A Journey Through Power, Secrecy, And Intuition
Stewart F. Brennan discusses his debut novel, The Shard of Asclepius, blending ancient history, hermetic principles, and modern technology, while exploring themes of power, intuition, and humanity’s connection to nature.
Stewart F. Brennan is a name that resonates with intellectual depth and creative brilliance. A man of many talents, Brennan has seamlessly transitioned from a career as a lean manufacturing specialist and electrical engineer to becoming a celebrated author whose works challenge, inspire, and provoke thought. His journey from analysing corporate systems to exploring the mysteries of ancient history and the complexities of modern geopolitics is nothing short of remarkable. With a mind honed by critical thinking and a heart attuned to the rhythms of poetry and prose, Brennan has gifted readers with a body of work that is as diverse as it is profound.
His earlier series, The Activist Poet, showcased his ability to weave together poetry, political commentary, and prose into a tapestry of thought-provoking literature. Now, with his debut supernatural thriller, The Shard of Asclepius, Brennan has taken his storytelling to new heights. This action-packed novel masterfully blends ancient mysteries with high-tech intrigue, offering readers a gripping narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is thrilling. Set against the evocative backdrops of Quebec and New York State, the story delves into themes of hermetic principles, secrecy, and the balance of power, all while exploring the profound connection between humanity and nature.
Brennan’s ability to draw from his own life experiences—whether it’s his deep connection to the natural world, his fascination with ancient civilizations, or his expertise in electrical engineering—imbues his work with authenticity and depth. His creation of the shadowy Collective and the enigmatic Order of Hermes reflects a keen understanding of both historical and contemporary power structures, while his protagonist, David Collins, serves as a relatable figure for anyone who has ever experienced a profound awakening of the mind and soul.
In this exclusive interview, Stewart F. Brennan takes us behind the scenes of The Shard of Asclepius, sharing the inspirations, philosophies, and personal experiences that shaped his extraordinary debut novel. Prepare to be captivated by the insights of an author whose work not only entertains but also challenges us to see the world—and ourselves—in a new light.
“Stewart F. Brennan is a masterful storyteller whose profound insights and thrilling narratives captivate readers and challenge conventional thinking.“
– Editor, Reader’s House
What inspired you to create the concept of the Collective and their shadowy control over society? Are they based on any real-world influences?
Born in 1960, I’ve seen and experienced, the rise of corporatocracy which is now prevalent throughout the western world. The concept of the Collective in the Shard of Asclepius is based on this model of dystopian economics where a powerful group holds the reigns of hundreds of corporations, banks and governments.
Decision making in this model comes from the top and makes its way down the chain of command much like a military organization. Yet, the real power in a corporation like this rest with the largest shareholder(s) whom make the final decisions on the business direction. Those decisions are based on its annual growth target, regardless of how immoral the path to achieving their goal is.
Examples can be seen through the weapons companies that prosper on war or the pharmaceutical industry that prospers on illness. These are some of the largest companies in the world. They are too big to fail while their growth requirements are exponential. There is no off switch and so they need to expand their footprint constantly or experience decline.
To thrive, both examples also require ignorance of the population. In this context, the multi-national commands political influence, has intelligence services or insiders working for them and have their people within the media and justice system. It is very much like a parasite or a cancer.
So, in a nutshell, that is where the concept of the Collective comes from.
“The concept of the Collective in The Shard of Asclepius is based on the model of dystopian economics.”
– Stewart F. Brennan
How did you develop the character of David Collins? Is he inspired by someone you know or perhaps aspects of yourself?
In many ways, David Collins is me. He’s made from some of the experiences I have gone through in life but he also stands as a composite figure for those that have experienced a mind and soul awakening. Thus, his character can be identified by many people.
The Order of Hermes plays a significant role in the story. What research or mythology influenced your portrayal of this secret organization?
In short, the influence for the Order of Hermes comes out of the Ptolemaic history in Egypt and its role in building the great library of the old world in Alexandria.
The Order of Hermes follows hermeticism which centers around the works of Hermes Trismegistus, the Greek version of the Egyptian deity Thoth who was responsible for the regeneration of humanity after a major cataclysm on earth destroyed the ancient world.
So, in reality, the influence for the Order of Hermes is born out of the connection between Ptolemaic Egypt and the mythical keepers of the ancient knowledge of Egypt. (100)
The story takes place across Quebec and New York State. Why did you choose these locations, and how do they contribute to the narrative?
I’ve lived in and around southern Quebec for most of my life and spent a lot of time touring Ontario and New York state. These places hold special memories and deep-rooted natural connections for me. The Shard of Asclepius not only centers on earth’s ancient past, but also on old ways of thought. Nature becomes the key in rediscovering old ways of thought for David.
“David Collins is me… a composite figure for those that have experienced a mind and soul awakening.”
– Stewart F. Brennan
There is a magic in nature that connects us to a greater consciousness. Something that I personally experienced many times over the years in the forests and waterways of Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. Having a connection with nature, I believe, is an integral part of trying to understand who we are and our role here on earth.
It is also part of the hermetic experience, of inner knowledge and intuition. So, I included some of the places I was familiar with for reasons of natural connection and the concealed theme, which is, healing.
What inspired you to blend ancient mysteries with high-tech intrigue in “The Shard of Asclepius,” and how did your background in electrical engineering and history influence the story?
When studying ancient places across the world, such as in Egypt, it became clear to me that the builders of the pyramids and the many temples across Egypt could not have been made without possessing highly advanced technology. There is suppression of this fact that is just as mysterious as the megalithic structures and stone artifacts themselves.
By comparison, I have studied electrical engineering and seen the rapid advances in digital electronics over the past two decades that have gone from a very simplistic core of binary numbering systems and programming for toys and computers, to Artificial intelligence and drone warfare.
Electrical advances in communication have also become invasive of our personal privacy and so the contrast between a technocratic prison verses personal freedom becomes a serious question for this day and age
I wrote both old and new worlds into the story to bring attention to these very real scenarios.
The novel explores themes like Hermetic principles, secrecy, and the balance of power. What message or reflection do you hope readers take away from these elements in the book?
The world today is ego and greed driven which is the complete opposite of where we should be going. In a way, the story is a reminder that there is another way to live.
As mentioned, there are elements within the book that speak directly to one’s conscious spirit. Nature provides the greatest example of this because it speaks to the individual at a conscious level, which is something many of us have been disconnected from.
Intuition plays a role in everyone’s lives. There is a knowledge within that is not book knowledge (episteme), but a conscious understanding of things; a gnosis or an intuitive knowledge of spiritual truth. Most people can identify with this but do not practice it. Therefore, the message I hope people take away from the story is to trust in intuition. Don’t be afraid to live your life or be afraid to express your point of view regardless of how stacked the pressures are against you. There are always people who see things the way you do. Those people are your tribe and will appear in your life when you begin to express yourself truthfully. You are not alone and there is a new horizon just waiting for you.
