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The Kuffar Project
Astronomer and TV science guy Gevin Rees just landed the interview of a lifetime with the world's most famous physicist. Remarkable, because the eccentric genius is notoriously reclusive ... and he's already dead.
What happens next forces Rees to run for his life from not one but two deadly assassins and global powers desperate to bury what he's just uncovered. Mind-blowing technology and solid evidence that would rewrite religious history and challenge the faith of billions.
What happens next forces Rees to run for his life from not one but two deadly assassins and global powers desperate to bury what he's just uncovered. Mind-blowing technology and solid evidence that would rewrite religious history and challenge the faith of billions.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2016
214 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Lee Burvine
1 book36 followersLEE BURVINE is the author's anonymous pen name which he uses for reasons of personal safety. Sadly, we still live in a world where publicly speaking certain truths can be very bad for your health.
Lee's lifelong thirst to get to the bottom of things and to tell cracking stories about what he found has culminated in The Kafir Project, his first novel.
NOTE:
The Kafir Project has been retitled The Kuffar Project (same Arabic word in the plural form) to avoid confusion with the South African slur.
Lee's lifelong thirst to get to the bottom of things and to tell cracking stories about what he found has culminated in The Kafir Project, his first novel.
NOTE:
The Kafir Project has been retitled The Kuffar Project (same Arabic word in the plural form) to avoid confusion with the South African slur.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 1, 2016
The Kafir Project is an impressive first novel by Lee Burvine, who blends together credible scientific concepts with religious history to craft a fast-paced and truly page-turning adventure. It's hard to avoid comparisons with Dan Brown: the themes and structure of Burvine's work are related, but you come away from Kafir with more useful and accurate information. The primary plot plays out a fantasy I've long had: what if it were somehow possible to go back and view the foundations of the major religions - to know for certain what happened, and what didn't? How might those truths change the world? This thought experiment is just one thread in a tapestry weaving together quantum computing, relativity, observational time travel, DNA data storage, archaeology, and international politics. Of note, Burvine forges two villains who are truly frightening in their drive, competence, and unpredictability. Once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down.
February 7, 2017
The Kafir Project is a rollicking adventure ride with a highly provocative premise – what if technology was developed that would allow us to definitely prove or disprove events in ancient history... and what if the historical events being targeted were the foundations of the world's major religions? What kind of power struggles would ensue in the fight to either get this technology and its results into public view... or destroy it still in the cradle?
It's a fun vread, and of course the ideas in it are fascinating, but it felt a little rushed to me. We're dropped right into the action with virtually no setting the scene, and the story races along at breakneck pace for 300 pages with barely a pause for breath. The guts of the story are all about the efforts by a faceless shadow organization to kill our heroes while they race to assemble the evidence, developed by a scientist who's already been killed, and go public with it. It reminds me a little of a James Rollins novel (there, I didn't mention Dan Brown, are you happy?) which has the same type of action-heavy narrative with a veneer of science. I honestly would have been happier with more interludes delving into the science and history in greater detail. There are some big ideas here, but I feel like we brushed by them quickly so we could get to the gunfights, car chases, and explosions. Like a Rollins, it might have also benefited from an appendix discussing in frank detail the interface between current real-life science and fiction as used in the story. Of course, I may just be saying that because I love those.
When it comes to the ideas in it, I find myself grimly certain that it wouldn't matter a whit to the course of human history if we could definitely disprove the historical underpinnings of any religion. Let's face it – in 2017, at least in America, we live in an aggressively post-truth society. Opinion polls about global warming are perceived to matter. The man recently elected President can blatantly lie about events millions of people witnessed on live television, and a huge chunk of the country doesn't even care. Carbon dating proving the earth is really 4 billion years old has been around for decades, but it hasn't stopped young-Earthers. People pay money to go visit a giant ark in Kentucky that's presented as accurate history. We are awash in both junk science, and people who will instantly dismiss real science as “junk” if it doesn't agree with what they already believe. Existing science like dinosaur bones, carbon dating, proof that the Earth orbits the sun, the existence of billions of other galaxies and stars and planets, and plenty of other facts undermining central concepts in the Bible have been around for decades, and none of these have made a dent in the worldwide growth of Christianity.
