Unquenchable Fire (1988)

*note to self. Copy from A.

Set in the same world as [Temporary Agency], this story tells an inter-related set of stories about a woman chosen to give birth to something.

Pollack's world is an amazing creation: A modern world in which the forces of magic have won out over the forces of logic. Miracles, magic, and spiritual (and demonic) interventions are every day occurrences. ( )

I agree with lquilter that the worldbuilding is wonderful. It's one of the most detailed fantasy worlds I have ever encountered. And, boy, is it weird.

However, I really hated the story. The woman in the book is taken over by a magical power pretty early in the tale who directs her every move from then on. The "protagonist" spends the rest of the book kvetching about her fate and not being able to do anything about it. I'm sure it's supposed to be a meditation on free will and the problem of evil, but these are no longer meaningful problems in my life. I was left staring at the beautiful scenery and screaming because nothing was happening in it.

If you like weird fantasy settings, don't mind that the main character is powerless, and enjoy discourses on religious questions, you'll love this book. If you can ignore the parts that you're not enjoying and just read for the setting, you will be in awe. If you can't, you might find it worth skimming. ( )