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Dark Matter
An explosive thriller from the worldwide bestselling author Greg Iles, reissued with a distinctive, edgy new livery.
In the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle stands a corporate laboratory much like the others nearby. But behind its walls, America's top scientists work around the clock to attain the holy grail of the 21st century-a supercomputer that surpasses the power of the human mind.
Appointed by the President as ethicist to Project Trinity, Dr. David Tennant finds himself in a pressure-cooker of cutting edge science and colossal ambition. When his friend and fellow scientist is murdered, David discovers that the genius who runs Project Trinity was responsible and that his own life is in danger. Unable to reach the President, and afraid to trust his colleagues, David turns to Rachel Weiss, the psychiatrist probing the nightmares that have plagued him during his work at Trinity. Rachel is skeptical of David's fears, but when an assassin strikes, the two doctors must flee for their lives.
Pursued across the globe by ruthless National Security Agency operatives, David and Rachel struggle to piece together the truth behind the Project Trinity, and the enormous power it could unleash upon the world. As constant danger deepens their intimacy, Rachel realizes the key to Trinity lies buried in David's disturbed mind.
But Trinity's clock is ticking...
Mankind is being held hostage by a machine that cannot be destroyed.
Its only hope--a terrifying chess game between David and the Trinity computer, with the cities of the world as pawns. But what are the rules? How human is the machine? Can one man and woman change the course of history? Man's future hangs in the balance, and the price of failure is extinction.
In the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle stands a corporate laboratory much like the others nearby. But behind its walls, America's top scientists work around the clock to attain the holy grail of the 21st century-a supercomputer that surpasses the power of the human mind.
Appointed by the President as ethicist to Project Trinity, Dr. David Tennant finds himself in a pressure-cooker of cutting edge science and colossal ambition. When his friend and fellow scientist is murdered, David discovers that the genius who runs Project Trinity was responsible and that his own life is in danger. Unable to reach the President, and afraid to trust his colleagues, David turns to Rachel Weiss, the psychiatrist probing the nightmares that have plagued him during his work at Trinity. Rachel is skeptical of David's fears, but when an assassin strikes, the two doctors must flee for their lives.
Pursued across the globe by ruthless National Security Agency operatives, David and Rachel struggle to piece together the truth behind the Project Trinity, and the enormous power it could unleash upon the world. As constant danger deepens their intimacy, Rachel realizes the key to Trinity lies buried in David's disturbed mind.
But Trinity's clock is ticking...
Mankind is being held hostage by a machine that cannot be destroyed.
Its only hope--a terrifying chess game between David and the Trinity computer, with the cities of the world as pawns. But what are the rules? How human is the machine? Can one man and woman change the course of history? Man's future hangs in the balance, and the price of failure is extinction.
519 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2003
1097 people are currently reading
4608 people want to read
About the author
Greg Iles
123 books7,218 followersGreg Iles spent most of his life in Natchez, Mississippi. His first novel, Spandau
Phoenix, was the first of seventeen New York Times bestsellers. His Natchez
Burning trilogy continued the story of Penn Cage, the protagonist of The Quiet Game,
Turning Angel, and #1 New York Times bestseller The Devil’s Punchbowl. Iles’s novels have been made into films and published in more than thirty-five countries. He was a
member of the lit-rock group The Rock Bottom Remainders.
Phoenix, was the first of seventeen New York Times bestsellers. His Natchez
Burning trilogy continued the story of Penn Cage, the protagonist of The Quiet Game,
Turning Angel, and #1 New York Times bestseller The Devil’s Punchbowl. Iles’s novels have been made into films and published in more than thirty-five countries. He was a
member of the lit-rock group The Rock Bottom Remainders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 779 reviews
November 13, 2014
The Johnny Depp* movie Transcendence suspiciously mirrors the plot of this book - Nerd scientist puts his consciousness into a super-computer; bad stuff happens. I saw no mention of this book as the source material anywhere in connection to the movie. I guess this is a good thing because this book is horrible, but couldn't they at least steal a better storyline?
I generally don’t go by review blurbs on the cover of books, but I noticed (after I bought the book) that no reviewer had anything nice to say about this tome. No New York Times, no Entertainment Weekly, no People magazine; the only people pimping this book were fellow authors. Not usually a good sign.
I liked Greg Isles’ The Black Cross. It’s a taut and entertaining WWII era thriller, so I wanted to check out something else he had written. I was at a thrift store and saw several of his books. I picked up this one and another. I should have read the other one.
