Earthfire: A Tale of Transformation
When a New Age book and crystal shopAcoincidentally called the Missing LinkAbecomes the vortex for a global spiritual awakening, one couple stands up for truth and saves humankind from its self-destructive tendencies. Although the plot sounds melodramatic, this visionary work harbors surprises. Like the evangelical novelist Frank Peretti, Simmons sees spiritual warfare everywhere, making for an exciting climactic conflict between good and evil. He does a fine job of explaining New Age thought, demonstrating how its various aspectsAcrystals, astrology, holotropic breathwork, aliens, I Ching, morphogenic fields, consciousness evolution, spirit guides and channeling among themAfit together. He also provides a compelling story, with the bad guys (dressed in black, naturally) seeking money and power, and the good characters fighting valiantly for spiritual truth. They help the world evolve to its next stage of consciousnessAwith the assistance of a few good aliensAbefore the planet destroys itself. Despite its tendency toward wordy preachiness, Simmons's novel is fun to read, and doesn't take itself overly seriously. Readers interested in visionary fiction or New Age thought should enjoy this one. (Aug.)Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.