Blasphemy by Douglas Preston Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Blasphemy
Book Review: And the Truth shall set you Free: Maybe
Summary: 4 Stars
And the truth shall set you free: Maybe
To date Douglas Preston's best solo work. A mixture of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Elmer Gantry, and The Greatest Story Ever Told all rolled into a James Bondish type suspense thriller. A little over the top but still a page turner as you wonder could this be the meaning of it all? Is God FINALLY going to reveal himself and tell his creations what the heck this journey on earth is all about? Is this really God? These and other esoteric insights are discussed as the nation's most expensive supercollider, hidden deep in a remote Arizona mountain, plumbs the depths of the very moment of creation: The Big Bang itself. As the scientists bring the machine to 100% capacity something mystical happens, the machine sends out a simple word: GREETINGS. From there the story takes off, as the believers and non-believers come to grips with what is really happening. Mix in a powerful televangelist, Navajo Indians, greedy Washington lobbyists, a deranged local pastor, and a messianic scientist and you have an interesting and volatile soup of characters. All in an interesting read. Of particular note is the interaction between the scientists and the God-like presence invoked by the supercollider. The dialog is snappy as the scientists ask penetrating questions and the "presence" seems to know all the right answers; eventually convincing the scientists that the presence is God. Once the believing threshold is crossed all but one of the scientists become ardent true believers and a new religion of science is born. Unlike Scientology, this religion of science stresses the journey as the way to the truth. Included in all this is a crusade led by the televangelist and his minions to destroy the machine and its Antichrist the lead scientist. An Armageddon like battle ensues in which the machine is destroyed, and the supposed "Antichrist" killed, but in the end the evangelists are stopped by the federal government and the remaining scientists escape to "spread the word". But, the ending has a twist and for that you need to read the novel.
Character development was a little thin and spotty. The lead character, Wyman Ford, was adequately developed but the other characters were shallow. The lead female scientist who played a major role could have been developed more. In one glaring example the author talks about a missing 2 year period in her life and never explains what that was! All in all a good story but lacking in character development.
No gratuitous violence, sex or language.
Good story and will probably be made into a movie. Good read with interesting philosophical overtones and discussion. Recommended. The ending is worth the wait.
Book Review: Another exhilarating book by Douglas Preston
Summary: 5 Stars
I decided to write a review after seeing only 3 stars average. This book deserves 4.5 which I am rounding up to 5.
Sure, because it's shorter than some of his other novels, the characters are not as developed. But I actually appreciated that: The book moves fast, keeps you glued to the pages, and it's really well writtten (like any of the other Douglas Preston books).
And yes, the book talks about religion and god, but it's science fiction! You should not feel offended reading it if you have confidence in your beliefs. Also, some of the characters in the book are stereotypes or exaggerations, but that's what I like about them. It makes the interactions between the characters more intense, and helps move this action thriller at a fast pace.
I read Riptide before reading this one. I really recommend that one too. And his books with Lincoln Childs (Relic, Reliquary, etc...) are superb.
Thank you again Mr Preston ! And I am looking forward to your next one.
Book Review: As promised!
Summary: 5 Stars
I travel a lot, and often buy a paperback at the airport to read during my trips. When I finish reading it, then I buy the hardback and add it to my library. I was fortunate to find this autographed copy. The book is a great read. I like Preston's work, and this was no exception. The book was shipped quickly, and I had it within a day or two, in perfect condition.Book Review: Blasphemy
Summary: 5 Stars
I always enjoy the adventures this author presents and I wish this was more of that type. Too much of is there or not God, could his presence be in a machine and do we care.Book Review: Blasphemy
Summary: 1 Stars
I have enjoyed reading Douglas Preston's books. Each has grabbed me from page 1 and not let go until the very last word. Unfortunately, I cannot say that about Blasphemy. First, Blasphemy is easily 75-100 pages too long. I actually skimmed through the last few chapters because reading this book became a chore. Character development was thin, especially of the "bad guys". The obligatory screenplay-like chase through the dark tunnel felt contrived and was completely unnecessary.
There are great books where you cannot wait until you get to the end, just to find out what happens. With Blasphemy, I couldn't wait to get to the end so that I could move on to another book.