Archangel (Samaria Trilogy, Book 1)

Rating:
Summary: Invades your senses and takes over your mind.
Review: Ethereal, eery, sublime, hopeful. My first book of Shinn's and two days after reading Archangel I'm still mentally in Samaria. I so hope that she continues writing after her Samaria series. Try and get ahold of her first book if you can, "The ShapeShifter's Wife". I'm so glad I bought this book on a whim. It has expanded my cosmological view of existance and given me manna for thought.

Rating:
Summary: A magnificent book and world
Review: Sharon Shinn creates a world and a theology in the introduction; the reader has a God's-eye view of the lovers Gabriel and Rachel. There are so many good things about this book I hardly know which virtue to start with: a totally believable, no-holes precept; feisty lovers; world salvation or destruction; multitudinous themes and discussions on the true nature of freedom, slavery, duty, peacefulness. Mostly, though, I thought all of the setting and the issues besetting Samaria were secondary to the friction/fire between the two star-crossed lovers. 'Archangel' is a love story first and a fantasy/science fiction novel second. Mesmerizing, subtle in its observations about human psychology and motivations, written by an author in full command of her considerable powers.

Rating:
Summary: Romance of two opposites within an incredible new world!
Review: The best example of withholding information I ever saw! Ms. Shinn creates the island of Samaria and does not tell you how it occurred at all. The story between the angel Gabriel and the slave-girl Rachel is in no way changed by this lack of information. The reader should not concern themself how Samaria was founded, but the incredible romance that goes on between two people of opposite worlds. Excellent, inspired me to continue my hagling "island" novel. Anyone who reads this book, should immediately read the counterpart- Jovah's Angel! You'll be amazed!!!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful fantasy, adventure and love story!!!
Review: I read this book in less than 4 days. I couldn't put it down. Sharon Shinn's clever chapter construction holds your attention until the end. Her description and imagination are unsurpassed. I cannot wait to read her other books.

Rating:
Summary: An unusual and stunningly beautiful love story.
Review: After reading Sharon Shinn's novel, Archangel, I was amazed at her skillful weaving of biblical myth and a quickly progressing world. Her rather subtle opinions on faith, progress, technology, and people were very interesting to interpret. I found her characters, especially the all-too-human angels deep and memorable. This is a book I will read again and again, and enjoy more every time.

Rating:
Summary: Halleluia! Magnificat!
Review: Without a doubt, one of the most brilliant books I have ever read. I first stumbled across Archangel during a book sale, the cover having caught my wandering eye. I read the first twenty pages standing right there, in the store, until a polite cough from the person at the cash register reminded me I was in a store, not a library. I continued reading on the bus on my way home, and did not stop until three a.m. the next morning, having finished the book. Sharon Shinn brilliantly weaves together sci fi and angel arcana into one of the most compelling stories I have ever read. Coupled with her beautiful amd knowledgeable descriptions of music, her story shines. Never in my life have I ever read anything quite like it. Of her three books set in Samaria, Archangel is, without a doubt, the best of them all.

Rating:
Summary: Definitely not just another "angel book!"
Review: I nearly didn't pick up this book as I am so thouroughly sick of all the sugary angel-themed fluff currently being marketed. Thank Jovah I did pick it up! This book was a marvel. I couldn't put it down. Archangel is an intelligently written fantasy that is sure to please even the most devout angel-hater. I have since read the sequel Jovah's Angel and am deeply engrossed in Sharon's third angel book--The Alleluia Files. In fact, I'm disconnecting right now to continue reading!

Rating:
Summary: Intelligent, Unique, Absorbing, Thought-provoking
Review: Whether you're a fan of love stories, fantasy, or biblic studies, this book will win you over. This book is smartly constructed and written, with sharp psychological characterization, biblical allusion and symbolism, and plot turns that provides constant and pleasant surprises. One of the most satisfying fantasies you may ever read.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderfully written book.
Review: This book, Archangel, is a wonderfully written, touching, and inspiring book. The characters are well thought out and characterized by Shinn. All in all, I would very much recommend this book for anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Bellevue Bookworm Loves Archangel
Review: Shinn really drew me into her world! Although the setup and first few chapters worried me, I could not stop after page 30. A wonderful story of love, deception, mystery, and tradition. The best of fantasy and romance. Shinn truly impresses me.