Of course, the scenario Burvine posits is much more visceral and strikes at the very heart of Christianity – the Resurrection itself. If the people of the world could see with their own eyes that Rabbi Yeshua – better known to us today as Jesus Christ – really didn't rise up on the third day and leave the tomb, would they have a change of heart? No, of course they wouldn't – they would simply dismiss it as a hoax, and anyone associated with publicizing it would have to go into hiding due to all the death threats. Ditto if the Muslims of the world could see with their own eyes that the Quran wasn't really delivered directly from God to Muhammad in Arabic. The only people who would believe it would be those who were already ready to accept scientific evidence over pre-conceived ideas. So, things would be different... how?
And, oh, by the way... it passes the Bechdel test!
It's a fun vread, and of course the ideas in it are fascinating, but it felt a little rushed to me. We're dropped right into the action with virtually no setting the scene, and the story races along at breakneck pace for 300 pages with barely a pause for breath. The guts of the story are all about the efforts by a faceless shadow organization to kill our heroes while they race to assemble the evidence, developed by a scientist who's already been killed, and go public with it. It reminds me a little of a James Rollins novel (there, I didn't mention Dan Brown, are you happy?) which has the same type of action-heavy narrative with a veneer of science. I honestly would have been happier with more interludes delving into the science and history in greater detail. There are some big ideas here, but I feel like we brushed by them quickly so we could get to the gunfights, car chases, and explosions. Like a Rollins, it might have also benefited from an appendix discussing in frank detail the interface between current real-life science and fiction as used in the story. Of course, I may just be saying that because I love those.
When it comes to the ideas in it, I find myself grimly certain that it wouldn't matter a whit to the course of human history if we could definitely disprove the historical underpinnings of any religion. Let's face it – in 2017, at least in America, we live in an aggressively post-truth society. Opinion polls about global warming are perceived to matter. The man recently elected President can blatantly lie about events millions of people witnessed on live television, and a huge chunk of the country doesn't even care. Carbon dating proving the earth is really 4 billion years old has been around for decades, but it hasn't stopped young-Earthers. People pay money to go visit a giant ark in Kentucky that's presented as accurate history. We are awash in both junk science, and people who will instantly dismiss real science as “junk” if it doesn't agree with what they already believe. Existing science like dinosaur bones, carbon dating, proof that the Earth orbits the sun, the existence of billions of other galaxies and stars and planets, and plenty of other facts undermining central concepts in the Bible have been around for decades, and none of these have made a dent in the worldwide growth of Christianity.
Of course, the scenario Burvine posits is much more visceral and strikes at the very heart of Christianity – the Resurrection itself. If the people of the world could see with their own eyes that Rabbi Yeshua – better known to us today as Jesus Christ – really didn't rise up on the third day and leave the tomb, would they have a change of heart? No, of course they wouldn't – they would simply dismiss it as a hoax, and anyone associated with publicizing it would have to go into hiding due to all the death threats. Ditto if the Muslims of the world could see with their own eyes that the Quran wasn't really delivered directly from God to Muhammad in Arabic. The only people who would believe it would be those who were already ready to accept scientific evidence over pre-conceived ideas. So, things would be different... how?
And, oh, by the way... it passes the Bechdel test!
May 2, 2016
This was a blast to read! The story dropped one right into mayhem and madness from page one and went from there with no downtime. I enjoyed the characters, and felt they were fleshed out nicely. The bits of snarkiness and humor weren't overdone, but felt real enough in the crazy situation that it worked well. It was extremely thought-provoking, along the "what if this could really happen".
Paperback edition.
Paperback edition.
July 31, 2016
The best science fiction I have read in years. Very captivating, full of surprising and powerful ideas. An extraordinary and wildly entertaining book.
October 31, 2025
Readers' Praise For The Kafir Project
“I don't like mysteries. I don't like thrillers. I don't like science fiction. It was all of those things and I loved it.”
