Blasphemy by Douglas Preston tells the story of an age-old conflict - science versus religion. The world's largest supercollider, named Isabella, is built within an Arizona mountain. Its purpose is to look deeper into the Big Bang theory, to peer into the event which some believe started the universe. Forces are at work against the project, though, as a televangelist, Reverend Don T. Spates, speaks out against the blasphemous project, and then the machine itself begins to malfunction in a very strange way. Wyman Ford, an ex-monk and ex-CIA agent, is called upon to find out the secret that the team of scientists seem determined to keep from the rest of the world. Once the secret is discovered, though, will Ford betray the scientists or help them?

Readers interested in conspiracy theories, religion and philosophy will love this one! Blasphemy presents not only a good mystery, but tons of ideas to think about. It presents a complex argument from various sides, all the while presenting a gripping story with action, romance and mystery.

For me, the best part of the novel was the philosophical ideas it presented. I can't go into much detail without giving away important plot points, but the novel presents a "different" way of looking at the universe, one that strays from the norm. I found it presented clearly and convincingly.

The only thing I didn't like about the book was its stereotypical aspects, like the rekindled romance between Wyman Ford and Kate Mercer. When they reveal their feelings for one another, the scene just seemed incredibly trite and contrived to me. It was such a small aspect of the book, though, that it didn't really affect my overall experience reading.

When I finish a Preston novel, I tend to want to find another one right away that I haven't read. Trouble is, I've read them all by this point. I'll just have to wait for the next one.

Douglas Preston has written a number of successful books, including collaborative works with Lincoln Child. Their very successful "Pendergast Series" is a favorite of mine. Truthfully, I tend to enjoy the collaborative works far more than Preston's solo work, though this book was an exception for me. Often, I'm disappointed with Preston's solo novels, as I find them not up to par, but Blasphemy definitely deviated from my usual leanings.

I recommend this book partially because of its controversial aspect. Critics have said this novel is anti-Christian, but I don't believe it is. The author himself has stated that wasn't his intention. I'd suggest reading it for yourself to make the decision on your own. It certainly presents some interesting ideas to the reader.

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Created Feb 15, 2009 at 12:42pm • Submit your own review...