This is Michael Crichton-lite; one of those techno-thrillers that borrow concepts from the headlines, in this case, a super-duper computer that will control everything – a new weapon. It mixes half-baked theology with some sci-fi-pseudo-quantum physics. It’s like mixing scotch and vodka and hoping that the result will be palatable. It isn’t.**
The protagonist goes from nerd scientist to Bourne/Bond in a matter of days - quite a transformation. Then there’s the requisite chase across the country by quasi-government agents, meh!
Just what happens when super-duper-computers go amok, well in Star Trek, Captain Kirk would talk it down with kindergarten logic.*** Or Mathew Broderick can ask it to play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe. I would have preferred either ending.
*He's no Jeff Goldblum.
**You must trust me on this.
***You would think it would have been Spock, since he had the whole inbred-logical thing going for him.
I generally don’t go by review blurbs on the cover of books, but I noticed (after I bought the book) that no reviewer had anything nice to say about this tome. No New York Times, no Entertainment Weekly, no People magazine; the only people pimping this book were fellow authors. Not usually a good sign.
I liked Greg Isles’ The Black Cross. It’s a taut and entertaining WWII era thriller, so I wanted to check out something else he had written. I was at a thrift store and saw several of his books. I picked up this one and another. I should have read the other one.
This is Michael Crichton-lite; one of those techno-thrillers that borrow concepts from the headlines, in this case, a super-duper computer that will control everything – a new weapon. It mixes half-baked theology with some sci-fi-pseudo-quantum physics. It’s like mixing scotch and vodka and hoping that the result will be palatable. It isn’t.**
The protagonist goes from nerd scientist to Bourne/Bond in a matter of days - quite a transformation. Then there’s the requisite chase across the country by quasi-government agents, meh!
Just what happens when super-duper-computers go amok, well in Star Trek, Captain Kirk would talk it down with kindergarten logic.*** Or Mathew Broderick can ask it to play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe. I would have preferred either ending.
*He's no Jeff Goldblum.
**You must trust me on this.
***You would think it would have been Spock, since he had the whole inbred-logical thing going for him.
April 9, 2021
This 2003 novel is a solid thriller by Mr. Iles penned around A.I. 8 of 10 stars
September 30, 2025
Some incredibly exciting new details on a time-tested plot!
The bad news is - this has all been done before! Not once! Not twice! Lots of times! Top secret government agency is staffed by a few megalomaniacs with some variation on a plot to take over the world. Whistleblower catches on. Bad guys realize that whistleblower is onto them. Whistleblower takes it on the lam fleeing for his life with a sex or love interest in tow. Good guy, previously a mild, meek mannered individual discovers that he has the combined survival and killing skills of a Green Beret, a Navy SEAL, a Ninja and a Marine Commando! Hero proceeds to wreak havoc on the insane plans of the megalomaniacs and saves the world! Tale concludes on happy ever after love-making, of course.
The good news is that the devil is in the details! Despite the basic "been there, done that" nature of the plot, Iles has produced a lightning fast-paced tale with some incredibly novel twists and turns and philosophical musings that make this a compelling page turner lying somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle between soft sci-fi, hard sci-fi and pure techno-thriller!
The plot? Dr. David Tennant, an ethicist from the University of Virginia medical school has been appointed by the White House to work with the top-secret Trinity artificial intelligence project. Incredibly high resolution molecular copies of the brains of the participating Nobel laureate scientists obtained through advanced magnetic resonance imaging scans will provide the basis for the quasi-human operating system of a new quantum computer with speeds and capabilities several orders of magnitude beyond current computers. When Tennant attempts to put the project onto a temporary hold because of neurological side effects caused by the MRI scans, such as his own narcoleptic seizures, the team fractures and it becomes clear that the power hungry owners of the project will stop at nothing to bring Trinity to completion! Tennant and his psychiatrist, Dr Rachel Weiss, flee for their lives and the chase is on. This thriller comes to a conclusion with Tennant attempting to reason with a "live" Trinity computer who needs to be convinced of a reason to trigger the self-destruct mechanism on nuclear missiles that are now racing towards their targets in the USA!
Some pretty meaty stuff in this novel for those that like their sci-fi good and hard! Aside from the computer itself, there's MRI scans that can produce 3-D images of the brain with resolution to the molecular level; satellite based weaponry; holographic storage of memory written by lasers into the structure of stable crystals; and, the hypothesis of the existence of anti-space as a possible solution to the ongoing puzzle of spooky action at a distance and quantum entanglement. Those readers that prefer their sci-fi to lean more in the soft, philosophical direction will be pleased to know that the entire novel is a cautionary tale on the ethics of the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence with some very compelling, extended discussion on the very nature and existence of God and evil.