Penn Jillette—co-host Penn & Teller: Fool Us
“Grips you from the first page ... seamlessly intertwines sci-fi, applied physics, and a healthy dose of archaeology.”
Natalia Reagan—anthropologist, writer, TV animal expert (National Geographic Channel)
“A compelling read that weds scientific accuracy with an anti-scriptural plot.”
Peter Boghossian—philosopher and author of Street Epistemology
“With strong male and female characters. Everything a nerdy faithless feminist could want.”
Karen L. Garst—author of Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life without Religion
“Burvine gives the world a new kind of hero, an intelligent science communicator in the mold of a Richard Dawkins or Neil deGrasse Tyson.”
Andrew L. Seidel—Constitutional and civil rights attorney for the Freedom From Religion Foundation
“Blends the breakneck pace of the best page-turning mysteries with genuine religious history.”
Emery Emery—film editor (Aristocrats), and host of the award winning podcast Ardent Atheist
“Historians and scientists have long known the Abrahamic religions are fiction. Who would have thought those findings could be turned into such an entertaining science fiction thriller?”
Dan Barker—author of GOD: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction
“Endless fun.”
Alexander Rosenberg—philosopher, novelist, and author of The Girl from Krakow
“Of note, Burvine forges two villains who are truly frightening in their drive, competence, and unpredictability. An impressive first novel.”
Ross Blocher—Co-host of the popular podcast Oh no, Ross and Carrie!
“I don't like mysteries. I don't like thrillers. I don't like science fiction. It was all of those things and I loved it.”
Penn Jillette—co-host Penn & Teller: Fool Us
“Grips you from the first page ... seamlessly intertwines sci-fi, applied physics, and a healthy dose of archaeology.”
Natalia Reagan—anthropologist, writer, TV animal expert (National Geographic Channel)
“A compelling read that weds scientific accuracy with an anti-scriptural plot.”
Peter Boghossian—philosopher and author of Street Epistemology
“With strong male and female characters. Everything a nerdy faithless feminist could want.”
Karen L. Garst—author of Women Beyond Belief: Discovering Life without Religion
“Burvine gives the world a new kind of hero, an intelligent science communicator in the mold of a Richard Dawkins or Neil deGrasse Tyson.”
Andrew L. Seidel—Constitutional and civil rights attorney for the Freedom From Religion Foundation
“Blends the breakneck pace of the best page-turning mysteries with genuine religious history.”
Emery Emery—film editor (Aristocrats), and host of the award winning podcast Ardent Atheist
“Historians and scientists have long known the Abrahamic religions are fiction. Who would have thought those findings could be turned into such an entertaining science fiction thriller?”
Dan Barker—author of GOD: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction
“Endless fun.”
Alexander Rosenberg—philosopher, novelist, and author of The Girl from Krakow
“Of note, Burvine forges two villains who are truly frightening in their drive, competence, and unpredictability. An impressive first novel.”
Ross Blocher—Co-host of the popular podcast Oh no, Ross and Carrie!
July 22, 2016
I love SF, but I love it much better if they have the physics right, and Lee Burvine does. It's the first book I read that featured a quantum computer and not presented it as something dark and mysterious, but just a machine that can execute Shor's algorithm (factorization of integers through quantum Fourier transform in polynomial time). Of course the physics had to be "extended" a little, because we don't *have* time viewing yet (or do we?) but Burvine manages to do that in a very credible way. Apart from that, there's a story with very real characters who escape time and again from very sociopathic murderers. It is there that the plot sometimes becomes a little bit incredible, but then in favor of the villains, which gives the book extra suspension. It has the cliffhanger and scene shifts that I don't like very much, but fortunately not too many of these. The book ends as you might suspect but that's just because it cannot be anything otherwise, or lose credibility. I loved the style of writing and can't wait for new titles of Burvine.
April 19, 2016
From page one Lee Burvine jams the throttle wide open, and it's a hair raising white knuckle ride all the way to the finish line.
I think that The Kafir Project is the new yardstick for fiction with didactic intentions. The thrust of science, reason and exposure of myth for what it is, is masterfully threaded and woven into the plot so that those who most need to come to grips with these themes are taken on a roller coaster ride and fed a five-star meal all the way around.
