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The Arasmith Certainty Principle

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A geology grad student with a spiritual bent and a mystic from the Pleistocene find a modern skeleton in ancient rock and must risk their friendship to save the world from an unexpected danger lurking within the laws of physics. Jen Hewitt, a quiet geology graduate student, doesn't actually believe in time travel. Were it possible, rocks from the age of dinosaurs should already be cluttered with artifacts from future time-tourists. Nevertheless, she proves with fellow geologist Jonathan Renner that a human skeleton encased in Pleistocene rock came from their own time. Their work, coupled with fundamental research by physicist Susan Arasmith, reveals an unexpected character to the universe that carries them from the safe world of science into a struggle with powers and possibilities they hadn't imagined. The three friends, along with Kar-Tur, a frightening mystic from the ancient past, learn that discovery is sometimes as much about faith as knowledge, and that friendship and love are often found where least expected.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2020

24 people are currently reading
30 people want to read

About the author

Russ Colson

10 books5 followers
Russ Colson is a scientist, teacher, author, and gardener living in northwest Minnesota, far enough from city lights to see the Milky Way and the Aurora Borealis. He writes contemplative and optimistic science fiction with adventure, touches of romance, and a helping of real science. He is a professor emeritus at Minnesota State University Moorhead, a former national professor of the year, author of the science fiction novel The Arasmith Certainty Principle (Chanticleer International Book Award 1rst Place Category Winner, Double Dragon Publishing, 2018), and coauthor of the science education book Learning to Read the Earth and Sky (NSTA Press, 2016). He has written several thoughtful short stories published in Cast of Wonders, Neo-Opsis Science Fiction Magazine, Interzone, Stupefying Stories, Abyss and Apex, and others. He previously worked at the Johnson Space Center in Texas and at Washington University in St. Louis where, among other things, he studied how a lunar colony might mine oxygen from the local rock. More about his writing can be found at russcolson.com.

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Audrey  Stars in Her Eye.
1,303 reviews12 followers
January 25, 2026
In The Arasmith Certainty Principle. Russ Clson blends real science with science fiction.
Jen Hewit reconnects with her fellow geologist Jonathan Renner while working on her dissertation. He promises her something that she would never believe. He has excavated a skeleton in rock that settled 2.5 million years ago, but is clutching modern-day items, including a radio. But Jen doesn’t believe in time travel, even though Jonathan says it is the only way this could happen. The two work with the titular Susan Arasmith to learn that not only is time travel possible, but that it is dangerous. The kind of dangerous that can end the world as they know it.
I enjoyed the bones of the story. There is an intricate science fiction story here. Time travel is only a portion of the story. It is combined with others that inhabit the Earth on another plane, creating a battle between time and place. I was intrigued about how the Uncertainty Principle fit in, and was rather angry when certain information was not revealed in the book. And while I knew who the skeleton would end up being, I was more concerned about the puzzle of how they got there than being spoiled that I guessed who it was. I found the Senator’s story rushed and wanted more explanation there. But the conclusion imaginative and engaging.
There are a lot of technical issues with this book. But the Afterword explains a lot. The book was written about twenty years ago, even though it was first published in 2018. The author explains that he only made a few “tweaks and nudges” instead of totally rewriting it for self-publication last year. So, he understands that the writing is way too passive. We are told too much and not shown enough action. He thinks the chapters are too short, but I agree to an extent. If you provide more action and just a few more pages, the chain of chapters would build the tension that the story truly needs. The one thing I disliked was the first-person female perspective. One, he didn’t capture the woman’s voice; two, with the way the novel is written, Colson would have gotten the same result with Jen in third person.
I am really intrigued by the story presented in The Arasmith Certainty Principle and want to see how Colson has matured as a writer. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next book in the series is like.


I received a copy from the author for review; all opinions are my own.
2 reviews
November 18, 2025
I rarely read science fiction that blends scientific curiosity, philosophical tension, and emotional depth this well. The Arasmith Certainty Principle is a surprising read—not because of flashy plot twists (though there are a few), but because it invites you to actually think about the nature of reality, time, and human relationships.

The story begins quietly, with Kar-Tur's ritual vigil before firelight—“He didn't look at the fire, but into it”—and unfolds gradually into a multi-threaded tale centered on Susan Arasmith, a physicist tackling the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle from an unexpected angle. Her experiments ask whether belief itself might affect physical outcomes, and the implications are chilling, especially when the story brings in shadowy observers, shimmering figures, and an inexplicably ancient burial in Wyoming that includes a modern radio.

I liked that Susan isn’t the typical sci-fi genius trope. She’s grounded, awkward, and deeply human. Her desire to “be a complete person” without “riding a big dumb ox to get where I’m going” says a lot about the interior conflicts she faces. However, when insights about Susan come in the form of comments by other characters it does not feel quite genuine.

The prose sometimes wanders into the overly introspective, especially as Jennifer overanalyzes her feelings about other characters. That said, she is an interesting character and I hope subsequent books further provide her backstory.

