Archangel - Softcover

Shinn, Sharon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0441003303 ISBN 13: 9780441003303

Publisher: Ace Books, 1996

Synopsis

Through science, faith, and the force of will, the Harmonics carved out for themselves a society that they perceived as perfect. Diverse peoples held together by respect for each other and the prospect of swift punishment if their laws were disobeyed. Fertile land that embraced a variety of climates and seasons. Angels to guard the mortals, and mystics to guard the forbidden knowledge. Jehovah to watch over them all...
Generations later, the armed space cruiser Jehovah still looms over the planet Samaria, programmed to unleash its arsenal if peace is not sustained. But an age of corruption has come to the land, threatening that peace and placing the Samarians in grave danger. Their only hope lies in the crowning of a new Archangel. The oracles have chosen for this honor the angel named Gabriel, and further decreed that he must first wed a mortal woman named Rachel.
It is his destiny and hers. And Gabriel is certain that she will greet the news of her betrothal with enthusiasm, and a devotion to duty equal to his own.
Rachel, however, has other ideas...

About this title

Review:

"I was fascinated byArchangel. Its premise is unusual, to say the least, its characters as provocative as the action. I was truly deeply delighted." Anne McCaffrey
"Taut, inventive, often mesmerizing, with a splendid pair of predestined lovers." Kirkus Reviews
"Displaying sure command of characterization and vividly imagined settings, Shinn absorbs us in the story...an entertaining SF-fantasy blend that should please fan of both genres." Booklist
"Excellent world building, charming characterizations and a sweet plot...a garden of earthly delights." Locus
"Completely captivating." Fantasy & Science Fiction

From the Trade Paperback edition."

"I was fascinated by Archangel. Its premise is unusual, to say the least, its characters as provocative as the action. I was truly deeply delighted."--Anne McCaffrey

"Taut, inventive, often mesmerizing, with a splendid pair of predestined lovers."--Kirkus Reviews

"Displaying sure command of characterization and vividly imagined settings, Shinn absorbs us in the story...an entertaining SF-fantasy blend that should please fan of both genres."--Booklist

"Excellent world building, charming characterizations and a sweet plot...a garden of earthly delights."--Locus

"Completely captivating."--Fantasy & Science Fiction

From the Trade Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover:

The great god Jovah has overseen peace on Samaria for five hundred years. Each year, a member of every clan and every race must attend the 'Gloria' to sing praise to the heavens in a show of forced unity. Every twenty years, a new Archangel is appointed to lead the people of Samaria – a figurehead to revere, an example of everyone.

That, at least, is the idea. The cynic, some might say atheist, Raphael faces to the end of his reign: now it's Gabriel's turn. But first he must find his bride, his Angelica, allotted to him by Jovah.

But Raphael is contemplating the unthinkable, and Rachel, the slavegirl destined to become Angelica, has absolutely no intention of marrying a snobbish arrogant angel like Gabriel. And if the Gloria isn't sung, Jovah's anger will know no bounds...

Sharon Shinn has created a superbly realistic fantasy world, a unique backdrop to a love/hate story that makes 'The Taming of the Shrew' look like a marriage guidance manual. Witty, irreverent and fascinating, 'Archangel' is the work of a very original new author – unique in concept, quite brilliant in execution.

"This is the real thing...a garden of earthly delights...an excellent fantasy romance"
LOCUS

"Taut, inventive, mesmerizing, with a splendid pair of disaffected, predestined lovers"
KIRKUS REVIEWS

"I was fascinated by 'Archangel'. Its premise is unusual, to say the least, its characters as provocative as the action. I was truly, deeply delighted"
ANNE McCAFFREY

"Something really special...The spellbinding Ms Shinn writes with elegant imagination and a steely grace, bringing a remarkable freshness that will command a wide audience. Put this author at the top of your list of favorite writers"
ROMANTIC TIMES

About this edition

• Publisher: Ace Books
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0441003303
• ISBN 13: 9780441003303
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 390