Book

The Jehovah Contract

📖 Overview

The Jehovah Contract follows Dell Ammo, a professional assassin who receives an unusual contract: to kill God. After accepting this seemingly impossible mission, Dell navigates a world where theology and reality intertwine in unexpected ways. In this science fiction thriller, Dell must confront angels, demons, and religious figures while pursuing his target. The investigation leads him through both earthly and supernatural domains as he works to complete what may be his final assignment. The story incorporates elements of cyberpunk, religion, and noir detective fiction. Dell's mission forces him to question fundamental assumptions about faith, reality, and the nature of existence. The novel explores themes of personal belief, institutional power, and humanity's relationship with divinity. Its noir-influenced style frames larger questions about free will and the boundaries between the sacred and profane.

👀 Reviews

Readers praise the book's satirical take on religion, inventive plot, and dark humor. Several reviewers note the clever mix of science fiction with theological themes. Multiple online reviews mention being engaged by the unique premise and noir detective style. Common criticisms include a meandering middle section and underdeveloped supporting characters. Some readers found the ending unsatisfying, with one Goodreads reviewer calling it "too abrupt after all the buildup." Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (52 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (8 ratings) "A bold concept that delivers on its premise" - Amazon reviewer "The detective noir elements work better than the religious commentary" - Goodreads reviewer "Intriguing ideas but loses steam halfway through" - LibraryThing reviewer The book has limited reviews online, with most dating from its 1988 release period.

📚 Similar books

Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny A science fiction tale merging technology with religion, following a man who battles gods through advanced science in a world where higher beings control humanity.

Job: A Comedy of Justice by Robert A. Heinlein The story tracks a religious man whose reality shifts between parallel worlds while supernatural forces test his faith and relationship with God.

To Reign in Hell by Steven Brust A retelling of Lucifer's fall from Heaven through the lens of political intrigue and complex motivations.

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman An angel and demon work together to prevent Armageddon while questioning the divine plan for Earth's destruction.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman Old gods and new deities clash in modern America as a man becomes entangled in their power struggle for survival and relevance.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔸 Victor Koman's The Jehovah Contract won the Prometheus Award in 1988, an award given to libertarian science fiction novels that celebrate personal freedom. 🔸 The book blends elements of cyberpunk and theological fiction, presenting a world where a hitman accepts a contract to assassinate God. 🔸 The author funded the book's initial publication through a unique crowdfunding method in 1984, years before internet crowdfunding became common. 🔸 The novel explores themes that mix film noir detective stories with metaphysical questions about the nature of deity and reality. 🔸 The book was controversial upon release for its premise and was initially rejected by major publishers, leading Koman to establish his own publishing company, Futuropolis Press.