Customer Reviews

The Footprints of God

5 star:		(63)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(26)
2 star:		(23)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

My dad and I have fairly common tastes in reading material, so when he loaned me The Footprints of God with this recommendation, "Just keep an open mind. This one makes you think", I figured I would enjoy the book. Keep an open mind, indeed. The premise of the book is the creation of a quantum super-computer ... taking AI to the next level - perhaps a level we shouldn't be considering. While I didn't agree with much of the theological-speak in the book ... I don't have to agree with everything in a book to enjoy the story. That's what fiction is all about, right?

The powers behind the Trinity Project (the name of the research project developing the quantum super computers) force the main character, Dr. David Tennant, to flee for his life when he becomes aware of what Trinity might eventually accomplish - and the realization of what that might mean for the world. A computer who could think faster than the human brain .... decipher codes instantaneously .... if this computer was hooked up to the internet ... what could it be capable of?

All in all, a good book. At times the pace drags a bit, but I still read it in two sittings ..... it was a gripping thriller/sci-fi/techgeek book.

I had read and enjoyed several other book by Iles before this one, so I expected it to be good, however, I wasn't sure how well he would do with the subject matter which seemed quite a bit different from his previous novels. The story had the fast-paced feel of a thriller, with the in-depth subject matter of a good science fiction sotry, and I thought Iles handled this very well.

I was most impressed with how well Iles defined and explained the concept of God as it relates to the story. In most similar stories that I've read, this kind of thing usually comes off sounding pretty silly, but Iles handled it very well, without getting too incredibly abstract. I also really liked the concept that the Trinity computer when done would have to be something elegant and simple, rather than a complicated mess of machinery. I enjoyed the book all the way through for the interestig subject and the fast-paced storyline, but at the end, I was left a little unsatisfied by the conclusion. Not to say that it was bad, but I was hoping for something more spectacular considering events leading up to it.

I would recommend this book for any fans of Iles' or anyone who likes a good fast-paced story. I have read most of his previous novels and am very interested to see what he comes up with next.

It is pure pleasure to read any Greg Iles novel. His beautiful prose enhances the intriguing plot with sharp and insightful narrative. Once again Iles has penned a winner with "The Footprints Of God". Dr David Tennant is appointed by the President as an ethics advisor to oversee Project Trinity, the creation of an artificial intelligence computer. When his good friend and associate on the project dies under suspicious circumstances David turns to his psychiatrist, Rachel Weiss. She is at first skeptical until an attempt to murder Rachel and David ends with the killing of another government agent. Soon the two are embroiled in a life or death search for proof of evil doings at Trinity before the world is held hostage by the entity it has created.

In addition to a suspense filled thriller Iles has given the reader much to think about. His well crafted dialogues entice the reader to consider whether there can be such a thing as artificial intelligence and if so if it will it outpace its creators. He also delves into the origins of religious belief and its relation to the creation of intelligent life on earth.

I found myself reading late into the night and wishing for more when I finished. Don't miss this one!

This is my first book by Greg Iles, and I loved it! I had recently purchased two of his earlier works based on the reviews and topic matter, but they are still in my large pile of uncompleted good intentions. However, I was so captivated by the title and subject matter of this story that I decided to read it first. I guessed that any author with as ambitious as goal as the subject of this book represents would either succeed brilliantly or totally disappoint me, and I was not disappointed.

This is a thriller that encompasses not only the standard action packed sequences of murder, political intrigue and military operations but also a discussion of such wide ranging topics as religion, the essence of our individuality, cutting edge science and information technology, the definitions of life and death, and obviously the existence of GOD. I am always looking for books in which I can become completely absorbed in the action while concomitantly expanding my knowledge and introducing me to new ideas. Then it is an added treat if the author's phraseology is clever and his use of the language also resonates with me. This book accomplished all those things, so I strongly recommend it with three caveats. First, it should be read when you want to be challenged to think about ideas and concepts, not when you are simply looking for a fast paced thriller. Some of this stuff is complicated, and as the author recognizes he has to walk a fine line in making it both understandable and technically believable. Second, from other reviews it is obvious that this is somewhat of a departure from the author's previous efforts. The stylistic differences (less character development and more cutting edge philosophical inquiry) have clearly disappointed some of Iles' devoted readers. Therefore, discard any preconceptions that you may have regarding the author other than with regard to his obvious talent. Third, certain elements of the book dealing with religious inquiry may offend individuals with deeply held religious convictions that I would label as Christian Fundamentalism.

