Richard Phillips Explores the Human Cost of Power Through Science, Magic, and Military Precision

PHOTO: Bestselling author Richard Phillips, whose work blends physics, action, and philosophy, captured at his writing studio in Phoenix, Arizona.

From Alien Tech to Ancient Prophecy, His Stories Redefine the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Landscape

Richard Phillips discusses how his military background and physics expertise shape his science fiction and fantasy novels, revealing the emotional depth, ethical dilemmas, and evolving worlds behind his bestselling series.

Richard Phillips, a masterful storyteller and visionary author, continues to captivate the imaginations of readers with his incredible ability to blend cutting-edge science, timeless themes, and deeply human characters. As the creator of bestselling series such as The Rho Agenda, The Rho Agenda Inception, The Rho Agenda Assimilation, and The Endarian Prophecy, Richard has firmly established himself as a titan within the realms of science fiction and fantasy. His works, pulsating with heart-pounding action, philosophical depth, and intricate world-building, stand as a testament to his skill and dedication to his craft.

In this issue, we delve into the mind of the brilliant creator behind these enthralling universes. With a foundation rooted in a distinguished military career and a profound understanding of physics, Richard has an unparalleled ability to ground his expansive narratives in scientific plausibility while crafting characters who wrestle with the same vulnerabilities, doubts, and hopes that we all do. From the advanced alien technologies of The Rho Agenda to the mysticism and ancient magic of The Endarian Prophecy, his stories provide a perfect tapestry of intrigue, innovation, and emotion.

This year, the literary world eagerly anticipates the May 2025 release of Richard’s latest offering, The Ripper’s Son. Building on The Rho Agenda’s legacy, this new novel introduces a fresh protagonist whose bioengineered abilities collide with the rise of sentient AIs, promising yet another spellbinding exploration of humanity’s future in the face of technological evolution. Whether you are a long-time devotee of his work or discovering his writing for the first time, Richard Phillips’ unique genius is sure to leave you inspired, entertained, and profoundly moved.

It is both an honour and a privilege to share with you this in-depth interview with an author whose boundless imagination and meticulous expertise continue to shape the landscape of speculative fiction. Prepare to journey behind the scenes of his creative process and immerse yourself in the mind of a storyteller who boldly redefines the limits of literary possibility.

A master of intelligent storytelling, Richard Phillips merges science, action, and humanity into unforgettable worlds driven by emotion and consequence.

What initially inspired you to blend military experience with science fiction storytelling in your novels?

Serving in the military at West Point and then as a U.S. Army Officer provided me with a first-hand understanding of the discipline, camaraderie, and personal challenges associated with war, deployments, and family separation. Technology is changing modern warfare and impacting everyday life in such a major way that this is a prime moment in history to glimpse ahead at what is coming our way in the near future. Everything from artificial intelligence, nano-technology, to our very understanding of the underlying rules that govern our universe are being questioned. Exploring that impact on my characters is what I call fun.

“Technology is changing modern warfare and impacting everyday life… this is a prime moment in history to glimpse ahead.” – Richard Phillips

How did your background in physics and time at Los Alamos influence the scientific concepts in The Rho Agenda?

Working at the Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories immersed me in explorations of physics that blur our conceptions of theory and the underlying reality. Conversations about quantum mechanics, the duality of particles and waves, and the computational models we construct to simulate them were part of my daily life. That experience grounded my Rho Agenda series in science that is not only plausible but may soon be feasible. My physics background enabled me to weave complex quantum theory concepts with artificial intelligence into the evolving story in a readily understandable way that allows imagination to take flight.

In developing the Endarian Prophecy series, what drew you to the themes of prophecy and ancient magic?

Born in Roswell, New Mexico, I had an intense curiosity about the concept of alien life and the questions “Are we alone in this universe?” and if not, “What are those other worlds like?” I grew up loving the works of Heinlein, Bradbury, Scott Card, and Tolkien. My love of fantasy was similar to my fascination with science fiction. Both explore mystical concepts that I use to force my characters through extraordinarily difficult circumstances. To me, the best stories are those where the main characters find themselves in situations that would cause ordinary people to give up. They must adapt or perish. Satisfying novels revolve around this necessity for change.

How do you balance fast-paced action with deeper philosophical or ethical questions in your writing?

