Gaea
Author
Robina Williams
Publisher
Paladin Timeless Books
No Review Copies Left
Brief Summary: Gaea, the earth goddess, fed up with the damage Man is doing, decides to teach him a lesson. She ropes in her relatives to help her… and three-headed Cerberus, the hell hound, tags along too. Quant, golden-eyed seraph and quantum cat, is there to keep an eye on them all. Longer summary: The heavenly Design Center is where it all happens: new worlds, new species, are planned and built here, prototypes are tested, and the creations are sparked into life. Earth's greatest inventors, craftsmen and artists work here among the angels, contributing their skills and ideas. There's a great restaurant, too, with Saint Lawrence himself, patron saint of chefs, cooking personally for distinguished visitors. Among whom, one fine day in early summer, is Earth’s goddess, Gaea, dining in the company of Quant the seraph and saints George, Sebastian and Stephen—for the Lord's family is large and varied, and all its members are expected to get along together. Mostly they do get along, though Gaea is hopping mad at the way she has been treated by mankind lately. She herself has been the subject of a brutal assault, her animals, birds and fish are suffering, and her environment, her very fabric, is under attack. The goddess decides to hit back and show Man that he needs to improve his behavior, in his own best interest. She calls in her relatives to assist her in persuading humans to mend their ways before they cause irrecoverable damage: men must learn to share earth’s resources and respect the planet that supports them. “Mister don’t care” must be made to care.
Reviews
I was very interested to see what this book had to offer. It is a fun, easy read with a very strong environmental theme ~ that doesn't beat you over the head. I like the detailed descriptions of some of the things that Man is doing to the planet for which there are other, less damaging options ~ if only we humans would take heed of them.
The characters were very personable and fun to follow along with. The Earth Goddess, Gaea (Mother Earth) is quite outspoken in her need to make humans sit up and take notice of what they're doing to HER. She is quite funny at times with her temper and sarcastic wit. My favorites were the poor Friars who were being teased mercilessly by Quant - a seraph who masqueraded as their pet cat Leo. The Friars are trying to become more green and are learning to care for a garden and be self-sufficient where possible. (While trying to explain the strange sightings of a disappearing/re-appearing cat..)
I applaud the explanations and interweaving tales of the gods and goddesses, the Titans, the Christians, and the Lord. The author plyed her words in such away that anyone can receive the important message of this book while still enjoying a truly lovely story. It is a very readable book that covers the issues of ecology, faith, spirituality, myths, and history all at once.
Gaea's discussions with legends such as Poseidon and Triton were humourous and informational. The friendship between her and the seraph Quant is very warm, especially since she knows the Lord has sent him to keep an eye on her. When she and Quant had a "meeting" with the Almighty Creator, he shows her his love for all of his creations, including the pesky humans and admonishes her that HE is the only one who owns and dispences vengeance.
This is the 3rd book in Ms. Williams' Quantam Cat series. I'm looking forward to reading the others: Jerome and the Seraph
I HIGHLY recommend this book to all. I do believe there is a message for everyone residing in its pages.
Reviewed on 08/13/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Julie Dees
Robina Williams has provided an amazing tale combining mythology, religion and the society as a whole. Gaea, classified as a 'fantasy' novel, is much more than a work of fiction as it eerily hits close to home with the truth on how man treats the planet. This combination is perfect for those that enjoy mythology, and the religious tones are not offensive by any means. Symbolism is strong throughout this powerful story of man abusing Mother Earth.
Gaea pleads her case to the Almighty Lord, creator of all. With her is Quant, a seraph that is special in his many ways and quite the character. The Almighty Source decides that Gaea may teach man a lesson, as long as she does not harm him, reminding her that man is his own creation and only he may punish. He acknowledges that man had his faults at the time of creation, and that man's time will pass.
Quant asks Gaea to have an open mind as the two stop at a friary. Here, the residents are busy working the land, growing flowers, planting vegetables and making as many efforts to be as earth-friendly as they can be. This improves Gaea's mood, but to her she worries as it is only a small unit, not enough for a positive change. She journeys with Quant at her side to see her family and ask of their help in teaching man to treat her better. Her relatives of course come to her aid and do their part in teaching man a lesson. Man learns that Mother Earth has her own voice by as she says "Look at what you are doing to me, but look at what I can do to you."
The reader is reminded that anything provided by Mother Nature can easily be taken away in her wrath at man. In this current state in our time, I personally can relate to the messages given as I too, am fearful for what can become of our home. So many changes have occurred in the world and environment, and from just when I was a child. I love how we are reminded that all things... animals, trees, rocks and blades of grass have a voice to tell us what is going on, if we just quiet down and listen to the messages by slowing down and tuning into our surroundings. This is something I do often as I find solace in Nature and I for one am doing all I can to preserve it, especially for my young son.
Reviewed on 04/07/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Ann Hauer
Reviewed on 02/22/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Jenifer O'Neill
After a less-than-pleasant experience on earth, Gaea announces that she's had enough with humans. Enlisting help from her fellow gods and goddesses, from the underworld to the heavens, Gaea constructs an elaborate plan to annihilate the species. But will she succeed, or will divine powers (acting through Quant, Schrodinger's quantum cat and seraph) intervene?
Speaking as an agnostic, the strong Christian themes were initially a bit off-putting, but once I got over that, it was so interesting to see how Williams incorporated the Christianity with the Greek mythology, and even a little bit of Egyptian mythology. Williams painted a nice little picture of heaven, and I really got a kick out of the image of saints sitting up there, designing new animals for new planets and falling over themselves like crazed fans whenever they met a god or goddess. Gaea herself presented a spunky and (though she'd hate to hear this) completely relatable heroine, with Quant as her mysterious and powerful companion. For the most part, however, characterization is one of the weaker points. There was no real climax to the story, either, but because of the lighthearted writing style, I couldn't help but enjoy it anyway. Overall, I would give it three out of five stars.
Reviewed on 02/17/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Ruya Telhami
Worrying over the health and happiness of all the animals of earth, the goddess Gaea requests the Almighty Father, God of All, to allow her to teach mankind a lesson for mot taking care of her earth and all of the Lords creatures. By her side during this request is Quant, a seraph (an angel of the highest rank in the traditional Christian hierarchy) that likes to spend time on earth in the shape of a house cat. When God reminds Gaea that he is the only one that will hand out punishment and vengeance, Gaea takes the chance to offer a warning to mankind with the help of a family and friends. Always overseeing her actions is Quant with his optimism for the humans to learn, adapt and save the planet earth.
Reviewed on 11/09/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Debbie Berry