It is difficult to do justice to the plot with a brief summary, but of course that won't keep me from making the attempt. The first person narrator for much of the story (alternating with third person descriptive narration) is Dr. David Tennant, a renowned M.D. and ethicist appointed by the President as the official representative of the White House with regard to the ethical implications of a supersecret scientific project in operation in North Carolina's Research Triangle. The project involves several Nobel Laureates in various disciplines attempting to create a supercomputer that would be an improvement upon the human brain. But the approach is unique and startling in its implications, and is a radical departure from previous attempts which have basically relied on raw speed, huge memory, and learning algorithms and fuzzy logic to create what is normally referred to as AI (artificial intelligence). Essentially, this project's to duplicate and improve upon an existing individuals and speed up evolution. Disturbing events increasingly occur, and when fellow scientist Andrew Fielding dies of what is officially reported to be a massive stroke, Tennant soon becomes convinced that Fielding was murdered. There is the complication that Tennant's only confidante is Dr. Rachel Weiss, his psychiatrist, who is very skeptical of his claims since he has been suffering apparently hallucinatory experiences which he believes are related to the project and she believes are related to the accidental death of his wife and young child. And this is just the backdrop to the story.

The complications are numerous and there are many intriguing characters, several of whom are extreme caricatures for maximum dramatic effect. The book races toward two interrelated climaxes. First, the personal attempt of David and Rachel to avoid their pursuers as they attempt to unravel the dual mysteries of David's hallucinations (which eventually involves literally following IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GOD) and who is attempting to kill them. Second, can the project be stopped or redirected before a superior intelligence is created that may be able to subjugate mankind? (One subject of countless sci-fi fiction, from the earliest days of the genre to the present, has been the possibility that thinking machines may weaponize themselves.)

So if you want to read a fast paced story, probably gain some new scientific knowledge, and ponder the same questions as the ancient philosophers about GOD, our existence, good and evil, and whether we can exist independent of our physical body, all in the light of current scientific knowledge, then you should enjoy this book. But, it not a book for everyone; I encourage you to read some negative reviews to balance my strong recommendation.

Tucker Andersen

While I applaud Greg Iles for consistently delving into areas of fiction that are new to him, "The Footprints of God" just doesn't pan out.

Iles starts off with the potential for a real pot boiler and the opportunity to explore both the nature of intelligence and the existence of God.

Sounds great....however he gives us one dimensional characters in both the protagonists and the villains. And frankly, the idea that a psychiatrist would become romantically involved with a patient she suspects is mentally ill -- stretches credulity too far.

The novel does build some genuine momentum -- but fails to deliver in the final act.

If this is the first book of Iles you've read -- I encourage you to give another one of his books -- "24 Hours", "Sleep No More", "Dead Sleep", or the brilliant, "Quiet Game" a read before you make a decision about this author.

I enjoyed the turn he took in "Sleep No More" with the paranormal twist incorporated into the thriller/mystery genre. Hopefully he'll get back to that and leave the questions about God, the Universe and Everything to Douglas Adams.

Greg Iles is a very cool author. I say this not just because he writes taut, intelligent thrillers that assure you're going to miss your train stop, but also because he's that rare author who writes true stand-alones. Where for many authors stand-alones are simply new courses through familiar territory, Iles is constantly pushing farther, trying his hand at everything from historical suspense to complex crime to speculative fiction.

The Footsteps of God is the latter, a rumination on the intersection of religion and technology involved in the creation of a fearsome artificial intelligence. Of course, things go awry, and because Iles is very good, the situation grows very bleak indeed. But the suspense stuff is really a backdrop for an exploration of some fascinating philosophical questions, and that's where the real joy comes in.