Action drives my stories and is the gristmill that applies pressure to my characters. It forces them to make tough choices that expose their true values, whether they believe those to be their true values or not. I layer questions about loyalty, sacrifice, selfishness, and the price of power into every confrontation. It’s not just about survival. It’s about how survival and how the losses the characters suffer along the way change them. I often use narrative or dialogue to explore character philosophy and beliefs, but character actions reveal what really lies beneath the surface.

The Rho Agenda explores the impact of alien technology on teenagers—why did you choose young protagonists for such high-stakes narratives?

I love coming of age stories because each of us has experienced our own version of how those struggles mold us into the people we eventually become. In The Rho Agenda series, Heather McFarland and the twins, Mark and Jennifer Smythe, embody the normal teen challenges plus the weight of having been altered by an alien encounter. Many of us wonder; if I could just go back in time and change my actions during this or that traumatic event, would I do it? The answer depends on how you feel about your current situation. If there are good things in your life that you would never give up, then the probable answer is NO. To change one thing might change everything. But as a young person, every failure is tragic, every joyous experience is radiant. Lack of previous experience amplifies everything. That’s what makes this type of story so much fun.

What inspired you to create heroes who aren’t invincible, but deeply human?

Heroes who never fail are boring. Humans, or aliens for that matter, are interesting because they are flawed and vulnerable. Whether it’s Jack ‘The Ripper’ Gregory in my Rho Agenda series, or Rob Gregory in my new Rho Agenda novel, The Ripper’s Son, my protagonists face inner demons every bit as formidable as their enemies. Their struggles give their victories and their lives meaning. In the most powerful science fiction and fantasy stories, the moments when our heroes fail are the gut punches that leave us cheering for them to rise up and continue the fight.

How much of your own worldview and values do you embed into characters like Jack Gregory or Lorness Carol?

I avoid having my characters preach my personal philosophy. However, my belief about what makes a hero, including how I define honorable and dishonorable deeds, makes its way into the persona of both my heroes and my villains. In my Rho Agenda series, Jack Gregory’s struggle against his inner demon mirrors my belief that people aren’t defined by their worst mistakes, but by their determination to become better. In the Endarian Prophecy series, Lorness Carol Rafel embodies resilience and moral clarity—values I deeply respect. I’m drawn to protagonists who doubt themselves, but who ultimately find the courage to do what’s right, even when the cost is high. That’s the kind of hero I can believe in.

What’s the most rewarding part of world-building across multiple series?

The most rewarding part of this experience for me is seeing the worlds I build evolve, turning corners that I never completely envision when I start writing the series. Every choice I make with technology or with magic has unintended consequences that reveal themselves as the books and series progress. These layers gradually become a living, breathing world that my readers and I get to experience together. Whether it’s the fragmented superintelligence that governs our world in The Ripper’s Son, the nine ancient magics of The Endarian Prophecy, or the alien physics in The Rho Agenda, I enjoy seeing my readers debate theories, spot hidden connections, and become emotionally invested in worlds that evolved during the telling.

How do you keep scientific elements accessible to readers who aren’t scientists?

Characters drive every story. Science underlays the rules of the world, but it’s the emotions that the readers can only experience through my characters that propel the story forward. When it comes to complex topics like artificial intelligence, quantum entanglement, or nanotechnology, I show how they impact individual lives, whether that be saving or destroying. I keep the technical jargon to a minimum. It already feels like we are living in a science fiction world. Pushing the boundaries in my stories should spark wonder without requiring a physics degree to enjoy.

What inspired your latest novel, The Ripper’s Son, and how does it build on the world you’ve created in The Rho Agenda?

The Ripper’s Son expands the universe of The Rho Agenda by focusing on Rob Gregory, the son of Jack ‘The Ripper’ Gregory. Rob possesses a unique ability to sense and manipulate electronics through a bio-engineered interface that feels like an extension of his own nervous system. I wanted to explore how that gift—both blessing and curse—puts him at the heart of a new war, this time between competing self-aware AIs. The book combines action, emotional stakes, and high-concept technology in a way that honors the legacy of my original Rho Agenda series while launching a fresh, character-driven conflict for a new generation of readers. This world needs a savior. Only one question remains: Can Robert Brice Gregory bear the cost?