This is definitely a book for the bookshelf, one I'll re-read and recommend for many years to come.
That esteemed physicist, Lawrence Krauss wrote the foreword, and that his promise in that foreword that I was in for a literary treat, speaks volumes for Mr Burvine's research, attention to detail, mastery of story telling and authenticity.
Bravo.... bravo! Give us another one now, Mr. Burvine
I think that The Kafir Project is the new yardstick for fiction with didactic intentions. The thrust of science, reason and exposure of myth for what it is, is masterfully threaded and woven into the plot so that those who most need to come to grips with these themes are taken on a roller coaster ride and fed a five-star meal all the way around.
This is definitely a book for the bookshelf, one I'll re-read and recommend for many years to come.
That esteemed physicist, Lawrence Krauss wrote the foreword, and that his promise in that foreword that I was in for a literary treat, speaks volumes for Mr Burvine's research, attention to detail, mastery of story telling and authenticity.
Bravo.... bravo! Give us another one now, Mr. Burvine
July 9, 2016
Fascinating concept, fun story, quick read. Would like a sequel, focusing on the aftermath of the story's major revelation, but maybe that's better left to the reader's imagination. If you're looking for some all-encompassing blasphemy, a simple love story, and some engaging action scenes, pick up this book!
September 11, 2016
The Kafir Project is great as thrillers go - but it's also the first I've ever read, or even heard of, that dares to cover this territory. It takes an otherwise familiar topic and turns it completely on its head. I can't recommend it highly enough for people who want to see reason prevail.
April 6, 2021
Not art, but a solid, entertaining, sci-fi/espionage thriller with an atheist theme.
March 7, 2018
This could have been the best science fiction I've read in recent times if only for JUST one thing. That one flaw keeps growing inside you till you can't read it anymore. It ruins all the redeeming qualities of the story. I don't know how it didn't seem to bother anyone whose reviews I read.
Good things first. I'll not divulge any spoilers that you won't come to know in the first 50 pages. The story starts off in Dan Brown style - action from the first page itself. A likable science popularizer gets pulled into some intriguing mystery concerning some ancient artifact and some "cutting edge" science. He has to run for his life as some people are determined to cover up the discovery. He partners with a woman whom he has never met before, even though her excuse to be involved in this chase is weak at best. So far so Langdonish.
However, unlike Dan Brown novels (or most thriller novels, in fact) there is no creepy detailing of the vital stats of female characters as they are introduced (luscious hair, full breasts, slim waste, toned legs et al.) Apparently most writers think a "10/10 would bang" status is required for women to participate in an adventure.
Lee Burvine saves you a lot of eye-rolling by not dwelling too much on the science behind the fiction, unlike Blake Crouch's Dark Matter (humans in quantum superposition state are able to jump between parallel universes like portals, seriously?) He makes it clear that fiction is the operative word in 'science fiction', so don't expect this book to lead to any research papers.
The female characters are smarter and contribute more to the story than most novels of this genre. Also the lead women are revealed to be gay, so our science guy goes into a friendzone mode from the beginning.
So as you can see, I was expecting this one to be a refreshing sci-fi, maybe one of the best. But then came that one ridiculous flaw.
The story goes like this : With the help of a quantum supercomputer and DARPA funding, the world's smartest scientist creates a peephole to see and record events of the past (bending spacetime and all that jazz). This greatest scientific leap of mankind is driven by one explicit purpose - not to understand the mysteries of evolution or to answer the many questions that have stumped the scientists till now. Nope. The billions of dollars, US government resources, the supercomputer and the brilliance of the scientists - all are utilized to peep into the middle ages and disprove the divine origin of Quran. Reason? Islamic fundamentalists, of course.
I'm not a bleeding Islamophile, but this is ridiculously racist and an insult to common sense on many levels. The idea that the world can be cured of terrorism and violence by giving evidence that Quran wasn't inspired by God is a gross oversimplification. I mean, how much of the current crisis in Syria can be blamed on Quran thumping Islamists? The whole point of religious radicalism is that faith transcends critical thinking. The book even goes so far as to say that by rubbing this discovery on the face of 1.5 billion muslims we can bring an Islamic enlightenment like the 15th Century Europe. Yeah right.