This book isn’t for those looking for constant action. It’s more thoughtful than thrilling, and it asks excellent questions and gives the reader space to explore them without being heavy-handed. I still find myself pondering the line: “Nature was not obliged to obey the laws of nature as humans phrased them” long after I finished the final chapter.

Why not five stars? Occasionally the pacing dips, and not all the characters' internal debates feel essential. Still, I am glad I read it—and I will be reading Book 2.

.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,542 reviews27 followers
December 5, 2025
An implausible find, an experiment with astounding results and implications, and unthinkable events converge that will determine the fate of humanity, however improbable it may seem, in The Arasmith Certainty Principle by Russ Colson.

To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.

When a skeleton is found buried with contemporary items anomalous to the layer of rocks in which it was uncovered during a geological research dig, Jonathan Renner calls upon his colleague Jen Hewitt to consult on his theories relating to the potential of aliens and time travel. As the pair work methodically with the data available to them, they consult with a physicist, Susan Arasmith, whose research proves to be particularly helpful in explaining the mystery of the buried body and as a catalyst to form a friendship among the trio; however, Susan’s research catches the attention of powerful groups that transports the three academics from an insulated world of knowledge-seeking to one of survival, with the fate of humanity amid a conspiracy for seizing power on their shoulders. With Susan suddenly vanishing and Kar-Tur suddenly appearing from the ancient past, as well as the glimmering figures periodically appearing, that Jonathan has taken to calling the Shimera, a convergence of events pertaining to the past, a different plane of existence untethered to time, and an impending future filled with disaster will lead to new, fascinating discoveries with lasting impacts and legacies for all involved.

An intriguing premise that combines elements of political scheming and the dangers associated with it, theories and related wonder of humans not being alone in the universe and how that might work, a sense of community and forging relationships to strengthen those bonds, and scientific concepts, theories, and jargon, the narrative is grounded in reality while still leaving possibilities open for something new to emerge. The presented scientific topics are well-conveyed and explained enough to be understandable for most audiences, yet still retain a complexity to contribute toward the academic nature of the characters portrayed. The story moves relatively slowly as it incorporates a variety of narrative threads from different perspectives into one comprised of scientific discoveries, governmental conspiracy, and interpersonal developments and growth. While a majority of the chapters provide the third-person perspectives from the numerous characters involved, there are chapters from one first-person perspective, through Jen Hewitt, which was an interesting narrative choice, though Jen is arguably a character with a more central role to the entire story’s arc.

Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
72 reviews
April 27, 2026
The Arasmith Certainty Principle presents a compelling blend of scientific inquiry, speculative physics, and philosophical exploration, grounded in a mystery that challenges the boundaries of time and reality.

What stands out immediately is the central paradox: a modern human skeleton discovered within ancient geological formations. This concept functions as a powerful narrative engine, forcing both characters and readers to confront contradictions between established scientific understanding and seemingly impossible evidence.

The story is anchored by a trio of intellectually driven characters Jen, Jonathan, and Susan whose combined disciplines in geology and physics create a strong foundation for exploring complex ideas. The introduction of Kar Tur, a mystic from the distant past, adds a contrasting perspective that bridges empirical science with metaphysical interpretation.

Thematically, the narrative leans into the tension between knowledge and belief. The idea that discovery may require not just logic but a degree of faith elevates the story beyond traditional science fiction, positioning it within a more philosophical and introspective space.

Overall, The Arasmith Certainty Principle stands out as an idea driven speculative novel that combines scientific mystery with deeper questions about reality, time, and the limits of human understanding.
Profile Image for S.L..
9 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2019
I loved this story! It’s a fresh look at time travel, the power of belief and the question, “are we alone in the universe?”.

From start to finish, Colson wove an intriguing tale from multiple points of view with a diverse cast of complex characters, each with his or her own strengths and flaws and backstory baggage. He knows his science, but it’s clear he knows people too. The intrigue builds throughout with surprise twists spawning new mysteries drawing the reader on. There’s heartbreak and redemption with catharsis at the end. Arasmith’s arc didn’t conclude the way I’d expected, but Colson’s ending didn’t disappoint.

My favorite part of this work is the exploration of intellect and faith. The whole thing, especially the climax, fascinated me, playing with the ideas of consciousness and quantum physics, while the threats Colson creates for his world and the character interactions entertained. The apocalyptic impacts on Washington D.C. and L.A. are seared in my memory but those horrors are buffered with the emotional character storylines.

If you enjoy your science fiction with a dose of philosophy and explorations of character, then this one’s for you.
Profile Image for Helois.
154 reviews
March 7, 2019
A philosophical look at time travel with a lot of geology and physics thrown in.

Let me start out by saying that I loved the thoughts and ideas behind this story, using math and science to figure out time travel while it all being based on faith is a rather good theory. However the execution of the story was not really for me, I found it to be almost lecture like in some paragraphs and some parts just dragged on and the parts that you really wanted to know about seem to be rushed. The characters are very well done.. complex and easy to relate to them and the situations they find themselves in, the setting were well written and you felt drawn into the situations the characters find themselves in, it did leave me wanting to know more.

