Jovah's Angel

ISBN: 0-441-00519-5 Order from: Amazon.com

A pleasant story, with appealing characters, romantic plot and implausible science, this novel is loosely related to previous Samaria novels.

Reviewed by David on August 22, 2001

Genre: Science Fiction (Romance, Regressed Colony)

Synopsis: Samaria is a low-technology world developing economic and industrial infrastructure. While some embrace progress, others resent pollution and social disruption caused by the nascent industrial evolution.

On the other hand, some chafe under the paternalistic rule by the "angels", graceful, winged people whose beatiful singing keeps the divine Jovah from destroying the world.

When a charismatic, beautiful Archangel loses her position, a bookish, politically inexperienced angel Alleya is appointed to the post. Alleya would have been unhappy with this development under the best circumstances, but the problems facing Samaria are daunting. The political situation is in turmoil, spurred by technology and ambition of humans resentful of the angel rule. Ancient, near-miraculous remnants of pre-colonial technology are breaking down. An oracle is missing. And worst of all, Jovah is not listening to his angels, and terrifying, deadly storms are raging across the land.

Full Review: As in many of Shinn's books, the romance is quite pleasant, if predictable. The main characters are engaging, and exhibit nice mixture of intelligence, stubborness, talent and ignorance to make them believable and appealing. The social structure is lightly sketched, and the scientific basis is quite implausible, stretched to the breaking point to create the world of Samaria.

As long as one takes this novel as a romance in an exotic session and not rigorous speculation, this science fiction provides a satisfying, light entertainment.

Universe: Samaria

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 4.5; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 0-441-00519-5 Order from: Amazon.com