Logic’s End by Keith A. Robinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is an apologetics fiction book and I was super excited to read it, but at the same time, I didn’t have very high expectations. Overall, I’m a bit torn on my thoughts about this book because there was such a range of good and not-so-good aspects of it.
To begin with the good, the attempt to even try to write a sci-fi book that attempts to make a rational case for the existence of God is wonderful. I love the fact that this book, and others like it, even exist. The book recommended other apologetics fiction books at the end, along with other apologetics resources, and I will certainly read more of these books.
Additionally, the book was pretty well written. I never stopped to admire the writing, but at the same time, it never caused me to stop and shake my head due to poor writing. Along with this, I enjoyed the story for almost the entire time. The first chapter and maybe even the second (I don’t remember) was a little slow, but at the same time, that’s almost a necessity and is to be expected.
What I didn’t like about the book was the over-the-top attempts at making the case for God (or more specifically, against evolution) and the ending. If you’re going to write a fiction book to make an argument, part of the whole point is to do it somewhat subtly and in a way that will prevent critical readers from putting up defensive barriers. I think that most intelligent skeptics who read this book would be just as defensive as reading any other Christian book.
The other part was the ending. It was very abrupt and too simplistic. Perhaps this will make more sense as being a good choice upon reading the next two books in the series, but as of now, I’m not sure I want to read the next books. It seems like the emotional turmoil I felt while reading and the connection with the characters was all for naught, and I’m not sure if I want to spend my time going through that to be equally disappointed. I may vet the next book beforehand, to see if it might redeem those feelings (the door was left open so this is possible), before I read the next one.
Overall, I’m glad I read the book. I wouldn’t give this book to a skeptic and hope it will convince them. I also wouldn’t give it to anyone who accepts evolution (Christian or otherwise) and has any formal college level or above training in the sciences. While the author is able to mount a decent case against evolution, I don’t think it would stand up to the strict scrutiny of someone who’s knowledgeable about evolution. I think the best demographic for this book would be Christians who do not accept evolution and for most high school or junior high students.
