TAMPA, FL — Dr. Trudy Beerman of Influence Media, PSI TV, the “Netflix of Biz Brands,” recently welcomed Greek author Menelaos Gkikas for an in-depth interview about his novel Rose Garden: A Second Chance. The conversation highlighted Gkikas' unique approach to blending fantasy, mythology, and scientific allegory into a work that both entertains and intellectually stimulates readers.

A Story at the Intersection of Fantasy and Physics

Rose Garden: A Second Chance is no ordinary fantasy novel. At its core, the book examines the intersection of imagination, creativity, and science. The story follows a ballerina whose artistry collides with quantum paradoxes, mythology, and the timeless theme of redemption. The book introduces readers to “empathy fields,” a concept Gkikas patterned from morphogenetic fields in developmental biology and reimagined as a fairy-tale counterpart to unified field theory.

In the interview, Gkikas explained that while the novel is written as a fantasy, the underlying allegories are rooted in fundamental scientific principles. Readers who approach the book simply as a story will find an imaginative narrative; those with backgrounds in science or philosophy may recognize quantum principles woven into the tale.

“Nothing is what it seems and nothing lasts forever,” said Gkikas, describing the philosophical foundation of the book.

Inspiration and Creative Process

Gkikas drew inspiration from Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, but took the concept further by infusing physics and philosophy into his own story world. He describes his writing process as one that avoids “writer's block” by remaining deeply connected to what he calls the creative forces of civilization.

Unlike many novelists who take years to complete a manuscript, Gkikas wrote Rose Garden: A Second Chance alongside two other books in a single year, balancing the work with other professional responsibilities. He emphasized that while he uses AI tools for research, the actual writing is entirely his own pen. His approach begins with a brief outline of key concepts and flows into inspired storytelling.

A Novel for the Intellectual Reader

Although written as a fantasy, the book is designed for a more mature and academic audience. Host Dr. Trudy Beerman noted during the interview that the novel reads at an 11th-grade level or higher, making it most suitable for readers 16 years and older.

The story is rich with allegories drawn from quantum mechanics, such as the uncertainty principle, wave-particle duality, and superposition, though they are never presented as direct scientific lessons. Instead, these concepts are layered into the story in ways that encourage readers to absorb them through allegory and metaphor.

For some readers, the experience will be that of a compelling fantasy novel. For others, particularly those with an interest in physics or philosophy, the story serves as an imaginative gateway into understanding complex scientific concepts. Watch this interview between Dr. Beerman and Menelaos Gkikas here.

The Story's Themes

The book's central theme is the collapse of balance in a fantasy realm and the quest to restore harmony. Characters such as Nephele, a ballerina, and Prince Stephan, son of Cinderella, embody the mission of redemption and restoration. Through their journey, the narrative explores questions of destiny, imagination, and the fragile nature of reality.

“The balance has collapsed, and the second chance has to do with the mission Nephele and Prince Stephan will undergo to restore their world to its Belle Époque,” Gkikas explained.

This blending of fairy tale characters with philosophical depth is what makes Rose Garden: A Second Chance distinct in today's fantasy genre.

Availability and Language

Currently, Rose Garden: A Second Chance is available only in English, though Gkikas has plans to translate it into Greek. The book can be found on Amazon, Apple iTunes, and other major online retailers.

Beyond Rose Garden

While the interview focused on Rose Garden: A Second Chance, Gkikas has written a total of five books. His earlier works include The Words of Emily Logan, a romantic drama screenplay, and When Magic Truly Happens, a fairy tale fantasy. In 2023, he published three new works: The Little Lantern of Happiness, Rose Garden: A Second Chance, and Genetic Key Number, each exploring fantasy and science through unique lenses.

A Multifaceted Creative

Gkikas is more than just a novelist. His professional background spans screenwriting, digital marketing, and philosophy. He describes himself as a creative entrepreneur, blending artistic vision with intellectual curiosity. This breadth of experience informs his writing, which often bridges disciplines to create stories that are both imaginative and thought-provoking.

PSI TV's Role

Influence Media, PSI TV, has built a reputation as a platform for spotlighting experts, authors, and entrepreneurs whose work deserves wider recognition. By featuring Gkikas, PSI TV continues its mission of blending entertainment with intellectual exploration. Host Dr. Trudy Beerman praised the book for its creativity and intellectual challenge, noting that it encourages readers to engage both emotionally and critically.

“Fantasy worlds like this allow our imaginations to go wild,” Beerman said. “They also challenge us to think differently, to see life from another perspective, and to recognize that creativity is a powerful form of education.”

Final Thoughts

For readers seeking a fantasy story that stretches the imagination while engaging with deeper philosophical and scientific ideas, Rose Garden: A Second Chance is a unique addition to the genre. It offers entertainment, intellectual challenge, and a reminder that creativity is both art and science.

“Art is much more than the picture,” Gkikas said in closing. “Art is content. Art is darkness and light. And through stories like this, we experience the real power of imagination.”

Rose Garden: A Second Chance is available now on Amazon and other online platforms