Customer Reviews

Gaea

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4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
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I was very interested to see what this book had to offer. It is a fun, easy read with a very strong environmental theme ~ that doesn't beat you over the head. I like the detailed descriptions of some of the things that Man is doing to the planet for which there are other, less damaging options ~ if only we humans would take heed of them.

The characters were very personable and fun to follow along with. The Earth Goddess, Gaea (Mother Earth) is quite outspoken in her need to make humans sit up and take notice of what they're doing to HER. She is quite funny at times with her temper and sarcastic wit. My favorites were the poor Friars who were being teased mercilessly by Quant - a seraph who masqueraded as their pet cat Leo. The Friars are trying to become more green and are learning to care for a garden and be self-sufficient where possible. (While trying to explain the strange sightings of a disappearing/re-appearing cat..)

I applaud the explanations and interweaving tales of the gods and goddesses, the Titans, the Christians, and the Lord. The author plyed her words in such away that anyone can receive the important message of this book while still enjoying a truly lovely story. It is a very readable book that covers the issues of ecology, faith, spirituality, myths, and history all at once.

Gaea's discussions with legends such as Poseidon and Triton were humourous and informational. The friendship between her and the seraph Quant is very warm, especially since she knows the Lord has sent him to keep an eye on her. When she and Quant had a "meeting" with the Almighty Creator, he shows her his love for all of his creations, including the pesky humans and admonishes her that HE is the only one who owns and dispences vengeance.

This is the 3rd book in Ms. Williams' Quantam Cat series. I'm looking forward to reading the others: Jerome and the Seraph and Angelos (Quantum Cat) as soon as I can. I'm happy to have discovered this wonderful author.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to all. I do believe there is a message for everyone residing in its pages.

Third in a series, this fantasy novel is about Quant, a house cat who can cross between physical dimensions (and do a lot more than that).

Gaea (Mother Earth) has had it with mankind's wanton destruction of her resources, including plants and animals. After being physically attacked by a man, and left in a ditch, Gaea is ready to wipe mankind off the map. Quant, now in the form of a humanoid seraph, takes Gaea to visit God, the Lord of All (the Big Boss). God allows Gaea to warn mankind, or otherwise kick him in the rear end, but if there is any vengeance or smiting to be done, He will do it (and no one else). The pair gather a few friends, including Briareos (with fifty heads and one hundred arms), Cerberus, the three-headed Hell Hound, Demeter, Zeus and Triton, to see if they can change mankind's thinking.

Meantime, the brothers at a rural friary are entering the world of green living on the orders of their leader, Brother Polycarp. Their initial reaction is reluctant, at best, but they soon get into the spirit of starting a vegetable garden, baking with fruit from their own orchard, and occasionally walking instead of always taking the car. Quant uses them as an example to Gaea that some humans are trying to live the right way.

When those giant factory fishing vessels, with the nets that destroy the ocean floor, are at sea and about to deploy their nets, they are suddenly best by huge storms that come out of nowhere. They speed back to port to try again tomorrow. The same thing happens time after time; clear skies instantly turn stormy. The sonar systems on all submarines suddenly and permanently malfunction, for no apparent reason. Large parts of the world experience bizarre weather patterns, like dust storms and snow in summer, while those that are living in harmony with nature, like the friary, experience beautiful weather. Does mankind start to get the idea? Does he realize that using the resources of Earth in moderation is actually a good idea?

This is a really well-done novel with a strong, but not overdone, environmental message. The next time you litter or waste resources, just think, Gaea is watching.

While I enjoyed the first two Quantum Cat books very much, and found them an easy and enjoyable read, I felt I was being hit over the head with an environmental message that kept repeating. While I expected an environmental message based on the description, I felt that Robina got a little too preachy for a book that is supposed to be entertainment, not a treatise on the ways in which mankind is abusing the planet.

What I didn't like: 1) The complaints by Gaea against Man were repeated enough to be preachy. 2) The first part of the story which dealt with plans for life on a new planet, seemed to have very little to do with the main story. Most of it could have been left out. 3) For me, the story seemed to drag. There were too many descriptions of nectar sipping and honey cake-eating.

