Angelmass by Timothy Zahn (First Edition)

The Pax Comitus, rulers of Earth, send a spy, Kostas, into the heart of the Empyrean colonies, who have long resisted the power of the Pax, to investigate the mysterious "angels," particles emitted by a nearby black hole, which the Empyreans use to ensure the ethical behavior of their officials.

Hugo winner Zahn (Conquerors' Legacy and numerous Star Wars novels) offers a satisfyingly complicated story of an alien force, Angelmass, that has for decades been spewing off particles called Angels, which have power over human behavior. Angelmass has become a significant part of the governing structure of one interplanetary system, the Empyrean, and a source of concern for its legendary enemy, the Pax Comitus. A series of marginalized characters contends with its social effects and other properties: Jereko Kosta, an academic researcher into atomic physics trained as a Pax spy; Chandris Lalasha, a highly skilled thief who is escaping a dangerous lover and hoping for a big score; High Senator of the Empyrean, Arkin Forsythe; and Forsythe's aide, Ronyon. Forsythe is ostracized because he doesn't like the Angels that all senators are supposed to use, Ronyon because he is mute and of low intelligence. Predictably, these individuals become the heroes of the story, willing to pursue unpopular scientific theories (Kosta opposes Pax and discovers important information about Angelmass), to sacrifice their goals for others (Lalasha learns to help her friends, personal and intergalactic) and to question official scientific and governmental opinions. Through in-depth characterization, as well as toothsome scientific and political mysteries, Zahn unfolds an intricate tale of adventure sure to please his many fans.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

A newly trained spy for the Pax Comitas against the rebellious colonies of the Empyrean, Jereko Kostas arrives on the planet Seraph to investigate the mysterious "angel" particles emanating from the black hole known as Angelmass. When his path crosses that of Chandris Lalasha, a thief on the run from a murderous colleague, Kostas becomes involved in a daring scheme that calls into question his true loyalties and leads to a decision that can change the balance of power in the universe. The latest novel by the award-winning author of the first published Star Wars trilogy, this combines fast-paced action with believable characters to produce a first-rate sf space adventure that belongs in most libraries.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This bubbling stew of a space opera has been prepared in the classic mold, as one might expect Star Wars hand Zahn to do. It features an innocent young academic inveigled into espionage, a young con woman fleeing a violent protector, an aggressive and expansive empire complete with a spectacular flagship, and an opponent of the empire. It also has angels--particles emitted by the black hole, Angelmass--that make it impossible for the high officials of the empire's opponents to behave unethically while wearing them. The question that drives the plot--will the good guys hold off the bad guys long enough?--is familiar and simple, and the characters are rather broadly drawn. But the action is abundant and vivid, and there are absorbing subplots about the search for the angels' secret and the conflict between the empire's line officers and its auditors. Altogether, this is not quite up to Zahn's par. It won't, however, alienate his large and loyal fandom. Roland Green
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