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Pilgrims
Out-of-work Latin teacher and borderline alcoholic Austin DeSantis is determined to spend his final days in the arms of a prostitute—that is if the aliens don’t exterminate humanity first . . .
But when the aliens land at the Vatican, begin speaking Latin, and reveal themselves to be Catholic, the world turns upside down.
Pressed into service as a translator and thrust into the center of humanity's first contact with a cryptic alien race, Austin must uncover their true intentions before religious turmoil rips the planet apart. But with Austin caught between the Catholic Church, the US military, and an enigmatic alien AI, he'll have to decide where his loyalties lie as the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
PILGRIMS is a sci-fi retelling of Augustine's Confessions, mixing a high-concept premise à la Children of Time with the ceaseless pacing and rich characterization of Red Rising.
But when the aliens land at the Vatican, begin speaking Latin, and reveal themselves to be Catholic, the world turns upside down.
Pressed into service as a translator and thrust into the center of humanity's first contact with a cryptic alien race, Austin must uncover their true intentions before religious turmoil rips the planet apart. But with Austin caught between the Catholic Church, the US military, and an enigmatic alien AI, he'll have to decide where his loyalties lie as the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
PILGRIMS is a sci-fi retelling of Augustine's Confessions, mixing a high-concept premise à la Children of Time with the ceaseless pacing and rich characterization of Red Rising.
412 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2024
305 people are currently reading
1891 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Leonard
1 book53 followersMichael Leonard has had a strange and varied life that has brought him from the banks of the Yangtze River to the halls of MIT. He resides in Massachusetts with his wife and two young sons and he can be found discussing his next novel with his eight pound dachshund.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
December 7, 2025
4.5 stars.
I never thought I would read a book like this. As a pastor, it is rare that a fantasy or science fiction work would so boldly use a fictional medium like this to present apologetic arguments for the existence of God, the rationality of faith, and the importance of transcendent purpose. All the while, it's JUST A FANTASTIC SCIENCE FICTION STORY!
Character work was well above average. Story was fast, interesting, and the twists and turns landed. Leonard weaves in his apologetic argumentation seamlessly with a story that seems to have landed even for those who do not share his views on religion, faith, and the existence of God.
This will be a hard recommend for me despite my protestations (pun intended) with some of the Roman Catholic doctrine present. A strong case is made for this being the standard of how one accomplishes both a treatise on faith and a brilliant fictional work!
I never thought I would read a book like this. As a pastor, it is rare that a fantasy or science fiction work would so boldly use a fictional medium like this to present apologetic arguments for the existence of God, the rationality of faith, and the importance of transcendent purpose. All the while, it's JUST A FANTASTIC SCIENCE FICTION STORY!
Character work was well above average. Story was fast, interesting, and the twists and turns landed. Leonard weaves in his apologetic argumentation seamlessly with a story that seems to have landed even for those who do not share his views on religion, faith, and the existence of God.
This will be a hard recommend for me despite my protestations (pun intended) with some of the Roman Catholic doctrine present. A strong case is made for this being the standard of how one accomplishes both a treatise on faith and a brilliant fictional work!
January 14, 2025
Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard completely exceeded my expectations in ways I didn’t anticipate. The premise itself—Earth’s first contact with extraterrestrials, who turn out to be Catholic aliens—sounded interesting, but I’ll admit, I was worried it might slip into farce. I’m so glad to say that I was completely wrong. Leonard masterfully navigates this concept, delivering a story that is disturbing, thought-provoking, and surprisingly full of emotional depth and redemption.
From the start, the novel presents a first-contact scenario that feels both grounded and believable; this isn’t your typical alien invasion or utopian alien encounter. The interactions between humanity and the Pilgrims (the alien species) are infused with a real sense of cultural, philosophical, and existential weight. The religious element adds a unique layer to the story, challenging assumptions and forcing the characters to reckon with questions of faith, identity, and what it means to be human in the face of the unknown. It’s a deeply introspective narrative that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable questions that arise when two vastly different civilizations meet.
The dialogue in Pilgrims is one of its strongest suits. Each character feels fully realized, and their conversations are sharp, believable, and filled with tension. The characters’ struggles, both personal and intergalactic, feel authentic, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey. Leonard’s writing ensures that these characters are never just vehicles for the plot—they are real people, each with their own complexities, doubts, and desires.
The pacing of the novel is fast and gripping, which kept me hooked from beginning to end. Leonard doesn’t waste time with filler, and the action scenes are intense, driving the plot forward while maintaining emotional stakes. The prose is tight and well-crafted, which only enhances the immersion into this world. Whether it’s a tense diplomatic exchange or an action-packed sequence, Leonard’s ability to craft suspense is evident throughout.
What impressed me most, however, was how Pilgrims balances its disturbing elements with a sense of hope and redemption. Despite the heavy themes and the emotional challenges the characters face, there’s an underlying thread of redemption that ties the narrative together. It’s a story about overcoming differences, seeking understanding, and the possibility of growth—even in the face of overwhelming adversity. It’s thought-provoking in a way that invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the way they perceive the “other.”
Pilgrims is an exceptional work of science fiction that does so much more than deliver an intriguing first-contact story. It explores themes of faith, identity, and redemption while also providing a thrilling, action-packed narrative. M.R. Leonard has crafted a world that feels believable, grounded in science and military culture, yet full of existential and philosophical depth. I can’t wait to see what this author does next—whether it’s a continuation of Austin’s story or a completely new venture. I’m already looking forward to more from Leonard’s impressive mind!
From the start, the novel presents a first-contact scenario that feels both grounded and believable; this isn’t your typical alien invasion or utopian alien encounter. The interactions between humanity and the Pilgrims (the alien species) are infused with a real sense of cultural, philosophical, and existential weight. The religious element adds a unique layer to the story, challenging assumptions and forcing the characters to reckon with questions of faith, identity, and what it means to be human in the face of the unknown. It’s a deeply introspective narrative that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable questions that arise when two vastly different civilizations meet.
