Angel Time? Any Good?

[archangelremiel]

I have to say, once upon a time, I loved Rice's work, but it quite quickly went from "Just Right" in Interview and Lestat to "Too Much" in Memnoch and later works. I'm not sure what to think about her newer books, the ones that live in the religious category, because while I love books and stories that bring up theological and religious subjects

Comments

[archangelremiel]

I thought "Christ the Lord" was a touch too blasphemous, mostly because, hey, it's basically glorified Bible fanfiction, but as far as angels go, being about angels doesn't always make a book fall into the "shoving" category. I tend to read books about angels often, which is why I'm considering giving Rice another shot.

[archangelremiel]

I guess it's not so much that it's blasphemy, as it's retelling a story I already know and don't so much care to hear again from a different point of view. Because, to be honest, a little blasphemy never hurt anyone, but if I want the story of Christ's life, I'll open a Bible. Heck, I Love "Supernatural" (TV show), and to quote "The angels are dicks" and God's gone missing in their story line.

[avaunt]

Rice's religious fiction isn't any good. Her style deteriorated, and even if that weren't a problem, the books themselves aren't very interesting.

[lone_she_wolf]

The only religious fiction I really like is Faust.

[archangelremiel]

I've gotten hooked on just about any book that makes you think, especially about things that transcend everyday human life. I like the concepts in Milton's "Paradise Lost", I haven't finished it, and I'd really like to get a better copy of it, because the one I have has the most annoying type-set ever, but I like it so far. I think it's mostly a matter of asking "Does it make you think, or does it tell you how to think?"

[cesaretech]

If you have not already read it, there is Paradise Lost. But you seem to be against Bible fanfiction. Asking for books featuring Biblical figures without abrasive messages is vague; your definition may differ from others'.

[archangelremiel]

I posted the above before I read your post, but basically, that covers my opinion in the matter.

Above Post Re-quoted:
"I've gotten hooked on just about any book that makes you think, especially about things that transcend everyday human life. I like the concepts in Milton's "Paradise Lost", I haven't finished it, and I'd really like to get a better copy of it, because the one I have has the most annoying type-set ever, but I like it so far. I think it's mostly a matter of asking "Does it make you think, or does it tell you how to think?""

[bookwrm17]

I loved Christ the Lord, but I'm about halfway through Angel Time and so far I'd have to call the story interesting but poorly paced. After spending a great deal of time on the protagonist's backstory, there's a major piece of character development that happens in the blink of an eye, and then the plot abruptly shifts gears.

As far as the "shoving", the book is obviously explicit about the existence of angels and God, and while Rice naturally incorporates Catholic elements, Catholicism is not in any way being championed as the one true religion or anything. Overall, it's a redemption story, but I was under the impression it's intended as the first in a series, so I have my doubts as to how complete said redemption will be at the end of the book.

[archangelremiel]

It sounds reasonably interesting the way you explain it. I think I'll borrow it from the library rather than buying it.