Angel Time is a unique story of redemption. Toby O’Dare, a cold-blooded killer, is solicited by an angel of Heaven to put his skills to holy use. After we are introduced to Toby’s present life from his first-person perspective, his tragic past is explained from the perspective of his guardian angel Malchiah. Malchiah’s affinity for Toby challenges the human assumption that angels are merely unfeeling operatives performing their duty. Once it is revealed how Toby has turned from a brilliant and compassionate young boy to an assassin, the narrative takes up where it left off – just after Malchiah has startled Toby with his presence and an extension of God‘s mercy.The depth of Toby’s characterization drew me to him immediately. The struggle with his past, present, and potential identity made his every action and decision a moment of suspense.
In this odd but pleasing mix of the paranormal and the historical, we are also acquainted with 13th Century England where oppressive laws and virulent lies threaten the Jews’ existence. Mrs. Rice clearly possesses an important understanding and appreciation of the Jews and their remarkable contributions to the very societies that have persecuted them. As with her other novels, her careful scholarship ensures historical accuracy even while she weaves an arresting plot with realistic and engaging characters.
This novel is, most importantly, a spiritual one. I was moved by its illustration of God’s grace and the supernatural activity of His kingdom. I eagerly await the next novel in the Toby O'Dare series!
3 comments:
This is an extremely good review. I liked the book myself, especially the image of prayers wafting up to heaven andd angels gliding down to earth to answer them through the centuries. I agree with you that the character of Toby had great depth; I loved his cultivated side. I just started a new blog--somewhat literary--and in the first post I compared Angel Time with the books of Dan Brown. I would appreciate very much your visiting and giving me your thoughts. Thanks! I'm now reading The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova. And you? Best, Margaret @ www.whattheowltoldme.blogspot.com
I will have a look. Currently, I am reading a short paranormal mystery, not much food for thought, but something to pick up in my spare time. The next book on my list is The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown's latest.
The most recent book I read that moved me incredibly was Speaker for the Dead. Orson Scott Card is, hands down, my favorite author. If you haven't read Ender's Game or Speaker for the Dead, I highly recommend them (in that order). I haven't even reviewed either book because they moved me so deeply that I haven't found the words yet. These two books were not stories to me, they were experiences, experiences too sacred to share in haste with a possibly unappreciative public, if that makes any sense...
Hi Naomi~ Thanks for the reply. You will love The Lost Symbol! As thrilling as the others and as interesting. (That was a book I chose for my first post.) Thanks for the lead re Orson Scott Card; I will get them soonest. I saw someone recommending the Eli book/movie. I guess we have to add that! Best, Margaret
Post a Comment