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Samaria #1
Archangel
And so it came to pass...
Through science, faith and force of will, the Harmonics carved out for themselves a society that they conceived of as perfect. Diverse peoples held together by respect for each other and the prospect of swift punishment if they disobeyed their laws. Fertile land that embraced a variety of climates and seasons. Angels to guard the mortals and mystics to guard the forbidden knowledge. Jehovah to watch over them all...
But an age of corruption has come to the land, threatening their peace and placing the Samarians in grave danger. Their only hope lies in the crowning of a new Archangel. The oracles have chosen for this honor the angel named Gabriel, and further decreed that he must first wed a mortal woman named Rachel.
It is his destiny and hers. And Gabriel is certain that she will greet the news of her betrothal with enthusiasm, and a devotion to duty equal to his own.
Rachel, however, has other ideas...
Through science, faith and force of will, the Harmonics carved out for themselves a society that they conceived of as perfect. Diverse peoples held together by respect for each other and the prospect of swift punishment if they disobeyed their laws. Fertile land that embraced a variety of climates and seasons. Angels to guard the mortals and mystics to guard the forbidden knowledge. Jehovah to watch over them all...
But an age of corruption has come to the land, threatening their peace and placing the Samarians in grave danger. Their only hope lies in the crowning of a new Archangel. The oracles have chosen for this honor the angel named Gabriel, and further decreed that he must first wed a mortal woman named Rachel.
It is his destiny and hers. And Gabriel is certain that she will greet the news of her betrothal with enthusiasm, and a devotion to duty equal to his own.
Rachel, however, has other ideas...
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1996
172 people are currently reading
7449 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Shinn
58 books2,267 followersI’ve been writing stories and poems since I was eight years old. My first poem was about Halloween: "What is tonight? What is tonight?/Try to guess and you’ll guess right." Perhaps this inauspicious beginning explains why it took me till I was in my thirties to sell a novel. It occurred to me early on that it might take some time and a lot of tries before I was able to publish any of my creative writing, so I pursued a degree in journalism at Northwestern University so I’d be able to support myself while I figured out how to write fiction.
I’ve spent most of my journalism career at three trade and association magazines—The Professional Photographer (which, as you might guess, went to studio and industrial photographers), DECOR (which went to frame shop and art gallery owners), and BizEd (which is directed at deans and professors at business schools). My longest stint, seventeen years, was at DECOR. Many people don’t know this, but I’m a CPF (Certified Picture Framer), having passed a very long, technical test to prove I understood the tenets of conservation framing. Now I write about management education and interview some really cool, really smart people from all over the world.
I mostly write my fiction in the evenings and on weekends. It requires a pretty obsessive-compulsive personality to be as prolific as I’ve been in the past ten years and hold down a full-time job. But I do manage to tear myself away from the computer now and then to do something fun. I read as often as I can, across all genres, though I’m most often holding a book that’s fantasy or romance, with the occasional western thrown in. I’m a fan of Cardinals baseball and try to be at the ballpark on opening day. If I had the time, I’d see a movie every day of my life. I love certain TV shows so much that knowing a new episode is going to air that night will make me happy all day. (I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan, but in the past I’ve given my heart to shows all over the map in terms of quality: "Knight Rider," "Remington Steele," "Blake’s 7," "Moonlighting," "The Young Riders," "Cheers," "Hill Street Blues," "X-Files," "Lost," "Battlestar Galactica"...you can probably fill in the gaps. And let’s not forget my very first loves, "The Partridge Family," "Here Come the Brides" and "Alias Smith & Jones.")
I don’t have kids, I don’t want pets, and all my plants die, so I’m really only forced to provide ongoing care for my menagerie of stuffed animals. All my friends are animal lovers, though, and someone once theorized that I keep friends as pets. I’m still trying to decide if that’s true.
I’ve spent most of my journalism career at three trade and association magazines—The Professional Photographer (which, as you might guess, went to studio and industrial photographers), DECOR (which went to frame shop and art gallery owners), and BizEd (which is directed at deans and professors at business schools). My longest stint, seventeen years, was at DECOR. Many people don’t know this, but I’m a CPF (Certified Picture Framer), having passed a very long, technical test to prove I understood the tenets of conservation framing. Now I write about management education and interview some really cool, really smart people from all over the world.
I mostly write my fiction in the evenings and on weekends. It requires a pretty obsessive-compulsive personality to be as prolific as I’ve been in the past ten years and hold down a full-time job. But I do manage to tear myself away from the computer now and then to do something fun. I read as often as I can, across all genres, though I’m most often holding a book that’s fantasy or romance, with the occasional western thrown in. I’m a fan of Cardinals baseball and try to be at the ballpark on opening day. If I had the time, I’d see a movie every day of my life. I love certain TV shows so much that knowing a new episode is going to air that night will make me happy all day. (I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan, but in the past I’ve given my heart to shows all over the map in terms of quality: "Knight Rider," "Remington Steele," "Blake’s 7," "Moonlighting," "The Young Riders," "Cheers," "Hill Street Blues," "X-Files," "Lost," "Battlestar Galactica"...you can probably fill in the gaps. And let’s not forget my very first loves, "The Partridge Family," "Here Come the Brides" and "Alias Smith & Jones.")
I don’t have kids, I don’t want pets, and all my plants die, so I’m really only forced to provide ongoing care for my menagerie of stuffed animals. All my friends are animal lovers, though, and someone once theorized that I keep friends as pets. I’m still trying to decide if that’s true.
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July 29, 2008
There are five books out in this series, though each can be read as stand-alone novels. I think this is the first one (I wanted to start at the beginning, if I could), and very intriguing and well-written it is. I read it in a day. I'm a new fan of Shinn!
Archangel is set on another world, on a land called Samaria which is divided up into three realms: Gaza, Bethel and Jordanna. They aren't the only place names that sound familiar, there's also Mount Sinai, the Plain of Sharon and the Galilee River, all reminiscent in sound and appearance to that troublesome spot in the Middle East. Here, though, there is harmony between the lands. After all, it is their god's main precept: harmony in all things. God, or Jovah's, representatives on earth are the Angels, beautiful men and women with massive wings who sing the prayers to a god that actually heeds them. Their faith is unswerving.
There are many interesting and unique elements to this richly idealised land. Each baby dedicated to the god receives the Kiss, implanted into their arm, through which Jovah knows you are alive and takes you when you die. It also reacts when you meet the person meant for you.
The leader of the Host at the Eyrie, Gabriel, is preparing to become the new Archangel at the Gloria - a mass sung on the Plain of Sharon - but must first find the woman whom Jovah has selected as his wife. He is reluctant, and put it off until he had only six months left. When he is unable to find Rachel, he searches fruitlessly, only to find her in the most unexpected of places: as a shackled slave working in the home of Lord Jethro, where Gabriel is staying for Jethro's son's wedding.
Rachel has not been tamed by her five long years as a slave. Orphaned at seven when her farming village is destroyed, she was adopted by an Edori clan, a race of nomads who believe differently from everyone else, and so are not considered human. The one thing she wants is to be free to make her own choices, and becoming wife and angelica to the next Archangel does not sit well with her. The discord between Rachel and Gabriel becomes worse due to their problems communicating with each other, while the present Archangel, Raphael, lets it be known that he has no intention of stepping down, and will go to drastic lengths to prove that Jovah does not even exist.
I've never been fond of overtly religious themes in fiction, and I would usually avoid a book that focuses too much on religion. Yet there is nothing lecturing or moralistic about this story. It is entirely believable, and there are hints throughout about how these people came to be on Samaria that a reader can guess at, making Jovah's response to the prayers of the Angels all the more fascinating. Gabriel is a strangely lovable character - strange, because he is a difficult man - while Rachel is so stubborn as to infuriate at times. But the very fact that they can provoke such strong reactions in me is testament to the success and skill of Shinn's writing. Shinn does not dawdle, wallow or pander. Her touch is light and effortless, simply drawing you along in the wake of Rachel and Gabriel, watching and caring and intrigued. It is also interesting to read against a background of discord and disharmony, of prejudice and enslavement and terror. This book is a rich tapestry of issues woven through a bittersweet love story. I only wish Gabriel and Rachel had resolved their differences earlier; I do love to spend time with literary couples who respond in less antagonistic ways to each other.
Archangel is set on another world, on a land called Samaria which is divided up into three realms: Gaza, Bethel and Jordanna. They aren't the only place names that sound familiar, there's also Mount Sinai, the Plain of Sharon and the Galilee River, all reminiscent in sound and appearance to that troublesome spot in the Middle East. Here, though, there is harmony between the lands. After all, it is their god's main precept: harmony in all things. God, or Jovah's, representatives on earth are the Angels, beautiful men and women with massive wings who sing the prayers to a god that actually heeds them. Their faith is unswerving.
There are many interesting and unique elements to this richly idealised land. Each baby dedicated to the god receives the Kiss, implanted into their arm, through which Jovah knows you are alive and takes you when you die. It also reacts when you meet the person meant for you.
The leader of the Host at the Eyrie, Gabriel, is preparing to become the new Archangel at the Gloria - a mass sung on the Plain of Sharon - but must first find the woman whom Jovah has selected as his wife. He is reluctant, and put it off until he had only six months left. When he is unable to find Rachel, he searches fruitlessly, only to find her in the most unexpected of places: as a shackled slave working in the home of Lord Jethro, where Gabriel is staying for Jethro's son's wedding.
Rachel has not been tamed by her five long years as a slave. Orphaned at seven when her farming village is destroyed, she was adopted by an Edori clan, a race of nomads who believe differently from everyone else, and so are not considered human. The one thing she wants is to be free to make her own choices, and becoming wife and angelica to the next Archangel does not sit well with her. The discord between Rachel and Gabriel becomes worse due to their problems communicating with each other, while the present Archangel, Raphael, lets it be known that he has no intention of stepping down, and will go to drastic lengths to prove that Jovah does not even exist.
I've never been fond of overtly religious themes in fiction, and I would usually avoid a book that focuses too much on religion. Yet there is nothing lecturing or moralistic about this story. It is entirely believable, and there are hints throughout about how these people came to be on Samaria that a reader can guess at, making Jovah's response to the prayers of the Angels all the more fascinating. Gabriel is a strangely lovable character - strange, because he is a difficult man - while Rachel is so stubborn as to infuriate at times. But the very fact that they can provoke such strong reactions in me is testament to the success and skill of Shinn's writing. Shinn does not dawdle, wallow or pander. Her touch is light and effortless, simply drawing you along in the wake of Rachel and Gabriel, watching and caring and intrigued. It is also interesting to read against a background of discord and disharmony, of prejudice and enslavement and terror. This book is a rich tapestry of issues woven through a bittersweet love story. I only wish Gabriel and Rachel had resolved their differences earlier; I do love to spend time with literary couples who respond in less antagonistic ways to each other.
December 20, 2010
Oh, you know, it’s your typical book about another planet where an angel rescues a woman from slavery and forces her to marry him because his god/an AI told him to. Oh, and he wears leather. The angel, not the AI.
This is actually not as batshit as I’m making it sound, though it’s still decidedly . . . Pernlike. Id vortex or bust, if you know what I mean, and it was mostly a bust for me. I don’t have an arranged marriage kink or an angel kink or any of the other seventeen kinks this book was hurling at me. And it could never quite decide if it was a clumsy little young adult bit of wanking, or something else. I mean, be silly wanking if you want, I don’t judge, just actually be it, or decide not to be it.
Not as sexually skeezey as expected, nor as emotionally immature. Actually pretty grown up and interesting when it forgot it was a book where all our heroes are righteous and the unrighteous get literally smited no really. But still.
This is actually not as batshit as I’m making it sound, though it’s still decidedly . . . Pernlike. Id vortex or bust, if you know what I mean, and it was mostly a bust for me. I don’t have an arranged marriage kink or an angel kink or any of the other seventeen kinks this book was hurling at me. And it could never quite decide if it was a clumsy little young adult bit of wanking, or something else. I mean, be silly wanking if you want, I don’t judge, just actually be it, or decide not to be it.
Not as sexually skeezey as expected, nor as emotionally immature. Actually pretty grown up and interesting when it forgot it was a book where all our heroes are righteous and the unrighteous get literally smited no really. But still.