But then why stop at Islam? Every religion has wreaked havoc at some point of time, because they all teach you to choose faith over facts. So why not go back few more centuries and look if a certain virgin birth really happened? Why not take the blinds off the eyes of every believer all around the world so they can live a life based on facts rather than faith, instead of enlightening just the middle east? But then how will the good guys kill the barbarian terrorists, right?
I tried to push this nagging feeling as I continued, hoping that a more imaginative bigger picture will be revealed soon. I'm 70% done and I can't take it anymore. The chase is run of the mill, the banter is okay and the pace of the story is good. But the foundational idea behind the story so far is so ridiculous, I don't care if there is some mindblowing twist at the end. I'm out.
Good things first. I'll not divulge any spoilers that you won't come to know in the first 50 pages. The story starts off in Dan Brown style - action from the first page itself. A likable science popularizer gets pulled into some intriguing mystery concerning some ancient artifact and some "cutting edge" science. He has to run for his life as some people are determined to cover up the discovery. He partners with a woman whom he has never met before, even though her excuse to be involved in this chase is weak at best. So far so Langdonish.
However, unlike Dan Brown novels (or most thriller novels, in fact) there is no creepy detailing of the vital stats of female characters as they are introduced (luscious hair, full breasts, slim waste, toned legs et al.) Apparently most writers think a "10/10 would bang" status is required for women to participate in an adventure.
Lee Burvine saves you a lot of eye-rolling by not dwelling too much on the science behind the fiction, unlike Blake Crouch's Dark Matter (humans in quantum superposition state are able to jump between parallel universes like portals, seriously?) He makes it clear that fiction is the operative word in 'science fiction', so don't expect this book to lead to any research papers.
The female characters are smarter and contribute more to the story than most novels of this genre. Also the lead women are revealed to be gay, so our science guy goes into a friendzone mode from the beginning.
So as you can see, I was expecting this one to be a refreshing sci-fi, maybe one of the best. But then came that one ridiculous flaw.
The story goes like this : With the help of a quantum supercomputer and DARPA funding, the world's smartest scientist creates a peephole to see and record events of the past (bending spacetime and all that jazz). This greatest scientific leap of mankind is driven by one explicit purpose - not to understand the mysteries of evolution or to answer the many questions that have stumped the scientists till now. Nope. The billions of dollars, US government resources, the supercomputer and the brilliance of the scientists - all are utilized to peep into the middle ages and disprove the divine origin of Quran. Reason? Islamic fundamentalists, of course.
I'm not a bleeding Islamophile, but this is ridiculously racist and an insult to common sense on many levels. The idea that the world can be cured of terrorism and violence by giving evidence that Quran wasn't inspired by God is a gross oversimplification. I mean, how much of the current crisis in Syria can be blamed on Quran thumping Islamists? The whole point of religious radicalism is that faith transcends critical thinking. The book even goes so far as to say that by rubbing this discovery on the face of 1.5 billion muslims we can bring an Islamic enlightenment like the 15th Century Europe. Yeah right.
But then why stop at Islam? Every religion has wreaked havoc at some point of time, because they all teach you to choose faith over facts. So why not go back few more centuries and look if a certain virgin birth really happened? Why not take the blinds off the eyes of every believer all around the world so they can live a life based on facts rather than faith, instead of enlightening just the middle east? But then how will the good guys kill the barbarian terrorists, right?
I tried to push this nagging feeling as I continued, hoping that a more imaginative bigger picture will be revealed soon. I'm 70% done and I can't take it anymore. The chase is run of the mill, the banter is okay and the pace of the story is good. But the foundational idea behind the story so far is so ridiculous, I don't care if there is some mindblowing twist at the end. I'm out.
May 9, 2016
I wish I could remember how I stumbled across this book. I think it could have been one of those annoying sponsored, "we think you'll like this" ads on Facebook. Wherever it came from, it was a good suggestion.