The dialogue in Pilgrims is one of its strongest suits. Each character feels fully realized, and their conversations are sharp, believable, and filled with tension. The characters’ struggles, both personal and intergalactic, feel authentic, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey. Leonard’s writing ensures that these characters are never just vehicles for the plot—they are real people, each with their own complexities, doubts, and desires.
The pacing of the novel is fast and gripping, which kept me hooked from beginning to end. Leonard doesn’t waste time with filler, and the action scenes are intense, driving the plot forward while maintaining emotional stakes. The prose is tight and well-crafted, which only enhances the immersion into this world. Whether it’s a tense diplomatic exchange or an action-packed sequence, Leonard’s ability to craft suspense is evident throughout.
What impressed me most, however, was how Pilgrims balances its disturbing elements with a sense of hope and redemption. Despite the heavy themes and the emotional challenges the characters face, there’s an underlying thread of redemption that ties the narrative together. It’s a story about overcoming differences, seeking understanding, and the possibility of growth—even in the face of overwhelming adversity. It’s thought-provoking in a way that invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the way they perceive the “other.”
Pilgrims is an exceptional work of science fiction that does so much more than deliver an intriguing first-contact story. It explores themes of faith, identity, and redemption while also providing a thrilling, action-packed narrative. M.R. Leonard has crafted a world that feels believable, grounded in science and military culture, yet full of existential and philosophical depth. I can’t wait to see what this author does next—whether it’s a continuation of Austin’s story or a completely new venture. I’m already looking forward to more from Leonard’s impressive mind!
January 14, 2026
A striking premise (Aliens arrive on Earth and are Catholic? 🤯) that ends up being a surprisingly poignant and beautiful representation of Catholicism. I was concerned there would be some theological or doctrinal inconsistencies or errors but honestly I didn't notice any issues. Definitely looking forward to more of this story.
February 11, 2026
3.75
Great premise. Found the first half more enjoyable with some serious issues in the back half. Still enjoyed my time, especially due to an excellent audiobook.
Great premise. Found the first half more enjoyable with some serious issues in the back half. Still enjoyed my time, especially due to an excellent audiobook.
January 11, 2025
WOAH. I typically don’t start out my reviews with such an eloquent opening (ha!), but “Pilgrims” by M.R. Leonard is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I was completely blown away when I actually comprehended the fact that this is the author’s debut.
Picture a dystopian science fiction novel set in a world paralyzed by fear of an impending alien arrival. Now imagine these aliens as devout Catholics. Intrigued? Read on!
The world is in shambles—governments are crumbling, the Black Shirts enforce martial law with brutal efficiency, and society teeters on the edge of collapse as everyone awaits the arrival of extraterrestrial beings. Enter Austin DeSantis, a guilt-ridden Latin teacher just trying to get by. He’s caught up in a personal and spiritual crisis while the larger world spirals out of control around him. Along the way, he’s thrust into a clash of ideals: Father Ambrose, a man of unshakable faith, confronts the aliens’ fanatical interpretation of Catholicism, while General Fergusson’s fear-driven tactics add another layer of chaos. And then there’s Virgil, an alien whose devout beliefs both unsettle and inspire as he pushes Austin—and humanity—to wrestle with their flaws, their faith, and what it means to survive. The stakes? Everything.
Against this backdrop, Austin’s personal journey is the emotional core of the novel. Dismissed from his job, reeling from the consequences of his inaction during a murder, and obsessed with a woman he’s never met, Austin stumbles through a crisis of faith and identity. His journey feels raw and human, and his flaws make him deeply relatable. His arc gains depth and complexity through his relationship with Virgil, the alien who becomes both his host and spiritual guide. Virgil’s unwavering faith and profound insight force Austin to confront his failures and strive for something greater, creating a dynamic that is deeply personal and transformative.
Father Ambrose, director of the Vatican Observatory, is a commanding and thought-provoking figure. As a man of intellect and faith, Ambrose becomes the moral compass of the story, consistently challenging the aliens’ rigid interpretation of Catholicism. This tension comes to a head when Ambrose condemns the aliens for wiping out an entire population in retaliation for the assassination of the pope. For the aliens, this act is justified as retribution and a defense of divine law. For Ambrose, it is a horrifying sin, a violation of the very faith they claim to uphold. This moral conflict is one of the book’s most compelling aspects, forcing readers to question the limits of religious dogma when wielded as a tool for judgment and power.
On the opposing side is General Fergusson, the calculating and authoritarian military leader whose ruthless strategies embody humanity’s darker instincts. Fergusson’s manipulation of power, disregard for morality, and oppressive tactics make him a character readers will love to hate. His clashes with Austin and Father Ambrose underscore the book’s central tension between fear-driven control and faith-driven purpose.
And then there’s Virgil. The alien’s faith, while devout, is undeniably fanatical, forcing humanity to confront not only its understanding of morality but also its darker reflection in these extraterrestrial beings. Virgil’s interactions with both Austin and Father Ambrose are deeply thought-provoking, presenting an alien perspective that is at once unsettling and enlightening. As both a representative of the aliens’ beliefs and a guide for Austin’s redemption, Virgil embodies the book’s themes of faith and its potential for both destruction and salvation.
The aliens’ faith-driven fanaticism is unnervingly familiar, portraying the dangers of extreme religious zeal. Their rigid interpretation of divine justice sparks actions that challenge readers to reflect on humanity’s own history of using faith as a weapon. It’s an uncomfortable comparison to today’s world where religious, social, and political tensions run high.
