available from Amazon
- Paperback: 378 pages
- Publisher: CCC of America; 1 edition (August 6, 1996)
- ISBN-10: 156814525X
- ISBN-13: 978-1568145259
reviewed by Tannia Ortiz-Lopès
Angel Fire, by Mary Marshall, is a science fiction story with elements of religion, espionage, extra-terrestrial activities, prophecies, and mythology. The story begins with Captain Sorn and the surviving crew members of his battleship, Lieutenant Ont Zejen, and the android, Jennex, stranded and lost in space. While lingering in space, they encounter a space abnormality and drive the ship through it. Upon exiting, they find themselves thousands of light years away from their home planet, Tethra, and are astounded to be looking at the legendary planet Earth.
After analyzing Earth from their hidden out-of-space location, Captain Sorn and Lieutenant Zejen decide to infiltrate the planet using the identities of Richard Saxon and Frank Nelson, respectively. Once adjusted to life on Earth, they will continue to study the planet, find parts to fix their ship, and go back home. Once on Earth, Jennex will be their only contact with the ship. The android will stay on board repairing and manning the ship, doing further research on Earth, and transmitting relevant information to Richard and Frank. While gathering data one day, Jennex discovers the Research Organization for the study of Extra-terrestrials (ROSET). It hacks into the organization’s computer and becomes fully aware of the life-threatening danger ROSET represents to their safety and survival on Earth.
When Captain Sorn meets Selina Devon and Father John Fisk, a spiritual battle begins between the forces of good and evil on heaven and Earth. The
Archangels and angels led by the Archangel Michael must protect Richard, Selina, and Fr. Fisk from the evil forces led by Natas, the demon. His evil doers will use all their wicked power and tricks to prevent the fulfillment of an ancient Tethra’s prophecy.
Richard Saxon’s encounters with ROSET’s despicable operative and Natas’ puppet Max Traytur will keep him and Selina alert and constantly on the run
throughout the story.
Captain Sorn feels torn between two worlds. He must endure pain, loss, and rebirth to discover the truth. He also must grow in experience and knowledge to
save his planet Tethra and his newly discovered home, Earth.
One of the biggest weaknesses of the story is its excessive similarity to famous science fiction programs such as Star Trek, Deep Space Nine, and Lost in
Space. However, the vivid and grasping scenes involving Max Traytur will allow the reader to feel the pain this character inflicts on others.
Angel Fire is a book for Catholics looking for an alternative to popular science fiction books. However, its aspects of religion might be, at times, too
overwhelming for non-Catholics or readers sensitive to stories with religious content.
A Note from the Author:My thanks to Tannia for her review of Angel Fire. There is one point she made in the review to which I must respond. The review states:“Angel Fire is a book for Catholics looking for an alternative
to popular science fiction books. However, its aspects of religion might
be, at times, too overwhelming for non-Catholics or readers sensitive to stories with religious content.”Angel Fire is a fiction story
written for anyone, not just for Catholics. The book features two
Catholic protagonists and one agnostic protagonist. It is no more a book
only for Catholics than is the famous novel The Chosen by Chaim Potok, a novel written only for Jews. It would be an odd criticism of The Chosen or My Name is Asher Lev
to say that these books “might be overwhelming for non-Jews.” These are
classic novels written about Jewish life and struggles. Angel Fire is
the anchor novel for a trilogy of books featuring some Catholic
protagonists and written by a Catholic author. The Catholic point of
view in a novel is rare these days and I am baffled as to why it is
rare. But such a Catholic point of view from an author should not be an
apology or a restriction; it is instead ,at best, an enrichment of the
story itself.
On this website we have a “prayer for a new Catholic literary revival.”
Such a revival will not take place because Catholic authors and readers
are looking for imitations of C.S. Lewis, Tolkien or G.K. Chesterton. We
are children of the twenty first century and our “Catholic literature”
will look like something that has never happened before. That is my hope
for Angel Fire, for it’s sequel, Face the Lion
and for all those yet to be published books written by good fiction
writers who want to write about their world from their Catholic point of
view. It is our place to create a revival of Catholic literary
fiction, which will have its own pioneering texture and perspective.
Best wishes to all Catholic readers and writers out there.
Mary Marshall
Dear Mary: your novel is full of Catholicism and even the story line echoes the Word. There is nothing wrong with us sharing our faith in our line of work. I suggest you read Karina Fabian’s anthology, Infinite Space, Infinite God I & II. I had the honor of reviewing the first book and loved it. Other alternatives on Catholic fiction which I had reviewed and highly recommend are “The Seed” by Compasse- horror genre based on the Book of Revelations. William Biersach series of Fr. Baptist’s mysteries (Tumblar House)- his books are full of Catholicism, great humor, but entertaining for the reader. I have learned a lot about Catholicism through his books. Regina Doman’s modern fairy tales are awesome. I reviewed Waking Rose based on The Sleepy Beauty. In Regina’s story, the main character falls into comma. I just finished reading Michelle Buckman first women’s fiction, Rachel’s Contrition- a must read! Catholic fantasy- Robina Williams the Quantum Cat series. Full of Catholicism and mythology. She does a great job integrating them. As you can see, these are only a few books in the Catholic fiction genre that I have read, reviewed and highly recommend. All of them exceptionally written!There is nothing wrong to say a book is for Catholic, Jews, Hispanic, etc. It is important to know the genre and the niche for which we write in order to be successful. We reviewers are only human and write reviews based on our impression of the book but not necessarily aiming to please the authors. Good luck finding a publisher for your sequel. I suggest you use a good e-book publisher since you will be able to reach a greater audience and will be more cost effective, too. Blessings and inspiration from above,TANNIA