The Kundalini Equation

Adam Ludlum has always been an underachiever.  Then, as his father lays dying and his girlfriend gives him one final chance to shape up, Adam determines to take control of his life.  He pursues a path, through yoga, martial arts and the teachings of a mysterious Eastern mystic known only as Savagi, to immense strength and power.


While early changes in Adam's fitness and physical strength seem positive, as his abilities grow Adam finds himself unable to control his anger or his reactions. He has gained superhuman powers -- and become a fugitive from the law as well as the focus of a sinister cult.  Stepping back from the precipice of killings and uncontrollable violence seems impossible, as Adam's friends and two Los Angeles police detectives seek to halt the destruction that Adam has unleashed.

A fast-paced, moving and powerful novel.  A thriller that leaves one questioning the boundaries of the natural and supernatural. 


Steven Barnes is the author of many sf and fantasy novels, the alternate history novels LION'S BLOOD and ZULU HEART, and thrillers, including the forthcoming TWELVE DAYS. He is co-author with Larry Niven of four Dream Park novels, THE LEGACY OF HEOROT and sequels with Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, and DEVIL'S WAKE and sequels with Tananareve Due.


 "Barnes gives us characters that are vividly real...and then he stokes the suspense up to levels that will make the reader miss sleep and be late for work."

- Tim Powers on THE KUNDALINI EQUATION


“Barnes pulls no punches . . . characters are fully and beautifully drawn.” 

- Locus Magazine on THE KUNDALINI EQUATION


“Barnes' sound and absorbing fantasy deals with that classic devil's bargain, achieving immortality by absorbing the life force of others.”

- Booklist (on BLOOD BROTHERS)


“Convincing at both the brain and gut levels.” 

- Larry Niven (on STREETLETHAL)


“Imaginative, well-researched, well-written and devastating.” 

- Octavia E. Butler, author of PARABLE OF THE TALENTS (on Barnes’ alternate history novels)


“Daringly epic in scope and written in undeniably rich appreciation of historical legend and human ties.”

- Publishers Weekly (on GREAT SKY WOMAN)


"An adventure on a grand scale, this initial installment in a projected two-volume series cleverly sets the stage for further action and will leave readers craving more."

- Booklist on GREAT SKY WOMAN


". . . a page-turner . . . always intelligent entertainment."

- Booklist on BLOOD BROTHERS


". . . at once rugged and elegant in style, a mix of harsh bloodletting with a primeval close-to-the-land beauty."

- Publishers Weekly on SHADOW VALLEY


“A cat-and-mouse chase in which role-playing serves as perfect training for heroics and survival.”

- Publishers Weekly on THE MOON MAZE GAME by Larry Niven and Steven Barnes