Strange Horizons, March 7, 2016

“The Angel of Divine Intent” by Tim Akers

Reviewed by Jody Dorsett

Using things from Christian theology can be a minefield. Using it to form a sort of Crypto Christian Steampunk universe is going for broke. It either fails or works. This works.

The story starts in a flying cathedral, commanded by an angel, guided by an undead pilot. Powered by a choir of blind priests. The story deals with themes we find not only in Christianity but in many religions. It does so with an epiphany brought on by a revelatory vision. However, there’s no “Christian message,” it just uses those icons to tell a story. I was satisfied with my first reading and then decided to read through again as a reader and not reviewer. I recommend it.