Gaea Reviewed By Chris Phillips Of Bookpleasures.com
- By Chris Phillips
- Published November 13, 2009
- Fantasy
Chris Phillips
Reviewer Chris Phillips: Chris is a veteran editor for friends
and family as well as most of his employment positions. He often
finds himself reading a book and correcting problems he discovers,
even after their works have been published by well-known
publishers. Chris enjoys writing to authors, when
possible, and discussing problems he has seen in the reading of their
work. And as he states, “there is always the chance for great
intelligent conversation whenever creative minds get together.”
Author: Robina Williams
ISBN: 978-1-60619-183-5
In Gaea, Williams has created a humorous adventure book. Gaea is the title character, and is believable as a typical of Greek goddesses. She is on a quest to prevent Man from destroying her (she is the Earth after all) and her creatures. Quantum, as the cat or the seraph, is the central character of the story while not truly doing much, exactly like a cat in real life. Also, Quantum is the central character in the series of which this is third. Williams combines Greek mythology, Christian mythology and environmentalism with a deft hand and smooth continuity.
Quantum appears as a cat to some, as a seraph to others, as a pillar of fire to still others, and sometimes as several different avatars at one time, depending on who is looking. Quantum, Quant or Leo depending on the person observing him, does provide a great jumping-off point for the series while each book can stand alone. Quantum as the observer and quiet advisor is given a unique role when little is known about the character throughout the book, his history or even his powers. Surprises abound when Quantum acts.
Williams has had a good time writing this story and fleshing out Greek Mythology beings. Also, she provides many details to fill in the world as Gaea travels on her quest. However, even Christian mythology is given a fair treatment with various Saints appearing very true to their human incarnations. She builds a consistent framework where all these systems interact and coexist. Williams has created a world view that includes all belief systems within one overview. She has applied her humor to make this seem very real and credible. Authors often attempt to deal with religious issues and cannot make it work, but Williams deals with it but does so with finesse.
From the standpoint of the writer’s craft, the best part technically of the book is that the characters are believable, alive, very well defined and described. The plot is well-thought out and well-developed, being consistent and smooth flowing. The friary is introduced as a very good counterpoint to Gaea’s quest with the interactions between the monks and Quantum in his guise as Leo to the monks providing some strong repartee.
The monks are also very entertaining. Brother Bernard is aware of there being something strange about Leo, but cannot place a finger on it and so just frets. The monks go about rediscovering the simple life and learning to be more eco-friendly.
The locations and scenes of Heaven, the underworld and the homes of the various gods and goddess of Greek tales, are illustrated and detailed enough to make anyone what to live. The characters are self-conscious and very aware of their limitations as they were displayed in the myths or legends from which they originate.
This book is a great read for anyone. It opens up the mind of the reader while keeping the plot consistent. Those readers interested in Greek mythology, intermingling religious systems and in speculations about the afterlife, Heaven and spiritual beings will be very entertained by the book. There is really nothing to offend any reader except for the fact that it is made very clear there are more books in the series.
This reviewer would love to review even more books from Williams and cannot wait until she writes another.