Product Description

She was an empress-until she lost everything. Now known simply as Tathea, she will wander the Lost Lands and become empowered by the teachings in a book-a book will that guide her onto a path even greater than the one she walked as a ruler.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #466532 in Books
• Published on: 1999-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 522 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Less a fantasy than an extended allegory about the dissemination of God's word to mankind, this ambitious, engrossing novel by the author of the acclaimed Thomas and Charlotte Pitt Victorian mysteries (The Twisted Root, Forecasts, Aug. 23, etc.) tackles the infinite battle between good and evil through its title character, Tathea. One moonlit night, Ta-Thea--as she is known while Empress of Shinabar, her world's most ancient, advanced civilization--is awakened by screams. Her husband and young son murdered, Ta-Thea flees her home and takes on a new name and an epic journey as she seeks both understanding of her personal tragedy and a reason to continue living. With Ishrafeli, a steadfast comrade who lends support to her quest, Tathea encounters new lands and engages in their inhabitants' clashes with mortal dilemmas of the flesh and the spirit alike. When she has tested her mettle sufficiently and not found it wanting, Tathea witnesses a debate between the Man of Holiness and his adversary, Asmodeus, which leads her to a precious Book, whose teachings she undertakes to divine and share with the world against opposition beyond her imagining. Although Perry's prose tends toward the florid, and she at times sacrifices her characters' dimensionality in favor of homily--spending much of their dialogue and Tathea's thoughts on somewhat repetitive philosophies about the Book--she has devised here a powerful, inventive meditation on the possibilities that lie in and beyond the origin of religion. (Sept.)

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Perry's latest work is a disappointing departure from her popular Victorian mysteries. Billed as a fantasy, it is in fact a religious allegory about a woman on a quest to find God and spread his teachings. The story revolves around Empress Tathea, who has fled her native Shinabar in search of truth and meaning. Her wanderings in mystic lands lead her to a book that contains the word of God, which she must share with the worldAbut the world, it seems, is not ready to listen. What might have been an interesting story is undermined by preachy language and poor character development. Minor characters regularly appear and disappear, and Tathea comes across as too perfect to be true. Finally, instead of exploring questions about religious faith, Perry beats the reader over the head with it. Her other books are much more successful at addressing profound philosophical issues. Not recommended.ALaurel Bliss, New Haven, CT
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
'Nothing short of amazing. This is an innovative, well-written, intriguing novel, far removed and far above the norm' -- SFX magazine Ambitious, engrossing novel from the author of the acclaimed Thomas and Charlotte Pitt Victorian mysteries... A powerful meditation on the possibilities that lie in and beyond the origin of religion' -- Publishers Weekly

Customer Reviews

Mixed Reviews
As a reader of previous Anne Perry novels, I was excited to plunge into this novel and see what she could do with a fantasy. My feelings are mixed: The first third of the book was slow and difficult to wade through. (In fact, it took me a month to find the time to get through it.) However, the remainder of the book was interesting. It certainly wasn't on par with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, as others may suggest. In fact, it was a bit didactic for me. However, it was an interesting take on a Christian theme. I found the exploration of the themes engaging. I did find the characterizations a bit lacking in depth, except for the title character. All in all, it was a worthwile read if you enjoy Christian literature.

An Unfortunate Experience
'Tathea' is boring and difficult to understand. I'm trying not to write negative reviews, but I want to save others from making the same mistake I did.

The story has no natural plotline. It's all forced. The character of Tathea overcomes one difficulty only to be faced with another. The supporting characters come and go rapidly. Their names are so similar that it's nearly impossible to distinguish one from another (Surprisingly, this detracts from the story. Many times I found myself wondering who a particular character is, then realized it didn't matter and skipped over it.)

Perry's characters didn't ring true. Tathea's one true friend suddenly rejects her teachings, corrupting doctrine for his own gain. I don't buy it. Characters come to believe Tathea too easily. They disagree, but then suddenly, within the span of a few pages, they're her staunchest supporters.

I've never read an Anne Perry book before. I see from previous reviews that this isn't a representation of her entire body of work. I'm more reluctant to give her another shot, but I'm sure that some day I will.

An insightful and moving book
I was intrigued when I saw that Anne Perry had written a book billed as a fantasy. I'm not sure I would classify it as a fantasy, but it rather defies any other definition. It's a wonderful story of a spiritual journey, based very closely on the doctrinal beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It's a deep book- be warned. You have to be in a certain frame of mind to really enjoy it. It makes you think- there's no avoiding that. It'll make think hard. Writing this book must have been exhausting. Nearly every line in that book had to be thought out for its allegorical, spiritual, and philosophical symbolism. I think that Tathea ranks up there with the best of C.S. Lewis's allegories.