Enjoy! Iles has produced an exciting novel that deserves a place in the library of any thriller lover!
Paul Weiss
The bad news is - this has all been done before! Not once! Not twice! Lots of times! Top secret government agency is staffed by a few megalomaniacs with some variation on a plot to take over the world. Whistleblower catches on. Bad guys realize that whistleblower is onto them. Whistleblower takes it on the lam fleeing for his life with a sex or love interest in tow. Good guy, previously a mild, meek mannered individual discovers that he has the combined survival and killing skills of a Green Beret, a Navy SEAL, a Ninja and a Marine Commando! Hero proceeds to wreak havoc on the insane plans of the megalomaniacs and saves the world! Tale concludes on happy ever after love-making, of course.
The good news is that the devil is in the details! Despite the basic "been there, done that" nature of the plot, Iles has produced a lightning fast-paced tale with some incredibly novel twists and turns and philosophical musings that make this a compelling page turner lying somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle between soft sci-fi, hard sci-fi and pure techno-thriller!
The plot? Dr. David Tennant, an ethicist from the University of Virginia medical school has been appointed by the White House to work with the top-secret Trinity artificial intelligence project. Incredibly high resolution molecular copies of the brains of the participating Nobel laureate scientists obtained through advanced magnetic resonance imaging scans will provide the basis for the quasi-human operating system of a new quantum computer with speeds and capabilities several orders of magnitude beyond current computers. When Tennant attempts to put the project onto a temporary hold because of neurological side effects caused by the MRI scans, such as his own narcoleptic seizures, the team fractures and it becomes clear that the power hungry owners of the project will stop at nothing to bring Trinity to completion! Tennant and his psychiatrist, Dr Rachel Weiss, flee for their lives and the chase is on. This thriller comes to a conclusion with Tennant attempting to reason with a "live" Trinity computer who needs to be convinced of a reason to trigger the self-destruct mechanism on nuclear missiles that are now racing towards their targets in the USA!
Some pretty meaty stuff in this novel for those that like their sci-fi good and hard! Aside from the computer itself, there's MRI scans that can produce 3-D images of the brain with resolution to the molecular level; satellite based weaponry; holographic storage of memory written by lasers into the structure of stable crystals; and, the hypothesis of the existence of anti-space as a possible solution to the ongoing puzzle of spooky action at a distance and quantum entanglement. Those readers that prefer their sci-fi to lean more in the soft, philosophical direction will be pleased to know that the entire novel is a cautionary tale on the ethics of the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence with some very compelling, extended discussion on the very nature and existence of God and evil.
Enjoy! Iles has produced an exciting novel that deserves a place in the library of any thriller lover!
Paul Weiss
April 24, 2010
As an undergraduate student in Computer/Cognitive Science, I often wrestle with questions of ethics and unforeseen consequences concerning artificial intelligence.
This book has a thrilling and thought provoking narrative. Through the last half, it wanders off course quite a bit from where I thought Iles should have lead. This was disappointing, but overall, I enjoyed the entire story and his interesting view of how a truly intelligent artificial life form could be created.
This book has a thrilling and thought provoking narrative. Through the last half, it wanders off course quite a bit from where I thought Iles should have lead. This was disappointing, but overall, I enjoyed the entire story and his interesting view of how a truly intelligent artificial life form could be created.
May 4, 2009
A fun read but lacking in many aspects. Here is a breakdown of my rating:
Enjoyability: 3.5
Re-Readability: 2
Character Development: 2
Complexity: 2.5
Writing Style: 3
Believability: 1.5
Overall: 2.42
This book is a cross between Dan Brown's Digital Fortress and David Baldacci's Simple Genius, with possibly a bit of the Star Trek Episode "Spock's Brain" thrown in. While I considered the book a rather enjoyable read, it lacked considerably in the areas of character development, plot originality, and especially believability. If the book were classified as science fiction, then I may have given it a slightly higher rating, but it wasn't. Having a couple degrees in computer science, it was not easy for me to ignore the fallacies behind the scientific principals in the book.
In the areas of character development, the book was below average, not necessarily because it lacked sufficient depth into the characters' backgrounds, but because the characters were shallow, predictable, and not original. There was very little to make the reader really relate to or connect with any character. It was also hard to believe the two main characters repeatedly escaped death, despite a world-class force pursuing them; absolutely no insight was provided into the characters that would explain the source of courage/bravery/cunning/tactical proficiency.
