 Anthony Sattin, writing in "The Guardian", called Holland a "skilful and energetic narrator" and said "The lives of some people who have dared to question the historicity of the prophet Muhammad and the Qur'an have been ruined, even ended.We must hope that Holland is spared their wrath and that his excellent book will be lauded, as it should be, for doing what the best sort of books can do – examining holy cows.