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The God Patent
Sex, drugs, and quantum physics collide with artificial intelligence, faith and free will in this perspective-altering story. The memo said they'd get bonuses for submitting patents, so why not? Money came easily during the dot-com boom. Concealed in engineering jargon, Ryan McNear submits a patent for the soul disguised as a software algorithm and his best friend Foster Reed rewrites Genesis and calls it a "power generator." A few years later, amid the fallout of a ruptured technology bubble, his career ruined and family shredded, a desperate Ryan discovers that a company headed by his old friend Foster is developing his patent. What he thought was a joke is generating stacks of money amid claims that it will provide a source of limitless energy and prove the existence of God. Willing to try anything to rebuild his life, Ryan stakes a legal claim to the patent. He soon discovers a sinister undercurrent in the venture. Racing against time and aided by a motley group of assistants that includes an attorney/conman, a beautiful and passionate physicist and a death-obsessed adolescent math prodigy, Ryan gets caught in a battle between hard science and fundamentalist religion that threatens his sanity, his freedom and his son. Before long Ryan will test the limits of faith and free will, evaluate the nature of desire, and comprehend the human soul in a way that requires a single step, rather than a great leap, of faith.
298 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2009
73 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Ransom Stephens
9 books72 followersAuthor, speaker, and physicist, Ransom Stephens writes fantasy, science fiction, and popular science. His high concept fiction puts characters that make you laugh and cry at the center of conflict.
His latest, The Book of Bastards, is a rollicking, bawdy fantasy of chivalry and revenge. It comes out on January 14, 2020 and the e-book is being sold for $0.99 only as pre-order, on the launch date it goes to full retail!
In Too Rich to Die and The 99% Solution, three keyboard-wielding musketeers take you around the world on thrill rides that will leave you questioning centuries of world history; The Sensory Deception is a story of environmentalism and idealism gone wrong; and his first novel, The God Patent, is a perspective-altering story of science and religion.
His popular science book, The Left Brain Speaks The Right Brain Laughs: a look at the neuroscience of innovation & creativity, is an irreverent take on how our brains work and how we can work them better.
If you've read one of Ransom's books, please post a review at your favorite book site, like this one. Whether a sentence or an essay, he'll appreciate the boost as much as the advice.
You can follow Ransom’s Rants on writing, science, politics, and beer at all the usually places, plus if you'd liked to receive the famous*, life-changing* Ransom’s Notes--in which he provides amusement* and insights* into how* and why* we live, in addition to updates on his latest books (and get a free e-copy of one of his novels!)--hie thee to
https://subscribe.ransomstephens.com (cut and paste the link).
Ransom is represented by Laurie McLean, Founding Partner of the Fuse Literary agency.
Bookbub: bookbub.com/authors/ransom-stephens
Friend: facebook.com/ransomstephens
Like: facebook.com/RansomsBooks
Watch: www.youtube.com/user/DocRansom
Contact: ransom at ransomstephens.com
Stalk: @ransomstephens
Web: ransomstephens.com
His latest, The Book of Bastards, is a rollicking, bawdy fantasy of chivalry and revenge. It comes out on January 14, 2020 and the e-book is being sold for $0.99 only as pre-order, on the launch date it goes to full retail!
In Too Rich to Die and The 99% Solution, three keyboard-wielding musketeers take you around the world on thrill rides that will leave you questioning centuries of world history; The Sensory Deception is a story of environmentalism and idealism gone wrong; and his first novel, The God Patent, is a perspective-altering story of science and religion.
His popular science book, The Left Brain Speaks The Right Brain Laughs: a look at the neuroscience of innovation & creativity, is an irreverent take on how our brains work and how we can work them better.
If you've read one of Ransom's books, please post a review at your favorite book site, like this one. Whether a sentence or an essay, he'll appreciate the boost as much as the advice.
You can follow Ransom’s Rants on writing, science, politics, and beer at all the usually places, plus if you'd liked to receive the famous*, life-changing* Ransom’s Notes--in which he provides amusement* and insights* into how* and why* we live, in addition to updates on his latest books (and get a free e-copy of one of his novels!)--hie thee to
https://subscribe.ransomstephens.com (cut and paste the link).
Ransom is represented by Laurie McLean, Founding Partner of the Fuse Literary agency.
Bookbub: bookbub.com/authors/ransom-stephens
Friend: facebook.com/ransomstephens
Like: facebook.com/RansomsBooks
Watch: www.youtube.com/user/DocRansom
Contact: ransom at ransomstephens.com
Stalk: @ransomstephens
Web: ransomstephens.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 4, 2010
Last month, Ransom Stevens, who holds a Ph.D. in Particle Physics, came to speak to us at the Fremont Area Writers Club. He spoke about his novel, "The God Patent", addressing both how the book was written, and what processes he went through to get it published. He was one of the more precise speakers we have enjoyed at our monthly club meetings.
Stephens' first novel, The God Patent, while being an excellent read, it is also, in my opinion, something of a textbook in getting a story across.
Let me say that while I love to read, I am by far more critical of books, stories, essays, poems, songs and the like which are written by people I have met. There is a bit of a mystique about a book and its author if you are removed from that person. Nonetheless, I purchased the book at our club meeting and packed it away to read on my recent vacation. I should also note that while I am a fan of religious fiction, this book really only touches on religion, but lives in its characters, the story line, and in physics.