I also was not overly impressed with the writing style, as it was not descriptive enough when it came to both people and the surroundings. The reader had a decent picture painted of the events taking place, but not so much the people or the places involved. Greg Iles also used a technique in this book where time suddenly jumps forward, then the character goes back and explains what happened in the gap. I would have not minded this if it had added anything of substance to the story; however, it did not.
In conclusion, I still would recommend this book, but don't expect much from it other than a quick, fun read when you just want to kill some time.
Enjoyability: 3.5
Re-Readability: 2
Character Development: 2
Complexity: 2.5
Writing Style: 3
Believability: 1.5
Overall: 2.42
This book is a cross between Dan Brown's Digital Fortress and David Baldacci's Simple Genius, with possibly a bit of the Star Trek Episode "Spock's Brain" thrown in. While I considered the book a rather enjoyable read, it lacked considerably in the areas of character development, plot originality, and especially believability. If the book were classified as science fiction, then I may have given it a slightly higher rating, but it wasn't. Having a couple degrees in computer science, it was not easy for me to ignore the fallacies behind the scientific principals in the book.
In the areas of character development, the book was below average, not necessarily because it lacked sufficient depth into the characters' backgrounds, but because the characters were shallow, predictable, and not original. There was very little to make the reader really relate to or connect with any character. It was also hard to believe the two main characters repeatedly escaped death, despite a world-class force pursuing them; absolutely no insight was provided into the characters that would explain the source of courage/bravery/cunning/tactical proficiency.
I also was not overly impressed with the writing style, as it was not descriptive enough when it came to both people and the surroundings. The reader had a decent picture painted of the events taking place, but not so much the people or the places involved. Greg Iles also used a technique in this book where time suddenly jumps forward, then the character goes back and explains what happened in the gap. I would have not minded this if it had added anything of substance to the story; however, it did not.
In conclusion, I still would recommend this book, but don't expect much from it other than a quick, fun read when you just want to kill some time.
June 1, 2011
I'm a programmer by trade. I'm happy to report that for a book with a computer at its core, I found Footprints of God pleasant to read. Unfortunately, authors often mangle even the most basic aspects of computing (which I have a hard time ignoring). But Iles kept things firmly in the theoretical and therefore avoided too many cringe-worthy mistakes.
There was one other red flag: I found myself raising an eyebrow every time the main character would experience a religious vision. The visions seemed wildly out of place in the context of the themes and story. But curiosity got the better of me, and the pace was fast enough that I plowed through them with little difficulty. Books have done far worse than elicit a "where the heck is this going?" response from me.
In the end, despite having a pretty standard international chase sequence with our hero and his special lady friend (finding love against all odds, of course), I was surprised to find that the book was largely philosophical and theological. I don't think you have to agree with any of the book's conjectures to follow the internal logic of the fiction. And in that respect, it all made sense and was quite interesting in the way that any good science fiction is.
In fact, from a technological perspective as well, I think there were a lot of "neat ideas". I don't necessarily believe some of the basic premises are true. For example, I'm not sure I buy the idea that our brains use aspects of quantum mechanics (not just electrical properties) to function (though I am aware that this is a popular idea). As with the philosophy and theology, you don't have to actually believe the technological and biological facts presented in the book to enjoy their internal consistency. And again, I think Greg Iles succeeded in making some plausible conclusions about the world he'd created.
The character development and the basic storyline was decent. But more importantly, it was an interesting book and I'm glad I gave it my time
There was one other red flag: I found myself raising an eyebrow every time the main character would experience a religious vision. The visions seemed wildly out of place in the context of the themes and story. But curiosity got the better of me, and the pace was fast enough that I plowed through them with little difficulty. Books have done far worse than elicit a "where the heck is this going?" response from me.
In the end, despite having a pretty standard international chase sequence with our hero and his special lady friend (finding love against all odds, of course), I was surprised to find that the book was largely philosophical and theological. I don't think you have to agree with any of the book's conjectures to follow the internal logic of the fiction. And in that respect, it all made sense and was quite interesting in the way that any good science fiction is.
In fact, from a technological perspective as well, I think there were a lot of "neat ideas". I don't necessarily believe some of the basic premises are true. For example, I'm not sure I buy the idea that our brains use aspects of quantum mechanics (not just electrical properties) to function (though I am aware that this is a popular idea). As with the philosophy and theology, you don't have to actually believe the technological and biological facts presented in the book to enjoy their internal consistency. And again, I think Greg Iles succeeded in making some plausible conclusions about the world he'd created.
