This is the 4th book in the Age of Unreason series. This could be called either fantasy or alternate history, as it is set in the early 1700's in Europe and North America. In this version of history, humans are given secrets of technology and 'magic' by angels and demons. Unfortunately some faction doesn't want the humans to gain such technology and wants to take it all back, even if it means killing all the humans. Ben Franklin and other historical figures desperately try to prevent humanity from being destroyed or enslaved.
I found this to be a very interesting series. As usual Keyes does an excellent job with his characters, as in this case he doesn't have to spend much time on the setting. A large and diverse cast makes it even more interesting. Good stuff. ( )

Mar12:

Characters: Just not as good as the first two. Still, a couple redeeming characters (Crecy) stayed true to their roots.

Plot: Actually a very solid wrap-up. It's so easy to screw that up.

Style: Managed to bring in a bit of an epic feel. Very nice. ( )

After a long delay, I decided to finish (J) Gregory Keyes' Age of Unreason Quartet, with The Shadows of God.

Starting with Newton's Cannon, The Age of Unreason Quartet has a brilliant idea at the center of its alternate history-fantasy. In our world, after discovering the laws of Gravity, Newton was sucked into a vortex of superstition, alchemy and biblical analysis. This, as well as other duties, carried him away from science in his later years of life.

What if those studies weren't a waste? What if there WERE alchemical discoveries to be made, and alchemy turned into a science? With Newton as its central figure, we get a 18th century industrial revolution of aetherscribers, kraftpistoles, airships and other wonders powered by alchemy. However, we also get the malakim, angels and creations of a gnostic like God, who don't appreciate humanity meddling with such powers.

Such is the universe of Newton's Cannon. With our main character, Benjamin Franklin, previous novels have carried us from America, to Europe, to a cometary impact against Europe, and back to America, with forces controlled by dark malachim intent on wiping out humanity. Plenty of other historical characters quarrel, struggle against each other and finally unite in the face of the common foe.

There's plenty of alchemical science, feats of derring do, noble sacrifices and an ending which changes the actual nature of the universe. Keyes answers some mysteries and reveals answers to questions which have been lurking since the first volume of the quartet. Although its been a while since I read the third book, I picked up on the characters, their foibles, personalities and voices immediately. And, perhaps best of all, Keyes has an economy of writing. Although this is the last book in the quartet, it clocks in at a slim 320 pages. Some things might be a little too rushed by the breakneck, pulp like pace, but on the other hand, Keyes knows to get us to "the good stuff".

I would hardly recommend readers new to this universe start here; it would be like looking at only the spire of a cathedral without having seen the rest of the edifice first. Those who have read previous volumes will not be disappointed by the denouement.

Now that I have finished this series, I am very tempted to see what Keyes has been doing with this "Briar King" series I hear about... ( )

http://martlet-blog.blogspot.com/2007/05/age-of-unreason-de-greg-keyes.html ( )