The God Patent is the story of software engineer Ryan McNear, his struggle with past mistakes--one of which caused both divorce and the loss of contact with his teenage son--dealing with the law, and finding his way in a life that seems to have turned against him.
The book is peopled with colorful and believable characters--each strong and well-developed--which will captivate or enrage you in the way Stephens handles them.
The book is also about the development of a technical process which purports to use the "creation energy" God used in the making of the Universe as a mundane power source. As the book develops, the questions of life, the soul, and the possibility of life after death are touched in a scientific way, one that will surely make the reader stop and think.
The idea of the book fascinated me, but I didn't want to like it. (See lame excuse above). The fact is I fell into the book and found myself reading long after my eyes thought it was a good idea, late into the night.
Being a critical reader I kept trying to catch up Stephens with plot pieces, but every time I was sure I had it worked out, he yanked the rug out from under me. At one point I was sure he had telegraphed the ending, and had set up to worm his way out of delivering what he had promised for at least the last third of the book. Once again I was wrong. Ransom Stephens delivered.
I asked Stephens how many drafts it took him to get his novel to the published level.
"Five", he said.
Stephens' first novel, The God Patent, while being an excellent read, it is also, in my opinion, something of a textbook in getting a story across.
Let me say that while I love to read, I am by far more critical of books, stories, essays, poems, songs and the like which are written by people I have met. There is a bit of a mystique about a book and its author if you are removed from that person. Nonetheless, I purchased the book at our club meeting and packed it away to read on my recent vacation. I should also note that while I am a fan of religious fiction, this book really only touches on religion, but lives in its characters, the story line, and in physics.
The God Patent is the story of software engineer Ryan McNear, his struggle with past mistakes--one of which caused both divorce and the loss of contact with his teenage son--dealing with the law, and finding his way in a life that seems to have turned against him.
The book is peopled with colorful and believable characters--each strong and well-developed--which will captivate or enrage you in the way Stephens handles them.
The book is also about the development of a technical process which purports to use the "creation energy" God used in the making of the Universe as a mundane power source. As the book develops, the questions of life, the soul, and the possibility of life after death are touched in a scientific way, one that will surely make the reader stop and think.
The idea of the book fascinated me, but I didn't want to like it. (See lame excuse above). The fact is I fell into the book and found myself reading long after my eyes thought it was a good idea, late into the night.
Being a critical reader I kept trying to catch up Stephens with plot pieces, but every time I was sure I had it worked out, he yanked the rug out from under me. At one point I was sure he had telegraphed the ending, and had set up to worm his way out of delivering what he had promised for at least the last third of the book. Once again I was wrong. Ransom Stephens delivered.
I asked Stephens how many drafts it took him to get his novel to the published level.
"Five", he said.
March 11, 2010
I love books that stretch my brain cells while they engage my emotions, and God Patent fits this to a tee. Not a relgious/secular polemic, not Science Fiction, but a wonderful exploration of real science bumping up against matters of the heart and soul in a fast-paced contemporary story. And how can you not love a con-man named Dodge?
August 25, 2010
Ransom Stephens writes a compelling and entertaining novel that mixes major philosophical issues with everyday family and relationship problems.
Newly employed physicists Ryan McNear and Foster Reed spend an afternoon tossing off a couple of patent applications for the bonus money. Years later, broke and laid-off, Ryan flees to Northern California hoping to leave his divorce and bankruptcy problems in Texas. In his new home, he also finds a new family, a new job, and a whole new set of problems...not to mention the Texas-born ones that come after him. Could the old patents really outline a proof of existence for a God Ryan doesn't even believe in? Who has the stronger hold on his heart--the biological son he still yearns for? Or the woman he has come to love and the brilliant-but-confused girl-child who needs him?
The God Patent squarely faces the big questions without ever losing track of story or character. A novel that is equally enjoyable on many levels.
Newly employed physicists Ryan McNear and Foster Reed spend an afternoon tossing off a couple of patent applications for the bonus money. Years later, broke and laid-off, Ryan flees to Northern California hoping to leave his divorce and bankruptcy problems in Texas. In his new home, he also finds a new family, a new job, and a whole new set of problems...not to mention the Texas-born ones that come after him. Could the old patents really outline a proof of existence for a God Ryan doesn't even believe in? Who has the stronger hold on his heart--the biological son he still yearns for? Or the woman he has come to love and the brilliant-but-confused girl-child who needs him?
The God Patent squarely faces the big questions without ever losing track of story or character. A novel that is equally enjoyable on many levels.
December 28, 2012
Very interesting book. I found the abundant talk of quantum physics somewhat daunting, but interesting. The back and forth of science and religion, and the truth behind creation was fascinating. I did really like the characters that were well developed and very real, i just wish more time was spent on them, and a little less on the attempts to explain the physics aspects.
The author did a great job of connecting the reader to the lives and emotions of the characters and their plights. Unfortunately, because i liked the characters so much, i was also very distraught at some of the things that happened to them in the book. The ending was moving, and rather ticked me off that there wasn't a happily ever after for all involved. And some things were left up in the air. I won't say which because it will spoil it.
