Angelica

This one was a step backwards in time for the series, taking place a few generations before the first book, Archangel. Again, there is the regular plot line about the difficult relationship between the archangel and his angelica, and there was also an somewhat twisty plot line about the archangel's human sister trying to find her place in the world. Against this backdrop, the people face the onslaught of invaders with mysterious powers and an equally mysterious origin.I liked it, but I don't think it was as good as the previous ones. I put a lot of that on the romance plot line, which really lacked passion in this book. Admittedly, much of the difficulty they had was coming to terms with them both being quite level-headed and not particularly passionate, so it's not like the author merely failed to reveal their passion. Rather, she made it clear it wasn't there to begin with. So, I'll give her a B+ for realism in that respect, but a C- for invoking the romance. About the only thing that really saved that plot line was just how smart and practical each member of the couple was. It's rare to see protagonists that don't plunge deep into that one stupid thing we all know is going to be a disaster.The plotline with the sister was a lot more interesting to me, because it takes someone who starts off emotionally damaged and leads us through her dark times and trials as she reinvents herself into a better person. I wish I saw more of that kind of story line in my SF/F.But more than anything, I was disappointed by this step backwards in time. Each of the previous three books revealed something about the world of Samaria and the god who ruled over them. By the end of those three, we know a lot about that god, and I must say that the third one left me wondering, "Well shit... what's going to happen now?" But the fourth book did not pick that up. Instead, it went back.I'm not sure what's going on in the fifth book. I don't know if it's merely the fifth or if it's the final one, but I'm hoping it either goes all the way back to the beginning to the founding of Samaria or picks up where the third book left off. As it is, this one added very little to the world's canon. Instead, it was more of a filler book, telling us some inconsequential tale. Maybe something happens in book five that will change my mind about this, but I doubt it.So the bottom line is that I enjoyed reading it, but I was disappointed in what it did for the series.

I have just finished reading Angelica and I truly enjoyed every minute. Shinn's writing style is excellent. I am a huge Ursula Le Guin fan. I enjoy sci fi that is more character than simply plot driven, where the characters develop and mature and endure conflict within their lives, not simply within the drama of the plot problem to be solved. So that's why I enjoyed this book, even though the actual central story line was fairly obscure and underplayed. In part I liked that Shinn chose to make the characters run the story instead of the actual central problem. However, and this is not a bad point, the two central characters in this book are her least emotional so far, so they don't shine as brightly as those in her previous 3 books in the series. They are still very strong characters, but are more introverted and stoic in their emotional expression. If you prefer lots of emotional drama, Archangel is the book for you (it's the first in the series too, so the right place to start.)Archangel was my introduction to Shinn, and its strong central story line and characters really grabbed me, but I was almost put off by its melodrama. Angelica is almost the opposite of Archangel in many ways, and that's why I liked it almost as much even though it feels like a weaker story with weaker characters. I actually think Angelica was a bit less inspired and feels a bit rushed and less polished. However, Shinn's characters are still quite wonderful and full bodied and easy to love and very human. As a bonus she takes more time in this book to develop and focus on the Edori lifestyle and culture. Since the Edori have been such a central aspect of this series, it is refreshing to get more detail about them and experience them in more depth.So if you are enjoying the Samaria series, you must read this book. It is a bit of a departure from the emotional drama and just a tad weaker in my opinion, but overall still a very strong book and enjoyable read, especially enjoyable if you are reading because you like Shinn's writing style.

Since there is a synopsis already about the book - and several others have already reviewed the book - there's really no need to review the book again. I did want to say that I enjoyed this book very much. Actually, after reading "The Alleluia Files" I had assumed that Ms Shinn was finished with her Samaria Series. What a delight it was to learn that she decided to continue with a prequel (YAY!) As some of the other reviewers state - the book was somewhat lacking in certain areas. There really wasn't enough substance to pull the two main characters (Susannah & Garron) together. I found myself more interested in the activities of Gaarons sister instead. There were other situations in the novel which were alluded to - but never quite came to fruition (which was a downer).Despite these failings, Ms Shinn is an excellent writer and I've enjoyed all the books that I've read that she's written. However, the "Samaria" stories are my favorite. Even though the book wasn't absolutely awesome - it was still very good - and I missed the "Samaria" stories - so I'm giving it 5 stars. Hopefully she will keep writing them - I am looking forward to more.

I love the way that Shin writes! I recommend all her books.

I love the entire Angels of Somorrah books. This particular book, where an Angel and a Gypsy have to learn how to work with each other, is one of my favorites.

I've only read her Samaria books and this one is better than the rest. Susannah and Gaaron were very likeable characters. Romance readers will probably want more than the gentle double romance in it. Shinn is just unique. I loved a scene early in this book when Gaaron joins a group to sing and they all discover they have completementary voices. It was a happy moment -- cheered me up, too. There are many scenes like this, making the world of Samaria a nice one to explore.