Title: The Familiars
Author: Adam Jay Epstein
First published September 7, 2010
360 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780061961083 (ISBN10: 0061961086)
Rating: 4.09
Overview
In The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein, a young orphaned cat named Aldwyn finds himself in a pet store, running for his life. There, he meets Jack, a young wizard who is searching for the perfect magical animal to become his familiar.
Aldwyn decides to play along and convinces Jack that he possesses magical powers. However, he must also convince the other familiars, including a blue jay named Skylar and a tree frog named Gilbert.
When Jack and his friends are captured by the evil queen of Vastia, Aldwyn and his newfound companions must band together to face dangerous enemies, uncover a shocking secret from the past, and fulfill their destiny to save the kingdom of Vastia. Join Aldwyn and his magical friends on an epic adventure that will change their lives forever.
About the Author
Growing up in Great Neck, NY, I had a passion for all things fantasy and science fiction. From Dungeons and Dragons and the Legend of Zelda to Star Wars and Dr. Strange, I loved to create and imagine new worlds and stories.
However, it wasn’t until seventh grade that I discovered my talent for writing. My English teacher assigned our class to write the first ten pages of a sequel to The Good Earth, and I was immediately hooked.
Now, I reside in Los Angeles with my wife, two children, and a black and white alley cat with a bite out of his ear. I am fortunate enough to have a writing partner, Andrew Jacobson, who is a much better typist than I am.
Together, we continue to bring our imaginations to life on paper.
Editoral Review
Programming the Universe: A Quantum Computer Scientist Takes on the Cosmos by Seth Lloyd is a must-read for those intrigued by the intersection of science and philosophy. Published in 2006, the book explores the idea that the universe functions like a massive quantum computer and therefore is inherently computational.
Seth Lloyd is a prominent physicist and computer scientist who brings his expertise to the table in this fascinating book. The writing style is accessible, though the content can be complex at times.
What sets this book apart from others is the author’s unique perspective; he argues that the universe is not merely a physical entity, but also a computational one. The book starts with a brief overview of quantum mechanics and its implications on our understanding of physics.
Lloyd quickly shifts gears, however, and focuses on how the principles of quantum mechanics can be applied to information processing. He argues that the universe can be seen as a self-evolving, self-programming system, with each particle acting as a bit of information that processes on a quantum level.
Lloyd’s arguments are intriguing and thought-provoking, leaving readers with much to ponder about the nature of reality and the universe. The concepts explored in Programming the Universe are cutting-edge, and the book easily could have become too technical for readers without a scientific background.
However, Lloyd is skilled at breaking down complex ideas into understandable concepts, making the book accessible for individuals of all backgrounds. The book also touches on several philosophical themes, such as determinism, free will, and the nature of consciousness.
While Lloyd’s arguments are solid, some individuals might find the book polarizing, as it calls into question many of the fundamental principles that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos. Overall, Programming the Universe is a book that should be read by anyone interested in the intersection of science and philosophy.
Lloyd’s arguments are complex but intriguing, and his writing is accessible to individuals of all backgrounds. The book does have some weaknesses, however, namely that it can be polarizing and that some of the concepts explored can be difficult to grasp.
That being said, the overall quality of the book is high, and it is deserving of a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a book that will make you question your understanding of reality, this is the book for you.
It is well-suited for readers with an interest in science, philosophy, and metaphysics, and it provides a unique perspective on the universe that you will not find in other books. Overall, Programming the Universe is not just a great read – it is a paradigm-shifting experience that will challenge the way you think about the world around you.