Overall, this is a story that will make you think and feel long after the last page.
The author did a great job of connecting the reader to the lives and emotions of the characters and their plights. Unfortunately, because i liked the characters so much, i was also very distraught at some of the things that happened to them in the book. The ending was moving, and rather ticked me off that there wasn't a happily ever after for all involved. And some things were left up in the air. I won't say which because it will spoil it.
Overall, this is a story that will make you think and feel long after the last page.
April 28, 2010
Ransom Stephens has woven an engaging tale that examines how the issues of faith, religion and science interconnect. Physics is explained via dialogue in a manner which translates complex ideas into accessible information.
The storyline moves quickly without dragging and the characters are vivid. I found many passages to be laugh out loud funny and I was also brought to tears. What else can you ask for on a novel?
The storyline moves quickly without dragging and the characters are vivid. I found many passages to be laugh out loud funny and I was also brought to tears. What else can you ask for on a novel?
December 21, 2017
Novel of ideas
One big element in this book is the culture war between religion (specifically American evangelical right) and science. This seems more timely than ever. There is also a truer spiritual core that insinuates to the story through the character of Kat. It was not obvious to me where the various threads were leading until towards the end, and frankly I was a little worried, but the revelations were satisfying.
This is very much a novel of ideas. I guess it is science fiction in the sense that it is fiction where somewhat imaginary science plays a major role.
Some of the science is dodgy, but in a way it is meant to be, and I think there was a discussion about free will that was not quite right (I would have to look it up to make sure). In the end we get an idea of what the soul is and how it works. Does it hold up? Read and decide for yourself. At least it is a poetic notion.
One big element in this book is the culture war between religion (specifically American evangelical right) and science. This seems more timely than ever. There is also a truer spiritual core that insinuates to the story through the character of Kat. It was not obvious to me where the various threads were leading until towards the end, and frankly I was a little worried, but the revelations were satisfying.
This is very much a novel of ideas. I guess it is science fiction in the sense that it is fiction where somewhat imaginary science plays a major role.
Some of the science is dodgy, but in a way it is meant to be, and I think there was a discussion about free will that was not quite right (I would have to look it up to make sure). In the end we get an idea of what the soul is and how it works. Does it hold up? Read and decide for yourself. At least it is a poetic notion.
January 31, 2015
The story itself is very compelling. The characters are also people you feel you can relate to - well, at least some of them.
The problem is the way the story is told. As the book goes on, you find yourself believing it is going to go in many different directions. First it is a story of redemption. Then it is a story of deception. Then it is a story of the main protagonist helping a young prodigy. Then it's a love story. Then it's a story about a legal battle between good and evil. Then it's a story about betrayal. Then it's a story about reunion. Then it's a story about loss. Then the book ends, rather abruptly.
The technical jargon gets trying at times, but you work through it, because you want to genuinely get to know these characters. You want the path they seem to be on - whatever it is at that given point in the story - to reach a satisfying conclusion. Instead what you get is the novelized version of the show "24", where the plot changes multiple times, often leaving you with whiplash.
I enjoyed the story, don't get me wrong, and I don't regret reading it. But honestly, the end of this book provided no closure for me, and as a reader it aggravated me greatly.
The problem is the way the story is told. As the book goes on, you find yourself believing it is going to go in many different directions. First it is a story of redemption. Then it is a story of deception. Then it is a story of the main protagonist helping a young prodigy. Then it's a love story. Then it's a story about a legal battle between good and evil. Then it's a story about betrayal. Then it's a story about reunion. Then it's a story about loss. Then the book ends, rather abruptly.
The technical jargon gets trying at times, but you work through it, because you want to genuinely get to know these characters. You want the path they seem to be on - whatever it is at that given point in the story - to reach a satisfying conclusion. Instead what you get is the novelized version of the show "24", where the plot changes multiple times, often leaving you with whiplash.
I enjoyed the story, don't get me wrong, and I don't regret reading it. But honestly, the end of this book provided no closure for me, and as a reader it aggravated me greatly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2015
The author gave a talk on experimental physics and the contributions of the under-acclaimed Emmy Noether at one of the local Science Cafés. The chat was a bit too dense to accumulate all at once, but helped clarify contemporary physics somewhat. Featured — and quite intriguing — was the role of Noether's theorem in the exploration of symmetry and the derivation of... er... the laws that are, uh, implied? By that symmetry. Or something. Gauge theories were also mentioned, and we ended up with Higgs and his eponymous field and boson.
If Kurzweil is right and I end up living forever, I swear I'm going to study math until I get this stuff. But Tensor algebra comes first, just because the name sounds so cool.
Oh yeah... "Tensor algebra"... yum...
If Kurzweil is right and I end up living forever, I swear I'm going to study math until I get this stuff. But Tensor algebra comes first, just because the name sounds so cool.
Oh yeah... "Tensor algebra"... yum...
March 26, 2010
I loved the mish-mash of science and religion. Bible-thumping computer geeks? Whodathunkit? Better yet, both the science AND the scripture rang true. Stephens seems to have a grasp on both and better yet, a potential point of intersection. The term "proof of principle" will stay with me for a long time.
