Stewart F. Brennan Explores Power, Secrecy, and Nature in His Debut Novel

Stewart F. Brennan, author of The Shard of Asclepius, is a dynamic storyteller with a passion for history, nature, and spiritual discovery.
Unveiling Ancient Mysteries Through Thrilling Fiction
Stewart F. Brennan blends ancient wisdom with modern intrigue in The Shard of Asclepius, exploring power, secrecy, and spiritual awakening.
Stewart F. Brennan, a name that bridges intellectual depth and creative brilliance, brings his debut novel, The Shard of Asclepius, to life with a perfect fusion of ancient history, hermetic principles, and modern technology. A former electrical engineer and lean manufacturing specialist, Brennan has transformed his analytical mind into a literary powerhouse, challenging readers to think deeply while offering them a gripping and thrilling narrative.
Brennan’s journey from engineering to the written word has produced a diverse body of work, with his previous series The Activist Poet showcasing his ability to blend poetry and political commentary. Now, with The Shard of Asclepius, he takes his storytelling to new heights. The novel is set against the evocative backdrops of Quebec and New York State and delves into the secrets of the past while navigating the complexities of modern geopolitics. As Brennan reveals in an exclusive interview with Reader’s House, the novel examines themes of power, secrecy, intuition, and humanity’s connection to nature.
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Shard of Asclepius is the shadowy collective that controls society from the top down. Brennan shares that the Collective, a powerful and secretive group, is inspired by the rise of corporatocracy in the Western world, where large corporations hold sway over governments, media, and financial systems. The Collective’s influence is subtle but pervasive, drawing a chilling parallel between the manipulation of global power structures and the dark forces at play in the novel.
“Stewart F. Brennan captures the essence of intellectual depth and creative brilliance, engaging readers with both mystery and insight.”
At the heart of the story is David Collins, a character who, according to Brennan, is a composite of the author’s own life experiences and the journey of many who undergo a spiritual awakening. David’s transformation from an ordinary man into a key figure in the battle against the shadowy Collective makes him a relatable protagonist for readers seeking to understand their own inner evolution.
Brennan’s exploration of the Order of Hermes, a secretive group that plays a central role in the story, draws inspiration from the history of Ptolemaic Egypt and the ancient knowledge preserved in Alexandria. Rooted in the principles of hermeticism, the Order is depicted as an enigmatic force seeking to restore humanity’s lost wisdom and connection to the natural world.
The settings of Quebec and New York State are integral to the story, not just for their natural beauty but also for their personal significance to Brennan. His deep connection to the forests and waterways of Quebec and Ontario infuses the novel with a sense of magic and mystery, highlighting nature’s role in healing and awakening the mind and spirit.
With his background in electrical engineering, Brennan is particularly adept at weaving ancient mysteries with high-tech intrigue. The novel explores the idea that the advanced technologies of ancient civilizations were far beyond what we understand today, challenging readers to question the true nature of human progress. By contrasting the mystical wisdom of the past with the technological advances of the present, Brennan urges readers to reflect on the balance between power and personal freedom in the modern world.
Through The Shard of Asclepius, Brennan delivers a timely message about the importance of intuition, inner knowledge, and spiritual truth. In an age dominated by ego and greed, the novel serves as a reminder that there is another way to live—one rooted in nature, intuition, and trust in oneself. As Brennan says, “Trust in intuition. Don’t be afraid to live your life or express your point of view. There are always people who see things the way you do. Those people are your tribe and will appear when you begin to express yourself truthfully.”
Brennan’s The Shard of Asclepius is more than just a supernatural thriller; it is a call to reconnect with the wisdom of the past and the power within each of us to shape our future. A captivating read that challenges conventional thinking, the novel offers readers a chance to see the world—and themselves—in a new light.