In the near future, with the energy crisis solved and the world powered by artificial and quantum intelligence, a mysterious disease is spreading across the globe. The cause is a mystery, and a cure remains stubbornly elusive.
At Fermilab 5, west of Chicago, a team of physicists experiences a shocking result when an experiment appears to go rogue, defying all logic. Yet in trying to solve the conundrum, the team edges ever closer to uncovering the fundamental secrets of the universe.
For the Church, the former is its salvation, the latter an existential threat.
To complicate matters further, the Church appears to have incontrovertible evidence that the Messiah has returned. And he is not what anyone expected.
Grappling with the human condition, the timeless themes of love and sacrifice, and the tensions that arise between science and faith, The Son of Man is a near-future mystery thriller building toward a shocking revelation.
PREPARE TO BE ENTERTAINED, INSPIRED AND CHALLENGED
"Chris May is an exceptionally talented author." Amazon review
"Superb writing, clever and thought-provoking." Goodreads review
"Chris May has a strong writing style and I am excited for more from him." Netgalley review
"Chris May will be added to my list of favourite writers." Amazon review
Chris May trained initially as an engineer before forging a career in healthcare. He founded health tech company Mayden in 2000 which today employs 150 people and is based in Bath.
His writing explores big ideas in philosophy, science, theology and psychology using fiction, usually in the form of page-turning mystery thrillers. He likes to create circumstances in which his characters wrestle with the major challenges of what it means to be human and looking for meaning in the world.
His first novel, Silent Light, rose sharply in the UK Amazon chart when it was released in 2000.
His second novel, The Son of Man, was released in August 2025. A sequel is in progress.
His first non-fiction work, as the instigator and contributor to Made without Managers, was released in 2023 and achieved a Highly Commended accolade in the UK Business Book Awards.
A second non-fiction title on data inspired healthcare (January 2026) makes the case for using patient data more effectively to improve efficiency and outcomes.
It used to be said that religion and science don’t mix and, in publishing terms at least, are best kept apart. Chris May debunks these myths as he weaves the foibles and riches of both religious enquiry and scientific exploration into a page-turning work of fiction.
In a plot that is satisfyingly character and dialogue driven, we are taken into a futuristic world where technology has resolved many of life’s practical difficulties. Reassuringly, however, the human need for love is as strong as ever, as a tender love story demonstrates. But when medical advances have no answer for a disturbing new disease, scientific experimentation takes on a new urgency in which, it turns out, the organised church is unusually interested. Why? The puzzles multiply.
Chasing down what is going on takes us to the very last page with no let up to the pace along the way. Behind the short, accessible chapters is a consistent authorial voice introducing serious lines of enquiry with a lightness of touch. We are being invited to consider the nature of life, love and meaning as we engage with the reflections and debates of the characters themselves.
If the interplay between quantum activity and biblical parallels stretches credibility at times, we are willing captives, eager to stay on this entertaining and thought-provoking ride. It is rare to find a book which encourages robust dialogue between science and faith and with such an open, warm and enquiring mindset. This is one to savour.
Witnessing the profound transformation of the lead scientist was truly captivating. I observed a rigid mind slowly unravelling when confronted with the inexplicable. Their vulnerability felt authentic, stripping away the ego to reveal a raw, honest core. This metamorphosis provided the emotional anchor I needed amidst the grander cosmic events. It was a beautiful study of human fragility, demonstrating that even the most brilliant individuals are susceptible to the overwhelming power of wonder and sudden, life altering change.
No spoilers. This is a book that I could not put down or wanted to end.
I don’t normally write reviews, but The Son of Man is one of those books that stayed with me long after I’d finished the last page.
I read it in just two days, not because it’s a fast-paced thriller in the traditional sense, but because I genuinely wanted to know where Chris May was taking the story. What begins as an intriguing blend of science and theology gradually opens into something much bigger, raising questions about identity, belief, consciousness, time and what it really means to be human.
One of the things I appreciated most was how accessible the science was. I have no background in particle physics or advanced science, yet I never felt overwhelmed or left behind. Chris strikes an excellent balance between making the ideas feel intellectually credible while keeping them understandable for the average reader.
What really impressed me, though, was the way the novel refuses to hand you easy answers. Instead, it invites you to think. Days after finishing it, I found myself discussing theories about Nathan, the DNA evidence, the nature of memory, and the relationship between science and faith. Very few books have prompted that level of conversation for me.
Whether you’re interested in speculative science, philosophy, spirituality, or simply enjoy a novel that trusts its readers to think for themselves, The Son of Man is well worth your time.
I’m delighted to hear it has grown from a standalone novel into the beginning of a series, because there are still so many fascinating questions left to explore. I’ll certainly be reading Acts & Romans as soon as it’s published.
The rhythm of this book is absolutely relentless. I noticed how the short, punchy segments accelerated my heartbeat, mirroring the frantic clock ticking felt by the protagonists. Every chapter ending served as a sharp hook, dragging me deeper into the chaotic spiral of events. It felt like descending a steep staircase in total darkness terrifying yet exhilarating. This structural precision kept me engaged, ensuring that my attention never wavered for a single moment while the stakes climbed higher.
If you've ever read a book where there are several events happening at once, you know a great author ties it all together seamlessly. This is that book! A gripping, almost fantastical bunch of events that hold your attention iat every chapterl. He ties science and religion together in a gripping tale of quantum reality.
I liked that nothing is spoon-fed. The story respects the reader and allows space for personal interpretation. By the time the religious angle intensifies, the book becomes even more gripping, especially because it refuses to take the easy road. It challenges the idea of what a Messiah might look like in a world ruled by logic and algorithms.
I liked reading this book from the very beginning. It's well written and enjoyable. Overall, this is a thoughtful, provocative read for anyone who enjoys stories that blend science, mystery, and philosophical reflection. I finished it feeling entertained and strangely contemplative.
What hooked me instantly about The Son of Man is how quickly it throws you into its world. The pacing is sharp, the stakes escalate fast, and the book never lets its momentum fade. I love near-future thrillers, and this one delivers that addictive sense of just one more chapter from start to finish. From the energy crisis breakthrough to the strange global disease, the storytelling is cinematic and tense.
This left me momentarily speechless and often led to moments of deepened contemplation. It is not the kind of story one can casually pick up and immediately discern where it is headed. It demands full immersion and sustained attention, rewarding readers who remain engaged as events unfold organically rather than telegraphing their destination. This means that the value is directly tied to the reader's engagement, creating a satisfying partnership between text and reader.
The narrative is propelled by a layered fusion of ideas—philosophical, scientific, metaphysical, and spiritual. Concepts drawn from physics and chronometry, the space–time continuum, and fifth-dimensional theory are woven seamlessly alongside meditations on creation versus evolution. These elements converge within the portrait of a society undergoing profound transformation, one in which a subset of the population is afflicted by a particularly compelling and enigmatic disorder tied to these shifts. The seamless weaving of hard science (physics, chronometry) with "softer" metaphysical and spiritual questions (creation vs. evolution, consciousness) prevents it from being a dry thesis. The ideas are the plot
Structurally, the book is organized so that each chapter follows a different character, all of whom contribute to the broader investigation of a phenomenon connected to time and fifth dimensionality. This approach not only deepens the world-building but also sustains narrative momentum, as each perspective adds a crucial piece to the larger puzzle.
A major strength of the novel lies in its unfolding mystery and the evident intentionality behind its complexity. The depth of thought invested in constructing the story enhances its pull, encouraging the reader to think alongside the characters rather than simply observing them. The reader senses the author's control and deep groundwork, which builds trust. The complexity feels earned and purposeful, not confusing for its own sake.
That said, the book does require a working familiarity with the concepts to fully appreciate the rhythm and flow of the reading experience. For those willing to meet it on its own terms, the result is a novel that feels both intellectually ambitious and wholly original, a work that stands tall in its own class.
The Son of Man by Chris May is not just a thriller, it is a cerebral expedition that merges science, faith, and the deepest questions of human existence into a single, breathtaking narrative. From the outset, May establishes a near-future world where humanity’s technological advancements have solved the energy crisis, yet a devastating disease lurks, defying every expectation. This juxtaposition of human ingenuity and vulnerability sets the stage for a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally compelling.
What elevates this book above the ordinary thriller is May’s meticulous attention to detail. Fermilab 5 is described with a precision that makes the scientific anomalies feel tangible and alive. The physics experiments and quantum anomalies are not mere window dressing, they are integral to the moral and spiritual quandaries the characters face. May’s prose strikes a rare balance: accessible enough for readers unfamiliar with advanced science, yet rich enough to satisfy even the most discerning mind.
The heart of the novel lies in its exploration of faith and the human condition. The narrative does not shy away from grappling with complex questions: What does it mean to confront the divine? How do science and religion coexist when the lines between them blur? The protagonist’s journey through love, sacrifice, and existential dread is portrayed with such emotional depth that the reader is compelled to reflect on their own beliefs. The introduction of a Messiah who defies all expectations is both shocking and profoundly thought-provoking, forcing the reader to confront preconceptions about destiny, morality, and the nature of salvation.
By the final pages, the book lingers in the mind, demanding contemplation. It is a rare thriller that challenges the intellect while touching the soul, combining high-stakes suspense with philosophical inquiry. Chris May has crafted a work that will stay with readers long after the last page, a novel that is as much about discovery both scientific and spiritual as it is about the enduring complexities of the human heart.
There are books that entertain you for a few hours, and then there are books like The Son of Man that sit with you long after you’ve closed the last page. What Chris May has created here is not just a story, it’s a slow, unsettling shift in perspective. The book begins with a world that feels familiar, grounded in the everyday pressures and routines we all know, but as the layers start to peel back, you feel the quiet rise of something far more profound. The tension is never loud or exaggerated; it’s the kind that creeps up on you because it feels so close to reality.
What struck me most is how honestly the book handles the conflict between belief, doubt, and the human need for certainty. It captures the mental and emotional strain of trying to make sense of events that won’t sit neatly inside scientific explanations or spiritual traditions. That internal battle, between what you think you know and what the world is actually showing you, is written with such clarity that you can’t help but connect with it. It’s rare for a story to make you reflect on your own assumptions about truth and possibility, but this one does exactly that.
By the time you reach the end, you realise the story is less about answers and more about awakening. It invites you to imagine that our understanding of reality might just be scratching the surface, and that the real mystery lies in the space where logic and the unknown overlap. The Son of Man is not a book you simply read; it’s a book you experience. Thoughtful, atmospheric, and quietly powerful, a genuinely remarkable work that leaves you thinking long after you put it down.
"The Son of Man" is a really enjoyable, thought-provoking read. Set about 30 years in the future, with a back drop of how technology may then serve us, it's a compelling story with clever twists.
Time taken building the main characters' traits helped me identify with them as strong individuals - each driven by their different values as they experienced the highs and lows of relationships, working at the cutting edge of new technology, and illness.
I liked the way a lot of the story was told through conversations between the main characters. These often provided easily understandable explanations of some scientific/ biblical references that were part of the story. This background information made it easy to appreciate the book's finer details as well as its subtle humour ... and in the process I learnt quite a lot about quantum mechanics, Christianity and AI !
I recommend "The Son of Man" to anyone looking for a book that has a love story at its heart, is light sci-fi, and painlessly stretches your understanding as you follow the mysteries within.
What stood out to me immediately in The Son of Man is how Chris May handles uncertainty. He uses subtle tension rather than dramatic shock, and it works beautifully. The slow build-up makes you feel as if the world is shifting in ways you can’t fully see yet, but you can sense that something meaningful is moving beneath the surface.
The book really shines in the way it captures internal conflict. It shows the difficulty of trying to understand events that don’t fit neatly into reason or belief. That wrestling between logic, fear, and intuition feels incredibly human. It reminded me of how people react during real moments of global crisis, not with certainty, but with confusion, pressure, doubt, and quiet courage.
More than anything, the story invites deeper thinking. It pushes you to consider the boundaries of what we call reality and challenges the assumption that everything must be easily explained. The Son of Man is calm, intelligent, and quietly powerful. It doesn’t scream for attention, it earns it. A thoughtful read I’d strongly recommend.
“Son of Man” feels like a quiet journey disguised as a novel. The writing doesn’t rush, and the story invites the reader to pause, breathe, and look within. It’s rare to find a book that balances simplicity with depth, but this one does it well. The emotional tone is soft but persistent, like a calm voice guiding the reader forward.
Each character carries their own internal questions, and watching them search for understanding is what makes the book compelling. Their experiences unfold in a way that feels very true to life, uncertain at first, but gradually shaped by unseen guidance. The contrast between confusion and clarity is one of the book’s most powerful elements.
By the end, I felt as though the story had gradually opened a window into the spiritual reality behind everyday moments. It’s the kind of book that leaves you thinking long after you finish it.
This book stands out for the way it blends the physical and spiritual worlds. It doesn’t rely on theatrics or dramatic supernatural scenes; instead, it whispers truth through subtle moments and inner reflections. The characters often sense things before they understand them, which feels very authentic to real spiritual growth.
I especially admired how the author shows the invisible battle shaping their lives. There’s no preaching, no heavy-handed explanations. The story trusts the reader to think, to feel, to draw conclusions.
By the end, I felt like I had taken a quiet journey myself; one that made me stop and reflect on how much of life is influenced by things we rarely see.
“Son of Man” surprised me with how deeply it explores the hidden connections between people, faith, and destiny. Each section moves between different characters, yet the story feels unified by an unseen thread quietly pulling everything together. I found myself drawn to the emotional tension in Marcia’s chapters and the calm undercurrent of strength in Jon’s.