The plot kept me reading; I simply could not put it down. I had to find out where it was going, and the author did not disappoint me. Stephens artfully weaves his tale and shows great skill as a storyteller.
I only gave four stars because it won't let me give 4.99. The narrative style is not my personal cup of tea, but I am difficult to please. Stephens paints with a broad brush and I am a small brush kind of guy.
Read it now, but you'll have to get your own copy. I ain't letting go of mine.
The plot kept me reading; I simply could not put it down. I had to find out where it was going, and the author did not disappoint me. Stephens artfully weaves his tale and shows great skill as a storyteller.
I only gave four stars because it won't let me give 4.99. The narrative style is not my personal cup of tea, but I am difficult to please. Stephens paints with a broad brush and I am a small brush kind of guy.
Read it now, but you'll have to get your own copy. I ain't letting go of mine.
July 5, 2022
The book's setup lacks promise because none of it would have occurred without the protagonist's dimwitted behavior. He digs himself into a deep hole, supposedly unavoidably drawn into it by an alluring prostitute (likely a succubus) and drugs. The book continues a theme I've seen lately drugs are a problem because they reach out and grab hapless victims. As to the prostitute, there's nothing written about her that would make anybody, or at least this reader, find her anything but repulsive.
Even more stupidly, or maybe on equal footing, the newly minted drugged easy riders didn't after he lost his high paying job but before becoming a fiend, move to decrease his child support payments even though his ability to pay vanished.
That Child Support Services and the Courts didn't care that his payments were laughably too high given his situation is the only thing that rings true about the book.
From here, we get into all sorts of gobblygook nonsense maundering that misrepresents the Big Bang Hypothesis into some sort of alternative. That demands an even less likely hypothesis about some made up bogus 'spiritual energy' which, of course, can be used to generate electricity thus leading to an upgrade over the impossible cold fusion.
It gets worse. Our dimwitted hero ends up renting a place full of people I thought Wes Anderson had a patent on. He enters into an agreement with a thinly disguised version of Satan who has a hot but annoying sister. He meets an impossible spirit and her daughter who is The One and then tries to dig out.
His attempt at reuniting with his estranged son is done so poorly as a subplot that it's embarrassing. I think there are a few stabs at theology but I can't be sure because it's all wrapped up in perpetual motion and the aforementioned spiritual energy.
In the end, our New Age Jesus does die for his sins and he does enter heaven in a wrap up that's so bad I was embarrassed for the author while reading the last of the book.
Even more stupidly, or maybe on equal footing, the newly minted drugged easy riders didn't after he lost his high paying job but before becoming a fiend, move to decrease his child support payments even though his ability to pay vanished.
That Child Support Services and the Courts didn't care that his payments were laughably too high given his situation is the only thing that rings true about the book.
From here, we get into all sorts of gobblygook nonsense maundering that misrepresents the Big Bang Hypothesis into some sort of alternative. That demands an even less likely hypothesis about some made up bogus 'spiritual energy' which, of course, can be used to generate electricity thus leading to an upgrade over the impossible cold fusion.
It gets worse. Our dimwitted hero ends up renting a place full of people I thought Wes Anderson had a patent on. He enters into an agreement with a thinly disguised version of Satan who has a hot but annoying sister. He meets an impossible spirit and her daughter who is The One and then tries to dig out.
His attempt at reuniting with his estranged son is done so poorly as a subplot that it's embarrassing. I think there are a few stabs at theology but I can't be sure because it's all wrapped up in perpetual motion and the aforementioned spiritual energy.
In the end, our New Age Jesus does die for his sins and he does enter heaven in a wrap up that's so bad I was embarrassed for the author while reading the last of the book.
December 15, 2020
Everyone, I mean everyone, should read this book
I have had this book in my library for a couple of years. My mistake. I should have read it immediately. It is wonderful. Not only does it present an engaging science/religion argument that everyone thinks about, The God Patent contains insights into us. After reading this book, women will understand men better, and men will understand themselves better and maybe even a bit more about women, both the young and the mature kind.
I own other books by Ransom Stephens, which will be read in the new year. I know mine will be happy.
I have had this book in my library for a couple of years. My mistake. I should have read it immediately. It is wonderful. Not only does it present an engaging science/religion argument that everyone thinks about, The God Patent contains insights into us. After reading this book, women will understand men better, and men will understand themselves better and maybe even a bit more about women, both the young and the mature kind.
I own other books by Ransom Stephens, which will be read in the new year. I know mine will be happy.
January 21, 2019
Good book an intellectual stretch for Atheist and Christians
I am one who can mesh religion with science being an intelligent person who is in academia while being a devout Christian. I am more open in my beliefs and understand science well. This was a bit of a stretch but an interesting feel good book for those down and out and in need of hope.
I am one who can mesh religion with science being an intelligent person who is in academia while being a devout Christian. I am more open in my beliefs and understand science well. This was a bit of a stretch but an interesting feel good book for those down and out and in need of hope.
June 2, 2019
I'm still uncertain how I feel about this book. Maybe it wasn't the right time to read it. I finished it but am confused about what I read. The book went in a direction I didn't expect. I may try to read it again later.
June 24, 2018
Read it straight through!