“Pilgrims” by M.R. Leonard is ambitious, unforgettable, and uniquely profound. I believe this secures his place as a bold new voice in the genre. The writing is sharp, the world-building pulls you in, and the tension doesn’t let up for a second. “Pilgrims” asks big questions about faith, morality, and survival and challenges the boundaries of dystopian sci-fi while delivering an engaging story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I’ve never encountered anything quite like it, and I doubt I will again for a long time. That, in itself, is the highest praise I can give.
Picture a dystopian science fiction novel set in a world paralyzed by fear of an impending alien arrival. Now imagine these aliens as devout Catholics. Intrigued? Read on!
The world is in shambles—governments are crumbling, the Black Shirts enforce martial law with brutal efficiency, and society teeters on the edge of collapse as everyone awaits the arrival of extraterrestrial beings. Enter Austin DeSantis, a guilt-ridden Latin teacher just trying to get by. He’s caught up in a personal and spiritual crisis while the larger world spirals out of control around him. Along the way, he’s thrust into a clash of ideals: Father Ambrose, a man of unshakable faith, confronts the aliens’ fanatical interpretation of Catholicism, while General Fergusson’s fear-driven tactics add another layer of chaos. And then there’s Virgil, an alien whose devout beliefs both unsettle and inspire as he pushes Austin—and humanity—to wrestle with their flaws, their faith, and what it means to survive. The stakes? Everything.
Against this backdrop, Austin’s personal journey is the emotional core of the novel. Dismissed from his job, reeling from the consequences of his inaction during a murder, and obsessed with a woman he’s never met, Austin stumbles through a crisis of faith and identity. His journey feels raw and human, and his flaws make him deeply relatable. His arc gains depth and complexity through his relationship with Virgil, the alien who becomes both his host and spiritual guide. Virgil’s unwavering faith and profound insight force Austin to confront his failures and strive for something greater, creating a dynamic that is deeply personal and transformative.
Father Ambrose, director of the Vatican Observatory, is a commanding and thought-provoking figure. As a man of intellect and faith, Ambrose becomes the moral compass of the story, consistently challenging the aliens’ rigid interpretation of Catholicism. This tension comes to a head when Ambrose condemns the aliens for wiping out an entire population in retaliation for the assassination of the pope. For the aliens, this act is justified as retribution and a defense of divine law. For Ambrose, it is a horrifying sin, a violation of the very faith they claim to uphold. This moral conflict is one of the book’s most compelling aspects, forcing readers to question the limits of religious dogma when wielded as a tool for judgment and power.
On the opposing side is General Fergusson, the calculating and authoritarian military leader whose ruthless strategies embody humanity’s darker instincts. Fergusson’s manipulation of power, disregard for morality, and oppressive tactics make him a character readers will love to hate. His clashes with Austin and Father Ambrose underscore the book’s central tension between fear-driven control and faith-driven purpose.
And then there’s Virgil. The alien’s faith, while devout, is undeniably fanatical, forcing humanity to confront not only its understanding of morality but also its darker reflection in these extraterrestrial beings. Virgil’s interactions with both Austin and Father Ambrose are deeply thought-provoking, presenting an alien perspective that is at once unsettling and enlightening. As both a representative of the aliens’ beliefs and a guide for Austin’s redemption, Virgil embodies the book’s themes of faith and its potential for both destruction and salvation.
The aliens’ faith-driven fanaticism is unnervingly familiar, portraying the dangers of extreme religious zeal. Their rigid interpretation of divine justice sparks actions that challenge readers to reflect on humanity’s own history of using faith as a weapon. It’s an uncomfortable comparison to today’s world where religious, social, and political tensions run high.
“Pilgrims” by M.R. Leonard is ambitious, unforgettable, and uniquely profound. I believe this secures his place as a bold new voice in the genre. The writing is sharp, the world-building pulls you in, and the tension doesn’t let up for a second. “Pilgrims” asks big questions about faith, morality, and survival and challenges the boundaries of dystopian sci-fi while delivering an engaging story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I’ve never encountered anything quite like it, and I doubt I will again for a long time. That, in itself, is the highest praise I can give.
October 3, 2024
The cover and the premise drew me in, the writing and plot were even better. I was a little hesitant about the Latin religious introduction - but the story quickly unfolded and I was invested. I love sci fi and think this was written well. I thought the pacing was nice and didn’t feel bombed with info or like it was dragging.
Even though at first it didn’t seem like I liked the main character (didn’t want to root for them? Morally questionable?) the ending was satisfying. Aliens and Christianity! What a wild ride!
This ARC was provided by NetGalley.
Even though at first it didn’t seem like I liked the main character (didn’t want to root for them? Morally questionable?) the ending was satisfying. Aliens and Christianity! What a wild ride!
This ARC was provided by NetGalley.
August 21, 2025
I ain’t NEVER read a book like that before. Absolute bonkers debut novel and I cannot wait to read whatever else M.R. Leonard has to offer.
November 16, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Castle Press for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard is one of the conceptually coolest yet misguided books I’ve read in some time. The premise is absolutely fascinating: Aliens are enroute to Earth. Humanity is shaken. When they arrive, they reveal themselves to be… Catholics!
Talk about being rich with potential. Science and faith always makes for a fascinating dichotomy. And there are some really compelling nuggets in M.R. Leonard’s debut. There are also significant problems.
The actual writing is surprisingly assured for a debut. Leonard has a strong command of prose and the pacing is consistent. You will fly through it like airport fiction and I do not mean that disparagingly. This is an entertaining book which I often associate with good airport fiction.
The opening chapter is a true stunner. It sets the stage for where the story is headed and it’s one of those scenes where you feel like the author is grabbing you by the shoulders and keeping you in place. It’s intense and violent and feels dangerous on an intellectual level, disruptive even. I like that. There are some moral and philosophical conundrums established early on here that portend a story that feels confident, deliberate. It grips you by the throat and I was so engaged and ready to see how Leonard would get us back to this point — to the events that lead us to this scene.
