by
SCOTT MACKAY
Pub. Date: April 2002
$6.99 U.S. $9.99 Cdn.
408 pages
Category: Science Fiction/Alternate History
Format: Paperback Original
ISBN: 0-451-45874-5
U.S. and Cdn Orders
DIGITAL EDITIONS
"Riveting drama." Locus
"Off-the-shelf pick of SciFi.com ... intriguing ... compelling ... on a world ruled by warrior angels, a priest turns to the only force that can help, the Roman Galatic Empire." SciFi.com
"Here is an intriguing alternate history in which Christianity is a tool of the Benefactors, who have been around since the time of the Roman Empire, and perhaps earlier. Rome was destroyed resisting conquest by them, and they have dominated Earth more or less ever since, claiming to be heavenly angels. Now, after centuries of opression, the truth will be known: the Benefactors are beings from the center of the galaxy, who fled a home that became uninhabitable. Designated to broadcast the truth are a heretic passing as a priest, a disillusioned church father, and a young teacher. The price of knowledge may be higher than anyone thinks, and more is at stake than first meets the eye. Its catchy premise makes this alternate history appealing, and the contrast between the high-tech stagnation of the Benefactors' society, and the low-tech innovations of rebels against it spice a good liberation-quest adventure." Booklist
"Following along the lines of his great novel, Outpost, author Mackay again spins an original yarn steeped in Italian history (this time Roman in particular) combined with imaginative versimilitude. His construct of a technologically repressed Catholic society is beautifully realized and his players impressively brought to life. Highly recommended." Yet Another Book Review Site