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Superposition (Superposition #1)
by
David Walton (Goodreads Author)
Jacob Kelley's family is turned upside down when an old friend turns up, waving a gun and babbling about an alien quantum intelligence. The mystery deepens when the friend is found dead in an underground bunker…apparently murdered the night before he appeared at Jacob's house. Jacob is arrested for the murder and put on trial.
As the details of the crime slowly come to ligh ...more
As the details of the crime slowly come to ligh ...more
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Community Reviews
(showing 1-30 of 3,000)
For some reason I'm always impressed when something both entertains me and educates me. It's as if all those years of
But that is the case here. David Walton's Superposition is a fun romp through quantum physics. Jacob Kelly is a brilliant physicist who is confronted by an old friend who pretty much destroys his life.
His old friend has some secrets, mostly involving his scientific research and he arrives at Jacob's house, uninvited, and points ...more
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2015/11/25/r...
I admit, I have a love-hate relationship with hard sci-fi. To clarify, I am mostly talking about science fiction with heavy emphasis on science and technology. If an author can ease me gently into a story like this, it is certainly possible for me to become absorbed and enjoy myself. On the other hand, overwhelm me with techno-babble and science that I don’t understand, and you will see my eyes glazing over faster than a d ...more
I admit, I have a love-hate relationship with hard sci-fi. To clarify, I am mostly talking about science fiction with heavy emphasis on science and technology. If an author can ease me gently into a story like this, it is certainly possible for me to become absorbed and enjoy myself. On the other hand, overwhelm me with techno-babble and science that I don’t understand, and you will see my eyes glazing over faster than a d ...more
This was an entertaining courtroom drama that happened to geek out all over the place with a coherent explanation of quantum mechanics AND a relevant hard SF extrapolation of the theories.
What is that in laymen terms?
Murder mystery meets many-worlds.
I'm sure those people who geek out over courtroom dramas will get a lot more out of this novel than me. I would have been perfectly peachy with an action-science thriller, and I'll be frank, this novel would have met a five star for me if it had been ...more
What is that in laymen terms?
Murder mystery meets many-worlds.
I'm sure those people who geek out over courtroom dramas will get a lot more out of this novel than me. I would have been perfectly peachy with an action-science thriller, and I'll be frank, this novel would have met a five star for me if it had been ...more
Honestly, this one borders on a 5 star read for me, but it lacks substance. Cool science though and one of the better fictionalizations of a lesson in quantum theory I've seen.
The story follows a particle physicist turned teacher who gets dramatically drawn back into his prior profession by a colleague's bizarre behavior. The book follows the colleague's visit and subsequent murder in one storyline and the trial of the main character for the colleague's murder in another alternating storyline. I ...more
The story follows a particle physicist turned teacher who gets dramatically drawn back into his prior profession by a colleague's bizarre behavior. The book follows the colleague's visit and subsequent murder in one storyline and the trial of the main character for the colleague's murder in another alternating storyline. I ...more
Superposition
4 Stars - Had me hooked in right away. Felt like I came away some interesting knowledge that the author integrates almost too well into the plotline. Definitely a book that can spark some interesting conversations, loved it!
Schrödinger's cat. If you haven't heard of this before, like me, then this book will be quite a mind bender that will have you asking 'could this be possible...?' all the time.
About a quarter way into the book I started to search up some of the terminology, just ...more
4 Stars - Had me hooked in right away. Felt like I came away some interesting knowledge that the author integrates almost too well into the plotline. Definitely a book that can spark some interesting conversations, loved it!
Schrödinger's cat. If you haven't heard of this before, like me, then this book will be quite a mind bender that will have you asking 'could this be possible...?' all the time.
About a quarter way into the book I started to search up some of the terminology, just ...more
2.5 stars, barely, rounded down to two.
The quantum physics part of the story was very interesting, but the characters were very flat to me, very two-dimensional, almost like they were thrown in to show specific characteristics about the main character. For example, the wife and family seemed to be there only the show how good a husband/father he is. The (dumb) buddy is there to show how smart he is.
Aside from the mind-bending theoretical physics, this was all very pedestrian, and very disappoint ...more
The quantum physics part of the story was very interesting, but the characters were very flat to me, very two-dimensional, almost like they were thrown in to show specific characteristics about the main character. For example, the wife and family seemed to be there only the show how good a husband/father he is. The (dumb) buddy is there to show how smart he is.