Sadly, it never gets better than this. And that would be okay if the novel wasn’t intent on making what amounts to something that I think many readers will ultimately dismiss as “Christian Fiction”. The middle portion of the book shows its hand in a way I was really let down by because it feels so unnecessarily (and I’m sure accidentally) arrogant.
The greatest sin Pilgrims makes is the way it elects to talk down to the reader, rather than inspire discussions on the notion of faith. In fact, it attempts to remove the very concept of faith altogether, gaslighting the reader by arguing that the tenets of Christianity are not a matter of faith but rather historical record (added to which there is virtually no push back from these claims). Belief… made easy! For a book that echoes the leap of faith scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, this is confusing messaging.
The most interesting aspect of the “religion vs science” juxtaposition is the way faith can be a middle and common ground the way it is in Carl Sagan’s Contact. This makes Leonard’s decision to largely remove the element of faith from the equation and not replace it with anything compelling deeply disappointing.
This is a book that treats the Catholic faith as the true faith. This is fine. There are countless films I love that do so in a way that is inclusive and fun. The first and aforementioned third Indiana Jones movies come to mind. I have not read The Exorcist by Peter Blatty, but William Friedkin’s film adaptation is a masterpiece. There is a successfully subversive, fantastic thriller called Frailty that will knock your socks off. And one of my favorite reads this year was Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman which is about a Catholic pilgrimage by way of medieval horror. But none of these works ever feel evangelical or alienating. None of them feel smug. And there is at least one chapter in Pilgrims that does feel this way and that is unfortunate.
It’s made all the more unfortunate because the science fiction elements are quite good! I won’t reveal too much but the way Leonard takes us through the alien ship and it’s various components was really well done and you can tell the author was having a great time dreaming up some of this stuff. For me this was the strongest part of the novel.
But there are other issues here. While the story is well paced, there are some clumsy elements, starting with the main character. The story being told is a retelling of The Confessions of St. Augustine by Augustine of Hippo. I think this was an interesting choice but it didn’t land with me, primarily because the lead character, Austin, just isn’t compelling enough. Leonard draws up his motivations well but he lacks any sort of depth so his behavior never feels organic, it feels contrived to service the story being told. For example, Austin is so easily influenced by other characters, constantly changing his mind from one scene to the next to the point of absurdity. He appears completely unable to parse information or consider the sources of said information which is especially eye-rolling given how mustache-twirling the main antagonist is in this book. This was not a character worthy of Augustine’s journey.
Other characters fare a little better. Virgil, the robot diplomat for the aliens who interacts with Austin, is far and away the best and most interesting character in the book. But even his arc is established and wrapped up in one chapter. We never really get to experience his journey. Nonetheless, I really liked him. I also enjoyed Father Ambrose, a representative for the Vatican with a background in astronomy. There isn't much we learn about him, but he's at least likable.
I would like to address one last critique. I truly appreciate that the ultimate message in Pilgrims is one of tolerance, acceptance and love, which should absolutely be central to the teachings of Christ. But if you are going to broach some of the powder keg subjects here such as potential Holy Wars and forced baptisms under morally complex circumstances, you serve the reader best by treating those subjects with the weight and dignity that they deserve because if you don’t, the result is something that feels borderline exploitive. Let me be clear: I love when books are audacious enough “go there” into some dark, morally and philosophically complex places. Let’s get messy. But a great work matches audaciousness with thoughtfulness. It navigates these fragile, dangerous topics with a deft touch. But alas, this is not a great book.
2.81/5 stars.
Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard is one of the conceptually coolest yet misguided books I’ve read in some time. The premise is absolutely fascinating: Aliens are enroute to Earth. Humanity is shaken. When they arrive, they reveal themselves to be… Catholics!
Talk about being rich with potential. Science and faith always makes for a fascinating dichotomy. And there are some really compelling nuggets in M.R. Leonard’s debut. There are also significant problems.
The actual writing is surprisingly assured for a debut. Leonard has a strong command of prose and the pacing is consistent. You will fly through it like airport fiction and I do not mean that disparagingly. This is an entertaining book which I often associate with good airport fiction.
The opening chapter is a true stunner. It sets the stage for where the story is headed and it’s one of those scenes where you feel like the author is grabbing you by the shoulders and keeping you in place. It’s intense and violent and feels dangerous on an intellectual level, disruptive even. I like that. There are some moral and philosophical conundrums established early on here that portend a story that feels confident, deliberate. It grips you by the throat and I was so engaged and ready to see how Leonard would get us back to this point — to the events that lead us to this scene.
Sadly, it never gets better than this. And that would be okay if the novel wasn’t intent on making what amounts to something that I think many readers will ultimately dismiss as “Christian Fiction”. The middle portion of the book shows its hand in a way I was really let down by because it feels so unnecessarily (and I’m sure accidentally) arrogant.
The greatest sin Pilgrims makes is the way it elects to talk down to the reader, rather than inspire discussions on the notion of faith. In fact, it attempts to remove the very concept of faith altogether, gaslighting the reader by arguing that the tenets of Christianity are not a matter of faith but rather historical record (added to which there is virtually no push back from these claims). Belief… made easy! For a book that echoes the leap of faith scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, this is confusing messaging.
The most interesting aspect of the “religion vs science” juxtaposition is the way faith can be a middle and common ground the way it is in Carl Sagan’s Contact. This makes Leonard’s decision to largely remove the element of faith from the equation and not replace it with anything compelling deeply disappointing.
This is a book that treats the Catholic faith as the true faith. This is fine. There are countless films I love that do so in a way that is inclusive and fun. The first and aforementioned third Indiana Jones movies come to mind. I have not read The Exorcist by Peter Blatty, but William Friedkin’s film adaptation is a masterpiece. There is a successfully subversive, fantastic thriller called Frailty that will knock your socks off. And one of my favorite reads this year was Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman which is about a Catholic pilgrimage by way of medieval horror. But none of these works ever feel evangelical or alienating. None of them feel smug. And there is at least one chapter in Pilgrims that does feel this way and that is unfortunate.