A great ready with engaging characters, science way over my head BUT thought provoking, and a reflective mix of story, science, religion, and souls.
A great ready with engaging characters, science way over my head BUT thought provoking, and a reflective mix of story, science, religion, and souls.
October 15, 2018
An interesting read and a thoughtful definition of what the soul is and where it comes from and goes when we die
July 13, 2025
This book had real potential, but just didn't deliver for me.
July 22, 2013
The God Patent by Ransom Stephens tackles a subject that has been widely debated for hundreds, if not thousands of years – how do religion and science fit together. The main character, Ryan McNear, and his long-time and bible-thumping friend, Foster Reed, develop two patents that are based in technology, but mixed with a generous dose of Christianity. The patents were put together on a lark to gain bonuses from the company the duo worked for at the time. Unbelievably, the patents were approved. Even though they made it past the patent office, Ryan never thought the patents held any value; a sentiment not shared by Foster Reed. Foster Reed starts developing technology based on the patents, trying to create a technology that would forever change science and religion.
The God Patent is interesting, with engaging characters, but the development of the story was too slow for my tastes. It took me about half the book before I truly became interested. At that point, I didn’t want to put it down. It took me three days to read the first half and one evening to read the rest.
The characters in the book are well written, but Ryan McNear isn’t as likable as he should be. His backstory was too rough. The mistakes he made in the past limited how much I could root for him to win. I want to root for the protagonist, but I could barely muster any enthusiasm for Ryan McNear. All humans make mistakes, but his were severe and I almost didn’t want him to dig himself out of the hole he was in. I felt I would have liked the book much more if Ryan McNear was a better guy. I actually liked the character Dodge Nutter more. He was constantly described as sleazy and untrustworthy, but despite always looking to con people, he often helped out the less fortunate – Ryan McNear being one of them.
I wanted to love The God Patent, but I just couldn’t. It started out slow, but picked up steam and that’s fine as long as it finishes strong. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be a complete let down. It would spoil the book if I said anything further, so I won’t. I don’t think the ending would spoil it for everyone though, so don’t use that as an excuse not to read it. Despite the flaws with the characters and story, I still liked the book, just not loved it.
3/5 Stars
The God Patent is interesting, with engaging characters, but the development of the story was too slow for my tastes. It took me about half the book before I truly became interested. At that point, I didn’t want to put it down. It took me three days to read the first half and one evening to read the rest.
The characters in the book are well written, but Ryan McNear isn’t as likable as he should be. His backstory was too rough. The mistakes he made in the past limited how much I could root for him to win. I want to root for the protagonist, but I could barely muster any enthusiasm for Ryan McNear. All humans make mistakes, but his were severe and I almost didn’t want him to dig himself out of the hole he was in. I felt I would have liked the book much more if Ryan McNear was a better guy. I actually liked the character Dodge Nutter more. He was constantly described as sleazy and untrustworthy, but despite always looking to con people, he often helped out the less fortunate – Ryan McNear being one of them.
I wanted to love The God Patent, but I just couldn’t. It started out slow, but picked up steam and that’s fine as long as it finishes strong. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be a complete let down. It would spoil the book if I said anything further, so I won’t. I don’t think the ending would spoil it for everyone though, so don’t use that as an excuse not to read it. Despite the flaws with the characters and story, I still liked the book, just not loved it.
3/5 Stars
February 7, 2017
1. This is not religious fiction, but there's definitely religion in it.
2. This is not anti-religious fiction, but there's definitely atheism in it.
3. This is not science fiction, but there's definitely science in it.
4. This is not really a thriller.
5. This is not really literary fiction.
I'm not sure what it is, but the narrative voice is engaging, the story is compelling, and the plot and its premises are interesting. I read more than half of it in one sitting; that's how I finished the book. It is, in short, quite good. I sometimes read bad reviews to help me decide whether to read something, and sometimes after I read it to see if I get a reality check about something I enjoyed. I've read some negative reviews of The God Patent, but nothing that I found particularly accurate or insightful, so I was neither dissuaded from reading it nor dissuaded from my high opinion of it.
I went into this very quirky concept for a novel without high expectations, but it seemed weird enough to tickle my curiosity -- and I'm glad I read it. It exceeded all expectations. The end is not very substantive, in some ways, but it satisfied me quite well, but it really ripped the masks off of all the major characters and gave great insights into their psyches (for one of them, in absentia). Dodge became one of my favorite characters during the final chapters as the author shone a light into his black little soul, and he turned out to be an excellent demonstration of my definition of a cynic: an idealist who has learned from life experience.
That ending can really give a you something to think about, too, if you're into that sort of thing.
2. This is not anti-religious fiction, but there's definitely atheism in it.
3. This is not science fiction, but there's definitely science in it.
4. This is not really a thriller.
5. This is not really literary fiction.
I'm not sure what it is, but the narrative voice is engaging, the story is compelling, and the plot and its premises are interesting. I read more than half of it in one sitting; that's how I finished the book. It is, in short, quite good. I sometimes read bad reviews to help me decide whether to read something, and sometimes after I read it to see if I get a reality check about something I enjoyed. I've read some negative reviews of The God Patent, but nothing that I found particularly accurate or insightful, so I was neither dissuaded from reading it nor dissuaded from my high opinion of it.
