PHOTO: Author Stewart F. Brennan, blending ancient wisdom and modern intrigue in his visionary debut novel The Shard of Asclepius.
A Deep Dive Into The Shard Of Asclepius And The Visionary Mind Behind Its Mystical, High-Stakes World
Stewart F. Brennan reveals the inspirations behind The Shard of Asclepius, exploring ancient knowledge, modern technology, spiritual awakening, and the powerful institutions shaping our world in this compelling interview.
Stewart F. Brennan draws readers into a gripping tale that fuses ancient wisdom with modern suspense in his debut supernatural thriller, The Shard of Asclepius. Known previously for his thought-provoking poetry and political commentary in The Activist Poet series, Brennan brings a unique blend of historical insight, technical knowledge, and spiritual depth to his latest work—an ambitious novel that spans centuries and challenges conventional narratives about power, technology, and human consciousness.
A former lean manufacturing specialist and electrical engineer, Brennan channels decades of experience and observation into a story that feels both urgent and timeless. At its heart, The Shard of Asclepius explores the unseen forces that shape society, pulling back the curtain on elite structures of control and inviting readers to question the world around them. Brennan’s fictional “Collective”—a shadowy organization of corporate and political power—echoes real-world concerns about corporatocracy, unchecked capitalism, and global influence.
Brennan is a visionary author whose work masterfully combines intellectual depth, historical insight, and thrilling narratives that challenge and inspire readers.
“The concept of the Collective,” Brennan explains, “is based on a dystopian economic model where a powerful group controls hundreds of corporations, banks, and governments.” Drawing from his personal experiences and a keen understanding of global systems, Brennan likens the Collective to a parasitic force—one that thrives on public ignorance and exponential growth, much like weapons manufacturers and pharmaceutical giants.
At the center of the narrative is David Collins, a character Brennan admits is deeply personal. “In many ways, David Collins is me,” he says. “He’s made from some of the experiences I’ve gone through in life but also stands as a composite figure for those who have experienced a mind and soul awakening.” This sense of personal transformation and awakening infuses the novel with a spiritual undertone, rooted in hermetic principles and ancient wisdom traditions.
One of the novel’s most intriguing elements is the secretive Order of Hermes, inspired by the esoteric teachings of Hermes Trismegistus and the ancient library of Alexandria. Brennan draws on Ptolemaic Egypt and the mythos of Thoth to craft an organization dedicated to preserving and rediscovering lost knowledge. “The Order of Hermes is born out of the connection between Ptolemaic Egypt and the mythical keepers of ancient knowledge,” he notes, grounding his fiction in historical and mythological research.
Set across the forests and rivers of Quebec and New York State—regions Brennan knows intimately—the novel weaves a rich natural backdrop into its storyline. These landscapes serve not just as settings, but as thematic anchors for the book’s deeper message: that humanity’s disconnection from nature is at the root of many of today’s challenges. “There is a magic in nature that connects us to a greater consciousness,” Brennan says. “It’s part of the hermetic experience, of inner knowledge and intuition.”
His technical background in electrical engineering also finds its way into the plot, offering a stark contrast between ancient knowledge and the high-tech realities of modern life. Brennan draws attention to the exponential growth of digital technologies—from binary systems to artificial intelligence and drone warfare—and their implications for freedom and surveillance. “The contrast between a technocratic prison versus personal freedom becomes a serious question for this day and age,” he reflects.
Ultimately, The Shard of Asclepius is a call to reawaken intuition, embrace spiritual truth, and challenge the status quo. “Intuition plays a role in everyone’s lives,” Brennan says. “There’s a knowledge within that is not book knowledge but a conscious understanding of things.” He encourages readers to trust this inner voice and to seek connection with others who share a deeper awareness. “You are not alone, and there is a new horizon just waiting for you.”
Stewart F. Brennan’s debut marks the arrival of a compelling new voice in visionary fiction—one that fuses intellect with imagination and speaks to the timeless human search for truth, meaning, and freedom.
Source: Reader’s House Interview with Stewart F. Brennan