What I liked: 1) When Gaea is visiting some of her family of gods, Robina wisely chose to NOT repeat everything. She just told us that Gaea repeated the story to whomever. 2) I still enjoy the idea that the ancient gods and goddesses are real, yet subject to the Almighty Lord; that they are still alive and well, just hidden from our sight most of the time. 3) The notes at the end are, once again, helpful and informative. 4) I enjoyed the revelations regarding Quant, as Robina peels back the layers of mystery.

Gaea (2009) is author Robina Williams third foray into the world of her Quantum Cat series, and it is a wonderful addition to the adventures of the marvelous and endearing characters she has already introduced in Jerome and the Seraph (2004) and Angelos (2006).

Though the book starts off with a scene of off-screen violence that is atypical of Williams writing, the tale very quickly settles down into the familiar territory of the English friary and the friars we have come to know through previous tales: Peter, Valentine, Bernard, Polycarp, and others. Yet, as always, we are treated to many other places and times: the workshops of Heaven, the abodes of the Greek pantheon of gods and goddesses, and even the very Throne Room of the Almighty.

Yet, the charming and whimsical flights of fancy Williams' readers have come to appreciate in her two previous works--wonderful rabbit trails that temporarily lead away from the main storyline--will enchant any modern-day Alice, such as a visit to the Loch Ness monster and the delights of fermetry, an old dessert recipe.

In spite of the whimsy and charm, Williams has no trouble tackling some pressing present-day questions: global warming, the place of humanity in the cosmos, his relationship with God, the meaning of mythology, and other potential hot potatoes. However, Williams does so without turning her novel into a bully pulpit.

Lovers of Quant, the Quantum Cat and his world will enjoy this third installment into the series and here's to hoping it will not be long before we once again can visit Williams' wondrous worlds.

Robina Williams has provided an amazing tale combining mythology, religion and the society as a whole. Gaea, classified as a 'fantasy' novel, is much more than a work of fiction as it eerily hits close to home with the truth on how man treats the planet. This combination is perfect for those that enjoy mythology, and the religious tones are not offensive by any means. Symbolism is strong throughout this powerful story of man abusing Mother Earth.

Gaea pleads her case to the Almighty Lord, creator of all. With her is Quant, a seraph that is special in his many ways and quite the character. The Almighty Source decides that Gaea may teach man a lesson, as long as she does not harm him, reminding her that man is his own creation and only he may punish. He acknowledges that man had his faults at the time of creation, and that man's time will pass.

Quant asks Gaea to have an open mind as the two stop at a friary. Here, the residents are busy working the land, growing flowers, planting vegetables and making as many efforts to be as earth-friendly as they can be. This improves Gaea's mood, but to her she worries as it is only a small unit, not enough for a positive change. She journeys with Quant at her side to see her family and ask of their help in teaching man to treat her better. Her relatives of course come to her aid and do their part in teaching man a lesson. Man learns that Mother Earth has her own voice by as she says "Look at what you are doing to me, but look at what I can do to you."

The reader is reminded that anything provided by Mother Nature can easily be taken away in her wrath at man. In this current state in our time, I personally can relate to the messages given as I too, am fearful for what can become of our home. So many changes have occurred in the world and environment, and from just when I was a child. I love how we are reminded that all things... animals, trees, rocks and blades of grass have a voice to tell us what is going on, if we just quiet down and listen to the messages by slowing down and tuning into our surroundings. This is something I do often as I find solace in Nature and I for one am doing all I can to preserve it, especially for my young son.

