Helpful Score: 1
Not exactly what I expected, but it was a decent story. From reviews and the book description, I was expecting a more substantial, 5 star, fast pace thriller with non-stop action. While this turned out to be more of a Christian Fiction story, where the main characters are time travelers that befriend Jesus and his deciples. It didn't really have a preachy (if that's a word) tone and I think both the religous and non-religous could enjoy it. It was a quick read, only 243 pages, about 2-1/2 to 3 stars in my opinion.
Helpful Score: 1
I went into this book quite excited as I enjoy both science fiction and biblical fiction. On the whole I was quite disappointed by the sophistication of the writing. I suspect that is a major reason why the novel is not published by a more mainstream label.
In the novel, two old friends work for a company working to develop a time travel device. One is a devout Christian, the other an affirmed atheist (stemming from a tragedy in his past). A successful test of such a device leads to the ability to go back in time. In a not-so-sober moment Tom, the atheist, brashly travels back to the time of the ministry of Jesus Christ in order to prove he was a fraud. David follows and the pair become an integral part of the twelve disciples. Hijinks ensure in the present (or future) time, leading to a climax culminating in a life changing realization for Tom.
As others have said, the book is certainly not too "preachy" and could be enjoyed by anyone. I do feel the story got a bit too fantastic toward the end with the appearance of Legion in the present day. Perhaps I wasn't expecting this element of fantasy in what I would otherwise consider a hard science fiction novel with historical elements.
In the end, I felt the book was not fleshed out enough. I see that Mr. Robinson has been involved in writing several comics--that is what the story felt like to me (and I think this novel would lend itself well to a graphic novel format). The concept was terrific but the actual descriptions of the characters, setting, science, etc. were a letdown. If you are looking for a quick read with some interesting ideas, I recommend 'The Didymus Contingency'...if you are looking for a serious scifi novel look elsewhere. I might recommend 'The Doomsday Book' by Connie Willis as an example of an extremely well written time travel adventure.
In the novel, two old friends work for a company working to develop a time travel device. One is a devout Christian, the other an affirmed atheist (stemming from a tragedy in his past). A successful test of such a device leads to the ability to go back in time. In a not-so-sober moment Tom, the atheist, brashly travels back to the time of the ministry of Jesus Christ in order to prove he was a fraud. David follows and the pair become an integral part of the twelve disciples. Hijinks ensure in the present (or future) time, leading to a climax culminating in a life changing realization for Tom.
As others have said, the book is certainly not too "preachy" and could be enjoyed by anyone. I do feel the story got a bit too fantastic toward the end with the appearance of Legion in the present day. Perhaps I wasn't expecting this element of fantasy in what I would otherwise consider a hard science fiction novel with historical elements.
In the end, I felt the book was not fleshed out enough. I see that Mr. Robinson has been involved in writing several comics--that is what the story felt like to me (and I think this novel would lend itself well to a graphic novel format). The concept was terrific but the actual descriptions of the characters, setting, science, etc. were a letdown. If you are looking for a quick read with some interesting ideas, I recommend 'The Didymus Contingency'...if you are looking for a serious scifi novel look elsewhere. I might recommend 'The Doomsday Book' by Connie Willis as an example of an extremely well written time travel adventure.