Aside from the mind-bending theoretical physics, this was all very pedestrian, and very disappoint ...more
What would happen if the physics of the micro universe could be applied to the macro universe in which we live? It would be pretty weird as explained in this engaging story.
Einstein talked about the "spooky" aspect of quantum theory; things like, probability waves, particles being in two places at once, faster than light travel, all of these things seem possible on the subatomic level of reality but they are impossible in our universe...until now.
In the not so distant future, a scientist at the ...more
Einstein talked about the "spooky" aspect of quantum theory; things like, probability waves, particles being in two places at once, faster than light travel, all of these things seem possible on the subatomic level of reality but they are impossible in our universe...until now.
In the not so distant future, a scientist at the ...more
This was a really enjoyable quantum physics murder mystery. The science was explained in a readable way as part of the story. The courtroom parts were mostly accurate, which is fine because if there hadn't been any dramatic license taken it would have been deadly dull instead of page turning. Overall, a fast paced and exciting read.
4.5 Stars
Superposition by David Walton is a geeky physics based science fiction thriller that tickled my brain all the way down to my quarks, muons, toys, and neutrinos. Walton gets all the credit for making this novel work. It is not just for fans of hard science fiction or for people with a physics background. He tells this story to us in such a way that we are able to at least grasp upon the models portrayed. Walton uses the court case to further spell out the physics behind entanglement and ...more
Superposition by David Walton is a geeky physics based science fiction thriller that tickled my brain all the way down to my quarks, muons, toys, and neutrinos. Walton gets all the credit for making this novel work. It is not just for fans of hard science fiction or for people with a physics background. He tells this story to us in such a way that we are able to at least grasp upon the models portrayed. Walton uses the court case to further spell out the physics behind entanglement and ...more
Quantum physics courtroom murder mystery all in one. I really enjoyed this book even if some of the science went over my head. I listened to the audio and the narrator did a good job with the pacing and maintaining the tension. Looking forward to the sequel.
I have never read anything by this author. Now that I have read this book, I plan to keep this author on my radar. OMG! I feel hard for this book. My only flaw was that I started it late in the evening and so I had to put it down to get some sleep. Yet, you can bet that once I got up and carved myself out some time, I jumped right back into this book. It was not long before I was finished with it.
This book may be fiction but it could read as if it was nonfiction. I could totally imagine this re ...more
This book may be fiction but it could read as if it was nonfiction. I could totally imagine this re ...more
Superposition is a book that dances between genres masterfully, injecting science fiction into mystery and legal dramas in a truly unique read. Fans of speculative fiction will be very pleased. At the center of the story is the question of what would happen if the things that are possible in the quantum world were possible in the physical world we observe? How does this affect our notions of humanity and existence? The author explains the quantum physics that drive the story in clear and concise
...more
Reviewed on my blog - Books by Proxy
4 Stars
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review
-
After reading numerous excellent reviews for Superposition and hearing excellent things about David Walton’s writing, I snapped up the chance to read and review Superposition when it was presented. I love science fiction. I love crime thrillers. So I’m willing to bet that I sure as hell am going to love a combination of the two. And Superposition really didn’t disappoint. This is a ...more
4 Stars
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review
-
After reading numerous excellent reviews for Superposition and hearing excellent things about David Walton’s writing, I snapped up the chance to read and review Superposition when it was presented. I love science fiction. I love crime thrillers. So I’m willing to bet that I sure as hell am going to love a combination of the two. And Superposition really didn’t disappoint. This is a ...more
(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted illegally.)
The older and more experienced I get as a professional book reviewer, the more I'm realizing that there are in fact two radically different types of science-fiction novel out there, a genre which I've been faithfully (if not indiscriminately) reading since I was a kid; there are the science-fiction novels ...more
The older and more experienced I get as a professional book reviewer, the more I'm realizing that there are in fact two radically different types of science-fiction novel out there, a genre which I've been faithfully (if not indiscriminately) reading since I was a kid; there are the science-fiction novels ...more
Superposition is about Jacob Kelley, a theoretical physicist, who is accused of murdering his old friend Brian, also a theoretical physicist. Brian was doing research that is the quantum physics equivalent of picking up the big Latin tome with Cthulhu on the cover, so naturally things got scary and he reached out to Jacob who, being a rational man, said something along the lines of, "I don't care what the voices in your head told you about your magic powers, stop pointing that gun at my wife!" T
...more
4/5 Rating Originally posted at https://mylifemybooksmyescape.wordpre...
