Simply stated, the project proposes to incorporate neurological maps of the brain of a selected individual into a super computer. In essence this super computer would possess the brain of a specific individual. Obviously, individuals change over time as do their brains, and the transplanted brain might evolve along a different path than the brain of the donor.

This plan is, as yet, only a plan. Preliminary work has been done using Magnetic Resonance Imaging on several of the members of the project team, with some undesirable side effects. Tennant as well as his closest ally on the project Andrew Fielding, an aging but consummate scientist, think that these adverse effects should be examined more closely before the project proceeds any further. However, the other members of the group are adamant that such careful scrutiny is not necessary. David has begun to suffer bouts of narcolepsy accompanied by terrifying dreams, which he interprets as a warning that Trinity is a dangerous proposition.

Unexpectedly, Fielding dies. True he was elderly, and the diagnosis of a fatal stroke due to natural causes not unreasonable, but David has his doubts especially when the body is quickly cremated without an autopsy.

The remaining scientists are pushing for proceeding with the work on the Trinity computer, without trying to resolve the issues associated with the adverse side effects their human guinea pigs had suffered. With Fielding dead, David is the lone opposition of the plan until his psychiatrist, Rachel Weiss, takes his misgivings seriously. Rachel has been helping him recover from severe depression that has gripped him since the untimely death of his wife and young daughter. David believes that the completed Trinity computer will possess the capability of ruling the world, and to put that much power into the possession of one individual, especially a nonhuman one, could produce a catastrophe.

The Footprints of God certainly fulfills the requirements of a classic science fiction thriller. The fate of mankind and, indeed, the earth seems to be within the grasp of an artificial being with questionable morals. The audience to whom this novel will appeal will be those readers willing to sacrifice realism for the sake of a good story. The phrase "willing suspension of disbelief" is particularly appropriate to this tale.

The author also injects a healthy dose of philosophy and commentary on various religions, giving some depth to the plot. Thoughts concerning the origin and possible destruction of the earth play a leading role as well.

I commend the author on his ability to communicate scientific data in such a way that it is easily understood by non-scientists. He offers some thought provoking ideas on the reality in time and space as well as different religious viewpoints. He also relates a brief history of the development of artificial intelligence and the admonitions that some of the scientists involved in this area had about the subject making some interesting reading.

Whatever one's opinion of science fiction, all readers will probably agree that Mr. Iles does an excellent job of presenting realistic characters who possess emotions and failings common to all of us. Plot aside, read from a character development standpoint, The Footprints of God is worthy of anyone's attention.

--Andy Plonka