It’s made all the more unfortunate because the science fiction elements are quite good! I won’t reveal too much but the way Leonard takes us through the alien ship and it’s various components was really well done and you can tell the author was having a great time dreaming up some of this stuff. For me this was the strongest part of the novel.
But there are other issues here. While the story is well paced, there are some clumsy elements, starting with the main character. The story being told is a retelling of The Confessions of St. Augustine by Augustine of Hippo. I think this was an interesting choice but it didn’t land with me, primarily because the lead character, Austin, just isn’t compelling enough. Leonard draws up his motivations well but he lacks any sort of depth so his behavior never feels organic, it feels contrived to service the story being told. For example, Austin is so easily influenced by other characters, constantly changing his mind from one scene to the next to the point of absurdity. He appears completely unable to parse information or consider the sources of said information which is especially eye-rolling given how mustache-twirling the main antagonist is in this book. This was not a character worthy of Augustine’s journey.
Other characters fare a little better. Virgil, the robot diplomat for the aliens who interacts with Austin, is far and away the best and most interesting character in the book. But even his arc is established and wrapped up in one chapter. We never really get to experience his journey. Nonetheless, I really liked him. I also enjoyed Father Ambrose, a representative for the Vatican with a background in astronomy. There isn't much we learn about him, but he's at least likable.
I would like to address one last critique. I truly appreciate that the ultimate message in Pilgrims is one of tolerance, acceptance and love, which should absolutely be central to the teachings of Christ. But if you are going to broach some of the powder keg subjects here such as potential Holy Wars and forced baptisms under morally complex circumstances, you serve the reader best by treating those subjects with the weight and dignity that they deserve because if you don’t, the result is something that feels borderline exploitive. Let me be clear: I love when books are audacious enough “go there” into some dark, morally and philosophically complex places. Let’s get messy. But a great work matches audaciousness with thoughtfulness. It navigates these fragile, dangerous topics with a deft touch. But alas, this is not a great book.
2.81/5 stars.
December 14, 2025
Hell yes. Need more of this.
April 10, 2025
I highly enjoyed this. Catholic aliens- what’s not to love?
January 25, 2026
4.5 stars
October 3, 2024
I was very curious about this book when I saw in the description that the book "is a sci-fi retelling of Augustine's Confessions." Whether you are a Christian or not, if you've read Augustine's Confessions, you know he went through an emotional wringer, becoming a Christian later in life. It's just not a story idea I expected. Thus I had to give it a read.
The description is very accurate. Austin, the main character, is introduced to us after the world has learned aliens are coming to earth. He doesn't have much. As the book description says he's an out of work Latin teacher. This skill is what makes him useful to the government when the aliens arrive and are only speaking Latin. We get to see him change as he has to deal with the government people and the aliens. It's quite a journey. For that character development alone, the story is worth reading.
I find the characters we meet in the book to be easily imagined by how they are written. I find them to be very believable as well. In some cases depressingly so considering the government actions described in the book.
Some of the characters are so intense in their beliefs, faith based or not, that I could almost feel it. I had a hard time with faith at one point being described as easily proven fact. If proof was so easily gained by a few clicks on the internet while researching, a lot of us would have an easier time. I think, in a way, that my irritation with faith being called easily proven helped the conflict in the book seem tangible. It also caused me to have to put the book down for a while.
I also had trouble being able to believe that Austin's ability to speak Latin would be a hard to come by skill. However, I was taught Latin in high school by a teacher who would speak it to us. I don't know how rare or common that was. Plus, the language learning app I use features Latin and has audio for each word. I think that affected how I perceived some of the events of the book. That's not a huge deal I suppose, as fiction does require some suspension of disbelief.
In parts a lot of the action starts to feel convoluted, which frustrated me, because I don't usually read books that are high in drama any more. I like reading as an escape from drama.
Yet, the point of the book really is the personal journey and change in Austin- so it makes sense that he'd need plenty of events to react to, in order to show that change to us.
Basically, if you don't mind reading Christian fiction, enjoy some drama and love character development, you'll probably enjoy this book.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
The description is very accurate. Austin, the main character, is introduced to us after the world has learned aliens are coming to earth. He doesn't have much. As the book description says he's an out of work Latin teacher. This skill is what makes him useful to the government when the aliens arrive and are only speaking Latin. We get to see him change as he has to deal with the government people and the aliens. It's quite a journey. For that character development alone, the story is worth reading.
I find the characters we meet in the book to be easily imagined by how they are written. I find them to be very believable as well. In some cases depressingly so considering the government actions described in the book.
Some of the characters are so intense in their beliefs, faith based or not, that I could almost feel it. I had a hard time with faith at one point being described as easily proven fact. If proof was so easily gained by a few clicks on the internet while researching, a lot of us would have an easier time. I think, in a way, that my irritation with faith being called easily proven helped the conflict in the book seem tangible. It also caused me to have to put the book down for a while.
I also had trouble being able to believe that Austin's ability to speak Latin would be a hard to come by skill. However, I was taught Latin in high school by a teacher who would speak it to us. I don't know how rare or common that was. Plus, the language learning app I use features Latin and has audio for each word. I think that affected how I perceived some of the events of the book. That's not a huge deal I suppose, as fiction does require some suspension of disbelief.
In parts a lot of the action starts to feel convoluted, which frustrated me, because I don't usually read books that are high in drama any more. I like reading as an escape from drama.
Yet, the point of the book really is the personal journey and change in Austin- so it makes sense that he'd need plenty of events to react to, in order to show that change to us.
Basically, if you don't mind reading Christian fiction, enjoy some drama and love character development, you'll probably enjoy this book.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
June 26, 2025
Not sure where to start with this, but if nothing else - this book could have spent more time in the oven before being served to the reader.
