The Chladni Progression: An Ambitious Attempt That Struggles To Find Focus.

Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book from Ben Blundell of Collective Ink Books.

The Chladni Progression: The Power to Heal tackles an interesting subject matter but struggles under the weight of its own ambitions. Ellison attempts to weave together quantum medicine, family drama, and spiritual healing in ways that feel more overwhelming than enriching.

The story follows research scientists and a Tibetan monk as they investigate how an inner voice communicates a primordial vibration with the power to connect with everything. This relentless pursuit of quantum healing becomes entangled with surveillance and betrayal, creating a narrative that ventures through uncharted philosophical territories without establishing a clear direction.

While Ellison’s research into sound-based healing is thorough, the novel reads more like detailed notes than polished storytelling. Characters frequently pause their interactions to explain scientific concepts, making conversations feel instructional rather than natural. The research team members, despite their expertise, remain largely interchangeable throughout most of the story.

The plot relies heavily on plot conveniences, particularly the surveillance subplot involving family connections, which stretches credibility. The Chladni Progression unapologetically cuts through simple storytelling in favor of complex themes, but this approach creates confusion rather than depth. The scientific breakthroughs lead to betrayal, yet these developments feel predictable rather than surprising.

The novel’s most significant challenge lies in its identity. It shifts between medical thriller, family drama, and spiritual journey without committing fully to any single approach. Eastern philosophy elements, while respectfully researched, sometimes feel like plot devices rather than organic story components. The primordial vibration with the power to heal becomes lost amid technical explanations that interrupt narrative flow.

Pacing proves inconsistent, alternating between detailed scientific exposition and rushed plot developments. Ellison clearly understands her subject matter, from Ernst Chladni’s experiments to Tibetan healing practices, but struggles to integrate this knowledge smoothly into the story. Readers may find themselves wishing for more selective use of research material.

The emotional core around family relationships works better than the technical aspects, showing genuine heart beneath the complex plotting. However, the gripping tale of technological marvels promised in the setup gets overshadowed by exposition and philosophical discussions that slow momentum.

The ethical dilemmas surrounding medical research and surveillance raise important questions, though they’re handled with more directness than subtlety. The novel tackles relevant contemporary issues about technology ownership and health access, but these themes compete for attention with too many other elements.

While Ellison demonstrates passion for her subject and clear research skills, the novel would benefit from a tighter focus and more selective storytelling. The ambitious scope that should strengthen the work instead creates challenges in execution. Readers particularly interested in alternative healing approaches may find value here, though those seeking streamlined storytelling might feel frustrated by the dense presentation.

The Chladni Progression shows an author with interesting ideas and a genuine commitment to her themes. With more focused editing and clearer narrative priorities, Ellison’s future work could better balance her obvious knowledge with engaging storytelling. This debut reveals both promise and areas for growth in equal measure.

My Rating:- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Goodreads Rating: Not enough ratings

The Chladni Progression: The Power to Heal Reviewed On:

• e-book
• Total pages: 376
• Genre: Science Fiction
• The Chladni Progression: The Power to Heal by T/R Ellison