July 25, 2023
I found Sharon Shinn's Archangel an awesome fantasy and an amazing entertainment reading. Through highly creative and unusual premises, provocative characters and actions that are always surprising the reader, Shinn was able to create a beautiful story. A tale about love, music, magic, power and honor and has done it so well that I found myself escaping into her world, living it through her protagonists, so strong in their imperfections and conflicting desires.
Archangel is set in Samaria, divided into three domains Gaza, Bethel and Jordanna lead by angels. Aren’t these names familiar? So, we also read about the Galilee River, Mount Sinai, and Bethel. Could it be a metaphorical creation reminding us of our own world? But in Samaria there is harmony, or it is supposed to strive for it: harmony in all thigs is what their god Jehovah teaches should always exist between all land and people. Diverse societies held together by the prospect of swift punishment. But instead what we read about is a world that is immersed in discord and disharmony, where prejudice and enslavement thrive.
Angels as Jehovah’s representatives on Samaria communicate with Him through music. Without their own shortcomings, angels are almost glorious beings with massive wings, who sing beautifully the prayers of Jehovah.
Gabriel is the leader of Eyrie, preparing to become the new Archangel or leader of all angels and Samaria. Rachel is his Jehovah’s chosen bride. Together they must sing at the Gloria, a mass sung in harmony yearly by angels together with representatives of all people.
Gabriel is a difficult man but I also found him amazingly lovable character, fully committed to leading his people into correcting all that is wrong; while Rachel has gone through serious hardships in her life and exasperates the reader in her stubbornness. But the very fact that both can provoke such strong reactions is proof of the success and skill of Shinn's writing. Their brash love affair is difficult but honest.
Shinn’s talent is able to deliver a story that is not religious or moralistic despite its alluring themes. The spiritual, if you want religious, beliefs are wholly experienced through music, and in that it is beautiful for even if you should not be able to hear it, I could occasionally feel it like maybe as a dream. Samaria comes through entirely convincing, even if in a fantastical way, as it is utmost human.
Archangel is set in Samaria, divided into three domains Gaza, Bethel and Jordanna lead by angels. Aren’t these names familiar? So, we also read about the Galilee River, Mount Sinai, and Bethel. Could it be a metaphorical creation reminding us of our own world? But in Samaria there is harmony, or it is supposed to strive for it: harmony in all thigs is what their god Jehovah teaches should always exist between all land and people. Diverse societies held together by the prospect of swift punishment. But instead what we read about is a world that is immersed in discord and disharmony, where prejudice and enslavement thrive.
Angels as Jehovah’s representatives on Samaria communicate with Him through music. Without their own shortcomings, angels are almost glorious beings with massive wings, who sing beautifully the prayers of Jehovah.
'Are you asking me if there is a God?' he said, still in that soft voice. 'All I can say is, I believe there is. I feel him when I sing'.
Gabriel is the leader of Eyrie, preparing to become the new Archangel or leader of all angels and Samaria. Rachel is his Jehovah’s chosen bride. Together they must sing at the Gloria, a mass sung in harmony yearly by angels together with representatives of all people.
Gabriel is a difficult man but I also found him amazingly lovable character, fully committed to leading his people into correcting all that is wrong; while Rachel has gone through serious hardships in her life and exasperates the reader in her stubbornness. But the very fact that both can provoke such strong reactions is proof of the success and skill of Shinn's writing. Their brash love affair is difficult but honest.
Shinn’s talent is able to deliver a story that is not religious or moralistic despite its alluring themes. The spiritual, if you want religious, beliefs are wholly experienced through music, and in that it is beautiful for even if you should not be able to hear it, I could occasionally feel it like maybe as a dream. Samaria comes through entirely convincing, even if in a fantastical way, as it is utmost human.
October 6, 2008
Fabulous book! Very creative and different. The characters were compelling and deep (but sometimes annoying). Great world building. I can’t wait to continue on with this series. I couldn’t put it down.
Note - Archangel is not a Romance novel. This is a Fantasy novel with romantic elements, but do not expect your traditional Romance themes & behaviors – you will most likely be disappointed.
Another Note – I’ve heard some complaints about the religious elements in the book. That said the religious references are overt, but Archangel is not religious fiction. Some of the character names & references are taken for Judeo Christianity, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable calling this a Christian text. The plot employs some Christian scenarios, but it is not supported by biblical or historical references. It’s just fiction, not conversion literature or blasphemy, just fiction.
Yet Again Another Note – I’ve read that Rachel is a Mary Sue. If so, she the whiniest most unlikable Mary Sue ever. [Mary Sue def. by Wikipedia - …characterized by overly idealized and clichéd mannerisms, lacking noteworthy flaws…] I don’t think Rachel fits that bill, because she’s certainly flawed. And she has to take her lumps physically & emotionally before anything positive happens to her. BTW, is it just me or does it seem like there are a surplus of sue-hunters these days?
Note - Archangel is not a Romance novel. This is a Fantasy novel with romantic elements, but do not expect your traditional Romance themes & behaviors – you will most likely be disappointed.
Another Note – I’ve heard some complaints about the religious elements in the book. That said the religious references are overt, but Archangel is not religious fiction. Some of the character names & references are taken for Judeo Christianity, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable calling this a Christian text. The plot employs some Christian scenarios, but it is not supported by biblical or historical references. It’s just fiction, not conversion literature or blasphemy, just fiction.
Yet Again Another Note – I’ve read that Rachel is a Mary Sue. If so, she the whiniest most unlikable Mary Sue ever. [Mary Sue def. by Wikipedia - …characterized by overly idealized and clichéd mannerisms, lacking noteworthy flaws…] I don’t think Rachel fits that bill, because she’s certainly flawed. And she has to take her lumps physically & emotionally before anything positive happens to her. BTW, is it just me or does it seem like there are a surplus of sue-hunters these days?
April 10, 2009
LOVE this series so much. Predates a lot of the fantasy/romance out there that's so popular now. Angels in an alternate universe. Weird to explain but really really good!
December 2, 2012
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I'm at a loss for words when it comes to Sharon Shinn's Archangel. Utterly torn in fact. I was so sure this novel would earn a hearty 5 Stars from me and make its way to my 'favorites' shelf, but alas, I couldn't bring myself to fall in love with this as I thought I would.
I suppose I'll start at the beginning. I woke up early today morning with plenty of time left before I really needed to be out of bed. Thus, I perused my Kindle library and stumbled upon this. I thought I'd read a chapter or two before lazily making my way out of bed, but before I knew it, it was time for lunch (I completely missed breakfast!) and I was just over half-way done with this book. Needless to say, I devoured my lunch as fast as I could, read till nearly the end of the novel, forced myself to do some productive work, and went about finishing this tale.
Archangel is the first of a series of five novels that all take place in the fantasy land of Samaria. From the surface, Archangel is nothing more than a romance. Gabriel has been chosen by Jovah, the God, to become the next Archangel, or ruler of Samaria. Every twenty years a new Archangel is installed and they assume their power when they sing during the annual Gloria ritual with their angelica, or chosen bride. The angelica is chosen by Jovah as well and Gabriel is told that her name is Rachel. Thus, with less than six months before the Gloria, Gabriel must find his wife.
Rachel, however, proves elusive to find. While she was born a farmer's daughter, her home was destroyed when she was young. Thus, she spent her years with a traveling pack of nomads before she was sold into slavery to work in a rich man's household. It is there, quite coincidentally, that Gabriel finds her. Although her life has been hard, Rachel's spirit has never been broken and just as she is about to receive freedom, Gabriel whisks her away to be his bride. Needless to say, the headstrong young woman and the impatient angel don't get along and their relationship is strained.
Archangel chronicles the beautiful, blooming love story between Rachel and Gabriel. It is slow, achingly realistic, and allows you more than enough time to become wholly invested in their affair. Yet, more than that, it is a novel of two people, their faith, and a nation. Archangel switches between the third person perspectives of both Rachel and Gabriel, giving us a well-rounded picture of both our protagonists as well as their land. Samaria is a fantasy nation that Shinn has richly imagined, and her world-building is artfully crafted. Not only are we made to understand the heavy undertone of religion that surrounds this land, without it ever becoming preachy, we are also made to witness the politics that lie in the nation. Perhaps best of all, though, is that Shinn uses her religious country as a realistic force in the novel itself.
Gabriel, as the incoming Archangel, knows the inner-workings of his country and has grown up believing in Jovah. Yet, there are doubters in the land and many of the theological discussions are fascinating, while never straying into the realm of "preach-like" in the least - a feat I was amazed to see accomplished. Furthermore, Rachel's perspective growing up with nomads allows us to see the multi-racial diversity of the land, not to mention the different customs they held.
Yet, what pulled me in about this novel were the characters themselves. Both Rachel and Gabriel are such intense and complex characters, that I can't truly claim to know them fully, even now. With her past, Rachel has become stubborn, unwilling to allow anyone close to her heart and her unyielding will often does more harm to her life than good. Furthermore, her actions are driven by the fact that she has never had choices in her life and as such, she seizes the opportunity to be free of Gabriel's clutches, despite the fact that they gradually fall in love. Gabriel too is multi-dimensional, having grown up to assume the task of Archangel, and his growth under Rachel's influence is slow-burning and moving. What I love about their relationship most of all is that it is full of arguments and mistakes and very, very few tender moments, but their estrangements from one another shape their marital life and the distances they put, both literal and metaphorical, only make their relationship stronger.
So, what went wrong? In all honesty, I can't be completely sure. We have a villain in Archangel and while I was satisfied with the manner in which that particular plot wrapped up, I don't know if I can say the same about Rachel and Gabriel's romance. No, don't get me wrong - I loved it. I'm thrilled by the ending, but I remain disappointed by Rachel's lack of growth. Or rather, enough growth. While I understood where her stubborn, hard-will nature stemmed from and even saw the logic of her actions at the end of the novel, since Rachel needed some time to be her own person and take her own actions before she could back to Gabriel and even that had to be by her own choice, I somehow didn't enjoy the manner in which everything played out. Was it rushed? Was Rachel's contemplation of taking in another suitor mystifying? Or was it just her constant denial of her love for Gabriel and that, even when they reunited by the end, she couldn't allow herself to show her emotions? I don't know. I feel as if Rachel took the logical next step in her progression, but it was such a small step and I wish the novel could have continued on for us to really see more and feel 100% satisfied in her relationship with Gabriel.
Nevertheless, I can't deny I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will definitely be picking up the fifth book, which continues the story with another character from this novel, if not the others, which are separate novels of their own. Yet, I am still flabbergasted by my rating and my overall thoughts on this one. I'd highly recommend it though, to anyone looking for an interesting new take on angel fantasy, or just someone who loves music. Of course, that cover does no favors for this novel (I can't re-call any scene where Rachel held a glowing blue orb and a feather in her hands...and she has blonde hair!), the story inside more than makes up for it. I'm hoping that, someday down the line, I will be older and wiser and sit down to read this book and wind up loving the ending and giving this the five stars I still believe it deserves. Until then though, I'll probably keep these characters in my heart and hope that others will discover Sharon Shinn's masterpiece as well.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
I'm at a loss for words when it comes to Sharon Shinn's Archangel. Utterly torn in fact. I was so sure this novel would earn a hearty 5 Stars from me and make its way to my 'favorites' shelf, but alas, I couldn't bring myself to fall in love with this as I thought I would.
I suppose I'll start at the beginning. I woke up early today morning with plenty of time left before I really needed to be out of bed. Thus, I perused my Kindle library and stumbled upon this. I thought I'd read a chapter or two before lazily making my way out of bed, but before I knew it, it was time for lunch (I completely missed breakfast!) and I was just over half-way done with this book. Needless to say, I devoured my lunch as fast as I could, read till nearly the end of the novel, forced myself to do some productive work, and went about finishing this tale.
Archangel is the first of a series of five novels that all take place in the fantasy land of Samaria. From the surface, Archangel is nothing more than a romance. Gabriel has been chosen by Jovah, the God, to become the next Archangel, or ruler of Samaria. Every twenty years a new Archangel is installed and they assume their power when they sing during the annual Gloria ritual with their angelica, or chosen bride. The angelica is chosen by Jovah as well and Gabriel is told that her name is Rachel. Thus, with less than six months before the Gloria, Gabriel must find his wife.
