An original and successfully ambitious novel about the incoming archangel and his predestined bride in a world in which flesh and blood angels are able to call down benefits through beautifully sung prayers to a mysterious god. There are two main conflicts in the book: a power struggle between the incoming archangel, Gabriel, and the current archangel, Rafael, who, along with his followers, has been abusing his power and allowing injustices such as slavery to exist. The other struggle is between Gabriel and his god-chosen bride, Rachel, who unlike most human women has no desire to be the "angelica", who must sing with the archangel at an annual mass to prevent the destruction of the world.

While this might sound like fantasy, I labeled it science fiction because of a few oblique references to technology through which the god Jovah communicates with his seers and keeps track of his followers.

I found the story absorbing and original and am surprised it didn't garner any major awards. My only criticism is that, at times, Rachel's antipathy toward Gabriel seemed excessive. That quibble aside, I am eager to read the next books in the series. ( )

I read this book when it first came out in the late 90s and loved it then. I just reread it, a decade older, and liked the story just as much as I did the first time.

The big difference I see between my readings of it is that the romance - the core of this story - feels "forced"... like the author knew she had to put in a good romance, but rather than write realistic challenges or realistic feelings for the romance, she fell to stereotypes (angry, bitter, jaded woman and oblivious, stubborn man).

I suspect this is standard outlining for the romance genre (normally I don't read romance), but I believe an author should be able to generate romantic interest without resorting to classic stereotypes.

But, really, the story is still nearly a 5 star one - very interesting and engaging subject, very well written, and very hard to put down once you start. ( )

Gabriel, next in line to serve as Archangel, finally starts looking for the woman destined to be his Angelica. He eventually finds her, discovering her to be an Edori slave, and somewhat unwilling to become his wife. Gabriel also has to contend with the current Archangel, who he believes in doubting their god Jovah's existence will bring about the end of Samaria...
I've read this a couple of times before but I still love it. I find the world interesting (although I'd read the second in the series first so I know a bit more about the history than is covered in this one) and the characters and their story engaging.

I read this when it first came out, when I now realize was about 10 years ago. I love the ideas here, how cleverly Shinn plays with Biblical motifs and creates something totally new. As a reread, I could pay more attention to the language, and found that the plot/concept is more sublte than the way it is told, so sometimes the words are a little graceless, but the world building is excellent, and the book is a dream. I always find the personality of Rachel difficult, she is so self centered, but I imagine pain and loss and slavery could do that to you. I really like Gabriel, a good angel. struggling with others frailties. The writing has a fable like quality which suits the story well. It is a romance, but with no sex (one small kiss!) but with wonderful characters and a world worth exploring. I'm off to reread the rest of the series. ( )

One of my favorite books of all time. ( )