The book is a nice easy read and touches on some fascinating scientific theories; mid-way between fact and pure science fiction. The narrative pace was good and keeps you interested from an exciting beginning to a tense ending. A proper thriller.
The characters were well written and although we didn't get too much depth to them, perhaps the lead may develop further in future novels. The two key villans (the second one introduced in particular) were the character highlights. They were chilling and simply brilliantly written.
Without being too harsh, I personally felt some of the exposition felt a bit clunky in places and in others the references to technical or scientific theories maybe not as detailed as it could have been. Having said that, it did encourage me to go and research them myself.
The core of the book focuses on a topic that I think virtually everybody has thought about or discussed at one point or another and for that alone, this book is worth picking up.
Looking forward to future writing by Lee, as his style definitely means that I would recommend this work. A great story, well told and well executed.
The book is a nice easy read and touches on some fascinating scientific theories; mid-way between fact and pure science fiction. The narrative pace was good and keeps you interested from an exciting beginning to a tense ending. A proper thriller.
The characters were well written and although we didn't get too much depth to them, perhaps the lead may develop further in future novels. The two key villans (the second one introduced in particular) were the character highlights. They were chilling and simply brilliantly written.
Without being too harsh, I personally felt some of the exposition felt a bit clunky in places and in others the references to technical or scientific theories maybe not as detailed as it could have been. Having said that, it did encourage me to go and research them myself.
The core of the book focuses on a topic that I think virtually everybody has thought about or discussed at one point or another and for that alone, this book is worth picking up.
Looking forward to future writing by Lee, as his style definitely means that I would recommend this work. A great story, well told and well executed.
April 8, 2016
I’ve often wondered what it would be like to possess the technology to witness landmark events of the past—a window through which we could view the most momentous historical episodes. But how much of what we think we know might not be so? Lee Burvine brings this idea to life, assassins and all, in the form of a breakneck-paced thriller. One of the few novels I was unable to put down!
- Edwin Herbert, author of "Mythos Christos."
- Edwin Herbert, author of "Mythos Christos."
June 15, 2016
Very enjoyable....
This book is a must read for any atheist who also loves a bit of science fiction. With a little bit of espionage and a hard look at the true nature of the worlds leading religions, this story grips you and makes you want to not put it down. With a little bit of impossible physics thrown into the mix, it has something for everyone in the sceptic and sci-fi communities. Big recommendation to anyone who loves to read.
This book is a must read for any atheist who also loves a bit of science fiction. With a little bit of espionage and a hard look at the true nature of the worlds leading religions, this story grips you and makes you want to not put it down. With a little bit of impossible physics thrown into the mix, it has something for everyone in the sceptic and sci-fi communities. Big recommendation to anyone who loves to read.
July 13, 2016
It's very easy to give credit where credit is due and all the credit here goes to the author, who was nice enough to let me read an advance copy of the novel. It was entertaining, suspenseful, intelligent and easy to read as well, all made more surprising when you find out it's the author's first novel. It was a privilege to read and I can't wait for the next one.
September 8, 2016
I found The Kafir Project to be engaging and grab me right away. The end of the first chapter even does a great job of setting the hook! His writing style has a visceral sense of realism that you see in authors like Dan Brown or Clive Cussler and the plot and characters were certainly engaging. The Kafir Project is certainly worth checking out.
February 16, 2017
Non-stop thrill ride
New and interesting take on time travel overlying an exciting adventure story. The premise is very believable. Like any new technology, some people and institutions will be scared of its potential.
New and interesting take on time travel overlying an exciting adventure story. The premise is very believable. Like any new technology, some people and institutions will be scared of its potential.
April 10, 2016
Brilliant concept! This book was one I could not put down. This was an awesome read.
July 21, 2016
Exceptionally good imaginative new technology, great characters, and a really fast plot make this a super good read.
July 19, 2025
Recommended by ......
The Thinking Atheist... I recently celebrated my 39th birthday with my other half and our closest friends and only the relatives that we want to spend time with I thought back to a request I made to my wife 3 weeks prior, I a fleeting thought of self improvement.
