The name Greg Iles will be appearing often in this space. He is very prolific and always surprising. So many popular authors seem to get a formula and stick with it. I have read at least six books by Iles and never know what to expect. THE FOOTPRINTS OF GOD is his walk through a tech/nerd/ science fiction/thriller---to put it simply.
“My name is David Tennant, M. D. I’m a professor of ethics at the University of Virginia Medical School, and if you are watching this tape, I’m dead.” Thus the book takes off running and never slows down.
Dr. Tennant’s co-worker on a highly secretive project has been found dead. The evidence says that he died of natural causes, but Tennant has reason to believe that the head of the program had him killed. On learning that his own life is in danger, he takes off with his psychiatrist, Rachel Weiss. Rachel had been treating him for unusual dreams, dreams in which he seems to be living the life of Jesus Christ only with more detail. She believes that his explanation for running is delusional and that he is mentally unstable.
The project goes by the code name Trinity and, having the potential to be a true form of artificial intelligence, will be able to control all other computers. As a professor of ethics, Dr. Tennant can see the opportunities for someone to control the finances as well as the military power of the world. In other words, to play God.
Each person on the inner team has gone through a type of MRI that has affected his or her psyche. Dr. Tennant has been able to see what is going to happen in real time as part of his bizarre dreams. Unfortunately, it also allows the bad guys to stay a step ahead of him.
This was the weakest of the books that I have read by Iles. The ending is fairly predictable and the characters are a little “cardboard cutouts” at times. Still, as I said, it is a ride that never slows down. He is a fantastic story teller and even a weak attempt by him is hands down better than most action books. I have several more books by Greg Iles on my nightstand so you may hear more of him in the future.
Ed really liked this book--could hardly put it down.
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