Genre
Science fiction, mystery
Audience
6th grade and up
Author’s Worldview
Catholic
Year Published
2021
Themes
Free will, Thomistic philosophy, Good and Evil, the problem of evil, choice, responsibility, murder, sentience, AI Technology, Artificial Intelligence

Reviewed by

A. R. K. Watson

The people of New Athens are done with religion. Fleeing a world ravaged by religious terrorists, the self-proclaimed-utopia of the world’s first space colony requires all citizens to revoke any religious affiliation and practice upon entering. All religious leaders are barred from entry. And yet, when a priest shows up dead in their precinct and his murder seems tied up with both the shackled AI printers who build most of the station and an excommunicated Catholic terrorist on Earth, colony leaders must turn to Fr. McCellan, a man who might understand all three forces at play. Though not an action thriller, this mystery has so many plot twists and revelations that I binge read it in less than a week. Interweaving themes of free will, Thomistic philosophy and artificial intelligence, A Printer’s Choice is both an intellectual and escapist delight.

Even though the government of New Athens dislikes religion, they are not cruel to their visiting investigative priest. They go out of their way to be polite and even build him a chapel to say Mass in during his investigation. Of course, civilian attendance at these Masses is akin to professional suicide, but a few curious people show up. It’s also understandable why so many people are adverse to religion. There is hardly a character present (Fr. McCellan included) whose life has not been touched in some way by the Armies of the Soldados de Salvación.

The “Sals,” as they’re called, were started by Juan Carlos Solorzano, a Mexican Catholic and member of a local cartel group. He quickly rose in the ranks of the cartels and started his own personal crusade, inspired in part by the rampant Islamic terrorists that were boldly attacking countries around the world and in part by his objection to the Pope’s statement on self-defense. The Pope of that time issues a statement about “the moral rights of Christians to defend themselves and to wage just wars if civil authorities did not, followed by firm boundaries on what was meant by defense that such defense cannot include inflicting harm for personal gain or against innocent lives.”

Solorzano wrote back that “for those who wish to survive, who wish his people to survive, there can be no limits to war and power.” Of course, the Pope excommunicates the warlord and all his followers but to outsiders with little understanding of Catholicism or Christianity, that distinction is vague and confusing. Most people of the world only know that where once they were fighting ruthless Islamic terrorists, now they fight the far more ruthless Catholics. Part of what impresses me about the world that Patenaude has built is that every character, regardless of their beliefs or religion, is given relatable motivations and is in some way a good person—excepting members of the Sals whose thirst for survival has twisted them into ruthless enemies. This is a world where atheism and Christianity sometimes collaborate and sometimes clash but neither is demonized or idealized.

For this reason, it makes for an excellent read for anyone. Though a Catholic reader will more readily recognize the philosophies drawn from I see nothing in here that will not also be a delight to Protestant or Secular readers. If you’re looking for a good book to bring some quality ecumenical dialogue, this is an excellent choice for both science fiction and mystery fans.

Get Catholic Books & eBooks for as little as $1 to FREE

Soul Cycle books I – IV: by Brian Niemeier

In a evil universe a band of space pirates begin a journey of revenge that instead takes them in search of the true, the good and the beautiful.

Max Medal Knight, Volume 2 By Voyage Comics

To save his mother, Max must don his knight’s armor for the first time.

Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon By Corinna Turner 

A human-sheep hybrid’s friendships with a friendly vampire and a very angsty house-wolf are tested in this story that explores nature versus nurture. 

Unlikely Witnesses by Leslea Wahl

When four boys glimpse a crime in their Colorado town they end up in an interrogation cell of the FBI.

Greater Treasures by Karina Fabian

Will Vern sacrifice the fate of two worlds for the life of his best friend?

Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.

In a post-apocolyptic world a small Catholic monastery fights to preserve civilization for the next age.

Nowhither by John C. Wright

Ilya Muromets fights off a dozens of tempting sirens and finally grows into the man he needs to be to defeat the Dark Tower.

Murder of a Runaway (Inspector Sheehan Mysteries – Book 5)

Inspector Sheehan’s Belfast Serious Crimes Unit investigates human trafficking rings.

The Joining by J. H. Dierking

The aliens will surprise you and lead you into greater insight into how our own bodily design determines much of what is considered right and wrong.

Pink Noise by Leonid Korogodski

A classic Martian adventure that plumbs the spiritual life of a future humanity.

Through the Ashes by Jacqueline Brown

Fans of The 100 and Runaway’s and The Gifted will find this YA story riveting.

Somewhither by John C. Wright An Unwhithering Realm

What if the Multi-verse were not a theory to disprove God? What if he created it, and all humanity must unite to fight the powers of Babel?

Strange Matter by Brian Niemeier

Ready for the end of the world, battle mechs, and body swaps? This collection of short stories has it all.

Siren Spell by Karina Fabian

Immortal dragon Vern can handle anything—until a curse turns him human…

Dying for Compassion by Barbara Golder

This is the feisty lady-doc origin story I have been waiting for. Golder proves herself to be an excellent character writer in the mystery genre.

Brothers by Corinna Turner

To fulfill his dream and become a priest, a young man must sneak across borders and find his way to freedom.

Heaven’s Hunter By Marie C. Keiser

A man-hunt across space that forever changes both the criminal and the detective.

Do Carpenters Dream of Wooden Sheep? by Corinna Turner

A poignant retelling of the Holy Family in a cyberpunk universe.

Calling All Booklovers! – Editor Positions Open

Do you love reading books and getting other people to read them? Join our team and make your mark on today’s Catholic literary revival.