I wish we could have found out more about the shimera and the aftermath of the war.

Overall a decent read with a very interesting and thought provoking story line. Perhaps just a bit more fleshing out and editing would have made it that much better.

*I was gifted a copy of the book by the author all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Joy D. Fanning.
148 reviews67 followers
July 13, 2019
As a huge fan of all things science fiction, I was super excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint! For me, this book had all the goodies a sci-fi fan would want. Right out of the gate I loved the premise of the book. A geologist finds a modern human skeleton in 40,000-year-old rock?! Sign me up!

Not only does this book have a superb premise, but the characters are fleshed out as well. I loved how the chapters jump from person to person, giving the reader insights into their lives and thoughts.

This story moves quickly as well, which is always something I enjoy. I may not have understood all of the science terms or language, but Colson explains the experients and concepts in a way that an average Joe could understand and appreciate.

Fans of sci-fi, speculative and just plain adventure will love this book. Time travel, government conspiracies, and romance are just the tip of the iceberg with this book.
Profile Image for Emily Hartwig.
26 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2020
I really loved this story! The entire book was original, exciting, and insightful. It played around with concepts of philosophy, geology, physics, spirituality, etc while remaining a completely unpredictable story. If you're looking for an exciting science fiction story that plays around with our ideas on the structure and cadence of the universe, this is the one for you!

*I'm not sure if i am biased because the author is a former professor of mine, but i genuinely loved this book and stand behind the review!
Profile Image for Anda.
22 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2025
More here: Musings on The Arasmith Certainty Principle by Russ Colson


The Arasmith Certainty Principle is a complex, layered science-fiction novel that surprised me in more ways than one. It opens with a modern impossibility, a contemporary radio and skeleton embedded in Pleistocene rock, and gradually unfolds into an ambitious blend of geology, time anomalies, and theoretical physics, centered on Susan Arasmith.

What stood out most was the novel’s intellectual scope and the clarity of its multiple perspectives. The different narrative threads remain distinct and engaging, and the precise, thoughtful prose makes even dense scientific ideas feel accessible. The short chapters and frequent shifts in point of view suit the story well and keep the pacing tight.

My only minor reservations were wanting more insight into the wider world’s reaction to such discoveries and slightly more emotional resolution in places. Even so, this is a thoughtful, idea-driven novel that rewards patient readers and confidently blends science with philosophy.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,311 reviews18 followers
February 2, 2026
this was a strong start to the Certainly Principle series, it had that element that I was looking for from the description and enjoyed getting to know the characters in this world. The plot was so well written and was engaged from start to finish and enjoyed the discovery of everything. The characters were written well and enjoyed the way Russ Colson wrote this and can't wait to read more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Willow Webster.
513 reviews23 followers
January 26, 2026
It's was a great book. The characters were great the story was great and I really enjoyed reading it! 5 stars!
2 reviews
November 18, 2025
I rarely read science fiction that blends scientific curiosity, philosophical tension, and emotional depth this well. The Arasmith Certainty Principle is a surprising read—not because of flashy plot twists (though there are a few), but because it invites you to actually think about the nature of reality, time, and human relationships.

The story begins quietly, with Kar-Tur's ritual vigil before firelight—“He didn't look at the fire, but into it”—and unfolds gradually into a multi-threaded tale centered on Susan Arasmith, a physicist tackling the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle from an unexpected angle. Her experiments ask whether belief itself might affect physical outcomes, and the implications are chilling, especially when the story brings in shadowy observers, shimmering figures, and an inexplicably ancient burial in Wyoming that includes a modern radio.

I liked that Susan isn’t the typical sci-fi genius trope. She’s grounded, awkward, and deeply human. Her desire to “be a complete person” without “riding a big dumb ox to get where I’m going” says a lot about the interior conflicts she faces. However, when insights about Susan come in the form of comments by other characters it does not feel quite genuine.

The prose sometimes wanders into the overly introspective, especially as Jennifer overanalyzes her feelings about other characters. That said, she is an interesting character and I hope subsequent books further provide her backstory.

This book isn’t for those looking for constant action. It’s more thoughtful than thrilling, and it asks excellent questions and gives the reader space to explore them without being heavy-handed. I still find myself pondering the line: “Nature was not obliged to obey the laws of nature as humans phrased them” long after I finished the final chapter.

Why not five stars? Occasionally the pacing dips, and not all the characters' internal debates feel essential. Still, I am glad I read it—and I will be reading Book 2.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Emily Hartwig.
26 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2025
I have read this book twice now and will likely revisit it again in the future! If you have an interest in geology, archaeology, physics, spirituality, time travel, or sci-fi then I think you should read this too.

What draws me most to this story is that it’s like nothing I’ve ever read before. It has an entirely unique plot and it is obvious when you read it that the author knows a tremendous amount about natural science.

Colson writes in a way that allows me to picture everything in the story and it feels like I’m watching a movie when I’m reading it.

Overall this is a really fun, unique, and EXCITING book and I recommend you read it!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews