In 2038, cybersecurity expert David Bishop believes his greatest battles will be fought behind firewalls—until a simple favor becomes an urgent calling he can’t ignore.
When his pastor’s website—dedicated to the mysterious Shroud of Turin—suddenly crashes, and the hosting company can’t explain why, David agrees to investigate. What he uncovers is nearly every Shroud-related site on the internet has been systematically hacked and erased. Someone—or something—is trying to silence the world’s most controversial relic and bury the scientific evidence pointing to the resurrection of Christ.
After isolating a highly sophisticated viral worm and restoring his pastor’s website, David becomes the next target. The attacks escalate from digital to deadly, placing David and Seattle police detective Jordan Hernandez in mortal danger. As they’re drawn deeper into the conspiracy, David finds himself torn between a mission he believes God has placed before him and growing feelings for Jordan—feelings that threaten to distract him from the truth he’s called to protect.
As the full scope of the threat emerges, David confronts an impossible enemy—a rogue artificial intelligence determined to erase the Shroud and everything it represents. To expose the truth, he must outthink a machine that views human lives as acceptable losses—and decide whether faith, duty, or love will ultimately define his choices.
But what begins as an attack on faith is only the opening move in a far larger technological contest—one unfolding at a level few even know exists, with consequences that could reshape the balance of global power.
R.A. Williams draws from his educational background in psychology and sociology to write compelling, thought-provoking Christian fiction that falls outside of mainstream expectations. He strives to pull the reader through the full range of human emotion, adding just the right dose of humor for comic relief. His fiction reveals not just the characters' actions but the psychological motives behind those actions.
His published works include these novels: The Class of 86, The Gospel According to Todd, Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turin, The Cult of New Caanan, Sixty-Five Roses, First Cause, Cradle of Life, The Near-Death Experience of Justin Parks, and The Blindsight of Grace. His shorter works have appeared in The Christian Communicator, Encounters With God, and Dreams and Visions. His interests include psychology, Biblical history, finger-style guitar, and religious relics such as The Shroud of Turin. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, daughter, and beagle.
I liked this book. It is an easy read, but a bit frightening in considering the possibilities of the rise of AI. It does seem to be sneaking in on us, but we don't see it because of the 'good' it does for us.
Surprising mix of technology and faith. Definite page turner. I would love a sequel. Interesting characters and well written. Would absolutely look for more from the author.
I recommend this book to anyone who's interested in stories with a touch of religion with some mystery. I will read more RA Williams books in the future.