Riffing off Independence & Arrival with a sprinkle of school boy Thomistic theology, Leonard presents what could be considered a modern retelling of St. Augustine's life.
What follows is a hamfisted apologetics for belief that also fundamentally misunderstands faith and reduces it, alongside the humanity of its characters.
As a Catholic, I demand a lot from my literature, especially if we're going to explicitly talk about the mass and the Church proper, but this is just not how to go about it.
I don't understand what book other readers experienced based on the overall rating here, but I just hope we can be more discerning in what to enjoy.
Riffing off Independence & Arrival with a sprinkle of school boy Thomistic theology, Leonard presents what could be considered a modern retelling of St. Augustine's life.
What follows is a hamfisted apologetics for belief that also fundamentally misunderstands faith and reduces it, alongside the humanity of its characters.
As a Catholic, I demand a lot from my literature, especially if we're going to explicitly talk about the mass and the Church proper, but this is just not how to go about it.
I don't understand what book other readers experienced based on the overall rating here, but I just hope we can be more discerning in what to enjoy.
April 13, 2025
This is the author's first novel, so give him some slack. I hope he gets better. I did not like this book. It started out exciting, as earth waited for the aliens who said they were coming. From there it degraded to a religious science fiction yarn.
November 10, 2025
This was an extremely surprising read for me. The premise of the book sounds ridiculous to the point of being stupid, and yet this book was shockingly good, but definitely had a number of flaws. The good first: the concept of this book is extremely interesting. Learning about the Pilgrims, why they are the way they are, and seeing their technology and how it interacts with their faith was great. Seeing all of the unintended consequences of their arrival as well as learning the reason for their arrival was extremely compelling. There are a lot of interesting ideas here and it will definitely give the reader things to chew on. The only problem is that I never cared too much for the main character or any of his interactions with various government figures, I just wanted to get back to the Pilgrims. The characters also never feel quite fleshed out and they take actions that don't feel like they quite make sense; rather it seems like they do things to push the plot in a particular direction. My biggest gripe is that I wanted more to everything. There are so many cool concepts here that felt like they could have been explained with a lot more depth. But all in all, I enjoyed this and I'm interested to see what else the author comes up with.
December 31, 2025
This book was the last book I read in 2025, in the last few days and it's now in my Top 5 books of the year. The concept of this book is so different from anything I've read in sci-fi, and it is such an amazing read. I'll admit I am Catholic so it probably hits for me more than others who are not, but don't let that deter you because this book isn't just about Religion and Faith. It's a book about struggle and journey's into the unknown. It's a book about longing and hope. And most of all it's a book about love and forgiveness and how we all both alien and human could live a better life regardless of ones beliefs. I was blown away by so many things in this book, and I'll be thinking about it for a very long time.
“Mine is not a logical demonstration akin to Saint Thomas’s five ways, but I find it persuasive nonetheless. It is the Argument from Love. There are compelling reasons to think that love exists in a way that transcends its physical manifestations. Which, if true, refutes reductive materialism.”
“Mine is not a logical demonstration akin to Saint Thomas’s five ways, but I find it persuasive nonetheless. It is the Argument from Love. There are compelling reasons to think that love exists in a way that transcends its physical manifestations. Which, if true, refutes reductive materialism.”
January 24, 2026
An S-tier idea. B+ writing, I can’t say enough about the wealth of ideas this concept provided! But…
Felt like the biggest ball drop of all time, it got no where near the depth the idea deserved. MC was just kinda lame and the “this is not the last we’ve heard from him” comic book movie crap at the end was a huge eye roll.
Could have been some top notch sci-fi.
Felt like the biggest ball drop of all time, it got no where near the depth the idea deserved. MC was just kinda lame and the “this is not the last we’ve heard from him” comic book movie crap at the end was a huge eye roll.
Could have been some top notch sci-fi.
February 3, 2026
Incredible
Sci-fi meets Catholicism. Really caused me some deep thinking about imagery the author wanted the audience to pick up on. 400 pages but felt like a quick read. Highly recommend
Sci-fi meets Catholicism. Really caused me some deep thinking about imagery the author wanted the audience to pick up on. 400 pages but felt like a quick read. Highly recommend
February 12, 2026
Pilgrims is a religious science fiction retelling of St. Augustine’s Confessions where aliens travel millions of light years to get here and when they arrive, they are Catholic! I’m not sure a book could be more up my alley than this!
Highly Recommended!
Highly Recommended!
February 2, 2026
This book shouldn't work, but it does. Admittedly, I am Catholic so I am biased, but what an incredible way to make the story of catholicism hit home and become modern.
Oh also it isn't only a religious book, it is a damn good sci-fi first contact story too!
Oh also it isn't only a religious book, it is a damn good sci-fi first contact story too!
December 12, 2025
I wish Dan Brown had written this …
January 30, 2026
This book was awesome! Really intriguing the entire time and honestly it had a lot to say about Religion and how it changes/shapes civilization for better and sometimes for worse too. I was worried it was going to paint Christianity in a negative light, but I don’t feel like it does. It does however show how radicalized some people can become in their faith. Overall, I really enjoyed this I heard there’s more to come, can’t wait!
December 20, 2025
3.5/5
Very cool premise.
Amazing audiobook.
Very cool premise.
Amazing audiobook.
May 27, 2025
One of the best fiction books I’ve read. Dense with Catholic theology as well as an exciting narrative, Pilgrims is a book that has me waiting for the sequel. Will recommend
January 28, 2026
Total Score: 5
Characters: 5
Prose: 5
Plot: 5
World Building: 5
Overall Enjoyment: 5
Characters: 5
Prose: 5
Plot: 5
World Building: 5
Overall Enjoyment: 5
November 15, 2024
When thinking of book premises that I don't typically read, "Catholic aliens invading the world" nears the top of the list 😂 that is exactly what happens in Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard, and I'm so glad that I read it! This book fascinated me. It had moments of breathtaking beauty and moments that made me cringe with horror at characters' lack of integrity. Inspired by St. Augustine's Confessions, this novel is one you won't want to put down.