What stayed with me most was how the book blends everyday experiences with spiritual meaning without ever feeling forced. It asks the reader to pay attention, to look beneath the surface of ordinary moments. This is a story that lingers long after the final page.
One of the most interesting things about this book is its rotating structure. Each chapter shifts to a different character, creating a layered, almost panoramic view of a spiritual journey in motion. The author doesn’t rush to explain everything; instead, the story lets the reader slowly understand how Marcia, Lucas, Jon, and Nathan are all connected. The pacing is steady and thoughtful, and the viewpoint changes make the book feel alive, almost like the characters are breathing in real time. I appreciated how each voice adds a different texture, giving the narrative depth and emotional weight.
“The Son of Man” by Chris May is an extraordinary and intelligent novel that stretches the imagination, exploring where quantum physics and artificial intelligence might ultimately lead us. It elegantly weaves in humanity’s eternal questions about religion and the afterlife, presenting them with clarity and depth. The final quarter builds with gripping tension, culminating in a climactic ending that left my heart racing.
I wasn’t expecting this book to be as emotionally heavy as it was. There are moments of fear, confusion, clarity, and hope that all feel grounded in real human experience. Several scenes stayed with me because of how honestly the characters respond to situations beyond their control.
There’s a sense of quiet compassion running through the entire narrative. Even the difficult moments feel purposeful rather than dramatic. It’s the kind of story that makes you rethink the things happening in your own life.
If you enjoy slow, deliberate storytelling, this book will speak to you. It doesn’t try to overwhelm the reader with action. Instead, it unfolds through gentle revelations that become more powerful the longer you sit with them. I liked how the author allowed silence, hesitation, and internal conflict to carry the story.
The alternating chapters were especially effective. Each time the narrative shifted, I found myself learning something new about the world of the book. It made the story feel big, yet intimate at the same time.
I thought this was a surprising and engaging sci-fi story that blends metaphysical ideas, biblical themes, and modern romance with the thrill of scientific discovery. What I appreciated most is how the book bridges science and faith in a way that makes you think about existence, destiny, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. Readers who enjoy quantum physics, speculative fiction, or spiritually reflective storytelling will find a lot to love here.
Definitely a good read. Some excellent narratives carry a slow build plot. The lead characters are strong and well balanced. They debate lots of scientific theory to some interesting conclusions. Christians may spot a number of biblical New Testament parallels within the story. There are a few surprising twists as well. I was enthralled.
Superb writing, clever and thought-provoking. Son of Man certainly lives up to its intriguing description and is like nothing else I’ve ever read. Along the way are elegant lessons in quantum physics, neat biblical metaphors, a sweet (and sexy) love story, and a plot that builds suspense and had me hooked. It’s brilliant. I highly recommend.
Very enjoyable book to read where the plot develops well in a pretty novel way - in a good way!
Takes some concentration with the scientific concepts, but it all comes together in the end. There are hints of what's going to happen, but not quite how. Good marriage of 5th dimensional science and the Christian story. Highly recommended
An acutely clever and gripping novel: May deftly weaves complex physics and theology into a compelling story about what it means to be human. I am still turning it over in my mind - it is definitely a book I will go back to. The compelling plot driven by scientific exploration of the mysteries of the universe is reminiscent of Cixin Liu’s Three Body Problem.
The storyline at Fermilab was easily my favorite element. The rogue experiment scenes are written with a strong sense of urgency that made me race through the pages. I also enjoyed how the author keeps the mystery just out of reach, revealing pieces slowly enough to keep you guessing but not so slowly that the story drags.
I believe the writing is confident and thoughtful, and the themes are handled with care rather than shock value. This isn’t a fast, flashy read, but it’s a rewarding one. If you enjoy stories that blend science fiction with deeper questions about faith, identity, and truth, this book leaves a strong impression and gives you plenty to think about afterward.
This story shifted my perspective on where we are headed as a species. I was captivated by the moral dilemmas the protagonists faced, making me question what I would sacrifice for the greater good. It is a thought provoking piece that stays with you, acting more as a mirror to our current society than just a fictional tale.
I enjoyed this read. A big strength is the way the narrative shifts between scientific discovery and religious upheaval. It gives the book a unique rhythm, and it brings fresh conflict every time you think you know where things are going. The inclusion of a possible returned Messiah adds a bold twist that raises the suspense even higher.
This book surprised me with how emotionally rich it is. I expected a near-future thriller heavy on science, but instead found a story that really leans into the emotional and philosophical implications of its premise. The mystery and tension are there, of course, but what stayed with me are the questions it raises about purpose, humanity, belief, and responsibility.