If you don’t know what superposition is, you’re in for a treat!
*Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion*
My first introduction to David Walton wasQuintessence.I was extremely impressed with the ideas he presented in that story andI thought that the novel had a lot of promise... butthe execution of those ideas was lacking and the story fell off to me. While I didn't fe ...more
If you don’t know what superposition is, you’re in for a treat!
*Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion*
My first introduction to David Walton wasQuintessence.I was extremely impressed with the ideas he presented in that story andI thought that the novel had a lot of promise... butthe execution of those ideas was lacking and the story fell off to me. While I didn't fe ...more
I am not a science fiction fan. At all. But I devoured this compelling blend of science fiction, personal drama, and murder mystery in just a few evenings. A fun and very visual read--I could see the movie in my head as I read it.
Going to rate this book based on three factors, then summarize.
As Courtroom Murder Mystery, it felt like Snow Falling on Cedars. Suspense was well maintained, with facts dolloped out as needed. There was even some intrigue from the police department side.
As Primer on Quantum Mechanics, this book works well. In the guise of explaining to the lawyer, jurors, and other non-scientific types, some good analogies are used and Quantum Physics gets a good break down.
As Thriller, this short novel is exce ...more
As Courtroom Murder Mystery, it felt like Snow Falling on Cedars. Suspense was well maintained, with facts dolloped out as needed. There was even some intrigue from the police department side.
As Primer on Quantum Mechanics, this book works well. In the guise of explaining to the lawyer, jurors, and other non-scientific types, some good analogies are used and Quantum Physics gets a good break down.
As Thriller, this short novel is exce ...more
Superposition is not only a science-fiction tale of the highest order, but also a gripping court room drama. What's not to like?!
Ironically, the public prosecutor in the book argues that the the protagonist's defense is "going to make your mind spin with words like 'quarks' and 'leptons' and confuse the facts with expert testimony about science that only a few people in the world understand."
This is probably what a casual reader who has no inkling whatsoever on quantum physics might feel about ...more
Ironically, the public prosecutor in the book argues that the the protagonist's defense is "going to make your mind spin with words like 'quarks' and 'leptons' and confuse the facts with expert testimony about science that only a few people in the world understand."
This is probably what a casual reader who has no inkling whatsoever on quantum physics might feel about ...more
Exciting storyline and great style of writing. Loved how quantum physics was incorporated into the book in layman terms. Couldn't wait to reconvene reading it each time I had a break. However, the ending was a bit too perfect and therefore unrealistic. But still definitely worth a read!
As advertised, quantum puzzler with a mystery, cleverly told in 2 time streams in alternating chapters. Moved right along but has some challenging concepts.
Wow. Superposition was an amazing science fiction thriller, courtroom drama, slight romance story, and so much more. I started the novel with a little hesitation, as it is a science fiction novel, and I usually read fantasy. I shouldn’t have hesitated. Superposition was an amazing read.
The novel contains two different story lines. The Up-Spin and the Down-Spin. Jacob Kelley, the protagonist, appears in both these story lines, but they are happening at the same time in different places. So how do ...more
The novel contains two different story lines. The Up-Spin and the Down-Spin. Jacob Kelley, the protagonist, appears in both these story lines, but they are happening at the same time in different places. So how do ...more
Superposition is part science fiction and part murder mystery. Jacob Kelly is a scientist. He's at home with his family when Brian, an old friend and prior co-worker, shows up at his door. Brian says someone is trying to kill him and goes on to explain some great discoveries he's made in quantum science. He pulls out a gun and shoots at Jacob's wife to prove one of his theories. The police are called and Brian runs out the door. The next chapter has Jacob on trial for Brian's murder. The rest of
...more
4.5/5 stars
This book is pretty science-heavy at times. I’m not the best with understandings of physics, so some things went over my head. If, like me, you’re not familiar with scientific stuff, this won’t be just an easy read. You’re going to have to think a lot. I found this both frustrating and refreshing. I typically read YA books (though I’m trying to get off that train and delve into more Adult books), so I’m used to just cruising through books easily. I’m not used to my brain being challe ...more
This book is pretty science-heavy at times. I’m not the best with understandings of physics, so some things went over my head. If, like me, you’re not familiar with scientific stuff, this won’t be just an easy read. You’re going to have to think a lot. I found this both frustrating and refreshing. I typically read YA books (though I’m trying to get off that train and delve into more Adult books), so I’m used to just cruising through books easily. I’m not used to my brain being challe ...more
Original review posted at Reading Lark: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2015/...