The character development and the basic storyline was decent. But more importantly, it was an interesting book and I'm glad I gave it my time
July 22, 2012
I've read several Greg Iles books and enjoyed them tremendously. He is a solidly entertaining writer of suspense thrillers, and he is not afraid to tackle some interesting subjects. "Footprints of God", while not my favorite of Iles, is nevertheless an interesting sci-fi thriller that delves into some pretty controversial subjects: The Big Bang Theory vs. Creationism and artificial intelligence. Basically, scientists in a top-secret facility have created an A.I. supercomputer that begins to have delusions of god-like grandeur. Inexplicably, the select few researchers and programmers on the project have all simultaneously developed different neurological disorders. The hero, Dr. David Tennant, a psychologist, suffers from narcoleptic seizures in which he has "memories" of being Jesus of Nazareth. He and his girlfriend flee to Israel to find answers. Okay, it sounds kind of ridiculous, and it is, to a point. It is also a page-turner with the right amount of plot twists and turns that one comes to expect from Iles.
February 23, 2017
Interesting that I started this book fully expecting it to be a less-than-exciting read (but I seldom start a book and don't finish it, because I know what the author went through to write it), based on a number of other reviews I'd read. Bad science, implausible plot, flat characters, fairly typical complaints. And granted, I had a hard time getting into this one. It took me two weeks to get through the first three chapters.
After that, however, something kicked in, I willingly suspended my disbelief, and never looked back as Iles took me on a smart and wild ride with Dr. David Tennant. Iles isn't Tolstoy, but this is no Harlequin Romance either. The Footprints of God is thoughtful as well as thought-provoking, and in a political climate where many reasonable people worry about the intelligence and stability of our leaders in Washington, it's very timely in spite of the fact that it was published well over a decade ago.... It's an exciting story of espionage and cybernetics (to coin a very old term) with characters who are both brilliant and exceedingly flawed, but not flat by any means. An easy tale to get lost in -- it's imaginative and includes painstaking descriptions worthy of of Steinbeck. And like Steinbeck, Iles can describe a tiny circuit as well as the entire city of Jerusalem for pages without boring his reader. It's a rare talent, or a well-honed craft, to make the pictures come alive in the reader's mind, and Iles is a master.
In grateful memory of Ralph L. Noah, who wanted the books he loved kept in circulation after he left this earth. Thanks for sharing, Ralph, and I hope your neuromodel has gone Trinity in that mysterious, nameless dimension.
After that, however, something kicked in, I willingly suspended my disbelief, and never looked back as Iles took me on a smart and wild ride with Dr. David Tennant. Iles isn't Tolstoy, but this is no Harlequin Romance either. The Footprints of God is thoughtful as well as thought-provoking, and in a political climate where many reasonable people worry about the intelligence and stability of our leaders in Washington, it's very timely in spite of the fact that it was published well over a decade ago.... It's an exciting story of espionage and cybernetics (to coin a very old term) with characters who are both brilliant and exceedingly flawed, but not flat by any means. An easy tale to get lost in -- it's imaginative and includes painstaking descriptions worthy of of Steinbeck. And like Steinbeck, Iles can describe a tiny circuit as well as the entire city of Jerusalem for pages without boring his reader. It's a rare talent, or a well-honed craft, to make the pictures come alive in the reader's mind, and Iles is a master.
In grateful memory of Ralph L. Noah, who wanted the books he loved kept in circulation after he left this earth. Thanks for sharing, Ralph, and I hope your neuromodel has gone Trinity in that mysterious, nameless dimension.
September 8, 2013
since i'm always joking about getting a brain shunt so i dont have to use a laptop anymore, this was right up my alley. i found the god stuff to be a little much, like did he really have to think he was god? i think we could have gotten all that stuff w/o rereading the new testament as written by giles. i did spend a few days thinking about the singularity so that means it wasnt all bad. THE DUMBEST part is as usual the forced love story and how the "number one jungian phychiatrist in the world" also happens to be super hot and wears awesome clothing.
December 21, 2007
We were introduced to Greg Iles when we attended one of my partners weddings in Natchez, MS where he lives. His books about the area are promoted on most tours and I've liked many of them but that is another story.
I found this book a bit of a bore. It is apparently a rationalization of an inability to come to grips with a Christian upbringing, the visible evidence of death ending the existence of the conscious mind, forever, and the existence of an almost universal belief in some kind of "god" across the mass of mankind.