I went into this very quirky concept for a novel without high expectations, but it seemed weird enough to tickle my curiosity -- and I'm glad I read it. It exceeded all expectations. The end is not very substantive, in some ways, but it satisfied me quite well, but it really ripped the masks off of all the major characters and gave great insights into their psyches (for one of them, in absentia). Dodge became one of my favorite characters during the final chapters as the author shone a light into his black little soul, and he turned out to be an excellent demonstration of my definition of a cynic: an idealist who has learned from life experience.
That ending can really give a you something to think about, too, if you're into that sort of thing.
January 24, 2015
The God Patent
How do you describe this book? In what genre would you place it? It's not science fiction exactly, but it's fiction and has a lot of science. It's not really a mystery or a thriller but certainly has some of those elements. Romance, no - but there is a nice one contained therein. Legal maybe, because it kind of uses that as a framework. Religious / Christian - well it has that at its core and raises some interesting issues on both sides... I wouldn't want to paint it with the damning praise of Literary fiction either, though it certainly is a bit wordy and meandering near the middle.
Okay so it can't be pigeonholed, just sit back and enjoy the excellently written and well thought out characters and the story telling. The plot is all over the map and sometimes illogical and normally I would condemn that, but somehow it doesn't interfere with the enjoyment of the terrific writing at all.
But the characters are the real stars here: Dodge, Kat, Emmy, Ryan - people you will come to know and love and want to shake out of their wrong turns as they make mistakes and encourage to change and who will hurt you sometimes and cause heartache at others. People you will want to have a happy ending. This book should be rated at 4.75 stars!
I'm not one to reveal spoilers and I won't now but I have to say something about the ending and you may be able to figure it out so stop now if you want!
I HATED the ending, not because of the writing but because of what happens. I admire the author for having the guts to write it but I still hated it.
How do you describe this book? In what genre would you place it? It's not science fiction exactly, but it's fiction and has a lot of science. It's not really a mystery or a thriller but certainly has some of those elements. Romance, no - but there is a nice one contained therein. Legal maybe, because it kind of uses that as a framework. Religious / Christian - well it has that at its core and raises some interesting issues on both sides... I wouldn't want to paint it with the damning praise of Literary fiction either, though it certainly is a bit wordy and meandering near the middle.
Okay so it can't be pigeonholed, just sit back and enjoy the excellently written and well thought out characters and the story telling. The plot is all over the map and sometimes illogical and normally I would condemn that, but somehow it doesn't interfere with the enjoyment of the terrific writing at all.
But the characters are the real stars here: Dodge, Kat, Emmy, Ryan - people you will come to know and love and want to shake out of their wrong turns as they make mistakes and encourage to change and who will hurt you sometimes and cause heartache at others. People you will want to have a happy ending. This book should be rated at 4.75 stars!
I'm not one to reveal spoilers and I won't now but I have to say something about the ending and you may be able to figure it out so stop now if you want!
I HATED the ending, not because of the writing but because of what happens. I admire the author for having the guts to write it but I still hated it.
November 17, 2015
This book felt a lot like walking along the Hornli Ridge of the Matterhorn. Any step not quite following the desirable path leading to you cascading off the edge and plummeting to doom. Except in this book, when you reach the end you realise you haven't been climbing towards the Matterhorn peak, but instead just a small hill with a cheap café on the top.
This book tries to be very balanced between the 'religion vs. science' debate by having the main protagonist play middle ground to the two extremes: the Christian literalist trying to create energy using spirit power, and the atheist physics who professor who thinks that things that violate the laws of thermodynamics are unlikely to ever work. What it does end up doing is making the main character look a little dumb, and extremely indecisive.
This could be the bias of being an atheist physicist, who saw the nonsense science as what it was, rather than an interesting possibility, and of having a rather fervent disdain for fundamentalist religious institutes attempting to rewrite and undermine science to make it fit their narrow and blinded viewpoint.
The book also manages to ruin the relatively interesting B-plot by [SPOILERS] killing off the independent teenager that was turning out to be a mathematical prodigy after a gentle nudge in the right direction. By having her fall off of the back of a damn truck feels like a cheap way to wrap up the rest of the story.
The nod to Emmy Noether was nice though.
This book tries to be very balanced between the 'religion vs. science' debate by having the main protagonist play middle ground to the two extremes: the Christian literalist trying to create energy using spirit power, and the atheist physics who professor who thinks that things that violate the laws of thermodynamics are unlikely to ever work. What it does end up doing is making the main character look a little dumb, and extremely indecisive.
This could be the bias of being an atheist physicist, who saw the nonsense science as what it was, rather than an interesting possibility, and of having a rather fervent disdain for fundamentalist religious institutes attempting to rewrite and undermine science to make it fit their narrow and blinded viewpoint.
The book also manages to ruin the relatively interesting B-plot by [SPOILERS] killing off the independent teenager that was turning out to be a mathematical prodigy after a gentle nudge in the right direction. By having her fall off of the back of a damn truck feels like a cheap way to wrap up the rest of the story.
The nod to Emmy Noether was nice though.