4.5 stars
You know how sometimes you take a chance on a book by an author you’ve never read before? That’s what I did with Superposition, and I couldn’t be happier! Walton delivers a spectacular genre mash up of science fiction, legal drama and murder mystery that will keep you thinking long after you’ve closed the book. (Edited to add: I read the book and wrote this review over two months ago and I’m still thinking a ...more
4.5 stars
You know how sometimes you take a chance on a book by an author you’ve never read before? That’s what I did with Superposition, and I couldn’t be happier! Walton delivers a spectacular genre mash up of science fiction, legal drama and murder mystery that will keep you thinking long after you’ve closed the book. (Edited to add: I read the book and wrote this review over two months ago and I’m still thinking a ...more
I'm not surprised that a sci-fi book is full of inaccuracies. However, this is beyond being inaccurate. This book seems to be written by someone who once happened to be at a physics class and picked up some words. Just a few examples:
- two states in a superposition cannot interact with each other. Even if a person could be in a superposition state (very unlikely, but possible), there is no way the doubles could talk to each other. It's still one person.
- as soon as someone observes one of these ...more
- two states in a superposition cannot interact with each other. Even if a person could be in a superposition state (very unlikely, but possible), there is no way the doubles could talk to each other. It's still one person.
- as soon as someone observes one of these ...more
Four and a half stars.
Superposition is Law and Order with Schrodinger's cat thrown into the works. The quantum physics mystery reveals itself along with the murder mystery, and there was plenty of action to keep me interested. The science was explained well and enhanced the story.
The main character, Jacob Kelley, is a scientist and a teacher and has a nice family. But, he grew up in a rough neighborhood with two uncles involved in illegal boxing, and with Jacob himself involved in boxing (albeit ...more
Superposition is Law and Order with Schrodinger's cat thrown into the works. The quantum physics mystery reveals itself along with the murder mystery, and there was plenty of action to keep me interested. The science was explained well and enhanced the story.
The main character, Jacob Kelley, is a scientist and a teacher and has a nice family. But, he grew up in a rough neighborhood with two uncles involved in illegal boxing, and with Jacob himself involved in boxing (albeit ...more
Unique.
Unlike anything I have ever read before.
I'm not usually into sci-fi books. The terminology is usually too vast for my knowledge and I find them hard to read mostly. It sucks when you don't understand terms being used and no glossary to explain. This book has complicated science stuff, but the story explains it all. Being centered around a court case is why you get those details.
What a cool story it is too. To think, we could be in two places at once, it's crazy, but so probable in the bo ...more
Unlike anything I have ever read before.
I'm not usually into sci-fi books. The terminology is usually too vast for my knowledge and I find them hard to read mostly. It sucks when you don't understand terms being used and no glossary to explain. This book has complicated science stuff, but the story explains it all. Being centered around a court case is why you get those details.
What a cool story it is too. To think, we could be in two places at once, it's crazy, but so probable in the bo ...more
Not bad. Took some of the analogies used to explain quantum theory a bit too literally, while being way too anthropomorphic in the behaviour of other beings, but a good stab at it.
Not near as good as the other review would lead you to believe. The science is terribly contrived and not coherent. The author starts out with the idea that it would be interesting to write a story that would illustrate how macro sized objects would behave if they followed the same quantum laws of subatomic particles. I would be fine with this if it was consistently applied. But the author instead just picks and chooses whatever features of quantum behavior he needs to progress the plot. So the
...more
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David is a science fiction and fantasy author, which gives him the freedom to explore far beyond the limits of real life and the everyday. His books explores themes that skirt the edges of science and religion, such as human origins, the nature of truth, the certainty of death, and the nature of the soul. He does all his writing at home, where he lives with his wife and seven children. It’s a live
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“The truth is, everyone is confused by quantum physics.”
—
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“You are so hot,” I said.
“How hot?” she asked, toying with the hem of the shirt.
“Ionising radiation hot,” I said. “Neutral pion decay hot.”
Elena snorted. “You’re such a romantic,” she said.”
—
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More quotes…
“How hot?” she asked, toying with the hem of the shirt.
“Ionising radiation hot,” I said. “Neutral pion decay hot.”
Elena snorted. “You’re such a romantic,” she said.”