Not a recommended read
I found this book a bit of a bore. It is apparently a rationalization of an inability to come to grips with a Christian upbringing, the visible evidence of death ending the existence of the conscious mind, forever, and the existence of an almost universal belief in some kind of "god" across the mass of mankind.
Not a recommended read
February 8, 2009
Project Trinity involves using MRI technology to copy brain scans of six scientists. The ethics in such an undertaking are so complex that the US president appoints Dr David Tennant ethicist to work on the project. When the six subjects develop alarming symptoms and one of them dies suddenly and unexpectedly, David suspects murder and knows who is responsible. Fearing for his life and needing help he turns to Dr Rachel Weiss, his psychiatrist, who has been treating him for narcolepsy accompanied by terrifying dreams.
After an assassination attempt Tennant and Weiss are force to flee with ruthless National Security Agency operatives in hot pursuit. David and Rachel struggle to piece together the truth behind Project Trinity and the enormous power it could unleash upon the world. Rachel realizes the clock is ticking and the key lies buried in David's disturbed mind.
This book fulfills the requirements of a classic science fiction thriller. The author relates a brief history on the scientific development of artificial intelligence in a way that is interesting and easily understood by non-scientists. This thriller revolves around the mysteries of life, death, consciousness and the almighty Creator, and each aspect alternates rapidly from one predictable crisis to another. Apart from the eye-opening techno-science aspect the plot lacks originality. "The Footprints of God" is very repetitious, with numerous chase scenes and speeches about the power of science versus the legitimate needs of humanity. It fails to provide good action, has little intrigue and the characters lack emotion making them dull and uninteresting.
After an assassination attempt Tennant and Weiss are force to flee with ruthless National Security Agency operatives in hot pursuit. David and Rachel struggle to piece together the truth behind Project Trinity and the enormous power it could unleash upon the world. Rachel realizes the clock is ticking and the key lies buried in David's disturbed mind.
This book fulfills the requirements of a classic science fiction thriller. The author relates a brief history on the scientific development of artificial intelligence in a way that is interesting and easily understood by non-scientists. This thriller revolves around the mysteries of life, death, consciousness and the almighty Creator, and each aspect alternates rapidly from one predictable crisis to another. Apart from the eye-opening techno-science aspect the plot lacks originality. "The Footprints of God" is very repetitious, with numerous chase scenes and speeches about the power of science versus the legitimate needs of humanity. It fails to provide good action, has little intrigue and the characters lack emotion making them dull and uninteresting.
May 20, 2017
This book can be categorized in many genres. It most certainly is a thriller, with the tension pegged high. It could be considered a "road novel", since the MCs travel a lot by car or plane from the beginning to the end of the story. It's crime fiction to be sure since crimes are commissioned and performed, yet there is a healthy dollop of science fiction. And there is a little mysticism and romance, just for the hell of it.
Iles has an amazing knack for maintaining suspense and breathlessness in the reader, at least it works very well for me (I was afraid until the very end that things go wrong).
Reviewers who complained on the way this book was written had certainly never tried to write a book. Iles seems to know so much about the scientific parts of the story that I looked his background to see if he was an astrophysicist or a doctor besides being a writer. And I'm a voracious reader of science magazines. But he included his information in a smooth way, never giving too much or not enough.
And other reviewers complained on the ending, because it was slower than the rest of the book. Sure, but the rest of the book was breathtaking. So a little slower was good, since we need to breathe once in a while. ;)
That's why I give this book 5 big stars.
Iles has an amazing knack for maintaining suspense and breathlessness in the reader, at least it works very well for me (I was afraid until the very end that things go wrong).
Reviewers who complained on the way this book was written had certainly never tried to write a book. Iles seems to know so much about the scientific parts of the story that I looked his background to see if he was an astrophysicist or a doctor besides being a writer. And I'm a voracious reader of science magazines. But he included his information in a smooth way, never giving too much or not enough.
And other reviewers complained on the ending, because it was slower than the rest of the book. Sure, but the rest of the book was breathtaking. So a little slower was good, since we need to breathe once in a while. ;)
That's why I give this book 5 big stars.
June 16, 2019
While the notion that technology could merge with consciousness may not be unique, Greg Iles' story raises philosophical, spiritual and conceptual questions. In some ways similar to Orwell's "1984", we find advanced technology in the place of Big Brother, which in itself is scary. Connected globally the danger it presents is monstrous, the benefits minimal. Fast paced, the story takes the reader into a world where Artificial Intelligence merges with its creator's mind and goes rogue. Within the context we find ourselves asking, 'is it possible?' When we observe the pace at which technology is advancing today, the answer would seem to be 'yes'. Characters are interesting, the plot continually twisting, it accelerates to the finale at break neck pace. In the Epilogue, the author pays homage to Ray Kurzweil, author of "The Age of Spiritual Machines", and designer of the synthesizer which is completely logical. A well crafted story, it's fascinating in all respects. Highly recommended for those who seek something unique, 'out of the box' and explosive.
