Review: Innovative in addressing spiritual struggle - uniquely fascinating
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 10, 2013
One of the really fascinating subplots in this book is the contrast between two belief systems. Organised religion has a tight grip on the planet Antium. This leads to the inevitable questioning of the mores preached by the controlling Church of Salvation and the plot by a leading and rather wealthy businessman to try and break this grip using science to provide explanations which counter the unexplained faith demanded of the people by the church.  The Provider is a fantasy type arboreal world where the hero Steffor is guardian of the people. He is also waging a titanic struggle against ancient forces which threaten his people. Their belief system is one based upon love, care and loyalty, and one which is very different from the unquestioning acceptance demanded by the Church of Salvation on the planet Antium.The story lines make the most of this contrast and of the dangers of organised religion when it becomes the only belief system allowed. There is a lot of moving back and forward between the two worlds, and this can make reading this book hard going at times, although this is softened by plots which are both believable and almost too human at times.  How will these two seemingly unrelated worlds entwine, if at all? Well, that’s the clever bit. You’d certainly never get it from the start of the book, but the writer uses the narrative to guide you down a road towards understanding just how this might come about.  I loved this book because it made me think, and it’s certainly one which I’m looking forward to reading again as I’m sure I’ll take something different from it then too.