Rachel, however, proves elusive to find. While she was born a farmer's daughter, her home was destroyed when she was young. Thus, she spent her years with a traveling pack of nomads before she was sold into slavery to work in a rich man's household. It is there, quite coincidentally, that Gabriel finds her. Although her life has been hard, Rachel's spirit has never been broken and just as she is about to receive freedom, Gabriel whisks her away to be his bride. Needless to say, the headstrong young woman and the impatient angel don't get along and their relationship is strained.
Archangel chronicles the beautiful, blooming love story between Rachel and Gabriel. It is slow, achingly realistic, and allows you more than enough time to become wholly invested in their affair. Yet, more than that, it is a novel of two people, their faith, and a nation. Archangel switches between the third person perspectives of both Rachel and Gabriel, giving us a well-rounded picture of both our protagonists as well as their land. Samaria is a fantasy nation that Shinn has richly imagined, and her world-building is artfully crafted. Not only are we made to understand the heavy undertone of religion that surrounds this land, without it ever becoming preachy, we are also made to witness the politics that lie in the nation. Perhaps best of all, though, is that Shinn uses her religious country as a realistic force in the novel itself.
Gabriel, as the incoming Archangel, knows the inner-workings of his country and has grown up believing in Jovah. Yet, there are doubters in the land and many of the theological discussions are fascinating, while never straying into the realm of "preach-like" in the least - a feat I was amazed to see accomplished. Furthermore, Rachel's perspective growing up with nomads allows us to see the multi-racial diversity of the land, not to mention the different customs they held.
Yet, what pulled me in about this novel were the characters themselves. Both Rachel and Gabriel are such intense and complex characters, that I can't truly claim to know them fully, even now. With her past, Rachel has become stubborn, unwilling to allow anyone close to her heart and her unyielding will often does more harm to her life than good. Furthermore, her actions are driven by the fact that she has never had choices in her life and as such, she seizes the opportunity to be free of Gabriel's clutches, despite the fact that they gradually fall in love. Gabriel too is multi-dimensional, having grown up to assume the task of Archangel, and his growth under Rachel's influence is slow-burning and moving. What I love about their relationship most of all is that it is full of arguments and mistakes and very, very few tender moments, but their estrangements from one another shape their marital life and the distances they put, both literal and metaphorical, only make their relationship stronger.
So, what went wrong? In all honesty, I can't be completely sure. We have a villain in Archangel and while I was satisfied with the manner in which that particular plot wrapped up, I don't know if I can say the same about Rachel and Gabriel's romance. No, don't get me wrong - I loved it. I'm thrilled by the ending, but I remain disappointed by Rachel's lack of growth. Or rather, enough growth. While I understood where her stubborn, hard-will nature stemmed from and even saw the logic of her actions at the end of the novel, since Rachel needed some time to be her own person and take her own actions before she could back to Gabriel and even that had to be by her own choice, I somehow didn't enjoy the manner in which everything played out. Was it rushed? Was Rachel's contemplation of taking in another suitor mystifying? Or was it just her constant denial of her love for Gabriel and that, even when they reunited by the end, she couldn't allow herself to show her emotions? I don't know. I feel as if Rachel took the logical next step in her progression, but it was such a small step and I wish the novel could have continued on for us to really see more and feel 100% satisfied in her relationship with Gabriel.
Nevertheless, I can't deny I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will definitely be picking up the fifth book, which continues the story with another character from this novel, if not the others, which are separate novels of their own. Yet, I am still flabbergasted by my rating and my overall thoughts on this one. I'd highly recommend it though, to anyone looking for an interesting new take on angel fantasy, or just someone who loves music. Of course, that cover does no favors for this novel (I can't re-call any scene where Rachel held a glowing blue orb and a feather in her hands...and she has blonde hair!), the story inside more than makes up for it. I'm hoping that, someday down the line, I will be older and wiser and sit down to read this book and wind up loving the ending and giving this the five stars I still believe it deserves. Until then though, I'll probably keep these characters in my heart and hope that others will discover Sharon Shinn's masterpiece as well.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
February 21, 2017
"And if I should leave you, for any reason," he added, tightening his grip as she struggled to free her hand, "I will return to you. That is as certain as the sun rising tomorrow morning and the thunderbolt falling tomorrow night. That is as sure as the god's existence. I will come back to you, or I will find you - over and over again, as often as we are parted, until the end of the world itself.”
3.5 Stars
A sci-fi masquerading as fantasy about angels in an alternative universe before any of that was cool. Delightfully sex positive, allows the protagonist to consider the possibility of adultery after her forced marriage and portrays a realistic way for such a difficult relationship to evolve into a touching romance.
"Everybody's afraid of love, because love is what hurts the most.”
That probably sums up the thematic tone of the novel. It explores various relationships and how our history and hang-ups shape and distort them.
I enjoyed it. It was definitely ahead of it's time. Some readers may have a problem with the main character's behaviour. She doesn't try to please the love interest and wants freedom.
I read some reviews prior to reading which complained that she was selfish. I disagree.
This is a result of a chronic pattern of trivialising serious power differentials between love interests in romances for the sake of a swoony plot.
The reality is that the main character is traumatised, enslaved and then handed over as chattel to her soon-to-be husband. I wouldn't feel grateful or romantically inclined either. She has her own desires and prioritises them over the needs of the husband she didn't want to marry. Seems pretty reasonable to me. The gradual development of their relationship was touching.
BUT...
The book includes a magic rufie that women can use on men. One male character expresses distress about it and everyone else smiles wryly and shrugs... what the fuck.
Not cool. NOT COOL.
This is Potter-level reverse rape culture and it sucks.
If you can stomach that and enjoy it despite that aspect, the novel is a unique and enjoyable read.
3.5 Stars
A sci-fi masquerading as fantasy about angels in an alternative universe before any of that was cool. Delightfully sex positive, allows the protagonist to consider the possibility of adultery after her forced marriage and portrays a realistic way for such a difficult relationship to evolve into a touching romance.
"Everybody's afraid of love, because love is what hurts the most.”
That probably sums up the thematic tone of the novel. It explores various relationships and how our history and hang-ups shape and distort them.
I enjoyed it. It was definitely ahead of it's time. Some readers may have a problem with the main character's behaviour. She doesn't try to please the love interest and wants freedom.
I read some reviews prior to reading which complained that she was selfish. I disagree.
This is a result of a chronic pattern of trivialising serious power differentials between love interests in romances for the sake of a swoony plot.
The reality is that the main character is traumatised, enslaved and then handed over as chattel to her soon-to-be husband. I wouldn't feel grateful or romantically inclined either. She has her own desires and prioritises them over the needs of the husband she didn't want to marry. Seems pretty reasonable to me. The gradual development of their relationship was touching.
BUT...
The book includes a magic rufie that women can use on men. One male character expresses distress about it and everyone else smiles wryly and shrugs... what the fuck.
Not cool. NOT COOL.
This is Potter-level reverse rape culture and it sucks.
If you can stomach that and enjoy it despite that aspect, the novel is a unique and enjoyable read.
December 5, 2010
Sharon Shinn carries the torch of Joss Whedon for fantasy and science fiction. Oops not everyone is a fan, Mariel. Cliff's notes version: the world is great but what hits close to home has everything to do with the emotional joys and horrors. What resonates and vibrates like an internal chord being struck is the this is what I can feel too stuff because it's the things we're all in it together for. Shinn is kindred spirit to Peter S. Beagle. Her stories make me feel that she could be related to me. What I most hold dear, she must too because she doesn't miss the point of what I believe to be the point of anything. Forget the believable world building, great writing and characters, etc. The things that you would take for granted in a movie because you are supposed to take them for granted. Shinn's books are like that for me. Big picture. I like all the other stuff but that's not what I'm going to remember down my miles. I wasn't in a story after all. I was reading the heart of heart example of something that mattered a great deal to Sharon Shinn.
I didn't know if I was really going to like this. A science fiction world that resembles an alternate reality that could be the future or past. That it resembles ever troubled areas in the middle east has to be intentional. The religion is not religion at all but politics. The angels in charge are corrupt. Their power is in their singing. The power to control the weather, stop or create disasters, and thereby control the little peoples under them. Of course there has to be someone even tinier under their boots, as well. The Edori tribes were massacred or enslaved. They resemble Jews. No, it's not "ooh how topical" at all. In plot description print it might sound that way. In Shinn's hands it really isn't. Rachel, the heroine, is one of these Edori slavewomen. (A common theme in Shinn's works is enslavement.)
The spiritual or religious beliefs is music. I simply don't wrestle with religion at all. I can torment myself to bits with everything else under the invisible sun. Somehow it is never belief in a higher power. I've got issues about being forced into religion. Okay, my issues are political. Spiritually? No. I get the music stuff. Shinn wrote about this in a way that wasn't cheesey. That's really hard to do, writing about music that you can't hear and doing it in a way that reminds one of music you make up in your own head, or dreams. Rachel has a heavenly (even I'm rolling my eyes at me) singing voice. She's soul mate to the most likely candidate for the new Archangel, Gabriel, apparently. This is the part that sounds like your typical supernatural tinged romance story. Believe me, it really isn't. AT ALL.
Rachel was impregnated with this device in her arm that other Edori's do not have (she was found by them as a baby). The lucky pricks all have these. When they meet the person that their Jehovah ordains them to be with, the very sci-fi ball lights up. Gabriel is a snobby angel. He's not keen on marrying a slave. He takes Rachel away and expects her to be some little puppet for him as long as they need her to perform the ceremony. Is it really ordained? Does anybody really have a soulmate? It's just listening to people and trying not to hurt people if you can avoid it. Possessiveness? Is it awful to love what is not yours? I agree with Shinn that it is awful to try and contain it. I loved this love story that was loving without the creepy clinging that suffocates what is natural. The spirituality was just listening.
Gabriel does eventually fall for Rachel. But Rachel is still in love with her Edori man. She's pissed about what has been done to her. She's been enslaved enough already. Why do it with this angel, even if he is a fantastic singer? I didn't expect that. I expected her to roll over.
Archangel knocked me over with an (angel's) feather when I was done. I did not expect to read a book with a love story in it that believed in what I believe in. No, I don't get caught up in fears of being tied down. You allow yourself to be tied down if that happens. Fear what you'll do to yourself if you're going to be afraid. The beauty of Archangel is that Rachel's futuristic or prehistoric blood cries out for freedom of being understood. The listening is like the listening of the angel's music. Gabriel actually wasn't enough of an asshole to deliberately deafen his ears to her, after all. That was really cool. There was no sweeping off one's feet into perma happy la la land. I'd say that Shinn earned her ending all right.
I didn't know if I was really going to like this. A science fiction world that resembles an alternate reality that could be the future or past. That it resembles ever troubled areas in the middle east has to be intentional. The religion is not religion at all but politics. The angels in charge are corrupt. Their power is in their singing. The power to control the weather, stop or create disasters, and thereby control the little peoples under them. Of course there has to be someone even tinier under their boots, as well. The Edori tribes were massacred or enslaved. They resemble Jews. No, it's not "ooh how topical" at all. In plot description print it might sound that way. In Shinn's hands it really isn't. Rachel, the heroine, is one of these Edori slavewomen. (A common theme in Shinn's works is enslavement.)
The spiritual or religious beliefs is music. I simply don't wrestle with religion at all. I can torment myself to bits with everything else under the invisible sun. Somehow it is never belief in a higher power. I've got issues about being forced into religion. Okay, my issues are political. Spiritually? No. I get the music stuff. Shinn wrote about this in a way that wasn't cheesey. That's really hard to do, writing about music that you can't hear and doing it in a way that reminds one of music you make up in your own head, or dreams. Rachel has a heavenly (even I'm rolling my eyes at me) singing voice. She's soul mate to the most likely candidate for the new Archangel, Gabriel, apparently. This is the part that sounds like your typical supernatural tinged romance story. Believe me, it really isn't. AT ALL.
Rachel was impregnated with this device in her arm that other Edori's do not have (she was found by them as a baby). The lucky pricks all have these. When they meet the person that their Jehovah ordains them to be with, the very sci-fi ball lights up. Gabriel is a snobby angel. He's not keen on marrying a slave. He takes Rachel away and expects her to be some little puppet for him as long as they need her to perform the ceremony. Is it really ordained? Does anybody really have a soulmate? It's just listening to people and trying not to hurt people if you can avoid it. Possessiveness? Is it awful to love what is not yours? I agree with Shinn that it is awful to try and contain it. I loved this love story that was loving without the creepy clinging that suffocates what is natural. The spirituality was just listening.
