Charles R. Pellegrino

This is advertised as an interpretation of biblical events within a rational and historical context. Get ready to get quite a bit more. A bit all across the board, abounding with theories, some well-grounded, others a bit more speculative that are not only about the biblical past but also about the future of mankind, space and ecological dangers, the author shows to know much about everything. However, as he gives us interesting tidbits about what comes to his mind, the overall effort comes across as a bit unfocused. Forgivable, in my opinion, after all this is Charles Pellegrino for you, a world travelled archeologist and jack of many trades. There is much to learn for the casual reader, and apart from facts and interesting places the author has actually visited, the author dazzles us with speculative theories that if true would change history as we currently understand it.… (more)

I love the "Big Dumb Object" trope, or perhaps even subgenre, of science fiction, so the premise of this novel intrigued me. Unfortunately, the execution was something of a letdown. The protagonists were given little to do but passively marvel at the immensity of the eponymous structure, lament its seemingly inevitable destruction, and rejoice in the literal Deus Ex Machina ending. The extremely optimistic afterward detailing the scientific aspirations of the authors seemed out of keeping with the fatalistic tone of the novel.… (more)