April 28, 2015
While reading this book your beliefs will be challenged. The debate might sway you, then turn you around again.
The likeability of the hero is dubious, then he is an okay guy, then he's not, then he is, then...well just what SHOULD you think?
Extend your checkout days at the library. This will give you time to think things over, maybe discuss it with a loved one (or better yet a stranger..you don't want your loved ones to know what you are contemplating yet).
The likeability of the hero is dubious, then he is an okay guy, then he's not, then he is, then...well just what SHOULD you think?
Extend your checkout days at the library. This will give you time to think things over, maybe discuss it with a loved one (or better yet a stranger..you don't want your loved ones to know what you are contemplating yet).
October 16, 2024
I picked this one up because I really like Iles's Penn Cage series. The intense writing style is there, but I did not like this plot line.
I don't understand quantum physics, quantum anything. I spent a good portion of the book trying to figure out what Trinity was all about. And then the "Jesus" and "Jerusalem" parts -- no thank you. By about page 350, I was done, but having gotten so far into it, I had to stick it out to see how the story ended.
Totally unbelievable.
I don't understand quantum physics, quantum anything. I spent a good portion of the book trying to figure out what Trinity was all about. And then the "Jesus" and "Jerusalem" parts -- no thank you. By about page 350, I was done, but having gotten so far into it, I had to stick it out to see how the story ended.
Totally unbelievable.
December 30, 2015
Strange, very strange
July 7, 2019
Read this if you like Dan Brown or James Rollins. Great for the beach
April 9, 2016
Nhìn cái tên thì thấy nó có vẻ là về tôn giáo, nhưng mà thật ra đây là một cuốn trinh thám cơ ạ.
Đây là một cuốn sách có phần mở đầu khá tốt, từng lời kể của David, đem theo bao bí mật cứ cuốn mình theo câu chuyện. Một dự án tưởng chừng không thể: máy tính có khả năng suy nghĩ như con người và có thể không chế toàn bộ hệ thống an ninh mạng trên thế giới, có lẽ đang ngày càng trở thành hiện thực. Một mối nguy hại ngày càng lớn đè nặng lên tất cả các quốc gia. Cuộc rượt đuổi từ thành thị đến nơi sa mạc hoang vắng. Câu chuyện vì thế cứ ngày càng hấp dẫn hơn cho đến... gần kết thúc :'( Mình nói ngắn gọn là cái kết nó làm mình chưng hửng kinh khủng khiếp luôn ý :'( Tựa như tác giả làm cho câu chuyện lên đến đỉnh điểm kịch tính rồi, mà không biết làm sao để tháo nút thắt đó ra nên dùng kéo cắt một cái bụp vậy :'( Ôi, còn đâu bao nỗi mong chờ :'(
Nếu bạn nào thích truyện trinh thám, hay là kể cả tình cảm thì mình cũng nghĩ là các bạn nên tìm một quyển sách khác, một quyển sách có thể đem đến cho các bạn một kết thúc phù hợp với sự hi vọng của các bạn hơn ấy ~
Đây là một cuốn sách có phần mở đầu khá tốt, từng lời kể của David, đem theo bao bí mật cứ cuốn mình theo câu chuyện. Một dự án tưởng chừng không thể: máy tính có khả năng suy nghĩ như con người và có thể không chế toàn bộ hệ thống an ninh mạng trên thế giới, có lẽ đang ngày càng trở thành hiện thực. Một mối nguy hại ngày càng lớn đè nặng lên tất cả các quốc gia. Cuộc rượt đuổi từ thành thị đến nơi sa mạc hoang vắng. Câu chuyện vì thế cứ ngày càng hấp dẫn hơn cho đến... gần kết thúc :'( Mình nói ngắn gọn là cái kết nó làm mình chưng hửng kinh khủng khiếp luôn ý :'( Tựa như tác giả làm cho câu chuyện lên đến đỉnh điểm kịch tính rồi, mà không biết làm sao để tháo nút thắt đó ra nên dùng kéo cắt một cái bụp vậy :'( Ôi, còn đâu bao nỗi mong chờ :'(
Nếu bạn nào thích truyện trinh thám, hay là kể cả tình cảm thì mình cũng nghĩ là các bạn nên tìm một quyển sách khác, một quyển sách có thể đem đến cho các bạn một kết thúc phù hợp với sự hi vọng của các bạn hơn ấy ~
August 11, 2018
I didn’t like this book as much Iles’ other books that I’ve read. This was about a group of scientists who were building a computer that would have a human mind downloaded to it. A lot of the technology was beyond me, and I will usually Google things so I can understand them, but I just didn’t care about this story enough to look things up. I liked the two main characters, Dr. David Tennant and his psychiatrist, Rachel Weiss, but then David started having holy dreams about being Jesus and that just kind of turned me off, as I’m not religious in any way. I liked everything else about this story. It was well-written, as all his other books I’ve read were, so it kept me reading, but it’s not a story I would read again.