Gabriel does eventually fall for Rachel. But Rachel is still in love with her Edori man. She's pissed about what has been done to her. She's been enslaved enough already. Why do it with this angel, even if he is a fantastic singer? I didn't expect that. I expected her to roll over.
Archangel knocked me over with an (angel's) feather when I was done. I did not expect to read a book with a love story in it that believed in what I believe in. No, I don't get caught up in fears of being tied down. You allow yourself to be tied down if that happens. Fear what you'll do to yourself if you're going to be afraid. The beauty of Archangel is that Rachel's futuristic or prehistoric blood cries out for freedom of being understood. The listening is like the listening of the angel's music. Gabriel actually wasn't enough of an asshole to deliberately deafen his ears to her, after all. That was really cool. There was no sweeping off one's feet into perma happy la la land. I'd say that Shinn earned her ending all right.
May 20, 2014
I can't do this anymore. I
refuse
to suffer like this.
I'm sad to say, but the heroine is an immature, biased, spiteful bitch. Can somebody please smack some sense into her! Please! She's ruining the whole story! Everytime she does something good, she ruins it by being such a stubborn bitch! The concept of angels and God is intriguing but all of those thing is overshadowed by how immature the freaking heroine is!
Does she have to be so hateful? Does she have to be angry and bitter and UGHGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! .
I CANNOT STAND HER!! God somebody smack her in the face with an iron bat! I was half way through when I just can't stand it! The book, no matter how beautifully written suddenly became mundane and annoying. No saving grace can salvage the whole book from the heroine.
She's unreasonable, selfish, hateful, shrew! She takes and demands and never gives. She never tries to understand, she just assume she knows. How old is this girl? You sure she's 25? Cause she's acting like my spoiled 5 year old brother!
To be fair with her, I gave her chances. Thousands and thousands of chances. I gave her half of the book to freaking change, to grow . Did she? No!
I'm baffled by how much people actually love this! I can't overlook how stubborn the heroine is. I can't. She's the life of the story. She's the plot maker. Well the plot maker is annoying!
*breathe*
I probably should stop bitching by now.
I'm sad to say, but the heroine is an immature, biased, spiteful bitch. Can somebody please smack some sense into her! Please! She's ruining the whole story! Everytime she does something good, she ruins it by being such a stubborn bitch! The concept of angels and God is intriguing but all of those thing is overshadowed by how immature the freaking heroine is!
Does she have to be so hateful? Does she have to be angry and bitter and UGHGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! .
I CANNOT STAND HER!! God somebody smack her in the face with an iron bat! I was half way through when I just can't stand it! The book, no matter how beautifully written suddenly became mundane and annoying. No saving grace can salvage the whole book from the heroine.
She's unreasonable, selfish, hateful, shrew! She takes and demands and never gives. She never tries to understand, she just assume she knows. How old is this girl? You sure she's 25? Cause she's acting like my spoiled 5 year old brother!
To be fair with her, I gave her chances. Thousands and thousands of chances. I gave her half of the book to freaking change, to grow . Did she? No!
I'm baffled by how much people actually love this! I can't overlook how stubborn the heroine is. I can't. She's the life of the story. She's the plot maker. Well the plot maker is annoying!
*breathe*
I probably should stop bitching by now.
August 3, 2011
The world building was interesting, the story drew me in and even when I wanted to give up, I held on hoping that things would get better. This story gets a three star rating because of the details and music description but that's about it.
The story started off with Gabriel and Rachel being irritating. But as the story went on, I began to sympathize and feel so sorry for Gabriel. Rachel was a really immature shrew. Not once did she stop to consider Gabriel's point of view. I get that she had her reasons for disliking angels, but she just came off as petty and childish. Towards the end, we saw Gabriel soften and change a little, but Rachel refuse to change at all.
I was shocked when other characters had to tell Rachel that she was in love with Gabriel. From the way she'd been acting, I would never have guessed. She was so unlikeable that I began to root for Gabriel to find another girl, just to snap her out of it. I didn't feel the love between them. Don't think I'll be reading the others in this series.
The story started off with Gabriel and Rachel being irritating. But as the story went on, I began to sympathize and feel so sorry for Gabriel. Rachel was a really immature shrew. Not once did she stop to consider Gabriel's point of view. I get that she had her reasons for disliking angels, but she just came off as petty and childish. Towards the end, we saw Gabriel soften and change a little, but Rachel refuse to change at all.
I was shocked when other characters had to tell Rachel that she was in love with Gabriel. From the way she'd been acting, I would never have guessed. She was so unlikeable that I began to root for Gabriel to find another girl, just to snap her out of it. I didn't feel the love between them. Don't think I'll be reading the others in this series.
November 10, 2023
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
"Only the strong are put through the fire" Josiah said. "And the forge creates things of great strength and beauty."
I resented both Rachel and Gabriel at the beginning of the story, but ended up loving them in the end.
The story kept me engaged till the very end and even though, most of the time, the 'what will happen' was pretty obvious, the 'how it will come to pass' was intriguing and beautiful.
I loved the religion and the music. The structure of the society is original and absolutely believable. And the characters have depth and complexity.
I'll deffinitely go on with the series.
"Only the strong are put through the fire" Josiah said. "And the forge creates things of great strength and beauty."
I resented both Rachel and Gabriel at the beginning of the story, but ended up loving them in the end.
The story kept me engaged till the very end and even though, most of the time, the 'what will happen' was pretty obvious, the 'how it will come to pass' was intriguing and beautiful.
I loved the religion and the music. The structure of the society is original and absolutely believable. And the characters have depth and complexity.
I'll deffinitely go on with the series.
September 2, 2025
Nostalgia re-read! Pretty sure I read this on its original publication in 1997 and at least one other time between then and now. What strikes me in this 2025 re-read is that YA'LL. This is a romance. Wrapped within succession politics in a deeply religious world where the religion is run by actual ANGELS and is prized above capitalism and science. Is this blend even ALLOWED in publishing now? If not, too bad, because I was still really into it. (With caveats.)
Story is that Gabriel is an angel about to step into the position of Archangel of Samaria, and he needs a wife. The problems are two: one, the current Archangel, Raphael, may not want to necessarily give up power. And two, the woman that the god Jovah has selected for him, Rachel, is not keen on taking the position seeing as how she was a slave and feels like this is trading one unchosen situation for another. (Fair.)
So yeah: content warning that there's slavery in this book - both Rachel's personal situation and more broadly with a population called the Edori. The Edori are brown-skinned, dark-hair/eyes folks and unlike the other citizens of Samaria, live a nomadic life and don't use angels to send their prayers to the god - they just up and ask directly! They are also universally described as happy, carefree and welcoming. Sooooo one of the things that really does not hold well ~30 years later is the overly simplistic race/ethnic portrayals. (The Edori are not the only group simplified down to a few universally applied traits.)
Another aspect of this book that's interesting to read in 2025 is the religious framework that upholds Samarian society. Faith and belief in "Jovah" are the traits of the good guys, and a lot of the conflict comes from merchants who care too much about selling stuff - and the Archangel Raphael that supports them. It's so interesting to see these values upheld as desirable, since I feel like the trend in fantasy storytelling WAY switched to question religion and monarchy - anything that requires unquestioning dogmatic support.
Not saying it's a perfect choice, but it is interesting. If you ever wondered if a god would actually smite someone, you might want to read this book.
And yet Shinn escapes making this a religious book because she inserts some clues that take the book in a sci-fi direction. No spoilers but frequent SFF readers will def be able to spot them. (And personally, finding out more about those aspects are a big factor for why to keep reading in the series.)
Anyway, all this later-life analysis aside, I know I must have loved this book at the time I read it because the romance between Gabriel and Rachel is actually really well done. Both Gabriel and Rachel are strong and stubborn, and have real conflict with each other. But they also have a moral compass that (mostly) aligns. And despite her initial reluctance, Rachel does actually end up wanting to use her power as the 'angelica' to make some changes to how things are done in Samaria. And, you know, ANGELS!
It was fun to hold this actual mass market paperback in my hands and dip back into this unique world. And a message to the romantasy girlies: read this and respect the ancestor books in your genre!
Story is that Gabriel is an angel about to step into the position of Archangel of Samaria, and he needs a wife. The problems are two: one, the current Archangel, Raphael, may not want to necessarily give up power. And two, the woman that the god Jovah has selected for him, Rachel, is not keen on taking the position seeing as how she was a slave and feels like this is trading one unchosen situation for another. (Fair.)
So yeah: content warning that there's slavery in this book - both Rachel's personal situation and more broadly with a population called the Edori. The Edori are brown-skinned, dark-hair/eyes folks and unlike the other citizens of Samaria, live a nomadic life and don't use angels to send their prayers to the god - they just up and ask directly! They are also universally described as happy, carefree and welcoming. Sooooo one of the things that really does not hold well ~30 years later is the overly simplistic race/ethnic portrayals. (The Edori are not the only group simplified down to a few universally applied traits.)
Another aspect of this book that's interesting to read in 2025 is the religious framework that upholds Samarian society. Faith and belief in "Jovah" are the traits of the good guys, and a lot of the conflict comes from merchants who care too much about selling stuff - and the Archangel Raphael that supports them. It's so interesting to see these values upheld as desirable, since I feel like the trend in fantasy storytelling WAY switched to question religion and monarchy - anything that requires unquestioning dogmatic support.
Not saying it's a perfect choice, but it is interesting. If you ever wondered if a god would actually smite someone, you might want to read this book.
And yet Shinn escapes making this a religious book because she inserts some clues that take the book in a sci-fi direction. No spoilers but frequent SFF readers will def be able to spot them. (And personally, finding out more about those aspects are a big factor for why to keep reading in the series.)
Anyway, all this later-life analysis aside, I know I must have loved this book at the time I read it because the romance between Gabriel and Rachel is actually really well done. Both Gabriel and Rachel are strong and stubborn, and have real conflict with each other. But they also have a moral compass that (mostly) aligns. And despite her initial reluctance, Rachel does actually end up wanting to use her power as the 'angelica' to make some changes to how things are done in Samaria. And, you know, ANGELS!
It was fun to hold this actual mass market paperback in my hands and dip back into this unique world. And a message to the romantasy girlies: read this and respect the ancestor books in your genre!
August 28, 2016
In the world of Samaria, there are angels and people. The angels being very powerful, with the the Archangel as the most powerful of them. The current Archangel will soon step down from his position and be taken over by the angel Gabriel. Gabriel has known from a young age that he is to become an Archangel but waits until 5 months before he is to take the position to find his angelica. An angelica is a human woman paired with a male angel. Angels can only be produced from a pairing of an angel and a mortal, with angels forbidden to pair with each other. Gabriel will become Archangel during the Gloria. The Gloria being an enormous gathering of the people of Samaria where they sing praises to their god, Jehovah. Gabriel has known for a while that the Gloria is approaching and that he is required to have his angelica sing with him. So when he learns from the oracle that his bride to be is a lowly slave woman who may not be trained in singing, he doesn't take it very well. Rachel, his intended bride, was not raised as a slave but her village was destroyed when she was a child and was adopted by a nomadic group of people. This nomadic group is constantly attacked with the survivors usually taken as slaves. Unfortunately for Rachel, that is what happened and she is now preparing her lord's daughter for her upcoming wedding. Gabriel has been searching everywhere for Rachel, unaware that he is to attend the upcoming wedding for the daughter of Rachel's owner. When they meet Gabriel demands that Rachel go with him to his home and become his bride. Rachel is finally feeling some small amount at hope when she learned earlier that the lord's daughter intends to take her and set her free. To Rachel, Gabriel's world seems like just another kind of prison and does everything in her power to make the upcoming Archangel's life as uncomfortable as possible.
I got totally sucked into this book. I probably made it sound odd and boring but it's the best I could do on 4 hours of sleep. It sounds like a very strange book at first, and it really is when you start reading it. But as you get further along you realize that the author isn't doing any kind of preaching and can just take the religious references as influence. As someone who is nonreligious I was really worried about that and was glad find that the author wasn't trying to convey any messages or anything like that. I thought the book was a great blend of fantasy with some romance. However I did have a few gripes about it. I didn't really like how the ending was handled, as Rachel's attitude made me want to shake her. I also wanted more scenes with Rachel and Gabriel together. But in general I did like the book and would recommend it if you can get over the annoying heroine.
