Tathea

I wanted to like this fantasy novel by Anne Perry, since I really like her mystery/ detective novels. I liked that it was a fantasy world that had histories of cultures, rival civilizations, traditions and beliefs all wrapped in. And when some of the fantasy elements appeared, it was cool. But most of them were good/evil manifestations, with really obvious parallels to the Bible, and that's when she lost me. There's a flood, there's a savior that redeems everlasting life for everyone in another world, there's temptation... maybe if there had been fewer parallels it would have been a subtle allusion, and that would have been easier to take. As it is, I felt repelled by the religious aspect, despite all the beautiful language and the show more well-woven (but long) epic journey theme. show less

The first third of this fantasy reminded me of A Pilgrim's Progress, the title protagonist then exits her dream back into a reality not unlike Flaubert's Salammbo which is more arresting reading. I found myself especially liking this heroine and her relationships with Alexius and Eleni as well as the High Priest, Tugomir, who provides a small measure of comic relief for this essentially serious but entertaining theodicy.

A strange, yet intriguing allegory of the Christian Church. It's the first of a trilogy. It you enjoy good stories and Christian allegory, read this. It's different but in a good way.

Supposed to be a fantasy, but really a very episodic allegory, where the heroine faces this and then that and the other thing, each clearly intended to teach her some moral lesson or other. Not at all enjoyable to read. Like being hit over the head with a lesson book over and over.