Orbis

For two thousand years, humankind has lived and prospered under the rule of the Benefactors, but now the truth about the Benefactors is about to be revealed, and three ordinary people hold the key to humankind's ultimate survival.

Here is an intriguing alternate history, in which Christianity is a tool of the Benefactors, who have been around since the time of the Roman empire and perhaps earlier. Rome was destroyed resisting conquest by them, and they have dominated Earth more or less ever since, claiming to be heavenly angels. Now, after centuries of oppression, the truth will be known: the Benefactors are beings from the center of the galaxy, who fled a home that became uninhabitable. Designated to broadcast the truth are a heretic passing as a priest, a disillusioned church father, and a young teacher. The price of the knowledge may be higher than anyone thinks, and more is at stake than first meets the eye. Its catchy premise makes this alternate history appealing, and the contrasts between the high-tech stagnation of the Benefactors' society and the low-tech innovations of rebels against it spice a good liberation-quest adventure. Real understanding comes too late to save everyone, but soon enough to realize the promise of a brave new world. Regina Schroeder
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