Guardian

Guardian
By Claire Delacroix

Guardian is about angels who chose to have their wings removed so that they can help mortals with particular tasks. In this case, the Archangel Raphael chooses to help the Oracle Delilah. The setting is a futuristic America in which anyone with physical or mental imperfections are forced to be nothing more than slaves. I had read another book in this Eyes of the Republic series, Fallen, but I don't seem to have reviewed it.

I had a hard time figuring out what was happening in the story at first. Although there seems to be some attempt at explaining the world and why the characters are where they are, I still think Delacroix is depending upon faithful readers of the series. From time to time she focuses on two minor characters from another book and never really explains their story. I wondered if this was a hook to get you to read the other books.

I did enjoy reading Guardian once I figured out the world and the characters. Delilah is very immature and incredibly self-centered. It takes her some time to figure out that the world is not all about her and her calling. She is way too trusting of others and tends to act before thinking.  I loved finding out more and more about Rafe. He begins the story not remembering who he is but he does know that he is there to protect Delilah. He is physically attracted to her, but their relationship grows throughout the plot. By the end, their love for one another seems true, even after Rafe receives his memory back.

What did this book have to do with my faith? Guardian is about angels. Although God is only referred to in passing, the whole plot is obviously part of God's plan. Justice begins to prevail. The weak are protected. Those who falsely claim that they speak for God are destroyed. There is the idea that heaven is a place of incredible light, love, peace and harmony. Earth is a place of darkness, evil, hate and injustice. My understanding is that the earth is God's creation and therefore good. Although evil is present along with our free will, the whole earth is not as dark and loveless and Delacroix's world seems to be. I think the whole idea that even angels are willing to give up their wings to help humanity does infer that there is more goodness here. I would not call Guardian theologically sound but, for a work of fiction, I did not find it in bad taste.

I recommend Guardian.

Happy reading!

Amelia