I got totally sucked into this book. I probably made it sound odd and boring but it's the best I could do on 4 hours of sleep. It sounds like a very strange book at first, and it really is when you start reading it. But as you get further along you realize that the author isn't doing any kind of preaching and can just take the religious references as influence. As someone who is nonreligious I was really worried about that and was glad find that the author wasn't trying to convey any messages or anything like that. I thought the book was a great blend of fantasy with some romance. However I did have a few gripes about it. I didn't really like how the ending was handled, as Rachel's attitude made me want to shake her. I also wanted more scenes with Rachel and Gabriel together. But in general I did like the book and would recommend it if you can get over the annoying heroine.
April 12, 2016
This was a disappointment.
I suppose I'm destined for disappointment when I go into a fantasy book expecting romance. But I don't think I'm too far off base with this one, since the entire plot hinged around a marriage of convenience and the two main characters reconciling the differences in their personality and, yes, falling in love.
However, the romantic elements took a far back seat to the politics of a desert land called Samaria, and these politics weren't very interesting. This was essentially an Old Testament story. You have Jovah (Jehovah) who no one has ever seen and some even doubt exists. You have the city of Semorrah (sounds like Sodom and Gomorrah), and neighboring provinces called Bethel and Jordana (Bethlehem, Jordan). There are angels with all the requisite angel names: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, etc. There a mortal men and women presumably named after biblical figures: Rachel, Naomi, Peter, Hannah, Leah, Elijah, etc.
There were SO many characters and so much drama keeping Gabriel and Rachel from their inevitable romance that I got so tired of it all. I kept waiting for something that never came until the last two pages. That's way too long to put off a romance that is the main point of the whole book.
Not only that, this being a thinly-disguised religious story, men and women filled traditional roles that don't always sit well with me (women cooking and caring for children, men going to meetings and handling finances). There was even a mention of a good character (a potential romantic interest) preventing his teenage sisters from displaying their bodies to passing travelers. -_____-
This was well-written, but it was a time-consuming read with very little payoff. If you're not into romance but ARE into hard-headed characters and music and a bunch of things that have nothing to do with anything, and possibly into religion, you might enjoy this book.
His voice divorced her from his body; it replaced her soul. While he sang, he owned her.
I suppose I'm destined for disappointment when I go into a fantasy book expecting romance. But I don't think I'm too far off base with this one, since the entire plot hinged around a marriage of convenience and the two main characters reconciling the differences in their personality and, yes, falling in love.
However, the romantic elements took a far back seat to the politics of a desert land called Samaria, and these politics weren't very interesting. This was essentially an Old Testament story. You have Jovah (Jehovah) who no one has ever seen and some even doubt exists. You have the city of Semorrah (sounds like Sodom and Gomorrah), and neighboring provinces called Bethel and Jordana (Bethlehem, Jordan). There are angels with all the requisite angel names: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, etc. There a mortal men and women presumably named after biblical figures: Rachel, Naomi, Peter, Hannah, Leah, Elijah, etc.
There were SO many characters and so much drama keeping Gabriel and Rachel from their inevitable romance that I got so tired of it all. I kept waiting for something that never came until the last two pages. That's way too long to put off a romance that is the main point of the whole book.
Not only that, this being a thinly-disguised religious story, men and women filled traditional roles that don't always sit well with me (women cooking and caring for children, men going to meetings and handling finances). There was even a mention of a good character (a potential romantic interest) preventing his teenage sisters from displaying their bodies to passing travelers. -_____-
This was well-written, but it was a time-consuming read with very little payoff. If you're not into romance but ARE into hard-headed characters and music and a bunch of things that have nothing to do with anything, and possibly into religion, you might enjoy this book.
His voice divorced her from his body; it replaced her soul. While he sang, he owned her.
May 23, 2019
There was something so unpalatable about this story that I could not put my finger on. An undercurrent of something. And I’m not talking about the very cringy writing or cheesy premise or the most unlikeable heroine ever. She verged on being despicable. I skimmed all through the book and was so glad when I could just close the book, for good. I disliked it immensely.
October 13, 2010
I will preface this review by stating that this is one of my “comfort” reads, an old favorite that I often pull out to reread again and again. There are other books in the Samaria series (ANGELICA, ANGEL-SEEKER, JOVAH’S ANGEL, THE ALLELUIA FILES) that I am aware of, but I have not read them all, and I am fairly certain they can all stand alone. ARCHANGEL was the first book of Ms. Shinn’s that I read, and it has remained dear to me over the years. Despite anything else I may say, it is a favorite of mine.
Now, since the paperback copy I own does not have anything but blurbs from Big Names In The Industry, I will give my own brief synopsis of this story:
In a world ruled by angels who can call upon the awesome powers of their god to bring changes of weather, cause seeds to rain from the sky to heal the sick or provide food, or channel thunderbolts to destroy the wicked where they stand, all is not well. Every twenty years, the power of the Archangel is passed down to the next generation, where the angel and his or her mate must lead all of the peoples of Samaria in the Gloria to sing praises to Jovah and show Him that they live in peace and harmony—otherwise, Jovah will cast down his wrath.
Archangel Raphael doesn’t care for that, yo. He likes being Large and In Charge. Not to mention that his soon-to-be replacement, Gabriel, thinks he’s a douche and can’t wait to oust him. Oh, and Gabriel’s angelica, Rachel, used to be a slave. What kind of lady is that to be leading the peoples of Samaria? Raphael ain’t havin’ none of that. When he plots to prove to Samaria that their god is false and to prevent Gabriel from replacing him, whatever shall the archangel-to-be and his wayward bride do?!
Okay. Kidding aside.
LOVE this book. SO MUCH LOVE.
The world-building is incredible. Having read a few of the other books in this series, I could spoiler the ever-living crap out of the angel/Jovah stuff, but I will not. I do believe you’ll get the most mileage from THE ALLELUIA FILES if you’re looking for the history behind them and how they came to Samaria. You’ll also have to delve into other books for a bit more explanation on how this falls into the science fiction category instead of paranormal. There are a great many hints about it scattered throughout ARCHANGEL, but the focus is more on the character interactions and a spattering of details about the world itself as opposed to its history.
So, let us examine the lead players in this book:
Rachel, who I have barely mentioned in my “back cover synopsis” above, is the main character. You get to follow Gabriel around a bit throughout the book, but I’d say the primary focus of the story is on her. When she was a child, her family was slaughtered and she was adopted into an Edori (gypsy) clan. When she got older, the Edori clan she was with was attacked and most killed—the remainder, including Rachel, sold into slavery by the Jansai.
Enter Gabriel, the leader of the Eyrie angels (one of three angel holds—the other two are Monteverde, run by the angel Ariel, and Windy Point, run by Archangel Raphael). Gabriel is soon to take the mantle of responsibility off Raphael’s shoulders by Jovah’s decree; he’s glad of it, because he feels that Raphael has allowed the rich to prosper and the weak to be preyed upon, which goes against the teachings of Jovah. Despite his progressive thinking, Gabriel does find it disconcerting when he waits until the last minute to visit the oracle Josiah only to be given the news that he is to be joined to a farm girl named Rachel, daughter of Seth and Elizabeth, who should be living somewhere near the hills of Jordana, instead of to one of the rich Manaadavi merchant’s daughters he was expecting.
Imagine his surprise (and chagrin) when the proud Archangel-to-be runs into his future wife and angelica in slave chains banking the fire in his room as he visits a wealthy merchant in Samoria during wedding festivities for the merchant’s son.
Despite her five years in servitude, Rachel is still a proud woman, and she cannot bear to be taken from her lowly cage to a new, gilded one in the Eyrie above the city of Jordana, no matter that she is to be the angelica. She hates that she has no choices, she hates that “everything” about her life is out of her control, and she hates that Gabriel does not consult her, simply shoves her along and comes to her when he needs her for something.
These two drive me batshit. I say that in the most loving way. They can and will not TALK to each other. Oh, they will snipe, they will fight, they will rage—but they do not COMMUNICATE. The whole story is about their unlikely romance, couched between end-of-the-world threats and politics and a great deal of flowery prose about the white, black, and gray areas of right and wrong. Throughout the entirety of the book, Rachel is one solid mass of “MY-LIFE-BLOWS-THEREFORE-I-MUST-ENSURE-YOURS-ALSO-BLOWS-HATE-YOU-ALL-SO-VERY-MUCH” and Gabriel is an equally solid “I-AM-RIGHT-AND-NO-OTHER-COULD-ALSO-POSSIBLY-BE-RIGHT-AND-I-WILL-STEAMROLL-ANYONE-WHO-SAYS-OTHERWISE-SO-THERE”. They snark at each other and disagree about most everything sometimes simply just to be disagreeable. It drives me batty.
Then again, if they didn’t act so contrary, this story would’ve likely have turned out a lot shorter than its respectable 390 pages and wouldn’t have been nearly so entertaining.
Despite that I get seriously annoyed by those two, I love this book. LOVE this book. Did I mention the world-building? The fascinating interplay of politics, religion, and art? The beautiful descriptions of cities-that-never-were? The careful architecture of an entire religion, down to splinter groups in the Edori and merchants, that spreads a lovely message of the potential for peace and harmony amongst all peoples? The plot is excellent, fabulous and tautly executed, enthralling to the very last page.
But I hate Gabriel and Rachel.
Mostly I hate Rachel. She is unreasonable to the point of being one of the most obstinate women I have ever run across in literature. In order to be right, to the very end…
**SPOILER ALERT**
**SPOILER ALERT**
**SPOILER ALERT**
**SERIOUSLY, DON’T READ THIS IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW SOME MAJOR PLOT STUFF THAT OCCURS LATE IN THE BOOK**
**SPOILER ALERT**
**SPOILER ALERT**
**SPOILER ALERT**
—she walks away from Gabriel after the Gloria is sung. I mean, WAT. Wait, WAT. You guys—HE SAVED YOUR LIFE. WTF. HE CAUGHT YOU IN MID-AIR AFTER YOU THREW YOURSELF OFF A CLIFF. HE SAVED YOU FROM RAPHAEL’S CLUTCHES AND TOLD YOU HE LOVED YOU. THIS FROM THE MAN WHO CANNOT POSSIBLY SAY THE “L” WORD TO ANYONE FOR FEAR THAT MIGHT LET SOME ESTROGEN PARTICLES INTO HIS TESTOSTERONE-LADEN ALPHA MALE AURA.
HATE. HATE YOU SO MUCH. PLS TO GROW UP, KTHXBAI.
**SPOILER OVER**
**SPOILER OVER**
**SPOILER OVER**
Ahem.
So. I highly recommend this book ‘cause, damn, the writing, the world-building, the characterization, it’s all good. And, for those who may be worried, yes, there is a HEA (“happily ever after”) for Rachel and Gabriel. It’s probably the saving grace of the entire book—those last five pages make the trials and tribulations they put each other through worthwhile.
Just bear in mind that you’ll have to get past the most mule-headed characters who have ever graced the pages of any book I have ever read. In fact, I will buy and mail a copy of a book of their choice to the first person who can find me a novel with a main character who is more mule-headed than Rachel.
Oh, also, if you’re expecting HAWT SMEXY ANGEL TYMEZ, none to be had here. This is a romance, yes, but it is not a typical bodice-ripper by any means. Fade to black, people. Very tasteful.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars, and only because the book is amazing despite my feelings about the main characters.
Now, since the paperback copy I own does not have anything but blurbs from Big Names In The Industry, I will give my own brief synopsis of this story:
In a world ruled by angels who can call upon the awesome powers of their god to bring changes of weather, cause seeds to rain from the sky to heal the sick or provide food, or channel thunderbolts to destroy the wicked where they stand, all is not well. Every twenty years, the power of the Archangel is passed down to the next generation, where the angel and his or her mate must lead all of the peoples of Samaria in the Gloria to sing praises to Jovah and show Him that they live in peace and harmony—otherwise, Jovah will cast down his wrath.