It started after a normal day of deadlines, drowning out the noise of a the Fuct up world by listening to one of Seth Andrews Podcast episodes
The sith whole we found ourselves was in a time after .... COVID 19 / 2nd Trump term as president / SA local government infrastructure failing apart after 100 year of neglect, low cost housing being build all around our towns and my daily commute 90km to work and 90 back passing what was once a breath taking views in the cradle of human kind and ultimately having to drive past the newest rubbish dump site .... the corner of our street and the exit out of town ..... I heard that he will be contributing to a inspiring project that he found glimpses of an alternate, him,, that was never Indoctrinated into a religion and what he might have pursued for a career, and how in this book it is all links back to the falsehood of religion, but even though there is a sci-fi element, the Author used updated scientific research and theories throughout, combined to historical events or places most Atheist will recognise.
The story is written to such a standard that Lee Burvine was rewarded by theoretical physicist and cosmologist Dr.Lawrence M. Krauss, by offering to write the forward for the book.
Now it was time for The Thinking Atheist to do his part. He would entice us into purchasing this Novel by using his Radio/Studio/Angelic or as I prefer his Demonic voice to read the first 5 chapters.
After that I thought, this might be something that I will actually put the effort in to read as it would be my sort of seen.
After everyone left I started to read the first few pages and I can say this without being ashamed,
This was my book I ever attempted to read as the entire practice I found as archaic practice of a time long passed when there was no alternative for entertainment or passing the time. I preferred a documentary, series or Movie as I could get the information in a 2 hour period and decide if it was worth my time to pursue and if not I have not wasted a week on one Novel.
That was 4 weeks ago and I told my wife I will have to start budgeting for my next books as I am busy with Richard Dawkins. The God Dilution. Witch is my 4 book in this short timeframe
The Thinking Atheist... I recently celebrated my 39th birthday with my other half and our closest friends and only the relatives that we want to spend time with I thought back to a request I made to my wife 3 weeks prior, I a fleeting thought of self improvement.
It started after a normal day of deadlines, drowning out the noise of a the Fuct up world by listening to one of Seth Andrews Podcast episodes
The sith whole we found ourselves was in a time after .... COVID 19 / 2nd Trump term as president / SA local government infrastructure failing apart after 100 year of neglect, low cost housing being build all around our towns and my daily commute 90km to work and 90 back passing what was once a breath taking views in the cradle of human kind and ultimately having to drive past the newest rubbish dump site .... the corner of our street and the exit out of town ..... I heard that he will be contributing to a inspiring project that he found glimpses of an alternate, him,, that was never Indoctrinated into a religion and what he might have pursued for a career, and how in this book it is all links back to the falsehood of religion, but even though there is a sci-fi element, the Author used updated scientific research and theories throughout, combined to historical events or places most Atheist will recognise.
The story is written to such a standard that Lee Burvine was rewarded by theoretical physicist and cosmologist Dr.Lawrence M. Krauss, by offering to write the forward for the book.
Now it was time for The Thinking Atheist to do his part. He would entice us into purchasing this Novel by using his Radio/Studio/Angelic or as I prefer his Demonic voice to read the first 5 chapters.
After that I thought, this might be something that I will actually put the effort in to read as it would be my sort of seen.
After everyone left I started to read the first few pages and I can say this without being ashamed,
This was my book I ever attempted to read as the entire practice I found as archaic practice of a time long passed when there was no alternative for entertainment or passing the time. I preferred a documentary, series or Movie as I could get the information in a 2 hour period and decide if it was worth my time to pursue and if not I have not wasted a week on one Novel.
That was 4 weeks ago and I told my wife I will have to start budgeting for my next books as I am busy with Richard Dawkins. The God Dilution. Witch is my 4 book in this short timeframe
July 11, 2017
Suppose you could build a device that allowed for the viewing of historical events. What would you use it for? This author's answer is to look at the foundational moments in the history of Judaism, Christianity and Islam for the purpose of discrediting those religions. Interesting fantasy, though why would anyone think true believers would believe the results of this science when they reject so much existing science?