July 17, 2014
Enjoyable, but forgettable. The premise for this novel is great, but unfortunately the writing is a bit hit or miss. It's not terrible, especially for a first book, but it did detract from the overall effect. While some of the characters are spot on, others feel forced and disappointingly artificial.
Overall, I simply wanted more from this book. The concept and the characters are exciting and innovative, but the novel as a whole fell a little flat.
I will offer accolades for a realistic portrayal of programming in fiction. Unlike many authors, Stephens clearly has some experience with the subject. Printing source code and reading it in hard copy may be rather exceptional, but considering I've done it once or twice myself, I can't be overly critical!
I cannot be as positive about the Brilliance Audio narration. I've seen people rave about it, and the pace and clarity were excellent. Luke Daniels does a great job in the narration, but while he manages to give each character a unique voice, some of them were extremely distracting. His interpretation of Foster constantly sounded like a buffoon, and Katarina was a complete brat. I felt that one of the strengths of the novel was its multi-layered characters, and this performance undermined that.
Overall, I simply wanted more from this book. The concept and the characters are exciting and innovative, but the novel as a whole fell a little flat.
I will offer accolades for a realistic portrayal of programming in fiction. Unlike many authors, Stephens clearly has some experience with the subject. Printing source code and reading it in hard copy may be rather exceptional, but considering I've done it once or twice myself, I can't be overly critical!
I cannot be as positive about the Brilliance Audio narration. I've seen people rave about it, and the pace and clarity were excellent. Luke Daniels does a great job in the narration, but while he manages to give each character a unique voice, some of them were extremely distracting. His interpretation of Foster constantly sounded like a buffoon, and Katarina was a complete brat. I felt that one of the strengths of the novel was its multi-layered characters, and this performance undermined that.
October 3, 2010
The God Patent by Ransom Stephens is a fine book. I cared about the characters, especially the protagonist, Ryan McNear, and his unlikely cohort, 14-year-old Katarina. Most of the supporting characters were intriguing, too. And the little parts I didn't quite believe didn't much matter. It's a satisfying story, well told, and that alone would make the book worth reading. But it's more than that. It's a multilayered work, drawing on Stephens' scientific background, which rather than being intimidating, adds depth. The book delves into big issues of our day (religion versus science, for one) in a compassionate way. And I came away with a new perspective to contemplate on the workings of the soul. This is something I didn't expect, which is pleasing to say the least. (That most of the book's action takes place in Petaluma is a treat for those of us living in the North Bay. I was in downtown Petaluma yesterday and imagined Stephens bringing the chacters to life, perhaps as he window shopped at Copperfield's on Kentucky Street, stopped for noodles at Cafe Zazzle or skipped stones along the river. )
September 6, 2011
I've been doing a lot of reading about quantum physics as research for the third book in my 'Mercury' series, and I downloaded The God Patent on a whim while waiting for Roger Penrose's The Emperor's New Mind. I'm very glad I did.
This is a remarkable book. It seamlessly integrates concepts from physics and math with a truly riveting, multi-faceted story. In a way, you could think of The God Patent as a mirror image of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: In the same way that Pirsig combined philosophy with a cross-country motorcycle ride, Stephens combines a story of one man's redemption with quantum physics. But whereas Pirsig's treatise was primarily inward-facing, Stephens' narrative ultimately reaches outward, finding meaning in the interconnectedness of all things.
Highly recommended.
This is a remarkable book. It seamlessly integrates concepts from physics and math with a truly riveting, multi-faceted story. In a way, you could think of The God Patent as a mirror image of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: In the same way that Pirsig combined philosophy with a cross-country motorcycle ride, Stephens combines a story of one man's redemption with quantum physics. But whereas Pirsig's treatise was primarily inward-facing, Stephens' narrative ultimately reaches outward, finding meaning in the interconnectedness of all things.
Highly recommended.
June 14, 2013
An enjoyable read and some good food for thought. The ending wasn't entirely satisfying, but I suppose in a way that makes it more realistic, since life doesn't come wrapped up in a neat little bow. Philosophically speaking, I also would have preferred to see, well, I'm not sure exactly. Maybe I just would have liked to have seen the various views on the soul developed a little bit better. We saw Ryan's conclusions and beliefs pretty clearly, but it would have been interesting to see a bit more into the minds of Emmy and Katarina in particular. As it is, perhaps the book would have been better written in the first person from Ryan's point of view, rather than in the third person and bouncing around from one character to another. Dunno.
Anyway, I'm nitpicking a bit. I really did enjoy the book!
Anyway, I'm nitpicking a bit. I really did enjoy the book!
June 7, 2015
So, two major female characters and one is the love interest and one dies.
Other female characters: two done our hero wrong, one is also doomed, and one does our hero wrong but then ends up more or less in a positive light.
Yay.
I'm not quite sure where the book ended up. God Is Not Necessary, But Can Be Nice To Imagine Having Around?
And...the Big Horrible Thing that the meth-head girlfriend did to the son, that was grounds for renewing the restraining order for years...turns out to be not molestation, not burning him with a cigarette, but just blowing some meth smoke in the kid's face? Wow. Ransom Stephens must live in a very pleasant world where that is such an awful thing that it can barely be imagined.
Also...was it necessary to tell us in the first few pages about Our Hero's chiseled jaw? Someone's cliche filter was broken...
