Customer Reviews

ARCHANGEL

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Archangel is a fast-paced, thoroughly enjoyable thriller. The characters are well developed. The good guys are sympathetic; the bad guys are suitably villainous; all are interesting. The story offers something more: the issues of the use of violence in the cause of justice and the impact of that use on the actor are addressed if not resolved, as they can never be.

I absolutely loved this novel! It is very character driven, and yet it has the edge of the seat quality, especially as it progresses. The characters and their dilemmas and deeds seemed to become real, and I've finished it but they haven't really climbed back into the book yet. I found the subtle elements of heroism and romance tantalizing but it never was over the top. I too am looking for other works by the author and I hope a sequel exists or is in the works.

I found the book well done overall. Vorhis creates some living characters, with a matrix of suspense that builds steadily as chapters progress. The protagonist comes across solid and the plot tracks, interweaving detail in what I thought was a satisfying way. I like the development of some of the bad guys too. My biggest complaint is simply that I want more. I'll be looking for other published works by this author.

OVERVIEW-

I was unsure if I would enjoy this book for the first few chapters. The characters are crisp and original, but I couldn't figure out where exactly the story was heading and it seemed to meander along for a bit. It turns out that was just the calm before the storm, a storm that I would rate a class five hurricane. There was a point when I realized that the tension of the book had been building all along; it builds and builds until finally you get the gratifying eruption of sheer storytelling genius. I realized that the few placid chapters near the beginning are crucial and most likely intentionally orchestrated by the author to increase the intensity of the dramatic outcome of the story.

My advice, no matter how the first hundred pages rubs you, press on it is well worth in the end.

IN DEPTH-

I am a big fan of scifi/fantasy and the horror genres and this book in no way fits into any of those categories. The title Archangel had me expecting some form of supernatural event, whether it be divine intervention, demon possession,or what have you. That was not the case; this book is firmly rooted in reality and Mr. Vorhis writes it in the style of the great American classic novel.

CHARACTERS- Mr. Vorhis takes the time to develop original unique characters. Each is deep and well thought out. The protagonists are suitably flawed, not being the flat but shining heroes of some fairy tale as many writers have a tendency to create. The antagonists are a perfect counterpart. Each villain, from the boss to the lowest henchman, is appropriately evil, intelligent, and self serving. As the reader, it is easy to identify and accept each of their motivations and their actions are consistent with natural (if a bit cruel) human responses. Too often, I find bad guys are just bad guys because an author need a bad guy. Too often, I find myself wondering what would motivate the antagonist to act or react in such ways. The believability of the character motivation is what pushed this novel from good to great.

PLOT- The plot of Archangel is well developed and realistic. Michael Vorhis creates an amazing piece of fiction that is well rooted in this world. The details of physics, geology, geography, and history are not paramount to this story, but the author's mastery of each accentuates the plot and forces the reader to suspend disbelief. Whether it's describing how to control of a gliding aircraft, the finer points of American mining, or the civil unrest between aboriginal peoples and the new Americans, Michael Vorhis writes about each with authority and knowledge.

SIDE NOTE- On a more personal level, as a Native American who was raised on a reservation, I have to commend the author for his very accurate portrayal of the overall state of mind of the natives in general during the late sixties and early seventies. The inclusion of the natives in this novel was well done. Recently, in literature or cinema, natives are portrayed as all knowing, deeply spiritual near mythical beings. This I believe, is an over compensation for the unfavorable light in which they were portrayed for generations or maybe because of the collective guilt of the American populace for the wrong doings of their fore fathers. Mr. Vorhis is able to capture the truth about the Indians. They are all just individual people. Some of the elders are show wisdom, but that's true of every race. Some of the youth are reckless, again true of all human beings, and all are capable of being cruel, greedy, angry, scared, vindictive, and even wise.

This thriller novel is a great piece storytelling. The author does a fine job of developing his characters in the early chapters. The characters draw you in and the story keeps building and building right up to the intense final chapters. This book is one I did not want to put down and I recommend it highly.

I truly enjoyed this book. The characters were engaging and the story pulled you in. Excellent book that I will likely read again.

Facing their dilemmas with courage & dignity the characters carry the reader along as each continues on their unique and suspense filled journeys. The high level of descriptive writing assisted in absorbing me into the happenings at time making me feel like I was right there. One for those who enjoy suspense, mystery & romance

I don't usually enjoy reading fiction, but Archangel caught my attention from the first chapter due to Vorhis's story-telling skills and interesting blend of history, social commentary, and even a little bit of earth science. I'd love to see it turned into a film. It's rare that a novel offers a few surprises along the way.