Gaea
Robina Williams
ISBN 978160619; 160619137

Gaea (Mother Earth) patience with man has finally run out. Her lands, waters have been drastically changed and damaged. Gaea's creatures cry out to her in distress. Man has taken away their habitats, reduced the available resources and has killed their relatives. Gaea is now on the warpath she has decided that man has to be destroyed before the cause anymore damage. Her wish is not granted so she has to do the next best thing. She needs to help man realize they need to change their ways but how? She enlists the help of the Lord, his angels and her children (Titans, Olympians and other mythical creatures) to figure out what to do. Robina Williams did a great job giving the Earth and her non-human inhabitants a voice. I imagine that if animals could talk they'd probably tell humans how selfish we've been. We treat our natural resources like they are disposable and they will replenish themselves immediately. Nature does have the ability to replenish itself but the process is very slow and requires it be completely left alone. If we gave our lands are break now and then to rest. We wouldn't have to worry about poor soil nutrients. If we treated nature with respect we would have fewer problems than we have now. Humans take more than their fair share of resources. When we ruin one area we just move on to another. Now we are running out of places to ruin. We are killing our animals and plants. We are polluting our water and air for what? The book is classified as be a fantasy but the problems it deals with is all too real. I would recommend this book anyone who enjoys mythology and/or environmental issues. The book would be acceptable for anyone from twelve up to adult. I think the environmental portion might just be too much from a younger audience to comprehend. I believe younger audiences would benefit from certain selections from the book.
I found Gaea to both very entertaining and well written. As an avid church attendant and a lover of classical mythology I was in "heaven". I loved how both influence the story so well. Robina did a fantastic job of getting the point across that we cannot ignore the problems we have caused. We need someone to give us a wake up call like Gaea's children in the book did. I had a really hard time putting the book down. I wonder if the other books in the Quantum Cat series are just as good! Gaea was a delight to read that helped reignite my passion for nature!

Author's web site: [...]
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Publisher: Twilight Times Books
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Publication date: September 15, 2009
Retail Price: US $18.95
Format: Paperback
Genre: Fantasy
Gaea is available on [...]

Having read--with great delight--"Jerome and the Seraph" and "Angelos," I was very excited to buy Gaea, the third book in the unique Quantum Cat series. This time Quant accompanies the goddess Gaea, aka Mother Nature, as she enlists the aid of still-extant mythical beings to punish mankind for its destruction of her beloved realm.

Gaea, however, is under great constraint from the God of All to behave herself and not destroy humanity. And even though she is a goddess, she is completely outranked by Quant in any form that he appears. [I also sense that their collaboration goes back many eons, with Quant always holding the retractable, invisible leash on a volatile goddess.] Quant is older than time itself, as his startling eyes reveal.

Combining religion with literature and myth is a complex and dangerous path to walk, but Ms Williams succeeds again with a mind-opening story. With vivid detail and many moments of humor, we wander through subplots on the way to Gaea's goal of teaching self-centered men and women to draw circles that include all species of our God's creation, instead of just their own selfish hierarchy. And above all, to do it now before it is too late!

The pace does slow on the description of some of the subplot detours, such as the trip to Tartarus and Hades. The book could be tighter in that regard, but the story does not disappoint. While the detail is completely fascinating throughout, I was rather hoping that the story would return more obviously to the heavenly design center to "close the loop."

This novel is a fascinating example of Christian fantasy that should attract many new readers who are anxious to explore new worlds of literature. I have to admit my favorite book so far is still "Jerome and the Seraph," but "Angelos" and "Gaea" are worthy, spellbinding sequels.

Gaea by Robina Williams ISBN 978-1-60619-183-5 Published by Twilight Times Books, Kingsport, TN. (SRP $18.95/Amazon $14.78) Book received from author directly.
Review by Chris Phillips
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.
This book review is also on [...].

In her latest release, Gaea, author Robina Williams joins the latest trend and goes green.

The book begins with a man dragging and kicking the body of a woman inside a ditch. Gaea, the Earth goddess, is unconscious, weak, and in severe distress due to men's constant brutal abuse and disrespect regarding nature's cycles and equilibrium. The animals of the forest are in awe at the scene unfolding in front of their eyes.

Quant comes into the scene disguised as Leo. He observes Gaea's condition and decides to help her. Together they go for a walk to the friary. During their walk Gaea complaints bitterly to Quant about men's selfish and reckless behavior and the suffering of her plants and animals. She also shares with Quant her idea of "how to teach men a lesson" they won't forget. Men must be stopped or better still get rid off once and for all!!!!! After all, the world was a better place before the Almighty created His beloved creatures, humans.

