Title: Quantum Heights: Book One of the Dead Path Chronicles
Author: Richard A. Valicek
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 1517453488
Pages: 272
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Gary Sorkin
Hollywood Book Reviews
Quantum Heights: Book One of the Dead Path Chronicles is a dark fiction novel containing quite an interesting mix of anachronistic themes which include elements of ancient concepts and futuristic ideas. This novel might be considered a part of the “vampire” genre but it is more of a trans-historical blending of fantasy and science fiction. As such, the book evokes the style of steampunk but given the large medieval themes, it might more accurately belong to the elfpunk or mythpunk sub-genres. Building upon the medieval elements of knights, kings, realms, and magic, Valicek incorporates science fiction, myth, and romance quite well.
One of the more interesting things about this novel is how many time periods and genres are included in this collage. The tale centers upon a prince/warrior, Caprius, son of Confidus Seaton. Caprius and his warrior partner, Calista, a woman with a mysterious past, are the two main protagonists who embark on a journey to stop a dark lord; killing vampires and the undead along the way. This is a good old story of the forces of light versus the evil of the dark. An oracle (prophet) provides guidance and there are elements of both dark and evil mystical influences. So, there is a subtle nod to mythology and works such as the Star Wars universe, which also contains elements of the ancient (samurai) within a futuristic context. There are vampires in Quantum Heights but this is not a vampire novel. It is an epic journey that seems to exist in a confluence of all historical eras. Caprius and Calista are on a quest to stop the Dark Lord, Makoor, from converting the people of Alamptria and Elysium into vampires. This resistance to an encroaching force has subtle political undertones, but in the end, it is a story of good versus evil. Caprius and Calista will receive help, namely from Cynthia, thus completing the prophecy of the three C’s. Calista will have to deal with her past associations with the evil Cambrozes Genesis, while striving to fight for Confidus and the people of Alamptria. Caprius is the main “good guy” but Calista’s backstory is more nuanced and interesting, thus making her somewhat of a Luke Skywalker character in this mythpunk adventure.
There is something for everyone in this novel, mainly because there is just so much inclusion from many different time periods and literary genres. It is an audacious attempt of all things found in customary science fiction writing and therefore makes for an interesting read. This is about the journey of a hero and a heroine. It is an epic tale whose plot is pushed forward by the necessity of maintaining the balance between good and evil. With this universal theme and the many allusions, the story of Caprius and Calista might evoke thoughts of Romulus and Remus or maybe even a Biblical nod to the first man and woman. Given these themes and comparisons, and since this is the first book of these chronicles, the novel ends with the sense of new beginning.
I highly recommend Quantum Heights: Book One of the Dead Path Chronicles by R. A. Valicek across the genres as this story definitely has something for everyone.