The real reason for my low rating is the quality of the writing. There isn't much. The action is cartoonish with impossible escapes on every other page and the characters are barely one-dimensional.
I read this because it was recommended by one of my heroes, physicist Lawrence Krauss. Lesson learned, rely on physicists for physics, not literary criticism.
The real reason for my low rating is the quality of the writing. There isn't much. The action is cartoonish with impossible escapes on every other page and the characters are barely one-dimensional.
I read this because it was recommended by one of my heroes, physicist Lawrence Krauss. Lesson learned, rely on physicists for physics, not literary criticism.
September 6, 2018
I just listened to this twice. It was fast paced and had was as much current science as sci-fi. The action starts immediately and keeps going throughout. This is one where the good guys always seem to get away, no matter how bad things get. Harrowing escapes from two assassins. I couldn't help but compare it to the Dan Brown series. The ending was kind of abrupt. I don't want to give spoilers, so I'll just say it went from action to conclusion with a large chunk of story missing. This was "explained" in retrospect by the characters and just left it flat. This was narrated by Seth Andrews and he was good enough that I forgot I was listening to him and heard the story. (I've listened to his podcast and he is exceptionally "easy on the ears".)
March 6, 2017
I'm not sure what genre this is exactly, but mystery-thriller would be be the closest I think. It is of the same genre as Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series. If Dan Brown's series focuses on Catholicism, The Kafir Project focuses on science as its central motif.
Gevin Rees is an astronomer and TV personality modeled after Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson who is given a task by a scientist who is shot in front of him to complete his work. Rees is launched into a series of events which sees him being chased by US government assassins and Isalmic fundamentalists.
A really great story. I highly recommend it if you like Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series.
Gevin Rees is an astronomer and TV personality modeled after Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson who is given a task by a scientist who is shot in front of him to complete his work. Rees is launched into a series of events which sees him being chased by US government assassins and Isalmic fundamentalists.
A really great story. I highly recommend it if you like Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series.
August 10, 2017
Not quite as entertaining as I would like. I've begun to expect a lot of fiction and while this had great pacing and good dialogue, I was left feeling a bit rushed and cheated. I need a tale to engulf me. To swallow me whole and devour my attentions. This could have done that even though it was very technically motivated, but it didn't have a beating heart at all.
This would make a decent airport read and won't demand too much attention but can stave off boredom. I won't be buying this book though and recommend an audio version for commuting or perhaps a travel companion book.
This would make a decent airport read and won't demand too much attention but can stave off boredom. I won't be buying this book though and recommend an audio version for commuting or perhaps a travel companion book.
December 20, 2016
This book is amazing! It is totally captivating. The Kafir Project is really hard to put down, but incredible easy to pick up. After completing a reading session, I found myself picking it up again straight away.
June 29, 2017
It was good. I wanted it to be a lot better. The science was well thought-out and interesting. The plotline was unquestionably thought-provoking.
I didn't fall in love with the characters, however, and found them all a little hard to relate to.
I didn't fall in love with the characters, however, and found them all a little hard to relate to.
November 2, 2017
An exciting read
I gave it a 5 star rating because it's a real page turner. The story was more exciting with each chapter I read. If you like science oriented fiction. The subject matter may be controversial for devoutly religious folks.
I gave it a 5 star rating because it's a real page turner. The story was more exciting with each chapter I read. If you like science oriented fiction. The subject matter may be controversial for devoutly religious folks.
March 9, 2018
Would like to see a movie made based on the book
Intriguing book, fast paced page turning. Always interesting to read about Abrahamic religions and what the possible origin could have been.
Intriguing book, fast paced page turning. Always interesting to read about Abrahamic religions and what the possible origin could have been.
March 16, 2018
The premise was intriguing and the author presented the science in a logical fashion. Not a book one can easily read without paying close attention and thinking through. Forward by Lawrence Krauss, no less. However, the action/suspense elements were not strongly written and stretched my credulity.
April 4, 2023
Sometimes it is best not to write an ambition first novel. The whole story is about a single simple concept, which you don't need to read the whole book to figure out. This makes for a great short short, a decent novella and a poor novel.
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