Book & Audio Review: The Alleluia Files by Sharon Shinn

The Alleluia Files
Author: Sharon Shinn
Narrator: Tamara Marston
Series: Angel (Book 3)
Publication: Audible Studios (July 20, 2010); Ace; Reissue edition (May 1, 1999)
Length: 17 hours and 33 minutes; 450 p.

Description: Legend has it that the Alleluia Files contain the truth about the god of Samaria. Now, a child raised in captivity among the angels will journey the length and breadth of her world to seek the documents that will alter the face of Samaria forever.

My Thoughts: This episode of the Samaria series takes place about 100 years after the events of JOVAH'S ANGEL though it isn't essential to read that one first. 

In those hundred years a cult has been born. The Jacobites believe that there is not god. What others see as a god is a spaceship orbiting the planet and demanding evidence of harmony. They are sure that Alleluia - former archangel and oracle - left a record that proves this and are they are determined to find that record. Tamar is a young woman who was raised in the cult and is a staunch supporter.

The Archangel Bael is just as determined to hold to traditional values that say Jovah is their ever-present god who responds to angel's prayers. He is a fanatic determined to execute all of the Jacobites and has enlisted the Jansai to carry out his purge. When Jared, an angel in charge of one of the angel holds, learns of Bael's vendetta, he doesn't believe it. He has never like Bael but has trouble seeing him as a fanatic. Jared is challenged by one his friends - a wealthy business owner - to find this Alleluia File to either prove or disprove the Jacobites' claims. 

Meanwhile, the angel Lucinda has been taken by her aunt to be raised on a small island far out in the ocean in order to keep her away from angel politics and especially to keep her away from Bael. When she finally convinces her aunt to take her to the annual Gloria, she is back on Bael's radar and is pursued by Bael's son Omar who thinks to use her to cement his own power. 

Jovah hasn't named Bael's successor and Bael has only one year left in his twenty-year reign, speculation is rife about who will be the next archangel and Bael and Omar are scheming to hold onto power. 

It is a time of great turbulence on Samaria. Technology developed by engineers is Ysrael is creeping into society despite Bael's determination to keep it out. And the growing wealthy and middle classes are pushing at the angels to change things. 

There are two romances in this story. Jared falls in love with Jacobite Tamar and angel Lucinda falls in love with the Edori Reuben. Neither of the romances is easy or smooth as they face cultural differences and pressures from their societies. 

I enjoyed this episode and look forward to reading more in the series. 

Favorite Quote:

"Knowledge is meant to be shared! Otherwise, how can we all learn?"

I bought the Kindle and Audiobook recently. The paperback has been on my shelf since March 2, 2008. You can buy your copy here.