Path of the Ancients: Space Time Illusion by Ancient Philosophy

A daughter’s scientific and metaphysical inquiry after the loss of her father forms the scaffolding of this intriguing novel about the ultimate question: Who am I? A complex but rewarding story guided by Hindu scripture, the novel tells the story of Kalki as she tries to understand the apparent death of her inventor father, Anadi, while posing a number of questions around religion, science, and philosophy.

Path of the Ancients: Space Time Illusion, credited only to the author “Ancient Philosophy,” imagines a near-future India dominated by technology. There, Kalki and friend Shiva combine science and the Upanishads in the search for Anadi, discovering a surprising truth about his disappearance. The author asks readers to tackle the question: Are gods conjuring up the world, or are three wise scientists conducting field experiments?

The book could benefit from a keen edit for grammatical issues, yet it crackles with compelling prose that moves effortlessly through the science, allowing Kalki to find her answers. The truth startles yet satisfies. By the book’s end, this inventive sci-fi mystery rewires the reader’s view of the world.

Ultimately, the book is about the connection between the modern world and a loss of self. The author wants readers to see themselves clearly in a world where conformity and consumer culture eat at the essence of humanity. Readers might leave this thin volume feeling there was more to tell, but the novel establishes a fascinating new series conceived by a thoughtful and imaginative author.