Archangel by Sharon Shinn is set in a world which is meant to be perfect. To ensure that perfection, a spacecraft sits in orbit around the planet, programmed to destroy everything if the rules are not kept and conflict develops. It’s been generations since the colony was established and the culture has evolved so that people no longer understand what the rules are for – some of them don’t even believe in the possibility of destruction. Gabriel has been chosen to be the next archangel and he will start his twenty-year reign with a glorious song of praise with his wife. At the moment he isn’t married but the oracles have told him that his new wife will be a human woman rather than an angel.
Rachel is the woman who has been chosen but she isn’t very pleased about this new opportunity. Her life, away from the elite, has been very different than Gabriel’s. She sees cruelty, oppression and exploitation which Gabriel is blind to. She doesn’t trust him, or his people. Gabriel doesn’t understand her because he thinks of this role as a blessing. Many of Gabriel’s fellow angels are not happy about a human ruling with him. Many people want to take advantage of the situation.
This is a really inventive science fiction/fantasy novel. The author has created two great main characters and a world which divides rather than unites them. This is a story about fighting destiny but it is also about love and trust. I found it gripping.
Anne Is Reading 