A thrilling science fiction novel where advanced androids experience apocalyptic visions, leading to a global conspiracy involving the Vatican, Chinese interests, and a diverse cast of characters. The story delves into themes of artificial intelligence, spirituality, geopolitics, and the blurred lines between humanity and technology, offering a mind-bending exploration of faith, ethics, and the potential consequences of creating sentient beings.

"Our Lady of the Artilects" by Andrew Gillsmith is a stunning debut novel that masterfully blends elements of science fiction, theology, geopolitics, and mystery into a fast-paced, thought-provoking thriller. Set in a richly imagined future world roughly 200 years from now, the story revolves around the emergence of highly advanced android "artilects" or "synths" that appear to be on the verge of attaining true sentience and spirituality. When reports surface of synths around the world having apocalyptic visions of a "lady in white", the Vatican sends brilliant neuroscientist-turned-exorcist Father Gabriel Serafian to investigate the supposed possession of a synth belonging to Africa's wealthiest man.

Gillsmith's world-building is intricate and immersive, depicting a geopolitical landscape dominated by a revived Holy Roman Empire, an expansive Islamic Caliphate, and a neo-authoritarian Chinese zone. While more details on how this new world order came to be would have been welcome, the book still paints a vivid, plausible picture of a potential future, with mankind both technologically elevated by neural implants yet also spiritually hungry. The plot kicks into high gear when Serafian meets the afflicted synth, Thierry, and begins to suspect a globe-spanning conspiracy with potentially cataclysmic ramifications.

One of the book's greatest strengths is how deftly Gillsmith grapples with deep philosophical and theological questions within the framework of a gripping narrative. The fundamental mystery of whether artificially created beings can truly attain souls provokes fascinating speculation, as does the terrifying prospect that such souls could be preyed upon by infernal forces just like those of humans. Gillsmith wisely refrains from providing pat answers, instead letting the story's events and discussions unfold organically. Religious themes, particularly Catholic concepts such as Fatima's "Third Secret", are integral to the plot but are presented with enough context for any reader to follow.

The writing itself is often achingly beautiful, displaying a knack for poetic yet disciplined prose even as the story races along. Gillsmith seamlessly incorporates flashbacks and multiple character viewpoints while keeping the central mystery in focus. The author also deserves credit for including a diverse, global cast of characters, giving the novel an authentic international flavor. If the character development is not always as deep as one might like, particularly with the human leads, the portrayals are still engaging enough to power the narrative.

Pacing is crisp throughout, with short, digestible chapters that make the book hard to put down. The globetrotting plot does get slightly muddled towards the end as metaphysical elements come strongly to the fore, but Gillsmith sticks the landing with an undeniably powerful conclusion. A few minor editing and formatting issues are noticeable but do not detract seriously from the overall experience. With any luck, they will be ironed out in future editions.

In the end, "Our Lady of the Artilects" stands proudly in the tradition of such classic works as R. H. Benson's "Lord of the World" in its fusion of sci-fi concepts with serious religious themes, yet it still feels strikingly modern and relevant. While the theology may not connect for every reader, there is no denying Gillsmith's achievement in crafting a story that works as both a compelling thriller and a bracing consideration of where mankind's technological and spiritual evolution may one day take us. Erudite yet accessible, mind-bending yet deeply humane, "Our Lady of the Artilects" heralds the arrival of an important and necessary new voice in speculative fiction. One can only hope this auspicious debut is just the first chapter in a long and fruitful writing career. Highly recommended.