Archangel Raphael doesn’t care for that, yo. He likes being Large and In Charge. Not to mention that his soon-to-be replacement, Gabriel, thinks he’s a douche and can’t wait to oust him. Oh, and Gabriel’s angelica, Rachel, used to be a slave. What kind of lady is that to be leading the peoples of Samaria? Raphael ain’t havin’ none of that. When he plots to prove to Samaria that their god is false and to prevent Gabriel from replacing him, whatever shall the archangel-to-be and his wayward bride do?!
Okay. Kidding aside.
LOVE this book. SO MUCH LOVE.
The world-building is incredible. Having read a few of the other books in this series, I could spoiler the ever-living crap out of the angel/Jovah stuff, but I will not. I do believe you’ll get the most mileage from THE ALLELUIA FILES if you’re looking for the history behind them and how they came to Samaria. You’ll also have to delve into other books for a bit more explanation on how this falls into the science fiction category instead of paranormal. There are a great many hints about it scattered throughout ARCHANGEL, but the focus is more on the character interactions and a spattering of details about the world itself as opposed to its history.
So, let us examine the lead players in this book:
Rachel, who I have barely mentioned in my “back cover synopsis” above, is the main character. You get to follow Gabriel around a bit throughout the book, but I’d say the primary focus of the story is on her. When she was a child, her family was slaughtered and she was adopted into an Edori (gypsy) clan. When she got older, the Edori clan she was with was attacked and most killed—the remainder, including Rachel, sold into slavery by the Jansai.
Enter Gabriel, the leader of the Eyrie angels (one of three angel holds—the other two are Monteverde, run by the angel Ariel, and Windy Point, run by Archangel Raphael). Gabriel is soon to take the mantle of responsibility off Raphael’s shoulders by Jovah’s decree; he’s glad of it, because he feels that Raphael has allowed the rich to prosper and the weak to be preyed upon, which goes against the teachings of Jovah. Despite his progressive thinking, Gabriel does find it disconcerting when he waits until the last minute to visit the oracle Josiah only to be given the news that he is to be joined to a farm girl named Rachel, daughter of Seth and Elizabeth, who should be living somewhere near the hills of Jordana, instead of to one of the rich Manaadavi merchant’s daughters he was expecting.
Imagine his surprise (and chagrin) when the proud Archangel-to-be runs into his future wife and angelica in slave chains banking the fire in his room as he visits a wealthy merchant in Samoria during wedding festivities for the merchant’s son.
Despite her five years in servitude, Rachel is still a proud woman, and she cannot bear to be taken from her lowly cage to a new, gilded one in the Eyrie above the city of Jordana, no matter that she is to be the angelica. She hates that she has no choices, she hates that “everything” about her life is out of her control, and she hates that Gabriel does not consult her, simply shoves her along and comes to her when he needs her for something.
These two drive me batshit. I say that in the most loving way. They can and will not TALK to each other. Oh, they will snipe, they will fight, they will rage—but they do not COMMUNICATE. The whole story is about their unlikely romance, couched between end-of-the-world threats and politics and a great deal of flowery prose about the white, black, and gray areas of right and wrong. Throughout the entirety of the book, Rachel is one solid mass of “MY-LIFE-BLOWS-THEREFORE-I-MUST-ENSURE-YOURS-ALSO-BLOWS-HATE-YOU-ALL-SO-VERY-MUCH” and Gabriel is an equally solid “I-AM-RIGHT-AND-NO-OTHER-COULD-ALSO-POSSIBLY-BE-RIGHT-AND-I-WILL-STEAMROLL-ANYONE-WHO-SAYS-OTHERWISE-SO-THERE”. They snark at each other and disagree about most everything sometimes simply just to be disagreeable. It drives me batty.
Then again, if they didn’t act so contrary, this story would’ve likely have turned out a lot shorter than its respectable 390 pages and wouldn’t have been nearly so entertaining.
Despite that I get seriously annoyed by those two, I love this book. LOVE this book. Did I mention the world-building? The fascinating interplay of politics, religion, and art? The beautiful descriptions of cities-that-never-were? The careful architecture of an entire religion, down to splinter groups in the Edori and merchants, that spreads a lovely message of the potential for peace and harmony amongst all peoples? The plot is excellent, fabulous and tautly executed, enthralling to the very last page.
But I hate Gabriel and Rachel.
Mostly I hate Rachel. She is unreasonable to the point of being one of the most obstinate women I have ever run across in literature. In order to be right, to the very end…
**SPOILER ALERT**
**SPOILER ALERT**
**SPOILER ALERT**
**SERIOUSLY, DON’T READ THIS IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW SOME MAJOR PLOT STUFF THAT OCCURS LATE IN THE BOOK**
**SPOILER ALERT**
**SPOILER ALERT**
**SPOILER ALERT**
—she walks away from Gabriel after the Gloria is sung. I mean, WAT. Wait, WAT. You guys—HE SAVED YOUR LIFE. WTF. HE CAUGHT YOU IN MID-AIR AFTER YOU THREW YOURSELF OFF A CLIFF. HE SAVED YOU FROM RAPHAEL’S CLUTCHES AND TOLD YOU HE LOVED YOU. THIS FROM THE MAN WHO CANNOT POSSIBLY SAY THE “L” WORD TO ANYONE FOR FEAR THAT MIGHT LET SOME ESTROGEN PARTICLES INTO HIS TESTOSTERONE-LADEN ALPHA MALE AURA.
HATE. HATE YOU SO MUCH. PLS TO GROW UP, KTHXBAI.
**SPOILER OVER**
**SPOILER OVER**
**SPOILER OVER**
Ahem.
So. I highly recommend this book ‘cause, damn, the writing, the world-building, the characterization, it’s all good. And, for those who may be worried, yes, there is a HEA (“happily ever after”) for Rachel and Gabriel. It’s probably the saving grace of the entire book—those last five pages make the trials and tribulations they put each other through worthwhile.
Just bear in mind that you’ll have to get past the most mule-headed characters who have ever graced the pages of any book I have ever read. In fact, I will buy and mail a copy of a book of their choice to the first person who can find me a novel with a main character who is more mule-headed than Rachel.
Oh, also, if you’re expecting HAWT SMEXY ANGEL TYMEZ, none to be had here. This is a romance, yes, but it is not a typical bodice-ripper by any means. Fade to black, people. Very tasteful.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars, and only because the book is amazing despite my feelings about the main characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2022
3.5. This is out of my usual wheelhouse, but I rather enjoyed it nonetheless. It was a recommendation (and gift) from Anna, one of her favorites. Sharon Shinn was a contender in the 64 favorite author round, and that was in part what inspired me to finally pick up this fantasy novel.
I like angels and I love the imagination of the music that comes out of this pair. But at the heart of the story, it's really about a woman who has been through great trauma, who has had her faith tested, her choices taken from her, and how she finds herself as an empowered woman. Afraid to love, this book is about her journey to an all consuming love. So the setting could have been angels, or it could have been anything. Rachel our heroine is complicated, she is frustrating. She has to come into her own as both a mortal woman and an angelica.
Given the immense buildup of this love story, I did feel the ending fell a little flat. I don't know what I was expecting, but it was subtle and a little unenthralling. However, there are sequels to this series, so if it left me wanting, perhaps it wanted me to follow this angelic couple to the next in the series. I think however, much as I enjoyed the story, that I might be one and done. It was a worthy fun read, but new things call.
I like angels and I love the imagination of the music that comes out of this pair. But at the heart of the story, it's really about a woman who has been through great trauma, who has had her faith tested, her choices taken from her, and how she finds herself as an empowered woman. Afraid to love, this book is about her journey to an all consuming love. So the setting could have been angels, or it could have been anything. Rachel our heroine is complicated, she is frustrating. She has to come into her own as both a mortal woman and an angelica.
Given the immense buildup of this love story, I did feel the ending fell a little flat. I don't know what I was expecting, but it was subtle and a little unenthralling. However, there are sequels to this series, so if it left me wanting, perhaps it wanted me to follow this angelic couple to the next in the series. I think however, much as I enjoyed the story, that I might be one and done. It was a worthy fun read, but new things call.
August 3, 2010
About 60 pages in the book drew me in and it was a very fast and pleasant read. Good writing style. There were moments where I was slightly annoyed with Rachel for being stubborn for stubborness sake. She admited often that she did thinks purely to be contrary and after awhile that gets tiresome. Over all I did like her. The plot was interesting, the other characters as well and the setting has a lot of promise in this weird religious/sci-fi way.
I didn't terribly like that the Edori were universally good and the Janisai universally bad.
The last pages were the worst. It seemed uneven - after the climax, and yet still prolonging the resolution. Gabriel apparently needed to be humbled and I'd say his character journey went smoothly, Rachel's- not so much. I started with a lot of sympathy for her, given her background, but she didn't seem to try to get along. After years as a slave it is understandable that she'd have a lot of pent up anger and that she'd be a little more egocentric and unwilling to submit to others but I have my limits for such characters.
So my appreciation of the characters wavered. I didn't like Gabriel at first but his progress was well drawn and I liked him in the end, while Rachel - with her I had at points wanted to strangle her and at others to cheer her on, but it ended on a sour note. I understand she had a hard background and needed to go through a more complicated emotional journey but I would have like for her to have reached some conclusions about what she really wanted earlier. (I hated the Adam thing).
And so I'd give it a 3.5. Slow beginning, great middle, poor ending.
I didn't terribly like that the Edori were universally good and the Janisai universally bad.
The last pages were the worst. It seemed uneven - after the climax, and yet still prolonging the resolution. Gabriel apparently needed to be humbled and I'd say his character journey went smoothly, Rachel's- not so much. I started with a lot of sympathy for her, given her background, but she didn't seem to try to get along. After years as a slave it is understandable that she'd have a lot of pent up anger and that she'd be a little more egocentric and unwilling to submit to others but I have my limits for such characters.
So my appreciation of the characters wavered. I didn't like Gabriel at first but his progress was well drawn and I liked him in the end, while Rachel - with her I had at points wanted to strangle her and at others to cheer her on, but it ended on a sour note. I understand she had a hard background and needed to go through a more complicated emotional journey but I would have like for her to have reached some conclusions about what she really wanted earlier. (I hated the Adam thing).
And so I'd give it a 3.5. Slow beginning, great middle, poor ending.
on-hiatus
April 12, 2016Angel/human romance amid angel political conspiracies and power plays. "On hiatus" is a nice way of saying "this book was a DNF for me but I think I may go back and try to finish it sometime." If I didn't actually own this book, though, I'd probably just mark it DNF and give it up. When Sharon Shinn is on, she's a great fantasy author, but I'm finding that I don't care for everything she writes. Enough people like this that she's written at least 5 books in this series, so maybe it's just me.
Want to read
February 4, 2015Because Sarah J. Maas told me to. Plus SWOON, I hear. :D
![Profile Image for missEvi [can't commit to a book].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1483045100i%2F5623788._UX200_CR0%2C50%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 26, 2020
Interesting plot, but I don’t think I have ever disliked a heroine more.
May 15, 2019
This is one of those books that starts out so good. It feels fresh and imaginative; has lovely lilting prose, but the further you read the more you start to realize that nothing is actually happening.
I was initially very excited to read this book, one because I love angels (although I have yet to find them done well), and two, because... well, I love angels. And starting it felt like a breath or fresh air. I enjoyed this strange, vaguely biblical world, ruled by Jovah/Yovah. I liked that Shinn chose to keep her angels closer to the source instead of taking the cliche route of Angel/Demon. I even liked the fact that the supposed romance is one based upon convenience/duty, rather then instant love and attraction. Like I said before, there were many interesting subjects in the onset. The problem Shinn has is with follow through.
I feel that all books should have purpose but the purpose can be obtained in different ways. The most common way to do this is plot; making the purpose of the book to conquer some nefarious evil through some adventure/quest. But all books don't need this formula to be interesting. They can also use romance; making the utmost purpose of the book be uniting two characters through insurmountable odds. Finally (I say finally for the sake of argument, not because there are not more ways to accomplish this), Finally, an author can use meaning/moral to create purpose (I use purpose as a way to define the reader's want to read their chosen book). If you've gotten though all this, then this is where I feel Shinn had her most trouble. In Archangel she fails to commit to one purpose or any thus making the book boring.
