Blasphemy by Douglas Preston Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Blasphemy
Book Review: "Perhaps no rational, intelligent person can ever be absolutely sure of his faith. Or in my case, sure of my lack of faith."
Summary: 4 Stars
Douglas Preston is probably best known for the series of highly successful novels he has co-authored with Lincoln Child, the most recent of which was the bestseller THE WHEEL OF DARKNESS. Preston also has found success as a solo author of both fiction and nonfiction books, and is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. With his latest effort, BLASPHEMY, he may be taking on the most controversial topic he has ever written about: science vs. religion.
I always look forward to anything Preston is involved with writing because I know the topics will be diverse and intricately researched, and I usually come away learning something in the process. BLASPHEMY is no exception. Its plot revolves around the controversy created by the most expensive machine ever assembled --- Isabella, a supercollider hidden deep in Red Mesa, Arizona, that is probing the causes of the Big Bang. Great concern has arisen over Isabella, both from the U.S. government and several religious groups. Wyman Ford, ex-monk and CIA operative, has been sent undercover to join the team of scientists in Red Mesa in an effort to report on what is going on there and learn about any issues that the team may be covering up.
The leader of the Isabella scientific team is former Nobel Laureate, and self-proclaimed "world's smartest man," William North Hazelius. Directly opposing Hazelius is powerful television evangelist Reverend Don T. Spates, who claims that Hazelius and the Isabella team is involved in a satanic attempt at disproving Genesis and challenging God Almighty. Assisting Reverend Spates is a fanatical follower, Reverend Eddy, who is housed just outside of Red Mesa and working on uncovering the secrets that the Isabella team is hiding. Members of the U.S. religious right fear that the Isabella scientists are promoting an anti-Christian agenda that they feel pervades the entire nation.
Wyman is thrown right into the middle of this storm. As a former monk he has deeply rooted religious beliefs of his own while also maintaining a scientific perspective for the work that the Isabella team is doing. To further complicate things for Ford, his ex-lover, Kate Mercer, is the Assistant Deputy Director to Hazelius, and Wyman finds himself falling for her again.
As things begin to heat up on the religious front, the Isabella team comes across what they feel is a "hacker" who has broken into their system and is beginning to communicate with the team under the guise of being "God." Once Reverend Eddy uncovers some of the Isabella team's secrets and reports them to Reverend Spate, in addition to posting them on every religious website he can, an uprising begins that draws thousands of angry people to Red Mesa in an attempt to thwart what they see as "Armageddon."
To tell more would give away too much. Suffice it to say that, as the Isabella team is distracted by their dialogue with "God," the conflagration that is building outside of their deeply hidden encampment is reaching epic proportions that will bring about tragic results. Overall, BLASPHEMY is a fast and thrilling read that tackles deep scientific reasoning while displaying some of the prevailing religious sentiments in the nation today. It is quite contrary to novels like the Left Behind series and goes to great lengths to show that scientific discoveries in the wrong hands can be a dangerous thing. Hazelius sums up the scientific perspective best when he states: "Perhaps no rational, intelligent person can ever be absolutely sure of his faith. Or in my case, sure of my lack of faith."
I truly enjoyed BLASPHEMY and turned the pages in great anticipation of the inevitable tragic confrontation when science and religion, polar opposites, meet head on. My only criticism is that I would have liked to have seen more direct debate between Hazelius and Reverend Eddy, and I felt that some of the characters in the conflagration were dispatched of too quickly. Even though the subject matter is quite sensitive, Preston does a great job showing all sides and has put together a compelling and intriguing read.
--- Reviewed by Ray Palen
Book Review: A Christian reader's opinion
Summary: 3 Stars
Let me start off by saying I enjoyed parts of the novel. There was plenty of mystery, conflict and action that kept the story moving along at a nice pace and Ford was a good lead character. This was my first Preston novel and I must say I think he is a good writer. I do believe that the narrative was a little, LOL , preachy and it would have been better story if the Christians would not have been portrayed so poorly. As an Evangelical Christian I truly hated his portrayal of Christians. I firmly believe if he would have just attended a couple of church services in researching this book he might have had a different view of "born again" Christians. In any event Mr. Preston does have a right to his opinion as I have a right to disagree with him. That's what makes America great,right. And for what its worth right or wrong I probably will read some of his other novels. Finally I wouldn't recommend reading this book if one is a devout Christian, unless like I did you enter into it knowing that more than likely you will be offended.Book Review: A Decent Spring Time Read
Summary: 3 Stars
I was a bit skeptical on reading this book. While i truly enjoy Douglas Prestons work, i was a little uninterested in Particle Seperation and the theory of God vs. The Big Bang Theory. However, i have to read this guys works so i picked it up and i must say i was suprised. While the book was not fantasic, it was entertaining and the level of science was just right for my mediocre sized brain. Sure, this book can be viewed as a bit far fetched and off the charts, but it is a fictional novel after all, and not a bad one at that. If you have enjoyed this author in the past then you will not be disappointed to read this book either. It's not quite the book that wish (meaning it's not a "stay up all night reading" book) but it definitly a book you will finish.
Hope you enjoy!
Book Review: A Fantastic Read
Summary: 5 Stars
This book will definitely give you "food for thought". I thoroughly enjoyed it and could hardly put it down between reading. It's suspenseful, intriguing and downright scary. It's makes you fully realize how fanatical one of the most popular religions in our country (USA) can be. It is truly a fantastic read.Book Review: A Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
Blasphemy is as much a commentary on religion, science and fanaticism as it is a fictional novel. I finished the book at a record pace and was immensely enthralled from beginning to end. I would place this novel in my Top Five favorite works of all time as it still has me reflecting on its message and implications relating to science and religion in our world today.
In a nutshell, a group of elite, well rounded scientists from various backgrounds and expertise build an enormous supercollider named Isabella. Located in Northeast Arizona, Isabella is able to replicate the point of singularity of the "Big Bang Theory" giving further insight to the origins of the universe. The ideas are well researched and based on sound applications including quantum physics, particle theory, astronomy, etc Working against the scientists are various religious based factions claiming the project was seeking to play and replace God.
Clearly, this novel may be upsetting to Christians or anyone else of faith due to the atheistic overtones presented from the scientists as well as the results of the experiment with Isabella. I believe this is exactly what Preston intended to do since science and Christianity are often in conflict. Presented within Blasphemy is the notion Christianity has its origins from long dead primitive man whose core beliefs were predicated on primitive ideas such as propagation (old testament) and survival against a domineering culture oppressive of religious ideology (new testament).
Blasphemy is a must read for free thinkers, philosophers and any one else independent from the shackles of religion. If you are one such person who has been blinded by the biggest sham ever in the history of humanity which we call organized religion, then this book is not for you. Admittedly, I have been unsuccessful in writing an impartial review, but given the highly controversial subject matter, can anyone?