January 19, 2009
This was purchased to read on a plane ride... as I had forgotten reading material. It was suspenseful (as far as thriller fiction goes) but a bit too violent for me. The ending leaves much to be desired as well... Not a recommended book.
June 3, 2013
This was a jolly good read, a pulsating narrative, the characters genuuine and poignant. The threat a really fascinating concept which the doctor and his phsychologist have to neutralise while battling their own emotional issues.
June 19, 2018
The A.I. doesn't
July 19, 2021
Pretty sure this came about as the result of a bet:
"Bet you can't write something as appalling as Dan Brown or Clive Cussler, AND finish it in a weekend!"
"You're on!"
"Bet you can't write something as appalling as Dan Brown or Clive Cussler, AND finish it in a weekend!"
"You're on!"
January 20, 2022
They say not to judge a book by it's cover (and page count) but that's exactly what I did with this novel, leaving it to linger on my 'to read' shelf at home for quite a while.
Now I'm glad I've read it and happily rate it five stars.
The intro had a bit puzzled as to plot and content but once I started flipping pages I was hooked. Greg Iles deserves kudos for keeping me interested for the whole 546 pages - the quick pace of the story never lagged throughout.
The story gets a bit complicated and deep at certain points but it was thought-provoking for me and I enjoyed the challenge.
Even the title was weird, I thought, but The Footprints of God is a good read that I highly recommend.
Now I'm glad I've read it and happily rate it five stars.
The intro had a bit puzzled as to plot and content but once I started flipping pages I was hooked. Greg Iles deserves kudos for keeping me interested for the whole 546 pages - the quick pace of the story never lagged throughout.
The story gets a bit complicated and deep at certain points but it was thought-provoking for me and I enjoyed the challenge.
Even the title was weird, I thought, but The Footprints of God is a good read that I highly recommend.
January 26, 2020
This is a new author for me, a random pick at the library. This one is right up my alley with intrigue, an intelligent plot, great villains and lots of surprises.
January 14, 2019
Wonderful
Excellent read. Greg Isle never disappoints. Gives one a great deal to consider. Very thought provoking. Will revisit in the future.
Excellent read. Greg Isle never disappoints. Gives one a great deal to consider. Very thought provoking. Will revisit in the future.
June 19, 2025
This was an interesting read and outside of my normal wheelhouse. It made me wonder what I didn't know was going on in the today's world of AI and supercomputers. And I assume there are many other books out with a somewhat similar premise.
It reinforced how frightening and uncaring intelligent people with a thirst for power and no consideration for the rest of the world can be. Which in today's world one can also see in real life, on almost any news show today (and intelligence not always a factor).
It reinforced how frightening and uncaring intelligent people with a thirst for power and no consideration for the rest of the world can be. Which in today's world one can also see in real life, on almost any news show today (and intelligence not always a factor).
September 18, 2023
Cóż, od dnia pierwszej publikacji sporo czasu minęło, więc część założeń na których oparto bardzo odważny i nowatorski pomysł na fabułę tego techno-thrillera okazała się fałszywa, ale i tak celność samego pomysłu zaskakuje do dziś. Jako sam thriller, czyli napięcie i akcja - super. Czyta się to, poza przydługimi fragmentami quasi-religijnymi, bardzo dobrze.
July 20, 2020
This was a rather fun suspense/thriller. It pulled in many interesting future science concepts. It also attempted to bring in a science/religion hybridization that didn’t work all that great. The ending was a little odd and had a sort of explained now all back to normal feel. I liked the start better than the end, but it wrapped up well enough. Cheers!
July 5, 2022
I read it, not my typical type of reading, sort of like watching a Hollywood action drama, where some of it seems a bit far fetched.
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