Other female characters: two done our hero wrong, one is also doomed, and one does our hero wrong but then ends up more or less in a positive light.
Yay.
I'm not quite sure where the book ended up. God Is Not Necessary, But Can Be Nice To Imagine Having Around?
And...the Big Horrible Thing that the meth-head girlfriend did to the son, that was grounds for renewing the restraining order for years...turns out to be not molestation, not burning him with a cigarette, but just blowing some meth smoke in the kid's face? Wow. Ransom Stephens must live in a very pleasant world where that is such an awful thing that it can barely be imagined.
Also...was it necessary to tell us in the first few pages about Our Hero's chiseled jaw? Someone's cliche filter was broken...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2013
I quite enjoyed the story line and became quite attached to the characters, especially Ryan and Kat. It was a new premise- linking a patent with creation of souls and developing a computer program to re-create souls. The underlying plot of an engineer attempting to repair his broken life and the relationships he forms along the way is great. My only criticism is that there was too much time spent on trying to teach physics to the reader and the same concepts repeated freauently so that the reader might "get it". Luckily the underlying plot kept me reading till the end, and I have to admit, I was sorry when the book ended as I didn't want to say goodbye to the characters...I think that is a good indcation that the author suceeded.
April 3, 2014
When electrical engineers Ryan McNear and Foster Reed coauthored two patents for company cash incentives, they thought it was all just a joke. One describes the soul as a software algorithm, and the other described the Big Bang as a power generator.
This book has a science/consciousness angle. You can tell that the author spent time as a particle physicist. The results are that the books feel authentic. They also keep the cast of characters to a handful. Engaging and real characters mixed up in the crazy messes many of us have been through or witnessed. Doing their best against tough odds, discovering deep truths in the midst of growing through the challenges of life. It turns out to be a nice little read.
This book has a science/consciousness angle. You can tell that the author spent time as a particle physicist. The results are that the books feel authentic. They also keep the cast of characters to a handful. Engaging and real characters mixed up in the crazy messes many of us have been through or witnessed. Doing their best against tough odds, discovering deep truths in the midst of growing through the challenges of life. It turns out to be a nice little read.
December 21, 2016
RATING 2.67
This is an interesting premise, but the book almost feels like it was written by three very different people at the same time. One, a scientific religious scholar looking to prove the validity of Creation. Two, a scientific atheist trying to prove that God is a figment of your imagination. Three, a sex-crazed teenage boy who has spent far too much time on the seedy side of the internet.
That can work.
However, each of the trio (figuratively) take turns diving way too deep into the weeds, offering readers way too much detail and pulling flesh (and reader attention) away from the skeletal remains of what was a more than adequate story structure.
Overall, it's still a rather compelling read, but probably not one I'll revisit anytime soon.
This is an interesting premise, but the book almost feels like it was written by three very different people at the same time. One, a scientific religious scholar looking to prove the validity of Creation. Two, a scientific atheist trying to prove that God is a figment of your imagination. Three, a sex-crazed teenage boy who has spent far too much time on the seedy side of the internet.
That can work.
However, each of the trio (figuratively) take turns diving way too deep into the weeds, offering readers way too much detail and pulling flesh (and reader attention) away from the skeletal remains of what was a more than adequate story structure.
Overall, it's still a rather compelling read, but probably not one I'll revisit anytime soon.
May 21, 2014
2.5/3, rounded up to 3 starts with the benefit of the doubt.
Decent thriller that blends physics, engineering, law, religion, troubled heroes and divorce. Too many themes to tackle in a single story, and the story does go off the rails a few times. Some diversions (like both descents into meth) are attempts to add depth to the characters, but don't really help the story, and are a little too gratuitous.
The premise is muddled, and gets more muddled the story unfolds, especially as it leans more heavily on physics and religion. The patent suit and associated legal machinations knit it all together, and were worth the price.
Decent thriller that blends physics, engineering, law, religion, troubled heroes and divorce. Too many themes to tackle in a single story, and the story does go off the rails a few times. Some diversions (like both descents into meth) are attempts to add depth to the characters, but don't really help the story, and are a little too gratuitous.
The premise is muddled, and gets more muddled the story unfolds, especially as it leans more heavily on physics and religion. The patent suit and associated legal machinations knit it all together, and were worth the price.
May 31, 2016
I started off enjoying this book and the concept, then it went on, and on, and nothing much happened although I kept reading with anticipation. It did not have the revelation I was expecting, that might be the point, but I expected more.
In terms of writing style, it was okay, I did feel like this book was written by a man during the romantic scenes, I say this because I felt uncomfortable reading them.
This also reminded me of Neale Donald Walsh and 'Conversations with God,' so there was nothing new to me. I appreciate the effort, the concepts and there is a bump in the road at the end, which I invested some emotion into. Overall, there just wasn't enough for me here.
In terms of writing style, it was okay, I did feel like this book was written by a man during the romantic scenes, I say this because I felt uncomfortable reading them.
This also reminded me of Neale Donald Walsh and 'Conversations with God,' so there was nothing new to me. I appreciate the effort, the concepts and there is a bump in the road at the end, which I invested some emotion into. Overall, there just wasn't enough for me here.
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