St. Augustine lived a few hundred years after Christ, leading a completely debauched lifestyle, but experienced a profound conversion, brought on partially by the fervent prayers of his Christian mother, St. Monica. Despite his immoral beginnings, Augustine became one of the most devout and insightful saints in Church history. His book, Confessions, details his life prior to his conversion and explains how he came to be a follower of Jesus.
This is the inspiration for Pilgrims, and the exploits of main character Austin (the Augustine figure in this book) horrified me. He is so lost, and it's clear he wants to change his life, but he also lacks hope, especially due to the impending alien invasion. This hopelessness mixed with an utter lack of self control leads him to make some atrocious decisions throughout the book. Yet, he's met with mercy and grace from a few people who truly understand the teachings of Jesus, and this grace has the power to change the heart of even such a great sinner.
I was most impressed by Leonard's demonstration that ALL people, even Christians, can be led to destructive choices. There were points in this story when it felt like there weren't any "good guys" at all, and sometimes life feels that way. It is especially crushing when people who we believe to be good and moral fail, as we have seen in so many Church scandals. But as Leonard demonstrates, this is a failure of humans, not of God, and when we place our trust in him, rather than flawed individuals, we cannot be led astray.
I also really loved the descriptions of the Stations of the Cross and stained glass windows on the Pilgrims' spaceship. That was probably my favorite part of the story. M.R. Leonard's imagination and creativity shines here, and this was just such a cool part to read. I would love to just go back and spend time in this section of the book indefinitely; it was so well done.
The one aspect of the book that I did not love was the violence and profanity throughout. Profanity is only used by non-religious people in the book and Leonard uses it to show a clear division between people who haven't yet experienced God's grace and those who have had their lives changed by love for Jesus. Likewise, the violence in this story is a clear sign of a disordered world and disconnection from God's will. Both the violence and the profanity have a purpose in this story and their use as a literary device is justified. Even so, it's not something that I as a reader feel super comfortable with and I could have gone without them even though I recognize their importance in the story.
Pilgrims is one of the most original books I've read in a long time (which is really saying something since it's inspired by another book!), and I recommend picking up a copy. This is a well-written work that will make you think, and it has an important message. I look forward to seeing what comes next in the series!
St. Augustine lived a few hundred years after Christ, leading a completely debauched lifestyle, but experienced a profound conversion, brought on partially by the fervent prayers of his Christian mother, St. Monica. Despite his immoral beginnings, Augustine became one of the most devout and insightful saints in Church history. His book, Confessions, details his life prior to his conversion and explains how he came to be a follower of Jesus.
This is the inspiration for Pilgrims, and the exploits of main character Austin (the Augustine figure in this book) horrified me. He is so lost, and it's clear he wants to change his life, but he also lacks hope, especially due to the impending alien invasion. This hopelessness mixed with an utter lack of self control leads him to make some atrocious decisions throughout the book. Yet, he's met with mercy and grace from a few people who truly understand the teachings of Jesus, and this grace has the power to change the heart of even such a great sinner.
I was most impressed by Leonard's demonstration that ALL people, even Christians, can be led to destructive choices. There were points in this story when it felt like there weren't any "good guys" at all, and sometimes life feels that way. It is especially crushing when people who we believe to be good and moral fail, as we have seen in so many Church scandals. But as Leonard demonstrates, this is a failure of humans, not of God, and when we place our trust in him, rather than flawed individuals, we cannot be led astray.
I also really loved the descriptions of the Stations of the Cross and stained glass windows on the Pilgrims' spaceship. That was probably my favorite part of the story. M.R. Leonard's imagination and creativity shines here, and this was just such a cool part to read. I would love to just go back and spend time in this section of the book indefinitely; it was so well done.
The one aspect of the book that I did not love was the violence and profanity throughout. Profanity is only used by non-religious people in the book and Leonard uses it to show a clear division between people who haven't yet experienced God's grace and those who have had their lives changed by love for Jesus. Likewise, the violence in this story is a clear sign of a disordered world and disconnection from God's will. Both the violence and the profanity have a purpose in this story and their use as a literary device is justified. Even so, it's not something that I as a reader feel super comfortable with and I could have gone without them even though I recognize their importance in the story.
Pilgrims is one of the most original books I've read in a long time (which is really saying something since it's inspired by another book!), and I recommend picking up a copy. This is a well-written work that will make you think, and it has an important message. I look forward to seeing what comes next in the series!
December 15, 2025
Lowkey one of the best books I’ve ever read, I said 4 in bookclub with my mouth, but my heart is saying 5/5. This book was such a quick read, such an interesting concept that you’ll finish and be like why has this never been done before? And so incredibly thought provoking.
Catholic Alien first contact, sign me up.
Catholic Alien first contact, sign me up.
September 23, 2024
You might think the premise of this novel is preposterous, but isn't that true of many successful pieces of speculative fiction? Don't worry, like all good books this one has a complex plot, relatable characters and a fast pace that is on a par with the best thrillers.
Austin is an out of work Latin professor. At the start of the book he is obsessed with an on-line sex worker and, it seems, will do anything to spend a night with her. When it is discovered that the occupants of an alien space craft parked in Earth's orbit want to communicate in Latin he is recruited as translator for a diplomatic mission aimed, ostensibly, to discover their intentions.
Note my use of the word 'ostensibly' in that sentence. As will be the case many more times as the story progresses, Austin has not been told the whole truth. The war crazed General who recruited him has devious motives. It would spoil the story were I to say more than that.
