The Hammer of God

Rating:
Summary: A dark and gripping read
Review: Set in a nightmarish future, this novel probes the horrors societies and individuals are capable of inflicting on the innocent. Half political extrapolation and half scientific thriller, the premise is well-conceived and the execution is terrifying in its authenticity. Every development is frighteningly realistic from both a political and a scientific standpoint. The author's depiction of the construction of an American theocracy and a homemade nuclear weapon leave the reader wondering if it really would be that easy to build either monstrosity.

The conversational writing style brings the protagonist face to face with the reader as he tries to justify an unspeakable act which will sacrifice thousands in the hope of saving millions. It is as if you were sitting across the table from this man, listening to his account of a life destroyed by bigotry and religious extremism. He is no hero, but neither is he a villian. He is simply an American living in an America that is beyond recognition and yet hauntingly familiar.

Careful attention to scientific detail and dark humor makes this novel as enjoyable as it is disturbing. The Hammer of God is difficult to put down and impossible to forget.