I suspect the fellow who didn't think this book was worth his time was looking for something a little ligher. This book is a page turner. It has energy, depth, excitement and damn good drama. As a Virtual Human Designer, I know this subject and Greg did his research. It's not really a question of "If" this kind of virtual human will arise, but "when". This book really entertains you while it makes you think and introduces a cutting edge vision of the future.

I have enjoyed all of Greg Iles' novels, including Footprints of God, though it does not meet the quality of suspense in his previous books. It addresses questions about mankind, mind, consciousness, religion, etc. in a metaphysical way. The dream sequences of medical ethicist Dr. David Tennant that lead him to an increasing relationship with psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Weiss are a central element. Tennant is overseeing the progress of a top-secret information project codenamed Trinity, and he becomes suspicious of the project's future and his colleagues' motives when a leading Trinity scientist dies suddenly. How the plot is resolved regarding Trinity and national security comes across as secondary to the ideas mentioned above that Iles is playing with. The author has tackled something very different in most of his books, including classic World War II-based historical thrillers, serial killer and legal dramas, and even spirit possession. For me the suspense did not quite measure up to what he's achieved before. I wanted to finish the book more because the ideas were interesting rather than wanting to find out if Tennant and Weiss would escape their pursuers. So I enjoyed the first half of the book better and thought the conclusion was mediocre. Tennant and the dead scientist are the most interesting characters, so it's up to Tennant to keep the reader interested. Usually Iles uses several primary characters to tell the story, but this is pretty much a one-man show. Iles indicates in the acknowledgments that he had a hard time striking a balance between complex ideas and mass market fiction; I think he did fine on this point. Though Iles resolves these ideas differently than I might, I still enjoyed reading the book overall. For pure suspense, I would recommend Spandau Phoenix, Mortal Fear, or The Quiet Game.

"The Footprints of God," by Greg Iles, deals with a timely subject, namely the clash between ethics and technology. Dr. David Tennant is a physicist, a doctor, and a professor of ethics. Therefore, Tennant is the perfect person to oversee the moral dilemmas posed by a new and groundbreaking scientific project known as Trinity. A team of brilliant scientists is attempting to build a supercomputer that will have capabilities far exceeding that of the human mind. The question is, do we want such a computer, and is there a danger that this technology could be used for evil purposes?

Tennant is horrified when his colleague, Dr. Andrew Fielding, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Tennant suspects that Fielding may have been murdered because he expressed serious reservations about the wisdom of proceeding with Project Trinity. Soon, Tennant realizes that his own life may be in danger and he takes to the road to elude the assassins that are on his trail. Accompanying Tennant is Rachel Weiss, his psychiatrist and friend.

"The Footprints of God" does not work on any level. Its villains are stock characters, including the arrogant Peter Godin, who conceived of Trinity and had the money and clout to make it happen, and Geli Bauer, a vicious and dangerous woman who oversees security for the project. Tennant and Weiss are paper-thin characters who have little to do except elude their pursuers.

At over four hundred and fifty pages, "The Footprints of God" is very repetitious, with numerous chase scenes and pedantic speeches about the power of science versus the legitimate needs of humanity. The ending is a series of action sequences that generate more confusion than suspense. There is also a subplot about Tennant's mystical visions, during which he explores the mysteries of the universe and even inhabits the body of Jesus. "The Footprints of God" suffers from wooden dialogue, a labored and overly complicated plot, and characters that never come to life. I do not recommend it.

Footprints of God is a thriller for thinkers, revolving as it does around the universal mysteries about life, death, consciousness, God, and the nature of reality. Zig zagging rapidly from one crisis to another, it manages to hook you into the story line very early. Although some aspects of the plot lack originality (the psychiatrist/patient relationship and a series of impossible escapes, for instance), the techno-science here is eye-openingly credible, comprehensible, and, like most new advances, morally ambiguous and a bit frightening. Issues of faith and religion are evenly handled, devoid of preachiness and proselytizing. On the down side, characters are types (ruthless security agent, evil general, all-American president) rather than full-blown individuals, and the book is too long, leading to a rather silly end-of- the-world scenario. Nevertheless, Footprints is thought-provoking and exciting enough to keep the reader turning pages. 3 stars.