Quant listens to Gaea and tells her he shares her concerns for nature, too. However, he will show to her that not all men are reckless and disrespectful, and that some do care about nature and are doing their best to makes amends for the mistakes of the entire human race. Their visit to the friary was a refreshing experience for Gaea.

Gaea and Quant go to heaven where she has a meeting with the Almighty. There she continues her bitterly protest against humans. She states her case and requests permission to avenge her animals and nature. She wants humans wiped out of the entire planet! God reminds her that vengeance belongs to Him alone and he will not allow her or any of her family members to interfere with His plans for humanity. However, He grants her some lead way to teach men a lesson without causing too much damage.

Meanwhile, at the friary, Father Polycarp (Poly), the new guardian, announces his planned "green campaign" for the friary to the other brothers after one of their meals. This idea of having a garden with their homegrown fruits, vegetables, and some flower beds, at first, is not well received by the brothers. Most of them grumble, but are reminded by Fr. Polycarp of their vow of obedience. They all complied and adhered to Poly's guidelines for their "green campaign." However, once they started to enjoy the fruit of their labor, the fuss is replaced with joy and gratitude.

During the rest of the story the reader will be taken to worlds known to humans only through tales, legends and myths. Or are they truly hidden from humans? The author's creativity shows an image of heaven never seen before. A place where saints have dragon pets that keep them busy and alert; Saints and other departed ones using their talents to fulfill the tasks assigned to them by their Creator, and Saints telling tales of their experiences as guardian angels and humans' silliness.

But not all places are pleasant like heaven. Gaea and Quant will be traveling to deep and frightening places where the condemned souls are constantly tortured with no way out, except upon the termination of their sentences. However, those places are inhabited also by some of Gaea's beloved family members. Together with Quant she travels from one pantheon to the next gathering allies and developing a plan that will satisfy her desires to take care of men and stay within the boundaries established by the Almighty. During their traveling Quant accompanied Gaea in his angelic form, a Seraph. Everywhere they go, Quant is looked at with suspicious eyes by the others. They know who he is and are wondering: why is he traveling with Gaea? How much authority do they really have on the scheme? Will Quant be influencing their decisions or maneuvers? All these questions will be answered as the reader travels along with Gaea and Quant through mysterious places and meet Gaea's family.

The end of the book is a celebration of victory and a waking call to humanity. I applaud the clever way in which the author incorporates today's concerns for the environment and weaves them into a story with elements from the world we know and the forces governing it, which are beyond our human understanding and comprehension.

Gaea is different from the two previous books in the Quant series. This one is an entertaining and innovative story that creates awareness of how our human behaviors affect other life forms sharing the planet with us. If we all do our part and measure up to the task, maybe we will receive an invitation to join the celebration at the end of the book.

Reviewed by the author of The Window To My Soul : My Walk With Jesus

Worrying over the health and happiness of all the animals of earth, the goddess Gaea requests the Almighty Father, God of All, to allow her to teach mankind a lesson for mot taking care of her earth and all of the Lords creatures. By her side during this request is Quant, a seraph (an angel of the highest rank in the traditional Christian hierarchy) that likes to spend time on earth in the shape of a house cat. When God reminds Gaea that he is the only one that will hand out punishment and vengeance, Gaea takes the chance to offer a warning to mankind with the help of a family and friends. Always overseeing her actions is Quant with his optimism for the humans to learn, adapt and save the planet earth.

What a really strange mix. Religious God, Greek mythology, Leonardo Di Vinci, and dragons all have a place in this book. With such a wide variety of characters from so many different belief patterns, it is sometimes difficult to keep all the characters straight (between the gods, goddesses, saints, angels and even the humans) and to know what they all represent. While I enjoyed the concept of the design center with the formation of new creatures for a new planet, some of it felt unnecessary even though it was interesting and fun. There seemed to be an over abundance of characters that had little to do with the main story. They may have had more to do with the previous books of this series (the first book is called "Jerome and the Seraph" and the second books is called "Angelos"), but I haven't read those stories. But what a unique story this one was. The need for everyone to be more conscious of our effect on the land has become more and more popular the last several years, this is another, slightly more interesting way to look at the need for all earthlings to go green.