At first I though Archangel was going to be a romance, that there would be a slow building relationship between Gabriel and Rachel as she learns to work through her commitment issues brought about by slavery, and Gabriel learns to work in tandem with another. The issue is that this goes on entirely too long. Rachel dislikes Gabriel for about 99% of the book and even though Shinn takes care to express that she finally has fallen in love with Gabriel it is done so quickly that it almost seems cheep. Shinn initially does a good job at giving substance to the reason why Rachel would fear commitment and want to be her own woman, it's just that in her expression of herself Rachel comes off plain mean. She rejects everything Gabriel does and it's not as if he is mean or unfeeling, sure he makes blunders at the beginning, but he is surprisingly quick to remedy them, and yet Rachel remains untouched. Then, the further we get into the book and the more standoffish she becomes, the more unreasonable her expectations are. She expects Gabriel to understand her inner most feelings without ever giving a hint to what they are. And even when he sets out to respect her overt wishes she fumes because he cannot divine the truest essence of her thoughts. Rachel is an exhausting character and as one half of the main pair it is hard to truly enjoy a book featuring a character that you'd rather strangle.
So if it's not a romance, perhaps it is meant to be plot driven? Nah, that's not even close (and it wouldn't be a problem if Archangel had some other purpose but... it doesn't). So the plot is vague but not bad, there is to be a change in the all ruling Archangel and Gabriel has been chosen by the god to be it, however the current Archangel would rather see himself rule forever and thus has made the transition and life in general difficult for Gabriel. This is a solid support plot, but with the absence of another purpose it does not have enough meaning/hold enough interest to support an entire book. Although Gabriel works to correct the grievances caused by the current Archangel it is done in a lackadaisical manner. He flies here, he flies there, he speaks with landowners and merchants, he sings for prayers to be answered, etc. It is written a laid back manner, as if Shinn is more concerned about journey rather then destination, and once it is finally time to accomplish the climax it takes place in such an understated way the reader is left to wonder why we spent all this time dealing with it to begin with.
Shinn could have also chose to try and teach a moral and since she spends a lot of time in her world's theology she could have used it as a mirror for real life as a way for imparting wisdom to the reader. I merely mention this as another way to creat purpose but I don't think Shinn ever set out to try and do that so I won't grade her on it. I merely include it to illustrate my point that the book has no point. I was disppointed by the back and forth nature of the romance, I was frustrated by Rachel's despondent mannerisms and there wasn't enough plot to make up for either, so in turn what started out fresh and intriguing ended with a struggle to the end followed by an unfulfilled feeling, made even more unsettling by the fact that I really wanted to like this more then I did.
I was initially very excited to read this book, one because I love angels (although I have yet to find them done well), and two, because... well, I love angels. And starting it felt like a breath or fresh air. I enjoyed this strange, vaguely biblical world, ruled by Jovah/Yovah. I liked that Shinn chose to keep her angels closer to the source instead of taking the cliche route of Angel/Demon. I even liked the fact that the supposed romance is one based upon convenience/duty, rather then instant love and attraction. Like I said before, there were many interesting subjects in the onset. The problem Shinn has is with follow through.
I feel that all books should have purpose but the purpose can be obtained in different ways. The most common way to do this is plot; making the purpose of the book to conquer some nefarious evil through some adventure/quest. But all books don't need this formula to be interesting. They can also use romance; making the utmost purpose of the book be uniting two characters through insurmountable odds. Finally (I say finally for the sake of argument, not because there are not more ways to accomplish this), Finally, an author can use meaning/moral to create purpose (I use purpose as a way to define the reader's want to read their chosen book). If you've gotten though all this, then this is where I feel Shinn had her most trouble. In Archangel she fails to commit to one purpose or any thus making the book boring.
At first I though Archangel was going to be a romance, that there would be a slow building relationship between Gabriel and Rachel as she learns to work through her commitment issues brought about by slavery, and Gabriel learns to work in tandem with another. The issue is that this goes on entirely too long. Rachel dislikes Gabriel for about 99% of the book and even though Shinn takes care to express that she finally has fallen in love with Gabriel it is done so quickly that it almost seems cheep. Shinn initially does a good job at giving substance to the reason why Rachel would fear commitment and want to be her own woman, it's just that in her expression of herself Rachel comes off plain mean. She rejects everything Gabriel does and it's not as if he is mean or unfeeling, sure he makes blunders at the beginning, but he is surprisingly quick to remedy them, and yet Rachel remains untouched. Then, the further we get into the book and the more standoffish she becomes, the more unreasonable her expectations are. She expects Gabriel to understand her inner most feelings without ever giving a hint to what they are. And even when he sets out to respect her overt wishes she fumes because he cannot divine the truest essence of her thoughts. Rachel is an exhausting character and as one half of the main pair it is hard to truly enjoy a book featuring a character that you'd rather strangle.
So if it's not a romance, perhaps it is meant to be plot driven? Nah, that's not even close (and it wouldn't be a problem if Archangel had some other purpose but... it doesn't). So the plot is vague but not bad, there is to be a change in the all ruling Archangel and Gabriel has been chosen by the god to be it, however the current Archangel would rather see himself rule forever and thus has made the transition and life in general difficult for Gabriel. This is a solid support plot, but with the absence of another purpose it does not have enough meaning/hold enough interest to support an entire book. Although Gabriel works to correct the grievances caused by the current Archangel it is done in a lackadaisical manner. He flies here, he flies there, he speaks with landowners and merchants, he sings for prayers to be answered, etc. It is written a laid back manner, as if Shinn is more concerned about journey rather then destination, and once it is finally time to accomplish the climax it takes place in such an understated way the reader is left to wonder why we spent all this time dealing with it to begin with.
Shinn could have also chose to try and teach a moral and since she spends a lot of time in her world's theology she could have used it as a mirror for real life as a way for imparting wisdom to the reader. I merely mention this as another way to creat purpose but I don't think Shinn ever set out to try and do that so I won't grade her on it. I merely include it to illustrate my point that the book has no point. I was disppointed by the back and forth nature of the romance, I was frustrated by Rachel's despondent mannerisms and there wasn't enough plot to make up for either, so in turn what started out fresh and intriguing ended with a struggle to the end followed by an unfulfilled feeling, made even more unsettling by the fact that I really wanted to like this more then I did.
July 8, 2025
CW: forced marriage, slavery, violence, murder, kidnapping, torture, misogyny, infidelity, threat of sexual assault, dead/murdered loved ones, attempted suicide, blasphemy, potential Islamophobia ?
September 16, 2007
Angel Gabriel, being next in the line to become Archangel and lead the annual Gloria to assure God everything is in harmony has a problem. He needs to find his chosen bride by God – the Angelica – within six months to assist him with the Gloria or desaster will strike. He isn´t happy about Rachel being a farmer´s daughter und probably untutored to lead the Gloria with him. But God´s will has to be obeyed. When Gabriel arrives at the village where Rachel is supposed to live he finds everything is destroyed and there´s no trace of his future wife. Where should be start searching for her now?
I´m absolutely enthusiastic about this book, the confrontations between Rachel and Gabriel are a demonstration of misunderstandings between man and woman. Gabriel doesn´t always show much sensibility (e.g. one of his wedding gifts) in dealing with his wife and hurts Rachel´s feelings and Rachel is more than once only stubborn to have her own way because for the sake of stubbornness. The plot is exciting, the environment unique, the characters likeable and the romance is heartwarming. Furthermore the difficulties of transition between old (Raphael) and new (Gabriel) Archangel shows how hard it is for a longstanding leader to give up privileges, power and leadership to a younger generation when the time has come. Raphael stops at nothing to prolong his reign and to hinder Gabriel to sing the Gloria.
I was really entchanted by this original book!
Website of the author: http://www.sharonshinn.net
I´m absolutely enthusiastic about this book, the confrontations between Rachel and Gabriel are a demonstration of misunderstandings between man and woman. Gabriel doesn´t always show much sensibility (e.g. one of his wedding gifts) in dealing with his wife and hurts Rachel´s feelings and Rachel is more than once only stubborn to have her own way because for the sake of stubbornness. The plot is exciting, the environment unique, the characters likeable and the romance is heartwarming. Furthermore the difficulties of transition between old (Raphael) and new (Gabriel) Archangel shows how hard it is for a longstanding leader to give up privileges, power and leadership to a younger generation when the time has come. Raphael stops at nothing to prolong his reign and to hinder Gabriel to sing the Gloria.
I was really entchanted by this original book!
Website of the author: http://www.sharonshinn.net
June 1, 2008
One of my new favorite authors. She does a nice fantasy/romance thing, but this series also has interesting theology. And her characters are distinct and likeable.
But the best part is the worldbuilding. I really feel like she knows the geography of her worlds inside and out, like it's a living breathing place that really could exist somewhere out there.
But the best part is the worldbuilding. I really feel like she knows the geography of her worlds inside and out, like it's a living breathing place that really could exist somewhere out there.
June 27, 2015
I've been meaning to read this one forevvvvver. I think I'm bumping the rating up a little, but ohhh. I really loved the characters and the world. And I really liked how it addresses issues of belief and faith. I am so excited to read more.
Mostly I guess it's just two things holding me back:
1. The romantic relationship didn't quite work for me until the VERY end. I needed them to spend more time together to really believe in their love. But because I WAS on board at the end, I think I'd like it a lot better on re-read. I'll look forward to doing that someday. (I was, however, vey interested in )
2. It went on a littttle too long for me. After the climax, I didn't need much more and was ready to be done.
But, overall, I'm glad I finally got to this.
Mostly I guess it's just two things holding me back:
1. The romantic relationship didn't quite work for me until the VERY end. I needed them to spend more time together to really believe in their love. But because I WAS on board at the end, I think I'd like it a lot better on re-read. I'll look forward to doing that someday. (I was, however, vey interested in )
2. It went on a littttle too long for me. After the climax, I didn't need much more and was ready to be done.
But, overall, I'm glad I finally got to this.
July 21, 2018
This is essentially Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern, except Shinn has merged the dragons and people into one, the flying, singing angels.
The world actively annoyed me because it didn’t make any sense, even when allowing for the fact that it’s just a metaphorical Fantasy with some sci-fi stuff overlaid on it.
The world actively annoyed me because it didn’t make any sense, even when allowing for the fact that it’s just a metaphorical Fantasy with some sci-fi stuff overlaid on it.
November 9, 2012
Samaria Series
If all romance books were like these, I might consider myself to be a fan of romance novels in general.
The 'Samaria' series is primarily romance - but it's balanced with enough other plot elements that it doesn't get too tedious. They're even frequently... romantic!... in a way that doesn't (usually) make me want to strangle the characters! (They're never explicit/erotic, though.)
I did read all five books back-to-back, which meant that some of the elements did get a little repetitive. Obviously, to a certain degree, Shinn found a formula and stuck with it. It wouldn't have bothered me at all if I hadn't been doing a Samaria marathon, though.
They are undeniably wish-fulfillment-based books. These are designed for women who think that having a drop-dead-gorgeous, preternaturally strong, winged lover who can pick you up and fly you through the sky is a super-sexy idea.
In tone and feel, I thought these were actually very similar to Anne McCaffrey's Pern series. They've got the nominally sci-fi setting, the fantasy 'feel,' and the character-based plot elements, with a similar mix of action, politics and personal drama.
All of the books are fully stand-alone stories.
Archangel
The angel Gabriel is set to become the next Archangel, as decreed by the voice of Jovah. However, before he ascends to his position of leadership, he must find the wife determined for him by his god - a woman named Rachel. Without an Angelica (the female counterpart to the Archangel), the complex acappella musical concert known as the Gloria cannot occur, and Jovah will rain destruction upon the land.
Being named Angelica is an honor that all girls dream of - so what could possibly go wrong? Plenty, if your destined bride belongs to a persecuted ethnic group, and has been sold into slavery - and bears no love toward angels.
Jovah's Angel
Set around 100 years after the first book. In a dramatic beginning, the well-respected Archangel Delilah is crippled in a storm, her consort killed, and Jovah names a most unlikely successor to replace her: a shy, studious angel named Alleluia (or, informally, Alleya). Like in the previous book, Alleya must find her predestined mate - but Jehovah does not know his name, identifying him only as "son of Jeremiah." Things are further complicated by Alleya's growing feelings for the inventor Caleb (who makes a bunch of steampunk-y stuff). But Caleb cannot be her destined mate... can he?
Meanwhile, Delila must deal with her feelings of resentment, and learn to live without flying. But of course, she'll find someone too - a man of the Edori (an ethnic group that resemble Jewish gypsies.)