Deceit of one kind or another lies at the heart of this novel. The General is acting on his own account, ignoring the wishes of his political masters, in pursuit of his own agenda. Austin, for his part, is so used to being duped that he cannot believe the claimed peaceful intentions of the aliens, even when a friendly priest assures him he believes they are genuine.
The relationship that develops between Austin, the priest and the aliens' spokesperson (an AI manifestation) is one of close personal friendship, one that Austin has to repeatedly betray in order to save his own skin from the General's threats.
The novel claims to be a reworking of St Augustine's Confessions. I am not sufficiently familiar with that ancient work to judge how well it succeeds in that objective. And as an atheist brought up in the Protestant tradition I can't claim to know enough about Catholicism to comment on the rituals and biblical interpretations that are key elements of the book. What I can say is that I enjoyed the ride despite the Latin and the religiosity. What Leonard has produced is a first rate thriller with sufficient religious and philosophical undertones to satisfy this sceptical reader. At its heart, Pilgrims is a book about forgiveness and redemption – the central theme of Christianity. Above all, can Austin forgive himself for his many transgressions? You have to read the book to the end to find the answer to that one.
I received an ARC via Booksirens. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Austin is an out of work Latin professor. At the start of the book he is obsessed with an on-line sex worker and, it seems, will do anything to spend a night with her. When it is discovered that the occupants of an alien space craft parked in Earth's orbit want to communicate in Latin he is recruited as translator for a diplomatic mission aimed, ostensibly, to discover their intentions.
Note my use of the word 'ostensibly' in that sentence. As will be the case many more times as the story progresses, Austin has not been told the whole truth. The war crazed General who recruited him has devious motives. It would spoil the story were I to say more than that.
Deceit of one kind or another lies at the heart of this novel. The General is acting on his own account, ignoring the wishes of his political masters, in pursuit of his own agenda. Austin, for his part, is so used to being duped that he cannot believe the claimed peaceful intentions of the aliens, even when a friendly priest assures him he believes they are genuine.
The relationship that develops between Austin, the priest and the aliens' spokesperson (an AI manifestation) is one of close personal friendship, one that Austin has to repeatedly betray in order to save his own skin from the General's threats.
The novel claims to be a reworking of St Augustine's Confessions. I am not sufficiently familiar with that ancient work to judge how well it succeeds in that objective. And as an atheist brought up in the Protestant tradition I can't claim to know enough about Catholicism to comment on the rituals and biblical interpretations that are key elements of the book. What I can say is that I enjoyed the ride despite the Latin and the religiosity. What Leonard has produced is a first rate thriller with sufficient religious and philosophical undertones to satisfy this sceptical reader. At its heart, Pilgrims is a book about forgiveness and redemption – the central theme of Christianity. Above all, can Austin forgive himself for his many transgressions? You have to read the book to the end to find the answer to that one.
I received an ARC via Booksirens. This is my honest opinion of the book.
February 26, 2025
An incredible book. I finished it in two days. A great story of redemption and living out the life God created us for.
December 13, 2025
Know this upfront: "Pilgrims" is a story that seeks to explain and justify the basic tenets of Catholicism with a science fiction scenario. It is a retelling of St. Augustine's "Confessions" through the mainstay sci-fi theme of first contact. If you do not share those beliefs or find the basic tenets of Christianity / Catholicism to be baffling, illogical, or plain silly, you will likely not enjoy this book.
Austin DeSantis is a bit of a loser. He speaks Latin fluently (for no obvious reason) and had a successful career as an academic until the first signs of an alien race were detected. Society went bonkers, and everything changed, including DeSantis losing his job. He moves back in with his screechy, annoying mother and scrounges up work as a substitute Latin teacher for snooty prep schools.
The problem is that everyone's convinced that when the aliens arrive, it's going to be the end of humanity. It's barely managed chaos, with the government-sponsored "Black Shirts" violently trying to keep the peace. For his part, Austin's dreams are all about meeting up with an online porn star and hopes to experience the end in bed with her, drunk out of his mind.
But the aliens arrive and they only speak Latin! What luck, he's one of the few who's fluent. He's pulled into service, working directly with the tough General Fergusson, who has his own hidden agenda. Fortunately, he also gets to work directly with Father Ambrose, a kind and compassionate representative of the Vatican Observatory and one of the emissaries to the aliens.
The big twist that ties back to St. Augustine? The aliens are staunch Catholics.
I appreciate what Leonard has done here, and for my friends who align with Catholicism, I expect this will be a fun and intriguing book. I did not know what I was getting into when I started, and I found it increasingly daft and implausible, to the point where the last few chapters were downright cringeworthy. Not recommended, unless you're the target audience, as stated.
Austin DeSantis is a bit of a loser. He speaks Latin fluently (for no obvious reason) and had a successful career as an academic until the first signs of an alien race were detected. Society went bonkers, and everything changed, including DeSantis losing his job. He moves back in with his screechy, annoying mother and scrounges up work as a substitute Latin teacher for snooty prep schools.
The problem is that everyone's convinced that when the aliens arrive, it's going to be the end of humanity. It's barely managed chaos, with the government-sponsored "Black Shirts" violently trying to keep the peace. For his part, Austin's dreams are all about meeting up with an online porn star and hopes to experience the end in bed with her, drunk out of his mind.
But the aliens arrive and they only speak Latin! What luck, he's one of the few who's fluent. He's pulled into service, working directly with the tough General Fergusson, who has his own hidden agenda. Fortunately, he also gets to work directly with Father Ambrose, a kind and compassionate representative of the Vatican Observatory and one of the emissaries to the aliens.
The big twist that ties back to St. Augustine? The aliens are staunch Catholics.
I appreciate what Leonard has done here, and for my friends who align with Catholicism, I expect this will be a fun and intriguing book. I did not know what I was getting into when I started, and I found it increasingly daft and implausible, to the point where the last few chapters were downright cringeworthy. Not recommended, unless you're the target audience, as stated.
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