growing friendship with an Egyptologist, Dr. Syed Azad, which provides an interesting study in cross-cultural relations. The author is either aware of Egyptian customs or did his research as he provides several tidbits about daily life in Egypt that only the locals would know.
Molecular biologist, Linda Cooper, provides another perspective on the investigation as well as a romantic interest. Jake Banner presses on against the odds to capture her affection.
I enjoy reading science fiction as well as a good many books in non-fiction and was pleasantly surprised to find that the author takes the reader seriously. He doesn’t tone down the science but neither does he overdo it.

It is one of the very few books I have read in the science fiction genre that presents a scientific exploration interwoven into an interesting storyline. Most science fiction books immediately take the reader into fantasy land and very little attention is given to enlightening or educating the readers. This would be an exception.

There seems to be ample room for further revelations and perhaps the author intends to continue his exploration. The book may certainly stand on its own but I suspect there may be more in the offering.