Meanwhile - a big issue is going on. When the angels sing the songs that control the weather, often nothing happens. Climate change is leading to disaster.
I didn't like this one quite as much as the first in the series, mainly because I wasn't thrilled by the theme of industrialization going on in Samaria. Also, all the technological/sci-fi elements that were alluded to in the first book are made very clear in this story, and some of the mystery is lost. It won me over, after a while, though.
The Alleluia Files
A few hundred years have passed... The Archangel at this time, Bael, is cruel and harsh. He rules with a strong hand, and is secretly committing genocide against the Jacobites, claiming their heresies threaten the land. But - does he secretly know that their heretical stances regarding the god Jovah are true?
Far more than the other books, this one has a clear villain (Bael). However, the clear hero, the upstanding and just Jared, will make things right, if he can ever stop being too lazy to bother. He'll be helped out by the angel Lucinda, who has grown up on an isolated island, far from the politics of the angel's Aerie, and the strong-willed Tamar, a member of the heretic Jacobites.
Angelica
The Archangel Gaaron has his life mate picked out for him by Jovah. Never before has an Edori woman been picked to be Angelica - but although Susannah has the implant that allows Jovah to track the people of Samaria, unlike the Edori, she has been raised by the Edori and identifies with them. She's also only just broken up with her long term lover. (He was a big jerk though, so the reader is sure she will get over him.) She's not at all sure she wants to be Angelica. (Sound familiar? Yeah.) This one is set far before all the other books. Like in the other books, there's also a social problem to address while the romance is given time to develop: mysterious, disappearing invaders are attacking and burning the caravans of both Edori and Jansai, as well as isolated villages.
The day will be saved, and love will triumph.
Angel-Seeker
After finishing the previous book in the series, I was thinking: "Hey, are we ever going to get to see the point of view of one of the oppressed Jansai women? Pretty much all the other ethnic groups in Samaria have been covcered by POV characters." And, ta-da, here we are. Rebekah's charcter is very well done, actually. She's a rebellious girl in a repressive culture, but even after she falls in love with an angel, her ties to family and tradition hold her in a frighteningly realistic way. She also horribly underestimates her fate, if she's caught...
Meanwhile, the title character, Elizabeth, becomes an angel-seeker - a woman who desires more than anything, to bear an angel child, and will do pretty much anything to further that goal. Again, the motivations here were really well portrayed.
Both women grow as individuals over the course of the book - and, of course, find love.
If all romance books were like these, I might consider myself to be a fan of romance novels in general.
The 'Samaria' series is primarily romance - but it's balanced with enough other plot elements that it doesn't get too tedious. They're even frequently... romantic!... in a way that doesn't (usually) make me want to strangle the characters! (They're never explicit/erotic, though.)
I did read all five books back-to-back, which meant that some of the elements did get a little repetitive. Obviously, to a certain degree, Shinn found a formula and stuck with it. It wouldn't have bothered me at all if I hadn't been doing a Samaria marathon, though.
They are undeniably wish-fulfillment-based books. These are designed for women who think that having a drop-dead-gorgeous, preternaturally strong, winged lover who can pick you up and fly you through the sky is a super-sexy idea.
In tone and feel, I thought these were actually very similar to Anne McCaffrey's Pern series. They've got the nominally sci-fi setting, the fantasy 'feel,' and the character-based plot elements, with a similar mix of action, politics and personal drama.
All of the books are fully stand-alone stories.
Archangel
The angel Gabriel is set to become the next Archangel, as decreed by the voice of Jovah. However, before he ascends to his position of leadership, he must find the wife determined for him by his god - a woman named Rachel. Without an Angelica (the female counterpart to the Archangel), the complex acappella musical concert known as the Gloria cannot occur, and Jovah will rain destruction upon the land.
Being named Angelica is an honor that all girls dream of - so what could possibly go wrong? Plenty, if your destined bride belongs to a persecuted ethnic group, and has been sold into slavery - and bears no love toward angels.
Jovah's Angel
Set around 100 years after the first book. In a dramatic beginning, the well-respected Archangel Delilah is crippled in a storm, her consort killed, and Jovah names a most unlikely successor to replace her: a shy, studious angel named Alleluia (or, informally, Alleya). Like in the previous book, Alleya must find her predestined mate - but Jehovah does not know his name, identifying him only as "son of Jeremiah." Things are further complicated by Alleya's growing feelings for the inventor Caleb (who makes a bunch of steampunk-y stuff). But Caleb cannot be her destined mate... can he?
Meanwhile, Delila must deal with her feelings of resentment, and learn to live without flying. But of course, she'll find someone too - a man of the Edori (an ethnic group that resemble Jewish gypsies.)
Meanwhile - a big issue is going on. When the angels sing the songs that control the weather, often nothing happens. Climate change is leading to disaster.
I didn't like this one quite as much as the first in the series, mainly because I wasn't thrilled by the theme of industrialization going on in Samaria. Also, all the technological/sci-fi elements that were alluded to in the first book are made very clear in this story, and some of the mystery is lost. It won me over, after a while, though.
The Alleluia Files
A few hundred years have passed... The Archangel at this time, Bael, is cruel and harsh. He rules with a strong hand, and is secretly committing genocide against the Jacobites, claiming their heresies threaten the land. But - does he secretly know that their heretical stances regarding the god Jovah are true?
Far more than the other books, this one has a clear villain (Bael). However, the clear hero, the upstanding and just Jared, will make things right, if he can ever stop being too lazy to bother. He'll be helped out by the angel Lucinda, who has grown up on an isolated island, far from the politics of the angel's Aerie, and the strong-willed Tamar, a member of the heretic Jacobites.
Angelica
The Archangel Gaaron has his life mate picked out for him by Jovah. Never before has an Edori woman been picked to be Angelica - but although Susannah has the implant that allows Jovah to track the people of Samaria, unlike the Edori, she has been raised by the Edori and identifies with them. She's also only just broken up with her long term lover. (He was a big jerk though, so the reader is sure she will get over him.) She's not at all sure she wants to be Angelica. (Sound familiar? Yeah.) This one is set far before all the other books. Like in the other books, there's also a social problem to address while the romance is given time to develop: mysterious, disappearing invaders are attacking and burning the caravans of both Edori and Jansai, as well as isolated villages.
The day will be saved, and love will triumph.
Angel-Seeker
After finishing the previous book in the series, I was thinking: "Hey, are we ever going to get to see the point of view of one of the oppressed Jansai women? Pretty much all the other ethnic groups in Samaria have been covcered by POV characters." And, ta-da, here we are. Rebekah's charcter is very well done, actually. She's a rebellious girl in a repressive culture, but even after she falls in love with an angel, her ties to family and tradition hold her in a frighteningly realistic way. She also horribly underestimates her fate, if she's caught...
Meanwhile, the title character, Elizabeth, becomes an angel-seeker - a woman who desires more than anything, to bear an angel child, and will do pretty much anything to further that goal. Again, the motivations here were really well portrayed.
Both women grow as individuals over the course of the book - and, of course, find love.
July 19, 2021
"The angelica," he said, through tight lips, "holds the position of highest honor on Samaria. She sings beside the Archangel at the Gloria. She hears petitions that men and women fear to put before the Archangel himself. She can, if she chooses, be a great force for good among mortals, among angels. Many angelicas have had special relationships with Jovah, asking from him boons and favors which have been divinely granted. The angelica is one step from the god."
"The angelica, you said," she responded, "is wife to the Archangel."
She had not thought he could become angrier, but it seemed she was wrong.
"If it is the thought of the physical relationship which repels you, you need not be concerned," he ground. "They marry, but Archangels and their angelicas have often made their own arrangements."
She arched her eyebrows just a little. Stubborn unto death. Simon had told her that once. Stubborn just for the sake of stubbornness, and stubborn out of fear. Stubborn when there was good reason for it except that she had never, not even in five years as a slave, learned to back down.
In a world where 'Jovah' is an irrefutable presence in the world the angels lead the people according to his will, with their mortal spouses by their sides, the angelicas (or angelicos).
The angels are told by the oracle which mortal Jovah has destined them to be with, the idea being that this person will be their perfect other half and vice versa.
Gabriel, soon to be Archangel, must find his angelica within the space of the meager few months he's left himself. He needs his angelica to sing beside him in the Gloria. As in, without the angelica to lead the Gloria, there will be striking down.
But of course, Gabriel figures that it'll be a cakewalk. After all, these things are laid down by the law of Jovah. Jovah 'stuck' her with him just as much as he 'stuck' him with her and besides, all girls dream of joining themselves with one of the angels.
"I thought all girls dreamt of becoming the angelica," he said.
Josiah snorted. "Those who have not met you, perhaps."
Gabriel looked faintly amused. "Well, at any rate, the girl handpicked by Jovah must be suited to me in all things, as I understand the theology," he said. "So she will be eager to be my bride."
Oh, Gabriel. *shakes head*
She will complement you, as in she will know things you don't. If you were an angry man, she would make you calm. If you were a timid man, she would make you strong.If you were an arrogant man, she would make you humble.
Shinn has created a really believable love story with Archangel. Their 'Kiss' (which is a glass bead impregnated into the arm of everyone who has been dedicated to Jovah) may flare up when they first meet, but this doesn't mean insta-love. Gabriel is a very proud man, he found it galling enough when he heard his angelica was to be a farmer's daughter, but a slave girl? And to really top it off, a woman he can't bend to his will.
Oh, Gabriel doesn't like that.
Rachel, daughter of Seth and Elizabeth, for her part has not been dreaming of a place among the angels. Having spent the last five years toiling as a 'allali' slave girl, what she has been dreaming of is freedom. Freedom, and retribution. Instead she finds herself swapping one set of chains for another.
It took me a while to get into this one, and the ending could have been better. So, definitely not my favorite Sharon Shinn, but a pleasant read overall.
"The angelica, you said," she responded, "is wife to the Archangel."
She had not thought he could become angrier, but it seemed she was wrong.
"If it is the thought of the physical relationship which repels you, you need not be concerned," he ground. "They marry, but Archangels and their angelicas have often made their own arrangements."
She arched her eyebrows just a little. Stubborn unto death. Simon had told her that once. Stubborn just for the sake of stubbornness, and stubborn out of fear. Stubborn when there was good reason for it except that she had never, not even in five years as a slave, learned to back down.
In a world where 'Jovah' is an irrefutable presence in the world the angels lead the people according to his will, with their mortal spouses by their sides, the angelicas (or angelicos).
The angels are told by the oracle which mortal Jovah has destined them to be with, the idea being that this person will be their perfect other half and vice versa.
Gabriel, soon to be Archangel, must find his angelica within the space of the meager few months he's left himself. He needs his angelica to sing beside him in the Gloria. As in, without the angelica to lead the Gloria, there will be striking down.
But of course, Gabriel figures that it'll be a cakewalk. After all, these things are laid down by the law of Jovah. Jovah 'stuck' her with him just as much as he 'stuck' him with her and besides, all girls dream of joining themselves with one of the angels.
"I thought all girls dreamt of becoming the angelica," he said.
Josiah snorted. "Those who have not met you, perhaps."
Gabriel looked faintly amused. "Well, at any rate, the girl handpicked by Jovah must be suited to me in all things, as I understand the theology," he said. "So she will be eager to be my bride."
Oh, Gabriel. *shakes head*
She will complement you, as in she will know things you don't. If you were an angry man, she would make you calm. If you were a timid man, she would make you strong.If you were an arrogant man, she would make you humble.
Shinn has created a really believable love story with Archangel. Their 'Kiss' (which is a glass bead impregnated into the arm of everyone who has been dedicated to Jovah) may flare up when they first meet, but this doesn't mean insta-love. Gabriel is a very proud man, he found it galling enough when he heard his angelica was to be a farmer's daughter, but a slave girl? And to really top it off, a woman he can't bend to his will.
Oh, Gabriel doesn't like that.
Rachel, daughter of Seth and Elizabeth, for her part has not been dreaming of a place among the angels. Having spent the last five years toiling as a 'allali' slave girl, what she has been dreaming of is freedom. Freedom, and retribution. Instead she finds herself swapping one set of chains for another.
It took me a while to get into this one, and the ending could have been better. So, definitely not my favorite Sharon Shinn, but a pleasant read overall.
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